Advice please

[Kylec57]

Hi guys looking for a little advice, I need to purchase a router and dust extractor,
The 1400 router seems the best option for me. Is there a major size difference between the midi and Ctl 26e? Also Ive priced everything up including jigsaw and cleaning kit on axminster,ffx And nuts and bolts and there's nothing between them so I don't mind who gets my order but is there anyone to avoid? Crazy delivery charges to the highlands no doubt! Typical of me to place an order once the vouchers we got expired!! Thank you

 

[Holmz]

Routers generally kick out a lot of chips and dust collection is not great, but the FT router are better than most for dust collection.
The 26 would take longer to fill up, because it is bigger, but both will fill up fast with a router.
The midi or CT26 would be good with a sander, and then you may want the Midi.

In my mind you are probably better off with a Dust Deputy and an Airbo vac for routing, and then a Midi for sanding.

 

[Kylec57]

Hey man thanks for the reply. I'm not going to be doing a whole lot of routing but I've just decided it's time to have dust extraction for all my tools. Something I can keep in the van then hook up to whatever I'm using through the day be it chopsaw,table saw, plunge saw whatever. Would the 26 be the all rounder option in terms of filling fast? It's not like my machines are on constantly through the day if you get me?

 

[GarryMartin]

There is a considerable physical size difference between the Midi and CTL 26. And although the CTL 26 has greater capacity and a little higher airflow, it weighs more to start with before it even starts to fill with dust. Once full, is not something you'd want to be lifting in and out of a van.

Most people that work on site seem to go for the Midi. Most people who work in a workshop seem to go for the CTL 26 or 36. Sometimes, you'll see extra extractors added for dedicated tasks. So, for instance, I have both a CTL 26 that stays in the workshop for general use at my MFT/3 and a Midi that is normally dedicated to the Kapex but that I can also disconnect and move around relatively easily or through in the back of the car.

One last consideration is that if you are doing large site work, HSE are looking for "M" class extractors now, and the Midi and CTL 26 are "L" class. If this is a consideration, then you'd need to be looking at the Festool CTM range instead.

The OF 1400 is a great router. Whichever extractor you decide on, if you're spinning a large bit, you'll see better extraction by using a 36mm hose. On the OF 1400, a 27mm hose goes inside of the dust extraction port, and a 36mm hose fits over it.

Just be sure when talking to your dealer about the OF 1400 that you understand the collets and accessories that it ships with as they have changed over time and are different in various regions around the world; i.e. you can't rely on a YouTube video or website review regarding the contents of the box.

 

[roblg3]

The larger diameter hose also make a HUGE difference in collection. The hose goes on the outside of the collection hood not the inside.

 

[Kylec57]

Okay thanks guys I'm gonna order through Axminster I think. It's hard to judge the extractor sizes online. Our local dealer is terrible so not even going to bother popping in there. On a side not is the cordless jigsaw worth getting or would 110v be better?

 

[joiner1970]

Okay thanks guys I'm gonna order through Axminster I think. It's hard to judge the extractor sizes online. Our local dealer is terrible so not even going to bother popping in there. On a side not is the cordless jigsaw worth getting or would 110v be better?

I've used a 110v midi for years on jobs and they're great. Takes up hardly any space in my van and is easy to carry around.

I've got a 110v trion jigsaw and some bosches but since getting the cordless carvex I don't really use a mains one anymore.

Sent from my ALE-L21 using Tapatalk

 

[Kylec57]

Cheers guys I ordered the router and Ctl 26 went through Amazon purely for the one day delivery option. Jigsaws on hold right now till I pop in and try out the barrel grip with these wee hands of mine. Thanks for the help

 

[roblg3]

Do some searches on the FOG. THE CARVEX is the least liked tool.

 

[Alicurly]

If you ever want to try or get you hands on a festool I'm In Inverness as well, and have an ever growing collection.

I have the of1400 and mainly use it with my metabo vac because of the bigger hose. The midi is fine for small routing jobs, but anything big I used the metabo.
I have a midi and a Sysvac that are in the van and come out almost every day. MIDI is used with kapex and mafell track saw.

As for a jigsaw i swerved the carvex, after reading all the negatives people have to say about it. I went for a mafell p1cc, and don't regret it, it really is very very good.