Best dust extractor - what's the difference????

[alphabeta77]

Hi all,

Looking to get a Festool dust extractor but struggling with the usual baffling array of jargon/model numbers!

Can anyone give me pointers on what all these version numbers mean and what's best?
https://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/dust-extraction/cat830940?brand=festool

Some seem to have 'mobile' which I assume means they're lighter? But weaker suction potentially?

Some have cleantec whatever that means??

Some say MK1 and some say MK2 - assume the latter is newer??

Any pointers welcome - just looking for standard use really - Kapex, domino, Rotex, TS55 etc.  Might be good to use with my DeWalt pole sander too.

 

[threesixright]

I looked at the power and suction. In the cheaper range (mini, midi, 26) it seems all the same.

Big difference is the bag size and some have bluetooth. Thats pretty much it.

The dust rating (L or M) is only a alarm. They use the same filters. 

I think the number is indication how big the bin/bag size is (liters?).

The more expensive ones have auto clean (= vibrate automatically so the dust gets shaken off, at a certain interval).

Unless I missed something.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Stone Message]

Hi [member=73150]alphabeta77[/member]

If you are looking at the Screwfix site I assume that you are UK based so...

Go to the Festool UK web site and look at the range of extractors:
https://www.festool.co.uk/products/dust-extraction

From there you can check the spec of each of the extractors. The price on the Festool web site will be more than that quoted by the dealers so look for a dealer whose price you like but try and look at some feedback on the quality of service offered by the dealership.

The technical factors that you need to consider when buying an extractor are:

  - Max air flow normally in litres per minute (l/min)

  - Max vacuum measured in Pascals (Pa)

  - Auto Start/Stop

  - Weight  in Kilograms (kg)

  - Bag capacity in litres (l)

I have had my CT26L for about 11 years and it is as good now as it was when new. I chose it as it has as much air flow and vacuum as the best in the range yet is easy enough to cart around when required. Its bag capacity is 24 litres which should do a hobby or DIY person for over 2 months, perhaps more. I have fitted the Bluetooth gadget which makes workshop cleanups very easy.

The CT26 works perfectly with my mitre saw, routers, tracksaw, small table saw and all of my sanders including my Jet bobbin sander. It has auto start/stop which I think is essential for your main extractor.

Peter
[edit: forgot about auto start/stop]

 

[six-point socket II]

Hi!

Cleantec is a division of TTS (Festool parent) who design and build the dust extractors. ->https://www.festool.com/company/cleantec

I don't understand/know what Screwfix tries to convey by adding MKI or MKII as it is not any official label/designation coming from Festool/Cleantec.

Honestly, the only site that matters when choosing and comparing dust extractors is this one:
https://www.festool.co.uk/products/dust-extraction

And then buy by using the Part# from a dealer that utilizes it.

CTL-SYS = L class extractor Systainer size for maximum portability

CT15 = unrated, general dust extractor/vacuum cleaner

Mini & Midi = L and L or M class extractors, good portability vs. capacity ratio. Midi is the front runner of these two sizes, imho.

Then come extractors with higher capacity, auto clean capabilities and speciality extractors.

The site I linked will explain all of them in great detail.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[AlexThePalex]

I don't understand/know what Screwfix tries to convey by adding MKI or MKII as it is not any official label/designation coming from Festool/Cleantec.

Difference between 240 and 110 volt. UK site.

 

[Doug S]

If you are in the UK and will be using it on site you should really use one of the models that starts CTM as these are M class which is the level required on site.

 

[six-point socket II]

I don't understand/know what Screwfix tries to convey by adding MKI or MKII as it is not any official label/designation coming from Festool/Cleantec.

Difference between 240 and 110 volt. UK site.

Speaking of the Midi, yes. Otherwise it's not utilized on that site for differentiation between 240/110V models.

But none of my business anyway.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[alphabeta77]

Hi all,

Firstly thanks so much for all your thoughtful and generous responses, some really good insights and clarifications from all your posts - learnt loads!

Think summarising everything up, I'll go with the CTL26 which seems to be a good fit for everything I do!

I now just need to look forward to that Festool shiver you get when you open a new bit of kit..... I'm sure this will be my last Festool I need...........

 

[alphabeta77]

Sorry one final confirmation - do I need to get the Bluetooth adapter set for this or just the button to get it working with a button on the hose?

 

[FestitaMakool]

You’ll need the set - meant for the CT 26 and above. That includes the module you will need to fit in the accessory slot on the CT 26.

The newer Mini/Midi has Bluetooth built in, and it’ll only need the remote.

 

[Stone Message]

The Bluetooth module is really easy to fit as it is just a case of removing a blanking plate, finding the connectors inside (easy), then connecting and screwing in place. Make sure it is not plugged in when you do this and if you are not sure about anything hand the job over to an electrician.

Peter

 

[demographic]

If you are working on any decent UK building site you'll need a class M extractor, the ones who dont really know/care will be happy with class L, yeah I onow its just an alarm and the filters are the same but the class L sticker just wont wash with any safety bod thats clued up.

The bluetooth adaptor is a doddle to fit if its not got one already but the extractor still has to be compatible.

Poxy little sites where someone can just use a Henry aren't helping anyone.