CMS router table and Mini

[sylthecru]

Ok I know Festool says the Mini dust extractor is not compatible with the CMS, but it looks like the provided hose with the CMS will fit into the the top of the Mini.

Does anyone think it is possible to use  the mini with the CMS?

This is a hobby and having two dust extractors is not an option.

 

[ccarrolladams]

This has already been discussed here previously. The CMS uses a Y connector to attach both hoses to the dust extractor. The vac end of the Y is not long enough to fit into the port of a Midi or Mini extractor. The is a work around.

The bigger problem is that when routers are used in tables they produce a high percentage of chips and not sawdust. Therefore the CMS produces a very high volume of waste which fills bags. So be aware of this.

Perhaps as a DIY user the cost of bags will not be a problem in your case.

 

[RKA]

Here is a recent thread that will provide two solutions.  I believe the hose garage for the mini and midi are the same, so the same solutions should apply to both.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/ask-festool/hose-set-up-for-midi/msg332657/#msg332657

And I believe this is the Y part they are referring to.  In one of the pics in the post above you can see the two Y adapters side by side in the top right corner of the picture.

http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/hepa-dust-extractors/reducing-hose-sleeves/hose-sleeve-antistatic-y-adapter-with-blanking-plug-452898

 

[grbmds]

This has already been discussed here previously. The CMS uses a Y connector to attach both hoses to the dust extractor. The vac end of the Y is not long enough to fit into the port of a Midi or Mini extractor. The is a work around.

The bigger problem is that when routers are used in tables they produce a high percentage of chips and not sawdust. Therefore the CMS produces a very high volume of waste which fills bags. So be aware of this.

Perhaps as a DIY user the cost of bags will not be a problem in your case.

I would be more concerned about the volume of dust/chips mentioned here. My view of dust collection is that you find a solution that will easily accommodate the dust, shavings, and chips you produce over time. if you plan to do a lot of routing and use this collector for other dust collection also, I would buy the largest you can afford and have space for. You don't want to be emptying it frequently. If you don't plan to use it often (although the CMS is a big investment to only rarely use it) then a smaller solution would possibly work. The differences in cost between each successive model of vac isn't that much once you get up into the CT 26, etc. to not warrant considering a bigger one based on need. I chose the CT48 because I am using it for my TS55, OF1400, sanding, and Domino. I have not been sorry so far. It works great and doesn't fill up quickly.

 

[RKA]

That too has been discussed numerous times. The flip side of more capacity to save on bag cost is a heavy dust extractor when that bag begins to fill up.  Even a DIYer will find themselves moving the DE around the house for site clean up now and then, so it's something to consider.  If you can only have one, the sweet spot may be between the midi and the 26.

 

[festoolviking]

Hi

The cheapest and quickest workaround is to take off the hose-garage. Open the vac and undo a couple of screws, done. No need for accessories.  [wink]

Festoolviking

 

[grbmds]

That too has been discussed numerous times. The flip side of more capacity to save on bag cost is a heavy dust extractor when that bag begins to fill up.  Even a DIYer will find themselves moving the DE around the house for site clean up now and then, so it's something to consider.  If you can only have one, the sweet spot may be between the midi and the 26.

Except when, as in my case, I specifically use it my shop for dust collection. In that case, the biggest is the best because the extra space  over a smaller one is not significant and the extra capacity is a real plus. It all goes back to what you use it for. I would agree completely that, if you want the vac to be mobile to move different places or up and down stairs lighter is the answer.