CT 26, CT 36, CT 48? How did you decide?

[jlyons]

I went with the CT 26 because it was the smallest available in Canada.  I am glad that i did I am only on my second bag full but that thing gets heavy going up and down the stairs as is can't imagine if i had a bigger one. Granted it is mostly drywall But but none the less I can't imagine it holding more and being heavier.  I am also never seem to use it for two jobs in a row in the same place.  A little job in the basement, up stairs, the garage then to a job site.

 

[FOGNewbie]

Well I have decided to go with the CT 36 along with a RO 90 and a RS 2. The dealer I now go to didn't have a CT 36 or CT 48 in stock, so I had to have him order it. The price increase announcement created a run and backlog on vacuums. The main reason I went with the CT 36 unseen is because the dealer I used to go to is going out of business and the local Woodcraft will most likely not carry much inventory related to the CT 48 in the future. That, and the future need for a stationary dust collector, pushed me toward the 36.

Based on replies to this thread, I don't think I will be regretting this decision. Although I doubt I'll need it, I'll have 30 days to think about it.

 

[SittingElf]

I too was in the American frame of mind when first deciding on my first CT.  Was all ready to go with the 48, but then realized that it is not just the capacity, but all the potential accessories  are also much bigger and more expensive.  I ended up with a CT36 which has made me very happy. I plan to add a CD Midi dedicated to the Kapex when I buy it this summer.  The 36 will be stationary once i have the BIG boom arm (ASA5000) installed, and I already have a JDS 3HP Cyclone for the big machines (and big chips). A JDS Air Filtration system rounds out my dust collection, and is mounted to the ceiling in my shop.

By the way, if you are considering a WCR 1000 workcenter for your CT, you might wait until 1 APR to order. One of the few Festool products getting a price DECREASE (-$10.00) in April!

 

[sancho57]

The re-usable bags are only recommended for tasks such as the planers where mostly chips are produced.

Thanks Carroll good to know.  I just picked up a reusable long life bag for my 22.

My CTs dont put out enough suction to pick up all the chips from my Delta thickness planer so I use it it suck up the leavins when Im done planing and man those bags fill up quick

 

[FOGNewbie]

I too was in the American frame of mind when first deciding on my first CT.  Was all ready to go with the 48, but then realized that it is not just the capacity, but all the potential accessories  are also much bigger and more expensive.  I ended up with a CT36 which has made me very happy. I plan to add a CD Midi dedicated to the Kapex when I buy it this summer.  The 36 will be stationary once i have the BIG boom arm (ASA5000) installed, and I already have a JDS 3HP Cyclone for the big machines (and big chips). A JDS Air Filtration system rounds out my dust collection, and is mounted to the ceiling in my shop.

By the way, if you are considering a WCR 1000 workcenter for your CT, you might wait until 1 APR to order. One of the few Festool products getting a price DECREASE (-$10.00) in April!

Thanks for the info regarding the work center! BTW are you talking about the boom arm that mounts to the wall/ ceiling? I saw one of those and man is that nice. Too much for me, but very nice.

 

[WarrenWeldon]

I got the CT48e for the shop and the CT36e for the house remodel and to take out to jobs.