CT 36/48 Request

[NiteWalkerGR]

Since I'm getting my first festool vac soon, I'm between the CT36 and 48 size-wise. Price isn't the issue since it'll be a one time purchase (most likely a bundle with a sander).
The issue is size; if the 48 isn't much bigger than the 36, I'll go for the 48. Portability isn't needed; this will strictly be a shop dust extractor.

So are there any pics floating around of the two side by side? There's the pic in the catalog, but it doesn't do a good job of comparing sizes.

Thanks in advance.

 

[wow]

You should only have to compare the height difference between the tow, since the other dimensions should be identical. I'll see if I can find that info for you...

 

[wow]

CT-36 is 24.8" tall x 14.4" x 23.4"

CT-48 is 28.1" tall x 15.4" x 27.0"

 

[shed9]

The difference in size is minimal. As WOW posts up there, its not a significant number.

Not sure about the States but in the UK the 48 model comes standard with a back handle (which over here is a £150 upgrade for the CT36 and lower models). I have the 48 and the handle makes a huge difference in moving around.

If your stationary and can fit it in I would go for the 48. Be warned though its a bit a beast (weight wise), just be double sure you don't intend to move it out of the shop as this could get tedious.

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

Definitely shop only, so the size and weight shouldn't be a big  factor.  I don't think the handle comes with the vac.

 

[jamanjeval]

The CT48 makes more sense economically. Not only are you paying less for the machine itself in terms of capacity, the consumables (bags) cost less per gallon of dust collected.

I have a ct36 and I like how it is tall enough to act like a small bench when using a SYS-MFT on top. The slightly taller CT48 would work just as well if not better.

CT48:
$725
12.7 gallons capacity
cost/gallon = $725/12.7 gallons = $57.09/gallon
Bags:
$47 for 5
cost/gallon = $47/(5*12.7 gallons) = $0.74/gallon

CT36:
$675
9.5 gallon capacity
cost/gallon = $675/9.5 gallons = $71.05/gallon
Bags:
$42 for 5
cost/gallon = $42/(5*9.5 gallons) = $0.88/gallon

My numbers come from Amazon.

 

[grbmds]

I have a CT48 and love it. I didn't figure out the relative costs first but the larger capacity just makes sense if it will stay in your shop. It moves around effortlessly on the floor on its casters and it really does not take up more floor space than a 36 would. It works great although you might have to plan ahead for 48 bag replacement. The 48 repacemwnt bags are the bags the store I normally go to does not stock.

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

Thanks guys. [big grin]
Looks like I'll be going for the 48. The bag size is what made me consider it in the first place. For the bags, I usually shop online, so availability shouldn't be a problem. I still have my regular shop vac, so the CT bags should last even longer since the shop vac will handle the shop cleanup and router table use while the CT handles the portable power tools.

I'll be getting the boom arm/handle set too.

 

[grbmds]

I have the boom arm and I have mixed feelings about it. I have found that, in some situations, it can get in the way or is at least difficult to manage. I've stuck with it when using any portable power tools (other brands as well as Festool) just to adjust to using it. I have found that, as time goes on, it is easier to find the right position for the vac so that boom arm and hose/cord are in the right position in relation to your work and body. I still think it was a good idea for hose and cord management. Also,pPlease check the height of the boom arm and ceiling clearance in your workshop. Because my shop is in the basement, I ended up cutting some off the bottom end to make it fit. This is not that difficult and, as far as I know, didn't change the functioning of the arm itself. It was just hard for me to cut something that was brand new and I measured several times to be sure I wasn't making a mistake.

 

[JonSchuck]

If you have a Kapex or TS 55 or 75 you will want a 36mm hose.  The dust collection is much better.  But you need the 27mm hose for most of the other tools.  That is all that fits them.  So you really need both.  If you have a Kapex you will eventually want another dust extractor.  Otherwise you are constantly changing hoses and cords.  That gets old fast.  If you have two vacs you can keep one connected to the Kapex with a 36mm hose and the other vac for the TS 55 and all the other tools with a 27 and 36 mm hose.  Use only the electrical cord for the TS 55 as it will work on all the tools and throw the other cords in a drawer which will make it easier to close your systainers and you can just leave one cord hooked to the vac. 

I had (and still do have) a ct22.  It is the older version of the ct26.  The numbers stand for the number of liters the vacs hold. Since 4 liters is close to a gallon, the newer ct26 hold about a gallon more than the ct22.

So I had a ct22 with both 27 and 36mm hoses.  I wanted to get another ct and another 36mm hose.  But the dust extractors come with 27 mm hoses.  So the day before the price increase a couple months ago I walked into my Festool dealer and told him I wanted a midi but would like to upgrade to the 36mm hose (just pay the difference).  He said they couldn't do that with the midi but could with the ct26.
I walked out of there with a ct26 and paid about $10 less than I would have paid for the midi. Of course I don't have the extra 27mm hose but who needs that?  Plus the ct26 looks so studly sitting there.

 

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

My ceiling is 8' with open rafters, so I think I'll be ok.

No TS or kapex for me. Just a domino and routers for now.
I'll be adding a couple of sanders soon too.

 

[shed9]

I'll be adding a couple of sanders soon too.

You'll love the CT combined with the sanders - one of those 'how did I work before' moments.