CT and laminate flooring

[Holzhacker]

So I've been doing a fair amount of laminate flooring installs with a buddy who is strictly a flooring guy. Both of us have too much time on our hands so we are working together on this lead. Been using my CT22 hooked to the chopsaw and small table saw for DC. The 22 does pretty good but not fantastic. Obviously part of the problem is his crappy Dewalt saws. My Bosch is too big too lug around. (Yes I know about the Kapex) Laminate flooring dust is very fine and just seems to float all over. Working on putting together a shroud for the chopsaw and cover for the table saw to improve DC.
Thinking about getting another CT, either a 22 at close out or a 26/36. The price of the 22 is nice. The features of the 26 seem better for lam floor dust. Any thoughts? Has anyone found decent ways to keep the fine lam flooring dust under control? Is the suction between the 22 and 26 really noticeable?
Thanks for any thoughts. Markus

 

[junk731]

Markus

I noticed a difference the between my CT22 and CT36 when using small sanders like the RTS400, at the lowest setting using Brilliant 180/240 it will almost pick a smaller piece off the MFT. Using the ETS150 now I have to turn down to 3/4 - 1/2 when doing finishes. I installed the Y connection and installed a small gate valve for those times when its a concern. Maybe it will loose a little suction with age. This isn't a complaint, just an observation, its a great dust collector. My son does a fair bit of flooring, laminate / hardwood and uses the CT22, my Makita 7 1/2" SCMS with a 36mm hose and has great results, not perfect but very little cleanup.

John

 

[jmbfestool]

I own both ct22 and ct26 and I do think the ct26 has more suction but Not sure though just the feeling I got wen I first used it but at the moment my ct22 on the job so when bring it back im going to have play with both

I need to get some new filters for my ct22 because once I didn't seal the bag properly and it got clogged with dust and second time I emptied the bag and went home and then forgot to put the bag back in and I was sanding this oak floor for about an hour the. The ct22 started to sound differently so I opened it up and it it was fully clogged up I was really angry wiv my self!

Jmb

 

[tjbnwi]

I do not know if you have an MFT3, that is what I use.  I will rip and cross cut on it with a TS55. You can either set the legs, or use it collapsed. I do not take a miter or table saw to a flooring job any more, be it wood or laminate. I have a CT22, works great with the TS.

Tom

 

[Holzhacker]

Thanks for the replies guys. Leaning towards the 26 or maybe even the 36 for $50 more. I do have an MFT3/TS75 and have thought about taking it. This is repeated highrise work, don't feel like lugging the MFT around on the schedule these units come under. Also don't like anybody using my tools even if I've known him 20 years.
Markus

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Thanks for the replies guys. Leaning towards the 26 or maybe even the 36 for $50 more. I do have an MFT3/TS75 and have thought about taking it. This is repeated highrise work, don't feel like lugging the MFT around on the schedule these units come under. Also don't like anybody using my tools even if I've known him 20 years.
Markus

That miter saw you are using weighs just about the same.

Leave the table folded up on the ground, good knee pads and you would not have to keep getting up and down.  Take the legs off of it, that will shave a little weight.

I think you can use the vac and move stuff around in one trip.

 

[chrisrosenb]

I have been using a Festool jigsaw connected to a CT vac & a couple 5 gallon buckets for saw horses when I install laminate floors.
I do like Darcy said. I just cut as I lay the floor. no getting up & down for each cut & very little dust.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I have been using a Festool jigsaw connected to a CT vac & a couple 5 gallon buckets for saw horses when I install laminate floors........

I do the same on pre-finished hardwood flooring.  I really like how little dust the jigsaw produces and I don't have to resharpen my miter saw blade after the job.