I'm wondering if I possibly bought a vac which is too small? Maybe I'm not adjusting the suction correctly? Using the Midi vac at full power with a TS 55 leaves sawdust. I'm guessing that the sawdust residue amounts to about 15% of what otherwise would be left without any dust control. If I were to be sawing inside the house within a living area, I suspect this would make a mess without additional planning and prep to control the dust. By comparison, using the Midi at 1/2 power with my RO125 sander seems to be much more efficient. I'd say the dust control with the Midi at 1/2 power and RO125 is about 94% all there. Don't ask me where I'm getting these percent numbers. Just picking them out of the air. Anyway, any comments? Is the vac too small for the saw? Do I need to experiment further with the vac power settings?
CT Midi: Did I under buy the vac for dust control?
- Thread starter Gerry0611
- Start date
I'm using an MFT/3 for rips and cross cuts. I've added a makeshift extension table for handling full size sheet goods and 8' dimension stock. I use the rail end-guide to help manage the vacuum hose and power cord. I'm still getting accustomed to the equipment and perhaps need to experiment a little more? Am I correct in that I shouldn't expect 100% dust control but particularly with regard to the TS55, I can probably get a better result? Will lowering the vac suction improve performance?
For the saw, using a 36mm hose, and covering the port where you unscrew the blade will increase the suction. A little puff of dust at the end of a cut is normal.
I would say you are probably doing ok, with room for improvement.
Ken
I would say you are probably doing ok, with room for improvement.
Ken
tjbnwi
Member
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No saw will be 100%.
The CT should be at 100%. I have the Mini and I use it with the TS, acts the same as my 22 or 36. The 36 mm hose does help some, again I use both size. The 36mm hose is slightly better.
If you're trimming the edge, there will be more dust.
I get better extraction when I cut on foam.
Make a cut without the CT, I think you'll be shocked how much dust is actually extracted.
Tom
The CT should be at 100%. I have the Mini and I use it with the TS, acts the same as my 22 or 36. The 36 mm hose does help some, again I use both size. The 36mm hose is slightly better.
If you're trimming the edge, there will be more dust.
I get better extraction when I cut on foam.
Make a cut without the CT, I think you'll be shocked how much dust is actually extracted.
Tom
Very good feedback. Thanks. Regarding the hose size, the Midi uses 27mm. You mentioned better performance with the 36mm hose. I'm not aware that the Midi will accept a 36mm hose without getting creative. Is there an adaptor for the larger hose I'm not aware of?
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These track saws' dust extraction is better with a sacrificial surface underneath (like foam as Tom suggested) and maximum suction. If the blade is exposed under the work piece, you will loose more dust. As was already stated, you will always loose some at the end of the cut.
The CT MINI and MIDI both come with a 27mm hose with a 90-degree connector that plugs into the top of the CT body, within the hose garage. Pull out that 90-degree connector and you have the same 50mm receiver as any of the Festool CT's (MINI/MIDI/26/36/48/36 AC). You can plug any of the hoses into that receiver, 27/36/50 mm. The 27mm hose constricts the flow of air from any of the Festool CT's. If you want maximum airflow, you will need to use a 36mm hose.
'Sorry for any repetition, I just wanted to make it as clear as I could.
Tom
The CT MINI and MIDI both come with a 27mm hose with a 90-degree connector that plugs into the top of the CT body, within the hose garage. Pull out that 90-degree connector and you have the same 50mm receiver as any of the Festool CT's (MINI/MIDI/26/36/48/36 AC). You can plug any of the hoses into that receiver, 27/36/50 mm. The 27mm hose constricts the flow of air from any of the Festool CT's. If you want maximum airflow, you will need to use a 36mm hose.
'Sorry for any repetition, I just wanted to make it as clear as I could.
Tom
