Hello, I searched but did not find an answer to these questions. My apologies if I missed it, there is a lot to go through. I have the opportunity to purchase a very lightly used older ct midi (pre 2019) at a good price. I have an older Fein I need to replace, that has brought me to this point. There are the obvious technical differences of bluetooth, blower, control changes, cosmetic changes, but I am more focused on the changes in cfm (99 cfm vs130 cfm) and static water lift (80” vs 96”). Does anyone have experience with both machines and did they find it to matter in real world performance? If it did matter, under what circumstances? I will be using it with the following tools: router, domino, miter saw, sander, and track saw. I have a larger system for machines producing more saw dust. I may use it for sheet rocking, and there seems to be a clear advantage to the newer model in this application. I am not a professional, but I do build full sets of kitchen cabinets and occasionally vanities, as a project each summer for others. I also build furniture occasionally for friends and family. Thank you for any help and information.
Ct midi (pre 2019) vs ct midi 1
- Thread starter Biggambi
- Start date
Cheese
Member
I own both and for most use-cases, they're basically interchangeable. The MIDI sits underneath the Kapex and that's its only job. I use the MIDI I as a mobile vacuum because of the Bluetooth capability.
The pre 2019 was changed around 2011/2012 to have more airflow. An older Midi of 2010 vs 2013 are not the same. This change was done silently and the SKU was not changed.
I don't know the behaviour of the pre 2019 Midi with it's auto on/off, but the Midi I has the wrong behavior. The physical buttons of the pre 2019 are also easier to use while the addition of wireless control with the Midi I can be useful too.
I don't know the behaviour of the pre 2019 Midi with it's auto on/off, but the Midi I has the wrong behavior. The physical buttons of the pre 2019 are also easier to use while the addition of wireless control with the Midi I can be useful too.
Cheese
Member
Look at the serial number tag, it will have a build date.
mrboult
Member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2013
- Messages
- 994
The new version has the ‘bag knocker’ function. They call it filter cleaning!?
But when the bag is starting to clog, this manually initiated operation uses air pressure to jiggle the bag and help unclog some of the pores. It really helps extend bag usefulness when sucking up really fine stuff that clogs the bag.
Other than that, Bluetooth and better quality black plastic that doesn’t break in the first year of ownership are the big differences noticed.
Never noticed a difference in cfm in use. But I wasn’t looking for a difference really.
Also worth noting. Festool only guarantee parts/consumables availability for 10 years after the tool has stopped being sold. So possibly as little as 3 years left of service and OEM bag availability?
But when the bag is starting to clog, this manually initiated operation uses air pressure to jiggle the bag and help unclog some of the pores. It really helps extend bag usefulness when sucking up really fine stuff that clogs the bag.
Other than that, Bluetooth and better quality black plastic that doesn’t break in the first year of ownership are the big differences noticed.
Never noticed a difference in cfm in use. But I wasn’t looking for a difference really.
Also worth noting. Festool only guarantee parts/consumables availability for 10 years after the tool has stopped being sold. So possibly as little as 3 years left of service and OEM bag availability?
luvmytoolz
Member
I wouldn't be too concerned about the availability of parts, I can still buy parts and bags for my 40+ year old Festo dust extractor!
Cheese
Member
1. The manual bag cleaning mechanism is a "nice" feature but I don't think it's a game changer.
2. On the other hand, the Bluetooth and the heavier/stronger hose garage on the MIDI I is a game changer...at least for me. The original hose garage on my MIDI broke within about 18 months.
3. Agree 100%...
The CTL 26 hose garage was redesigned at some point to become sturdier and also the addition of the T-Loc. I don't know about the Midi, but I would guess that one was updated too? Later 26's already had the sturdier garage from-factory. I bought mine as spare part (for my 26).
I did know about the manual filter knock down lever, and this was why I know it is better at sheetrock work. I did not know about the plastic being less robust, disappointing to hear that part. But, as Coen mentioned, maybe it was upgraded. I would like the bluetooth, but I will just continue to live without it. I can always upgrade down the road, if I add cordless tools, or should I just want the convenience and efficiency. With just buying a domino, I am trying keep costs down if possible. I am set to look at it later today, and make a decision. I really appreciate all of the information as it is quite a drive for me to take a look at it. I will post my decision.
onocoffee
Member
When I was considering a new CT, I too thought the Bluetooth to be superfluous. But it’s the best feature of the MIDI I. I added a remote feature to my Ridgid vac because of it.
