CT MIDI vacuum or the CT 26??

[jackandhenry]

Hello again guys-
        Sorry to keep asking questions about stuff. Just found this forum to be extremely helpful about things. So the next question.

I have owned a CT MIDI for many years now and love the compactness of it and couldn't be happier. I have also just recently switched to a HEPA filter on the vacuum making it cleaner to use. I love that this is now an option with that vacuum.

I am looking at other options now and getting a larger vacuum and was looking into the CT26 HEPA. Is this vacuum more powerful than the CT MIDI. I am working a lot with my domino machine, sanders, track saw, router, etc. I primarily use the CT MIDI for all of these applications but was wondering if I should upgrade to the CT 26? I also own a fein 9 gallon vacuum but not a HEPA version. I was thinking of selling that and completely going to the CT 26.

Does anyone have all, one or any of these dust extractor systems and what do you love and can't live without as far as dust extractors? Over the past few years I have been safer and more aware of what HEPA can do to prevent excess micro particles. I want to be safer for myself and to my clients. Something that will benefit both parties and at the same time be very effective. Thanks for all your help!!

Justin-

 

[TOOLTOWN]

Justin,

It sounds like you have an older model midi, with around 99cfm of air movement.

All of the newer vacuums mini - 48 have the same airflow of 137cfm.

Hope this helps,

Ken

 

[nclemmons]

I have the Midi and the CT-26.

Same suction for both.  Midi has a smaller bag and you give up some flexibility for adding the Boom Arm or the Work Center for organization.  Both come with the same 27mm hose, though as you know, the Midi has a right angle end on the hose given it has hose storage and cord storage in the top.

If you are largely sanding or sawing or edge routing, the Midi capacity works well.  If you are doing planing or heavy routing (rabbets, dado's, raised panels), the bag may fill faster than you like.  

But I like the Midi for compact size - great for on-site work or throwing in a car / van / truck.  The CT-26 would be a great addition in your shop if you want more capacity, the boom arm, or the Work Center for tool organization.  I have both and really enjoy them in my workshop.

Both of them support stacking systainers on the top.  Both of them roll well.  Both have wheel locks.  Both of them have variable speed and powered outlets. 

CT-26 is a nice upgrade.  It would give you options and still allow you to take the Midi on-site at jobs.

What I don't like about the CT-26?  When you have the work center and the boom arm on it, changing the bag is a bit more time consuming - maybe 10 minutes more to disassemble and change out the bag.  And it's a bit cumbersome if you want to move it over rough terrain, like a cord across the floor or a raised joint on older concrete floors.  But the boom arm makes a nice addition for routing, sanding and sawing.  You should be aware of potential height considerations as the boom arm is maybe 6 1/2 feet tall (guessing from memory) so if you have low ceilings or overhead restrictions, keep that in mind.

neil

 

[batcave]

I have both sizes of vacs. If you are going to be at a site a while you will appreciate the extra size. If you are in and out all the time, the extra mass will get old to lug around. Especially after your bag starts getting full. I find that the optional handle is nice for moving it around the work zone, but makes it not fit under a table. The 23 foot nonAS hose is a huge help in cleanup.  The boom arm is great for shop work.

Kevin

 

[PeterK]

I have the same Midi as you and the precursor to the CT26 - the CT22. They both have benefits and I am glad I have both. Would not want to part with either. If I had to give up one, it would be the CT22. Currently replacing lots of flooring in the house and loving the Midi for that. Wife wants to steal it for strictly house use! The CT22 has the boom arm and stays in the shop. Too big and heavy to haul around. Commonly use the Midi for outdoor work also as is so easy to transport. The new Midi has over 30% more suction than the older version.