Ct Mini or Midi

[TheTrooper]

I do hardwood flooring and staircases.  I use a CT36 AC and was thinking about purchasing a mini or Midi to take on repairs or on small sanding  task. Task include cutting a few doors down with the TS55, vacuuming out cabinets widow ledges and do tracks.
Also if by chance could a mini handle the initial sand of 1 staircase (16 treads 80,100,120 grit). 

 

[aas]

I take it the CTL-SYS is no good for you as you want the variable suction?

In which case, I would recommend the Mini as you already have a larger vac, so go for as small and light as you can.

I decided on a Mini, but the supplier had a great deal on the Midi along with a Systainer of cleaning tools - the package was cheaper than the Mini. No regrets as Festool have since released the CTL-SYS that is on my shopping list.

 

[elfick]

I take it the CTL-SYS is no good for you as you want the variable suction?

It probably won't be available in the US for years, if ever.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

I have the midi and its a great vac,  I use it for on site work.  Its small and light enough to carry into clinets homes and has plenty of power.  I have had it for 4-5 months and use it quite a bit and havent had to change the bag yet even though I keep checking it,  its pretty amazing how much the little bag will hold.  I typically use it with my domino, ts75, and sanders.  Hope this helps!!!

 

[AlexThePalex]

It takes ages to fill the Mini when you're sanding, so the Mini is good enough. Nice and small.

 

[rst]

I have three Feins with the steel Oneida Oneida Dust Deputys, for in the shop...I just bought a Midi and it is great for site work.  I intend to buy an Oneida Dust Deputy for it.The CTL-SYS is on EBay, free shipping from Germany right now, pricey!.  It would require a voltage converter however.

 

[semenza]

    The Mini or Midi will handle that work easily. For the best handiness go with the Mini, for more capacity go with the Midi. The Midi is 2" taller than the Mini. That two inches makes a difference for some and not for others.  Think about the spaces  you want to put the vac into. And the height with whatever size Systainer you will typically have on top. Use some other Systainers to mock up the height and carry it around to see what you like. I found that the 2" can make a difference going up / down stairs with a Systainer on top. Plus in my case the Midi won't fit under my tonneau cover. Capacity wise either should do what you have described.

Seth

 

[TheTrooper]

Awesome, so my final question. Is the mini as efficient as the Ct36 in dust collection. I usually run the RO150 and a DTS 400  on a "Y adapter" when I do my stairs. I'm on the 150 and an employee on the dts 400. And have no dust issues.

 

[semenza]

Should be good to go the same way.  Static lift is the same, CFM is 130 on Mini vs. 137 on CT36. You will find however that you need a short extension on the vac side of the 'Y' adapter to get a good fit in the vac port. The Mini / Midi portcomes out the top of the vac inside the hose garage. Or maybe an added length od D50 hose between the port and 'Y' since for two users a bit more hose could be useful.

Seth

 

[Luzzy]

I have a ct26 and a mini. The 26 now sits in the shop and the mini is the go to vac for small projects . It's an efficient vac and its size is perfect. I bought the vac accessory kit that comes in a Sys 1 so after I'm done using it connected to tools, I can clean up the jobsite.

 

[tjbnwi]

I have a Mini and a Midi (and other CT's), both have their place. Travel the Mini more often, under the Kapex the Midi.

Tom