CT15 and CT25 dust collector differences?

[Jonathan Hanson]

I think this is a simple question: I'm looking for a small dust collector, trying to decide between the CT15 and the CT25. It looks like the only difference is the extra capacity of the CT25, which would be a help. But the Festool site seems to stress the cleaning/vacuuming capabilities of the CT25. Is it for some reason not as suitable as a dust extractor?

Thanks for any clarification!

Jonathan

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I think this is a simple question: I'm looking for a small dust collector, trying to decide between the CT15 and the CT25. It looks like the only difference is the extra capacity of the CT25, which would be a help. But the Festool site seems to stress the cleaning/vacuuming capabilities of the CT25. Is it for some reason not as suitable as a dust extractor?

Thanks for any clarification!

Jonathan

As far as I am aware, the only difference is the size of the tub itself.

 

[squall_line]

It's likely touted as a cleanup vac because:

a) it's not cordless, like the CTC MINI and CTC MIDI, so extended cleaning is possible compared to the paltry run time of the cordless vacs
b) it doesn't have Bluetooth, so it doesn't automatically pair with any of the cordless tools and can't be remote-started by a cordless tool (and cordless is what Festool seems to be pushing lately)
c) it doesn't have auto-clean available, so it's not useful for drywall work like a CT 26/36/48 AC would be
d) it's got a bigger canister than the CT 15

It's still a perfectly fine dust extractor for corded work, and with some clever adjustments can be made to be remote started for cordless work.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Thank you both . . . just the information I needed.

 

[onocoffee]

When I was considering an extractor, my dealer encouraged me to consider the MIDI. Of course, it costs more than the 15/25 and it's the same capacity as the 15. But it does have the nicer hose, hose garage (for both hose storage and Systainer compatibility) and the bluetooth. I didn't think any of those things were really that important.

Fast forward a few months and I've not only converted my Rigid 12ga shop vac to a HEPA filter system but I've also added remote capabilities. That bluetooth seemed kinda superfluous but I have come to find it essential. It's just so convenient. Yeah, you think "I'll just step a couple steps and turn it on" but Nooooo, now you just hit the button. I'm spoiled now and don't want to go back.  I also like being able to stow the hose and cable in the garage, and I can drop some systainers on it when I need to stack things.

So, consider the MIDI. It's more expensive. It seems superfluous. But I now think it's totally worth it.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Thank you, that's worth considering.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Yes, the Bluetooth capability is fantastic. I have one on both of the hoses that I use with the CT26. (27 and 36) I often use the 36mm hose with my router table. It is plugged into a separate circuit, rather than the CT itself, just out of convenience. It stays plugged in all the time, but I only unwrap the hose when needed. The CT sits on the opposite side of the table, from where I stand, making that remote switch very handy.
I do have a CT15 also, as a secondary unit. The extra features, of the other machines, were not as important to me on that one. So, it kind of comes down to how you would use it.

Quite a few guys here use them as a dedicated extractor for stationary machines, like miter saws.