CT15/MIDI vs CT26

[JINRO]

I'm currently using CT15 and CT MIDI. The bluetooth capability of MIDI is really practical and I can not say good enough things about it.  So my decision is to switch out CT15 to CT MIDI or CT26. The only difference seems to be the size and CFM (130 vs 137).  I don't mind the vacuum size since it will be connected to Dusty Deputy.  Does 137 CFM worth spending extra $100 over MIDI's 130 CFM?

 

[ChuckM]

Based on the consideration of the difference in CFM alone, I'd go with the MIDI in a Dust Deputy setup. The CT26 does not have the bluetooth as a default, right?

 

[JINRO]

Based on the consideration of the difference in CFM alone, I'd go with the MIDI in a Dust Deputy setup. The CT26 does not have the bluetooth as a default, right?

Yes, luckly I have extra bluetooth combo that I bought by mistake I'm using remote part for MIDI now hehe

 

[mino]

CT26 all the way. If you even have the BT module already and have the budget, IMO it is a no-brainer.

The bin is a bit bigger, but that is not really a concern with a cyclone.

The more important difference is that the CT26 is quieter (so loses output port, but you already have the MIDI for that) and is generally more robust/heavier so is a better "base" if you ever decide to roll it around as a base for WCR1000 or anything of the sort.

I would probably not "discard" the CT15 either. IMO it is an excellent companion for a mitter saw with a short D36 hose. Or generally any other static use with a specific tool.

 

[JINRO]

The more important difference is that the CT26 is quieter...

I had no idea CT26 is quiter. This is definitely something I will look into!

As for the miter saw, I blew up surge protector when using Kapex plugged into MIDI. I'm bit scared to hook it up to any Festool vac. again lol

 

[ChuckM]

The more important difference is that the CT26 is quieter...

I had no idea CT26 is quiter. This is definitely something I will look into!

As for the miter saw, I blew up surge protector when using Kapex plugged into MIDI. I'm bit scared to hook it up to any Festool vac. again lol

Don't trust anything you see in this forum or anywhere until you check it out.

Ct26 noise level: 62dB to 71dB

Ct midi: 62dB to 72dB.

The practical difference is none between the two when we wear ear protection.

 

[mino]

Don't trust anything you see in this forum or anywhere until you check it out.

Ct26 noise level: 62dB to 71dB

Ct midi: 62dB to 72dB.

The practical difference is none between the two when we wear ear protection.

I was talking real observation, did not look at the numbers at all. With ear protection or a tool running, it is the same - as in inconsequential for both. Fulle agree there. But I often use the vacs for cleanup or with quiet tools like a drill. I like the CT 26/36 there a bit more as it is quiter (to me).

I think the difference is the CT MIDI has a functional exhaust that is not muffled. I can hear quite a lot of noise the vac makes from it unlike with the CT26/36 which has two muffled exhausts. Also there is wind coming from the CT 15 exhaust - which can be annoying when doing cleanup as the exhaust can disturb dust while the CT36 is the only vac we have which does not do that.
To be more specific: when I place my CT 36 "boxed-in" below a table between walls, it gets muffled ven more as most noise from it comes out of the back. On the CT15/MIDI I it is front-concentrated so placing it under a table does not really have an effect. Both are pretty good though so I guess this is all subjective at this level ..

Also agree on the "check-it out" part. The CT26 vacs are movable while the CT15/MIDI are kinda mobile tools the way I see them. Different animals.

 

[ChuckM]

I can't comment on the "difference" that the two sound to your ears. But the fact is that even without ear protection, 1dB is imperceptible to most people. The statement that the Ct26 is quieter simply doesn't hold water based on the official specs provided by Festool.

 

[mino]

I can't comment on the "difference" that the two sound to your ears. But the fact is that even without ear protection, 1dB is imperceptible to most people. The statement that the Ct26 is quieter simply doesn't hold water based on the official specs provided by Festool.

I think the "problem" is here with the measurement used for the spects. dB(A) is a compound sound pressure measurement compiled into one number. It does not care for various frequencies nor direction/distribution of the sound and just provides an average of both.

Between 60 dB(A) and 70 dB(A) it tends to be mostly clear as the difference is big-enough. Here the numbers to close to be useful for comparison. Nature of the beast.

I was diggging into this quite alot at college when quitening my PC - back when I slept in a dorm with my head 20 centimeters from it running 24/7. That is why sites like silentpcreview, et. al., do not really care all that much for dB but provide sound recordings. The frequency distribution and directionality of the sound can make a huge difference even when the measured SPL in dB(A) is pointing to the opposite.

Still, go and take a trip to a shop is IMO the best either way. Especially in US where etail is not cheaper.

 

[ChuckM]

I see no problem whatsoever in using the official dB numbers as an objective basis to compare the two machines. The Ct26 is not quieter than the Ct15 for all intents and purposes. Period.

 

[JINRO]

Thanks for the input guys~ I have no concern with MIDI atm with it's noise at all.  It is good to know one can be quieter in certain circumstances even though it's same for all in noise level test.  My gut tells me placement and area where it stations also takes an effect. 

I'm leaning toward CT26 now as its extra storage might help me later in situation where I won't be able to take DD together yet need extra dust storage capability. 

Again, thanks all for your comments!!!

 

[Peter Kelly]

I would probably not "discard" the CT15 either. IMO it is an excellent companion for a mitter saw with a short D36 hose. Or generally any other static use with a specific tool.

Defenitely keep both if you can. Even with the handle on the top, the CT 26 is pain to move up and down narrow staircases, in and out of vehicles during installation work. Seems much better suited to live in the shop with a boom arm.

 

[Cheese]

As for the miter saw, I blew up surge protector when using Kapex plugged into MIDI. I'm bit scared to hook it up to any Festool vac. again lol

That's unfortunate, maybe the surge protector was the issue as my Kapex has been plugged into a MIDI for 3 years and now it's been plugged into a newer MIDI I for the last 2 years...no issues. Prior to that it was plugged into a CT 22 for 5 years.

 

[JINRO]

That's unfortunate, maybe the surge protector was the issue as my Kapex has been plugged into a MIDI for 3 years and now it's been plugged into a newer MIDI I for the last 2 years...no issues. Prior to that it was plugged into a CT 22 for 5 years.

I had my MIDI connected to Tripp lite (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000511U7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1).  It's connected to Outlet of 20amp (10/3 line).  I wasn't using any other electrical other than the shop light and TV (yes, I watch from time to time ) I ended up buying anothert Tripp lite, same one.  Scared to try it again...