CT15 powerful enough for TS 55?

[GreenCheck]

I recently picked up a TS 55 from One and Done, based largely on the advice I received in a recent thread here. It arrived yesterday and looks brand new. Woot!

But now I need a dust extractor, and my plan was to grab a 26 E. However, 1AD just loaded up lots of inventory this morning and I see a CT 15 coming up, as well as a CT 48 and a CT 48 AC. The price point of the CT 15 is very attractive, but my primary concern is that the suction is about 5% lower on the 15 vs the 48 (3700 liters/min vs 3900 liters/min). I realize this sounds inconsequential, but I will be operating the track saw inside the house and dust collection is the primary reason I went with Festool in the first place. I do not want to skimp on the dust extractor if that extra (minor) suction will make an appreciable difference to the air quality.

The other differences - the smaller capacity, lack of an anti-static hose, and inability to add bluetooth seem to be the major ones - are tradeoffs I think I can live with, but feel free to convince me to spend more money than I want to [big grin].

So what do you think? Is a CT 15 enough to be primary dust extractor for a TS 55? Thanks!

 

[johnmpf]

I was in the same boat earlier this year.  I ended up getting the Midi I.  I wanted the blue tooth capability and the brake function.  After using it for a while I think it was the way to go.  I use both features a lot.  If I had to do it over again I might spring for the CT26.

 

[ChuckM]

The simple answer is: more than enough for the TS55 or TS75.

The CT15 now comes with an anti-static hose and if you want blue booth, you need to McGiver it (you can find the threads about the simple add-on). Capacity can be increased with the use of a dust deputy.

The question is whether you want to do all that extra work for the saving. Some do, some don't.

 

[squall_line]

Note, this close to a holiday, when they start loading up the queue like that (especially with random things like a Pozidrive bit set), it's because they're getting ready to release the entire lot for sale as if it were a full up storefront instead of the one-and-done model.  If you see something in the list that you fancy, keep an eye out for the page to alert you to the "View All" link so that you can be ready to find it and add it to your cart before someone else does.

 

[Cheese]

Note, this close to a holiday, when they start loading up the queue like that (especially with random things like a Pozidrive bit set), it's because they're getting ready to release the entire lot for sale as if it were a full up storefront instead of the one-and-done model. 

I chuckled when I saw that...that's a first.  [huh]  Something for everyone I guess.  [smile]

 

[Coen]

The difference in stated flow is inconsequential. The real difference is the filter area that is vastly different (88% larger for the 26/36/48 compared to the 15

This means the 15 will clog earlier. The same applies to the Midi I. The area bag - filter is a lot lower and that works out to a bigger and earlier drop in suction.

I own the 22, 26 and Midi I. The Midi is vastly easier to carry up stairs or scaffolding or into crawlspaces. The 26 will not suffer anywhere near the loss of suction the Midi I does when filling it up with especially fine dust. The manual filter clean function of the Midi I does work well however and the 26 (non AC) doesnt have that at all.

 

[onocoffee]

Like others have noted, the 130 vs 137 is nearly inconsequential in real world use. I've got the CT MIDI I and have used it with the DF500, TS 75 and now I will be using it with my new TS 55. I have no questions on whether the MIDI will be suitable. And since the MIDI is, essentially, a fancier CT 15, I'm sure your 15 will be quite sufficient.

Of course, at $679 the MIDI is quite a bit more than the 15. However, I really like the MIDI's ability to interlock with Systainers, the nicer hose, and the Bluetooth. Actually, the Bluetooth is much more handy and usable than I thought originally - especially with the remote switch. It makes walking back to my Rigid shop vac to hit the switch seem positively neanderthal-like.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I have a CT-15 as a second unit. There are compromises, to be sure, but it does what I need it to do. My primary extractor is a CT-26 w/ BT remote, and it really never moves. The second one is the extended-range solution.
Plugged into a tool, you would never notice the difference. To use with a single tool, like a TS, it would be fine.

 

[makpacman]

The CT15 is a wonderful machine and as others have said, is plenty powerful. Mine lives in/under the Kapex stand, and since I have a cyclone next to it, I don't think I'll ever have to remove it or even check the bag. My Midi I roams around with me so for that the extra features are warranted.

Once you see their effectiveness, having more than one CT becomes sort of inevitable. And as you've alluded to, Recon's holiday sales hardly do anything to alleviate that situation.

Thing is, unless I screw up, which still happens, but its getting rarer, there's just about no dust. Which is so damn nice.