CT17 v Midi

[Richard83]

G'day

Hoping someone can help me comparing extractors?

Was pretty set on the CTL Midi until I came across a good review of the CT17.

On paper, the CT17 looks pretty good.

You don't get the ability to stack your systainers on top and (in Aus) the hose is 36mm so will need an adaptor.
(Seems weird that the UK version comes with a 27mm hose!)

But I can't find any info on the actual dust extraction differences... I'm guessing the 'L' in CTL means something!!

Shed any light?

 

[Richard83]

Here's a link to the review...

http://tutorwood.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/the-ct17e-extractor.pdf

 

[AlexThePalex]

Yep, the L means something. In Europe, vacs are listed according to 3 dust classes, L, M and H, each with increased filtration. The higher the class the better the filters and dust entraption inside the vac are.

L is the lowest class and good for general use. Most Festool vacs here get this L or M attached to their name like CTL, CTM, to differentiate that vacs that look the same on the outside can have different insides to fall in different dust classes.

However, the CT17 is a model that falls only in one dust class, the lowest, and that is L. There are no M or H models for the CT17, so I guess that's why Festool didn't bother to attach the L.

The differences between the Midi and the 17 are small, mainly the shape and the ability to attach systainers on top. I think the 17 is a bit more geared to being a general site vac for clean up after the job is done, while the Midi is more meant for real tool extraction.

 

[mike68au]

The differences between the Midi and the 17 are small, mainly the shape and the ability to attach systainers on top. I think the 17 is a bit more geared to being a general site vac for clean up after the job is done, while the Midi is more meant for real tool extraction.

That would be the same conclsion i came to.  Plus the Midi can have a Hepa filter.  The Ct17 relies on a paper filter only.
I think if you will be using with say a Sander, Kapex or Saw then the Midi would be my choice. 

 

[Richard83]

Thanks for the detailed response Alex - appreciate it.
Probably clarifies my thoughts.

Although the general consensus seems to be that the midi is more for real extraction and the 17 is more for clean up I just can't see where that is supported by the facts and specifications?

Both L class
Both autostart
9.4kg v 9
Similar size in terms of how much space it takes up
Capacity 17L capacity v 15L
Air volume 3700l/min v 2796
Suction 3000l/min v 2807

But the biggest difference AUD$400 v $750

Seems to be good value in the 17 imo

Cheers

 

[mike68au]

A few things that i see that bring about the price variation are: 

The Midi has a Hepa Filter - they are more costly than a paper filter
The Midi comes with a 27mm/3.5m Anti-static hose - the Ct17 comes with a standard 36mm/3.5m hose
Power cable is 7.5m ( Midi ) 5.5m on Ct17
The Midi has the self-clean bag or the option of the long-life bag, Ct17 only has the paper bag.

The Ct17 is the better value but the extra options and accessories available for the Midi make it the better choice in my view.

 

[Damir]

I have a CTL 17 and I very happy with this extractor.
This is good choice for amater woodworkers.
Here in Europe comes with 27mm hose.

 

[Igge]

Does the CT17 have a power-off delay? I couldn't find any information about this on the Festool website.

Thanks,

Igge

 

[AdrianH]

I'm considering having a ct17 with a 50mm hose dedicated to the kapex,
Anyone tried this, thoughts?

 

[AlexThePalex]

I'm considering having a ct17 with a 50mm hose dedicated to the kapex,
Anyone tried this, thoughts?

The CT17 will do just fine. Not sure about the 50 mm hose though, I thought the Kapex had a 36 mm dust port. Or you need the reducer.

 

[AdrianH]

After talking with a bloke from Ideal Tools, (can't remember his name, that's terrible because he was super helpful ) the 50mm hose would be less effective than the 36mm hose it comes with.
Great news!!!! Just saved a few hundred bucks

 

[Phil Beckley]

Hi
The CT17 is not rated - so it just a clean up vacum. It also does not come with an anti static hose.
rg
Phil

 

[AdrianH]

My main goal is to have the dc start up with the saw, at the moment I sometimes forget to turn it on before a cut.