CT22 vs CT33

[Steve Jones]

Actually I believe the difference between the models (if you look at the parts diagrams) is the number of cream colored bands in the middle, the 22 has one, the 33 has two, etc. but I'm told the bands don't split apart and re-attach easily. (of course the bag sizes change too).

But interchangeable bases would be great, I'd love a 33 base for the shop and convert it to a 22 (or even an 11) for on-site work.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

I'm new to Festools - I resently bought a Domino, RO 150FEQ, and CT-33. I chose the CT-33 since it will spend most of the time in my garage/shop. I agree with others that it is on the heavy side but the top mounted handle makes it easy (easier?) to lift. I also plan to use it on on cir. saw panel cutting table so I decided to go the larger rout. One thing I didn't like about the vac. was that it came with this tiny 1" dia. hose. I like using a 2-1/2" hose on the cir. saw and my Incra WonderFence. Other than the hose the reduced sound level and suction improvement over my Ridgid shop vac is remarkable.

Mike

 

[Stefan]

reading this thread late so can't go and check if the CT33 can be made taller or shorter, but it would be a good idea.

I have the handle and the SG attachment on mine - it is only a matter of time before my CT grows a boom arm!

 

[Dave Ronyak]

I'm new to Festools - I resently bought a Domino, RO 150FEQ, and CT-33. I chose the CT-33 since it will spend most of the time in my garage/shop. I agree with others that it is on the heavy side but the top mounted handle makes it easy (easier?) to lift. I also plan to use it on on cir. saw panel cutting table so I decided to go the larger rout. One thing I didn't like about the vac. was that it came with this tiny 1" dia. hose. I like using a 2-1/2" hose on the cir. saw and my Incra WonderFence. Other than the hose the reduced sound level and suction improvement over my Ridgid shop vac is remarkable.

Mike

Mike, I have a CT 22 which also came with a 27mm hose.  Later I purchased a Boom Arm which came with a length of 50mm hose.  Later I purchased shop cleaming kit which came with a 36mm hose.  I frequently swap hoses depending on what I am doing.  The 50mm hose is a direct fit into the DC outlet of my small bandsaw!  I later bought another 36mm hose and fitted it to the Boom Arm and made up a short length of 27mm hose with two tool end rotating connectors.  I use the adapter most of the time because the 27mm hose is more flexible than the 36mm hose, but can quickly hook up the 36mm Boom Arm hose to my saw or router when needed.  The difference in bag capacity between the CT 22 and CT 33 is of no significance to me because I use a minicyclone when in my shop.  The cyclone has a 10 gallon steel drum, much larger than the CT 33 and is very easy to dump and to retrieve an item unintentionally vacuumed up.

Dave R.

 

[RogerF]

"I bought the CT33 because of the handy drawer and it is a great tool"
Hello all. My first post. I had wanted my first post to be something about all the projects I have done with my Festools over the last six months but this really made me laugh.
I have been using my CT33 for quite some time and only after reading this thread did I discover it had a handy storage compartment. I had to go out to my shop and look for it. What a great place to store the brush nozzle and crevice tool as well as spare plug-it cords. I thought the latch was an air intake. I am usually more observant and quite embarrassed to admit this.
This forum has been invaluable in helping me get the most out of my Festools but even such simple insight has helped a lot. Thank-you.
I had been using a Porter Cable machine switched vac for a while. I liked the low noise and efficiency but the lack of hose and power cord storage would drive me crazy. It was the hose garage on the CT units that initially caught my eye and when I finally caved it was a must have option. I worried that I had bought an unnecessarily large DC at first but have been very happy with the decision. The extra height and the garage make a good perch for tools when not in use. Yes I move it to job sites often. It rolls well and when I have to lift it I am reminded to get to the gym on a regular basis.
The elegance of the variable power control was immediately apparent when it sucked my RTS 400 to the work surface. I have read in other threads how some people have modified their Feins to reduce suction by drilling holes in the inlet port and capping when necessary. - Impressive MacGiverism but hardly the same thing.
I did find that the power outlet was too loose for my cords and would only work when at an angle. Thanks to a member here, I pulled it apart and bent the connections a tad. Problem solved. I know festool would have fixed it but it only cost me 15 minutes.