CTL midi vs CTL 26

[Parquet-Dave]

Hi folks
I've recently bought a TS55 and various tracks for cutting borders around parquet floors and I've got to say I'm delighted.  I have also fond me using it for more tasks than I anticipated.
I'm planning on buying a jigsaw, a kapex and possibly a router in the next 12-24 months.

I have a metabo random orbital sander that gets plenty of use.

so the question is CTL midi or CTL 26 which would you guys thing is the most suited to my needs?

 

[Ed Bray]

I have both and I would say it depends on how you are planning to use them.

The CT26 is obviously larger and heavier with more capacity, the midi smaller, lighter, less capacity but media is cheaper.

I use the Midi with my Kapex only and have a shortened 50mm hose which goes to a A/S cyclone (dropbox is fitted onto a sys 1 base which is fitted to the hose garage) and from this a shortened 36mm hose goes to the Kapex.

My CT26 has an additional 240v socket fitted along with a 3.5mtr 32mm hose which is sleeved (prevents the ribs on the hose from catching in use). I use this with all my other tools.

If I could only have the one I would have the CT26 as I find it more versatile and if I wanted to can add a boom to it too.

 

[scgwhite]

Depends where you plan to use it.

Midi is easier to carry, store and transport. CTL26 has larger capacity (fewer bag changes) and has bigger wheels and castors so will roll over debris on the floor better. Suction and performance are identical.

I'd advise getting a cyclone integrated onto the extractor - either a DIY version or a Onedia. It will quickly pay for itself in saved bags...

 

[Kev]

Easier to use the bigger hose with the CT26.

I have a CT-36 and CT-Mini ... the 36 tends to stay in and near the workshop, the mini goes everywhere.

Ask yourself how portable you need to be .. empty the CT-26 isn't heavy and only slightly more bulky that the CT-Midi. I'd personally go CT-26 if I was only getting one DC.

 

[Doug S]

I started with just a ct26 using it for everything but found it a bit too big for moving around from job to job. It's awkward to carry upstairs and heavy when getting full. I now also have a midi that stays in my van and the ct26 generally stays in workshop. Both great extractors, you won't go wrong with either.

Doug

 

[bigarm]

I am new to the Festool world.  After looking at both the midi and the 26, I chose the 26 mainly because of the larger wheels.  I do my cutting of large sheets outside under a covered area but on gravel.  I decided that it would probably roll better.  I am very please with the 26 but if I was to do it over, I might choose the midi as it would probably be easier to move from inside to outside.  However, if I did not need to move it outdoors I would definitely stay with the 26.  I will not change now as I have too many other tools to buy.

 

[Shane Holland]

Always better to have a little touch of overkill than to go with something that may not do what you need a year down the road. I think the CT 26 is the better choice for you. The ability to use some accessories that aren't available for the smaller units, like the handle for transport to/from the job site are nice to have. And, as was mentioned, the larger wheels are nice for going up/down stairs and over uneven terrain.

 

[Parquet-Dave]

In reality I anticipate that it will be used at least 95% of its time away from my modest workshop, predominately in customers homes.
So the portability is a major consideration when I think about it.
One of the reasons for looking to invest in the dust extraction is so that I can move the cutting process inside, currently I try to do the cutting outside to minimise dust in a home environment.  Whilst cutting the borders last week I attached the Henry (numatic) Vacuum by means of masking tape and it made a world of difference.

I like the idea of a cyclone and drop box to save on dust bags.

 

[Amalix]

Using a cyclone is great, however you lose all sense of portability with that combination. You would be better off buying the ct26 after all.

And, while I'm shop based I will be buying the ct26 instead of the midi for the reasons Shane and others listed, accessories. That is when I get a chance to make a dedicated miter station.

 

[AlexThePalex]

If you want portability, get the Midi. Makes a lot of difference. Yesterday, when I was lifting my 26 up two stairs I really wished I had taken my Mini with me instead.

Forget about the cyclone if you're not shop based. It's cumbersome. I also don't understand why professionals worry so much about the cost of vacuum bags, for the 26 it's €8 per bag, and on a €1000 job it's not much to bill that to the customer.

 

[andreasg]

Interesting tread, as I wanna add one to my Midi. Torn between 26 and another Midi.
I see that the 26 can be used as a workstation, is that steady with an empty ctl26? Thinking about the weight, that is just slightly more than the Midi

Agree with Alex about the cost issue. For professionals I think the easiest route is the best. And cost is passed forward, as I also will do with sandpaper and similar items used.