CTM or CTL 26?

[robjnc]

Hi,

Am looking to buy a CT26, and not sure if I should go for the higher grade M filtration (at quite a big extra cost). Doing installation work with a range of tools cutting chipboard, mdf, hardwoods and sometimes things like solid surface resin tops. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Rob

 

[justinmcf]

hi rob.

buy the ctl if you are only working with timber dust such as mdf, chipboard, hard and softwoods.

buy the ctm if you are working with concrete dust, masonry, solid surface resin tops.

i will be buying the srm-45e soon. i need it for sanding plaster board sheets with the festool planex.

i will also use it for concrete and masonry dust extraction.

regards, justin.

 

[AlexThePalex]

There is NO difference between the filtering capacity of the CTL and the CTM. Only difference is that the CTM has an extra circuit monitoring the air flow through the hose, giving off a warning signal when the airflow suddenly drops. Most of the time that means it's time to change the bag.

 

[Toolfest]

According to Festool UK:

CTL 26: "For dust with MAC values > 1 mg/m?"

CTM 26: "For dust with MAC values > 0.1 mg/m?".

According to those specifications, the CTM provides better filtration for fine dust applications such as concrete. The question is, how is the better filtration achieved? Both the CTL 26 and CTM 26 use the same filter (496171) and the same bags (496187).

 

[Nigel]

Hi folks,

       I looked into this when I bought a ctl 36.I agree with Alex, the filtration is the same.The only difference is the warning system.This is how the better filtration is achieved on the ctm, by not loosing suction due to the warning system.

 

[jonny round boy]

I believe that the filtering system is the same in both, too. And that the only difference is the warning circuitry.

CTL 26: "For dust with MAC values > 1 mg/m?"

CTM 26: "For dust with MAC values > 0.1 mg/m?".

According to those specifications, the CTM provides better filtration for fine dust applications such as concrete

The CTL will also filter to > 0.1mg/m3, but it can't be classed as category 'M' because cat 'M' states that the vac must have the monitoring/warning function.

That's my understanding of it anyway.

Doing installation work with a range of tools cutting chipboard, mdf, hardwoods and sometimes things like solid surface resin tops.

Sounds to me like you're fitting kitchens, in which case I'd go with the CTL & spend the extra elsewhere. Just remember to check the bag before you cut solid surface or other stuff that produces finer dust.

 

[jonny round boy]

Oh yes, and Rob:

[welcome] to the FOG!!!

 

[robjnc]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. Think I'll go for the L and save a few hundred quid. Only question left now is what else to spend it on

 

[jonathan-m]

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I guess it's better to re-use an old thread than start a new one

So I'm fixing to get a Festool vac.
Since I plan on replacing the filter on whatever unit I end up choosing with a HEPA filter, the standard filtration ratings are moot.
This only leaves the airflow electronics as the difference between the 2 units. Which is only useful to indicate when bag needs changing.

So the real question is, how useful is this, really? Have those with an M-class ever have the electronics kick in? And how/when do you know when to replace your bag when you "merely" have the L-class vac? When you notice you're having more dust? Are there other indicators?

Much appreciated

 

[AlexThePalex]

Jonathan, I've never seen anyone here mention they have a CTM model. I think you'll be quite alright with the CTL.

With a CTL, as with any vac, you'll notice the bag is full because you lose suction sharply.

 

[Scott B.]

I've had minis and midis tap out when full. But in advance of that, I notice weight of the unit become heavier. They 'feel' kinda full when they are getting full. Rarely a surprise. Always good to have the next bag on board.

 

[ToolHutt]

Festool certainly isn't clear on this issue.
I'm agonising over CTL vs CTM simply because of Festool's ambiguous info.
I work almost entirely with wood in my workshop.
In Festool's UK documentation on Dust Extraction, page 283, in the comparison of CTL and CTM they state wood and plaster dust are not 'typical applications' for CTL.
I find this hard to understand.
In addition, other forums and documentation state that CTL is not good for oak and beech dust.
Again, I find this difficult to believe given that CTL is the only machine available in North America and my woodworking friends there all work with oak.
It would be great if Festool could clarify the confusion.
Bob.

 

[jonny round boy]

You're right, Festool could make it easier to understand.

Basically, in terms of the level of extraction, there is no difference between the CTL and CTM extractors. They both have the same motors, same filters, same bags. Both are equally good for wood dust extraction.

The only difference is that the CTM has a sensor & circuitry that provides a warning if the airflow through the inlet falls below a certain level. You only need that if, for some reason, you need to absolutely guarantee that the suction doesn't drop off (due to a full bag, blockage etc) without you knowing about it. Chances are, even without that warning, you'd know if there was a problem!

The CTL is approved for dust category L; the CTM is approved for dust category M. Having the warning sensor is, presumably, a pre-requisite for approval for category M, but since the components are the same the CTL must therefore also be suitable for dust category M, it just can't be approved for it.

Just buy the CTL - you'll be glad you can spend the price difference on something else...

Jonathan

 

[Timtool]

Since this has come up again,
can the longlife bag for CT36 be used in the CTM/L 36? This would be for normal woodworking, and then use the special disposable bags for concrete or plaster.

 

[alex946]

can the longlife bag for CT36 be used in the CTM/L 36? This would be for normal woodworking, and then use the special disposable bags for concrete or plaster.

Yes.
Signal of filling the bag, can be useful when working with toxic woods, and is highly desirable when working with concrete. But is it worth to pay for the opportunity - you decide.

 

[ToolHutt]

Many thanks for the advice.
There are some great deals right now in Europe for the CTL 26 + accessories so I will go with that and put the extra cash towards a new Capex jigsaw.
Brgds.
Bob.

 

[neeleman]

Sorry to correct you but Capex jigsaw does not (yet) exist.
Kapex is a mitre saw.
Carvex is a jigsaw.
Just a slip of the "pen".

 

[bkharman]

Sorry to correct you but Capex jigsaw does not (yet) exist.
Kapex is a mitre saw.
Carvex is a jigsaw.
Just a slip of the "pen".

I would very much like a Capex. How soon will Festool release it, or would it be NAINA?!?!

Having the chopping power of the Kapex combined with the scroll cutting of the Carvex is awesome!