DC to use?

[sreilly24590]

So I now own a DF500 and a TS 55 REQ-F-Plus imperial. The track saw I've been able to successful in collecting almost all the sawdust using a small hose adapter and my old Sears shop vac. Noisey but I wear ear protection when in the shop anyway. I have Rockler's small hose and adapters that was used for several other non-Festool tools. My main DC is a CV1800 piped with 6" PVC. So now that I have the Domino DF500 I'm wondering if there's a known dc adapter that will fit on the DF500 so I can use the shop vac? And that also brings up the question as to how do you choose the Festool DC to use with these two tools. Seems there are a number of different models. I'm not concerned about large capacity as it would be cleaned out as necessary and this is a hobby shop so not heavily used regularly. Main concern is good collection and hopefully quieter. I see these posted on the refurbished site from time to time and that may be a good place to snag one at a slightly reduced price. That's how I got my track saw which has been a thrill for this old man seeing how feeding 4x8 sheets of plywood isn't as easy as it used to be. Is the difference mostly capacity?

Thanks for any replies.

 

[RKA]

The difference is really capacity.  They advertise the same flow and they are all similarly quiet.  The existing midi and mini are going to be replaced with new extractors that have built in bluetooth (on Aug 1st).  So the outgoing models will be discounted at some point (if there are any left in stock at that time).  If you anticipate taking it out of the shop for work around the house, the mini/midi are easier to lug around.  If it will be left in the shop, the 26 or 36 would work well.

Edit: rockler sells a hose adapter kit to connect imperial hoses to metric tools with 27mm ports.  You’ll see a few festools in their pictures.  That kit should hold you over.

 

[sancho57]

+1 on the CT26

 

[ChuckS]

Snip.
So now that I have the Domino DF500 I'm wondering if there's a known dc adapter that will fit on the DF500 so I can use the shop vac?

Unlike the need for a tight fit when you use a track saw or Kapex, the amount of saw dust (per mortise) from a DF500 operation is more than captured even if you have a loose hose in the dust port. My hose from the DD is 36mm (intended for the Kapex). I insert a narrow hose (ID about 32mm) into it and use the narrower hose with the DF500.

 

[Sanderxpander]

As stated, all models except for the systainer-sized CT-Sys have the same suction. There is another "bracket" in the sense that the mini and midi are virtually identical except for capacity and from the 26 and up you can get a bunch more accessories like a hose boom etc.

For a static setup in a shop, size is less of a consideration. But rather than going for a bigger model with more expensive bags you might consider an Oneida Ultimate Dust Deputy (or other brand) cyclone. This is basically a fairly sizeable box that will sit on top of or next to the vac and that will capture most of the dust while leaving the vac and its bag and the filter very clean. Many people on here use and advocate such a setup. For me personally, the midi hit the sweet spot and I don't use a cyclone yet. The midi still has fairly sizeable bags (compared to the mini) and unless you route a lot or use a miter saw all day you can cut and sand a LOT before you need to change bags.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

Our extractors are used on site and in the workshop, we have Midi’s and 26’s. If I could only keep one size it would be the 26, I just find them a good general size.

Obviously everybody’s needs and scenarios differ, we do general building with a large percentage of our work in timber and MDF etc, both static and mobile. I recently bought two new extractors, and was pondering type and size. I wanted to cover many of the various tasks we are faced with. So opted for two CTM 26 E AC’s, one in 240 volt and the other 110 volt. I got to appreciate the AC (auto clean) last week with extensive dry wall and plaster sanding. I was pleasantly surprised how efficient the AC is.

 

[Sanderxpander]

The OP mentioned a hobby shop and two main tools to use it with, so personally I feel like a 26 would be overkill. Just my 2 cents.

 

[sreilly24590]

Thanks guys and gals. Yes, as a hobby shop the use will be sporadic and capacity isn't as major a concern as price. It was mentioned that Rockler has adapters but the two that came with my small hose kit don't fit but then thinking about it I didn't try just the hose straight either. I'll give that a try. But ideally I think one of the Festool extractors would be ideal if the price is right and the smaller models don't bother me. I'm way over the bigger is better age.....but I do  clean up my shop after each use because I've grown into that "person" and so my Golden doesn't drag sawdust into the rest of the house. Happy wife thing...

I appreciate the knowledge of actual users and the feedback.

 

[PeterK]

I would try to purchase a refurbed Midi. Nice capacity, light weight and compact enough to be carried quite easily to garage or outdoors when needed. Midi has virtually double the capacity of the Mini and would take a very long time to fill with your described usage.
To save money you can get the next size up hose from HDepot that works great. It stabs in vertically so eliminates the 90 degree elbow restriction. Never found any benefit to anti-static hoses for my usage so have a variety of hoses from Festool and others.
I have the older CT33 and a Midi. I use both at same time commonly for router table or table saw as have 2 dust ports on those.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I agree with PeterK except about AS hoses. In my shop I’m using a Festool vac with AS hose and a Fein vac without AS hose. I kringe a little every time I pick up the dust covered non-AS hose.