Dust Extractor question....

[blakjak220]

Quick question about the differences between 2 of the DE's

I'm trying to decide between the MIDI and CT26... I will probably add a Dust Deputy to it at some point so I don't think the actual volume is a major point. I actually like the smaller size of the MIDI for moving it around since I go in and out of the house and shop with projects.

I'll be using it mostly on my TS55, whatever other Festool tools I get in the future (rotex and domino hopefully soon) and probably some other small power tools around the shop. Also some basic dust cleanup. Basically, hobby use, home renovation stuff.. nothing major, I don't run a cabinet shop or anything.

So are there any disadvantages to the MIDI over the CT 26? Not worrying about volume. Are there more accessories for the 26? Something I might be missing out on if I go with the MIDI? Just from looking at the spec sheets they look very similar so I'm guessing there's more to it than what I can get from just looking at dimensions and numbers. I'd love to save the $100 and get the MIDI but don't want to be 6 months from now wishing I had gotten the bigger machine.

Thanks in advance...

J.

 

[tbellemare]

The CT 26 can be used with the Boom Arm and Work Center (WCR) and the MIDI can't.

Tom

 

[blakjak220]

That answers my question... I'd really like to have the boom arm at some point. Thanks, Tom.

J

 

[RKA]

Are you sure?  Adding the boom arm makes it somewhat "stationary" depending on your space.  You can shuffle it around but it's clumsy and it might get old quick and you may find yourself just leaving it in one location.  If you have a low ceiling (basement) you may have clearance issues as well.  In that case bungee cord to a ceiling joist may be a simpler and better option.  If you know you'll be bringing it in and out of the house, the portability of the midi might trump the boom arm option. 

The only thing I really don't like about my mini (midi is the same I believe) is I can't attach a 36mm hose and pull the vacuum around if I'm doing clean up.  The hose attaches at the back of the unit, and the swiveling wheels are at the front.  So the DE just makes a left or right turn rather than coming to me as I moving around vacuuming up.  The 26 doesn't have this issue.

 

[blakjak220]

Oh.. I think the Mini and MIDI are 2 different machines... The Mini being a little smaller than the MIDI if I remember right. Also, the boom arm would be a ways in the future... when my shop is done and most of my house renovating is finished up. I think I'd rather just get the 26 and have the option in the future of putting the arm on it. But it seems like the 26 has bigger wheels? Which would make it easier to roll around... correct me if I'm wrong on that..
Thanks for input guys.

 

[RKA]

What I meant was the midi and mini are carbon copies with respect to the issue I'm talking about (midi offering slightly more capacity of course).  You're right about the wheels as well, and you have the cord wrap on the back of the 26 (until you decide to attach the boom arm).

 

[blakjak220]

Yeah, I thought the wheels looked larger on the Ct26, I think that'll come in handy. Also, I've got a 13ft high ceiling in my shop so height isn't an issue... but using the bungee cord from the ceiling would be a bit of a hassle. I'll prolly still get the boom arm at some point after I've acquired the other things on my list. And the good thing about Festool is I can always sell it if I end up not using it much and not have to take much of a loss on it.

 

[mark1977]

I could be wrong, but I know I read somewhere that the midi and mini don't move as much air.....3700 L per minute while the 26 and up move 3900.  Not a real big difference, but if you're on the fence...

 

[epicxt]

Pretty sure all the Festool CT's now have the same power. The Mini and Midi did have slightly lower numbers a year or two ago.

 

[AlexThePalex]

The Mini/Midi have 3700 L and the 26 has 3900 L per minute. Negligible difference of 5%. You don't really notice that and need measuring equipment to find out. Before that the difference in power was a good 20%. Now that's something you do notice.

 

[semenza]

The 3700L Mini/Midi move plenty of air for the power tools. I use them on everything from the sanders (turn it down) to the routers & planer (fills bag real fast). Even the d36 hose.  No problem.

Seth

 

[Turbotrim]

I bought the Midi almost a year ago because of the size factor. Was concerned about the suction even though it was listed as the same for all the units. After last week I have NO Concern on suction. I was ripping down alot of 5/8 MDF with the TS55. Everything was anormal ,no dust. Was getting late, tired and not paying attention to sounds. Suddenly I have dust going everywhere.  Check bag. Full. Change bag, start back up no suction different sound. Check bag install, correct, check inlet jammed full, and I mean jammed. Disconnect hose and it's jammed with dust as well for about 3-4 inches. I have NEVER known a vac to suck that well.  I think that normally it would have stopped once the bag was full, but I think with the high volume of dust being generated, it was already in the hose and moving. The interesting thing was that even with the bag changed, the dust was pack so tightly in the inlet and the hose that the machine couldn't dislodge it. Had to break it lose with a screwdriver, and was it pack tight!

 

[blakjak220]

enough suction to cause a "sawdust impaction".... that's impressive....