Extractor choices

[Colin87]

Hi,

I'm looking to invest in some Festool power tools. I'm a carpenter/joiner by trade but the bulk of my work is kitchen fitting. I'm looking at getting the Kapex 120 and OF1400. I'm just seeking opinions on which extractor setup to go with. Either the CTL Midi or CTL 26. The extractor will obviously be used on these two machines but also clean up at the end of the kitchen fit. Just wondering what your opinions are? Also is there a way to have both machines linked to the extractor at the same time?

Thanks.

 

[Brice Burrell]

First, welcome to the FOG!  I think either extractor will work and this is tough decision.  The advantage of the 26 is the added capacity, however, the Mid is easier to transport/store in the van.  I'd go for the 26 and add cleaning set with the larger D36 hose.  I strongly recommend a D36 hose for the Kapex.  The D27 hose that comes with the extractors doesn't allow for optimal dust collection for the Kapex.  Festool offers a Y spliter to hook up two hoses. 

 

[Stone Message]

It really needs someone who has both machines to make a comparison. I have the CTL26 and am delighted. Some prefer the bigger bag size of the 36 but I have the right machine for me. I have reviewed the CTL26 and recently made a study of dust in the workshop. Buy the best extractor(s) that you can afford and get HEPA if you can. I have not tested it but I doubt that the long life bags can continue to provide efficient extraction (at the tool end) as they must, in time, get clogged with the very fine particles.

Festool tools came out really well in my study.

Peter

I just saw Brice's comments and agree about the 36mm hose.

 

[Timtool]

I have a MINI, MIDI and CT22 (equivalent of the current CT26) The CT22 is dedicated to the workshop and stays there because of it's size, the MINI is dedicated to the Kapex and the MIDI is the one i take on site. Working with one vac for both miter saw and power tools you will find is very annoying in the long run. I don't think many of us have held up with that for very long, especially since the kapex only works well with a D36 hose, and most power tools with a 27mm so you need to switch that each time dozens of times a day...
So you maybe better prepare yourself for the situation where at some point you will want two vacs, in that optic i would suggest you start with a MINI, if after a while you feel you need more capacity then you can make a better second choice between CT26 and MIDI, and keep the MINI for the kapex and clean up with the D36 hose (cleaning up with a 27mm hose is horrible)
If you start with a MIDI and feel you need more capacity and get a 26, then your MIDI will be overkill for the Kapex.

 

[Stone Message]

The self clean bag of the CTL26 is amazing - the dust seems to get compacted at the bottom of the bag and it maintains its efficiency until it is full.

Peter

 

[festooldude]

I would never buy a mini.. Maybe if i was a painter i would, but im not..
For me the price difference between the mini and the midi, is so low, that i would
always choose the extra capacity.. The mini and midi ctl's dont offer longlife bags
so that way you just get more bucks out of a disposable bag..

Get a midi.. Its easy for on the road, got's lots of power and when you
want more capacity, buy a ctl26 later on.. You'll be happy..

Rick

 

[jmbfestool]

I have MIDI, CT22, CTL26

CT22 is my most used on site! CLT26 is for when i'm making stuff at home

MIDI is for house cleaning  [big grin]

If you doing kitchens most often the dust your create is pretty much fine dust only!  So a MIDI wouldnt be a bad option.

I dont specialise in anything I do alot of different types of work and find a MIDI is no good for me as I would fill it up WAY WAY to quickly in most cases and to carry a MIDI and CT22 is pointless so the CT22 is a good all rounder  in your case it would have to be CTL26  ( they dont make the CT22 any more)

 

[Scott B.]

As primarily a sander user, and a painter, I find the midi to be ideal in most cases.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

The good news is that they all have the same power so you are really buying based on size and accessories.  If you plan on adding a Boom Arm, then the 26 would be the way to go.  If not and portability it key, then the Midi might be a better option.  Personally I have not found the 26 to be an issue with hauling around and moving it up and down stairs and I appreciate the larger capacity bags.  I also have a 22 with a Boom and a Y adaptor so that I can use two hoses at once for certain router applications.  I think that the 26 provides a lot of value in terms of accessories and also keeping the size/weight down.

Scot