Getting a kapex, second CT Vac? MINI/MIDI ?

[tedzap]

I am about to purchase a kapex miter saw with portable stand/wings.    I have a CT36 in the garage, but this project is in the house, and the working space will be tight.  Thinking about getting a small CT. 

Does anyone have multiple sized vacs, and if so why?  I don't have other people working at the same time (it is just me).  Will I use the small one much?    Is there any reason that I should consider the MINI over the MIDI?  They seem very similar (weight, size) but the MIDI has a bigger bag.

Thanks for the experienced opinions!

 

[rljatl]

Definitely the Midi over the Mini.  The Midi is only a few oz heavier and only two inches taller.  You can use Mini or Midi bags in the Midi, so the weight of a full bag depends on which bag you want to use.  I have both the CT26 and a Mini that I converted to a Midi.

 

[chrisrosenb]

I have a CT48 that is dedicated to my shop sanding station & main work area.

I have 2 CT36s. They are mainly taken out on larger jobs  that will last many days & when I will be doing a lot of cutting with the Kapex. They are also used in the shop when I have to work away from my sanding station.

I have a CT MIDI that I carry full time in my work truck. I would rather have a CT 26, but it takes up 2 much space.

I also have a CT MINI that I use on jobs that are tight quarters & I need 2 vacs.  

 

[GPowers]

I have the CT22 with a boom arm at the MFT/3 and a Midi under the Kapex. The CT22 basically stays in the shop. The Midi is used on site as it has a built in hose garage that make it easy to transport.

 

[Laminator]

I use a mini with the kapex with about a 5' x 36mm hose and it works very well.  If you want the absolute smallest vac the mini is it. Although the size difference is so slight that its mostly irrelevant.   I  also use the mini when doing something small like cutting one sink opening or other small task and its way easier than dragging in the ct26.  

 

[Walk On Wood]

I use 2 minis for jobsites and a 22 for the shop.. The mini and its bags are cheaper than the midi stuff.. Why haul something bigger/heavier than is absolutley necessary?

 

[tedzap]

thanks for the replies.

I am leaning toward the MIDI.

 

[elfick]

... a Mini that I converted to a Midi.

Sorry for the threadjack, but how did you do this? Did you purchase a new bottom? Add a custom extension?

 

[rljatl]

... a Mini that I converted to a Midi.

Sorry for the threadjack, but how did you do this? Did you purchase a new bottom? Add a custom extension?

Yes, I purchased a new bucket (Festool calls it a container) and clamps.  The clamps are what hold the top top to the bottom.  The Midi clamps are longer than the Mini clamps.  You have to move the "stop" from the old bucket to the new bucket.  The stop is that thing in front that lifts the swivel wheels off the ground and helps keep the vac from moving around.  Very easy to do.  However, the cost was about $100.  My Mini was a reconditioned tool, so the price is actually still decent.  Anyone want to buy a Mini bucket with clamps?

 

[fesfrank]

I just purchase the midi and it works great.  Mu only concern is that on the receptical cover the is a note that saye do not use tools with more than 3.7 amps.  My ct 22 say dont use more than 10 amps.  I havent noticed the amp load on ct 22 until i saw the incredibly low amp load on midi.  So my question is can the midi be used for anything else than sanding.  The of 1400 is 12 amp, I think.  So this even overloads the ct 22, and my ct 22 just broke on me too.  Thats why I bought the midi in the first place.  Thanks  I really lovr the midi but if i cannot use it on say the kapex or tracksaw or  a small table saw then its not that good to me. 

 

[batcave]

I have the older style midi I use for mobile work and wet pickup. The new ones have more suction than the old do.  I have a dedicated 26 for my kapex because of it. The new midi would work great for it. I also have another 26 on the boom, a 36 that floats the shop, and an old 33 that is at another location. A dedicated vac for the kapex is really a must have. It takes way to long to move hoses around for a quick cut.

Kevin

 

[Knight Woodworks]

Fesfrank

Your Midi will work fine w/ a Kapex or track saw.

Happy Festooling.

John

 

[Brice Burrell]

I just purchase the midi and it works great.  Mu only concern is that on the receptical cover the is a note that saye do not use tools with more than 3.7 amps.  My ct 22 say dont use more than 10 amps.  I havent noticed the amp load on ct 22 until i saw the incredibly low amp load on midi.  So my question is can the midi be used for anything else than sanding.  The of 1400 is 12 amp, I think.  So this even overloads the ct 22, and my ct 22 just broke on me too.  Thats why I bought the midi in the first place.  Thanks   I really lovr the midi but if i cannot use it on say the kapex or tracksaw or  a small table saw then its not that good to me. 

This has been discussed here many times.  The sticker on the outlet cover is a UL requirement, fortunately it is a technicality we can completely ignore.  You can run pretty much any tool through any of the Festool vacs and the limiting factor is the amperage of the circuit the vac/tool combo is plugged into.