Help me decide model of 2nd Festool Vac I should get.

[Kevin D.]

I've been struggling with which Dust Extractor to get as a second Festool vac.  I've got a CT22, and am very happy with it.  I wanted to potentially get a second one when I order my Domino XL, but I just can't decide between the Mini and the Midi more or less, but another CT unit may not be a bad idea either.  I just keep going back and forth on this everytime I visit the issue, and the time is approaching where I'm gonna need to buy the XL, so I would like some help with this decision.

I am a hobbiest who only brings my tools as far as the backyard. 

I do not have a Kapex YET, but figure I could use my existing CT22 to be dedicated to Kapex once I get it and the MINI or MIDI as my main unit for other Festool applications such as sanding and routing.  My main activity thus far using my existing CT in order of greatest use listed first is; Domino, MFK700 edge band trimming, and sanding with my Rotex.  Is aMINI or MINI good enough for those taksk.

Main real thought in getting the MINI or MIDI versus the bigger CT units, is that it would esier to transport around for tasks that are not in my shop.  This summer, there is a lot that's going to be going on on outdoor projects, so using my TS75 and soon to be purchased XL will be the main usage outside.  Should I forget MINI/MIDI and stick with a CT?  Seems the motor power is the same for all units, and it's basically do you want to pay more for capacity at the expense of unit weight.

Can anybody specifically comment on the merit of just the MIDI versus the MINI other than bag capacity?

 

[Theshipstore]

Kevin  I have the Midi and the CT 26, the 26 is used with the boom arm and has the 36mm hose along with the 36-27mm adapter setup.
I use the Midi for all my sanding and  smaller routing needs, it is easier to get it around.
For me the CT 26 does all my other needs Sawing, Domino, Large routing needs.
I am not sure as this helped you or not but it is my method of using my Vac's

Sal

 

[ericbuggeln]

You will be dissapointed with the MIDI or the MINI, stick with what you know and you will be better off. I drag my CT22 around with me daily. It seems like the perfect size. If it were bigger it might be a pain to carry, Eric

 

[builderbob]

The only thing about the mini or midi is they're not HEPA out of the box unless that's changed. Otherwise it's just dust capacity and what you want to lug around!  You can't put a handle or boom arm on a midi or mini. The decision is yours from there!

Bob

 

[AlexThePalex]

Can anybody specifically comment on the merit of just the MIDI versus the MINI other than bag capacity?

No.

The bag capacity IS the only difference. For a hobbyist, the Mini is more than enough.

 

[mouppe]

By your own admission you don't travel far. I'd go with a CT26 or even a CT36. You'll be changing bags less often and you said you were happy with the CT22.

 

[Kev]

I'm a hobbyist. I have a CT36 and a CT-Mini. The combination is a very good one for me as the CT-Mini is very portable, while the CT-36 goes from the garage to the outside undercover areas where I'll use saws (KAPEX, Track, etc).

The CT-Midi would also be good - I'd be happy with either Midi or Mini as DC number two! Carting a CT26/36 through the house for small jobs can bit a bit cumbersome.

 

[Alan m]

i have a ct 22 for site and shop use. i find it heavy to lift in and out if it is anyway full.
i will eventually get a midi for site use and leave the ct22 set up with the homemade workcenter for shop use

 

[davee]

I am a hobbist and have a CT26  with boom arm for the shop.  I have a mini for use around the property.  The mini is a great size for carrying around.  I've had no issues with bag size.  I do reuse the bags on the mini.  I had the mini only for several years without complaint, but am glad for the CT26 now.  I would not like to carry the CT26 around. 

Looks like you are getting all different opinions!  Good luck on your decision.

 

[johnnyinnb]

I have 2 ct22`s, 1 in the shop for the kapex and sanding, hooked up to a home made boom arm with an onieda cyclone, 1 for the job site for the kapex, I also have a mini which is used for sanding, ts55 and a biscuit joiner, its small size is perfect for luggin up and down the stairs I build.

 

[TomGadwa1]

The MIDI is a great little unit. I have mine parked conveniently below my KAPEX as a dedicated dust collector. Also since it lives underneath my KAPEX no space is lost in my smallish shop. I think the larger wheels on the CT26, CT36 and CT48 would allow easier movement from the inside of your shop to your backyard as well.
[attachimg=#1]
This is how I use and very much enjoy my CT MIDI.

 

[tbellemare]

The only thing about the mini or midi is they're not HEPA out of the box unless that's changed.

That changed, Bob... They are all full-unit HEPA rated/tested except for the newest to NA, the CT 36 AC. There may still be some older stock around though. They also all have about the same suction, from the MINI to the CT 48.

Tom

 

[Holzhacker]

just to make it a bit more confusing you may want to take this into consideration...
I'm keeping my eyes open for a 22 or ?. The 36 gets used strictly for flooring work, the 22 is my main vac that i usually stack lots of sys on. putting the WCR on and off when needing to use it is a real PIA. If a WCR is a future possibility get a vac now it will fit on. i don't know if it will fit the 2 little ones

 

[mlfaber]

I have a CT22 attached to the boom arm and the Ultimate Dust Deputy on top of it.  This is strictly for shop use.  I purchased a Midi some time ago for portable use.  I couldn't be happier.  It came down to $ and bag capacity.  It was not that much extra to go to the Midi and I gained almost twice the capacity, if I remember correctly.  I do this as a hobby.

 

[Scott B.]

In my opinion, the MIDI is the most practical of the extractors for anyone who requires onsite mobility and the ability to travel with the tools. In the shop, go bigger.

 

[Bob Marino]

In my opinion, the MIDI is the most practical of the extractors for anyone who requires onsite mobility and the ability to travel with the tools. In the shop, go bigger.

  Agree 100% Scott.
With all the CT's having the same specs and filtration (except the CT 36 AS), I still like the ability to swith hoses more easily on the CT 26 and 36's.

  Bob

 

[hhh]

I have 2 minis, 1 midi, 2 CT26s.

The minis are great for extreme portability, but bag life is a real issue.  1 of the minis is the 'garage' VAC and general house wet/dry vac...  I am using the Oneida UDD on the shop mini for the 'around the shop' cleanup -- that is the only way the bag life of the mini works for me...  The midi sits under my kapex/UG and bag life in that application is OK.  The 26s sit with a boom arm/work center and is my sanding station/other.

 

[GhostFist]

I've got a midi for lugging around on set. I'm really happy with it. I use it for routing and sawing and sanding. Great little vac for on site. I'd get something bigger when I fork out for a kapex

 

[Kevin D.]

In my opinion, the MIDI is the most practical of the extractors for anyone who requires onsite mobility and the ability to travel with the tools. In the shop, go bigger.

  Agree 100% Scott.
With all the CT's having the same specs and filtration (except the CT 36 AS), I still like the ability to swith hoses more easily on the CT 26 and 36's.

 Bob

Is there something different with the way the hose swaps out on the MINI/MIDI's versus the other CT's Bob/Anybody/Bueller?  [blink]

Oh, I should also have mentioned that the chances of me getting a boom arm down the road are next to nil.  I have an overhead setup in my garage just over my head that works fine for holding the hose, and my overhead storage rack which is directly over my head in that area is too close to makes it possible for the boom arm attachment to clear.  I doubt I would also ever get the Workcenter also which I saw firsthand at a friends place recently, and while I was impressed with it, if you saw my setup, you'd understand why I don't need it, and it would actually be in the way.

I have to say though, one of my initial assessments in looking at this is, why make the MINI at all.  The Midi can handle a third more volume, yet weighs almost the same, and is something like only 2 inches taller.  What would the Festool dealers say is the proportion of MINI versus MINI's that are sold?  I can only imagine getting the MINI for purely "It just fits in my trucks glove compartment" as a reason.  [big grin]

 

[Corwin]

...
With all the CT's having the same specs and filtration (except the CT 36 AS), I still like the ability to swith hoses more easily on the CT 26 and 36's.

  Bob

Is there something different with the way the hose swaps out on the MINI/MIDI's versus the other CT's Bob/Anybody/Bueller?  [blink]

...

Yes.  The larger CTs have intake ports in the front of the extractor just like your CT22 has, which easily accept any of the three (D27, D36 and D50) sized hoses.  The smaller Mini and Midi extractors are different in that their intake ports are on the top, inside the hose garage, and are oriented straight up.  These smaller units come equipped with a 90 degree elbow that plugs into the intake port which allows for a D27 hose to exit out of the front of the hose garage -- the larger D36 and D50 hoses are too large and only fit by first removing the 90 degree fitting, and thus exit the extractor out the top vertically which means that you cannot have Systainers clasped to the top of the Mini or Midi while using these larger hoses...