How much better is the CTL36 vs the cheaper Festool models?`

[Jmacpherson]

I'm trying to determine whether the jump in price between a CTL36 E AC HD (currently on special here) vs the CT26 and other models is worth it?

I currently have a CT17 which isn't available in the NA. Has a 17L capacity, 3700L/min flow, 24000Pa suction and the filter area is apparently 4600 sq cm.
The Midi in comparison has 15L, 3700L/min flow, 24000Pa suction and 5000 sq cm filter - basically the same.

The 26 and 36 have the same suction as above but 3900L/min flow and large filter area.
I came across this comment on another forum which was debating M-class extractors:

"I have a CTL midi (L Class) and a CTM 36 AC (M Class). Both have stanard bags and 36mm hoses, the same 1200W power rating, but completely different levels of suction. The CTM36 puts the midi to shame, especally when used with the Kapex saws."

Is the extra 200L/min making that much of a difference?
I'm already using a 36mm hose.

Wanted to check with other FOG users who switched too the large units if they noticed improvements?
Besides performance improvements, the larger capacity and long life bag are also a factor.

Weight and size doesn't bother me because it will stay under my MFT permanently

 

[Stone Message]

The CT36 and CT26 have the same spec as far as suck goes so it is just a decision on bag size, weight, and in your case, price.

Peter

 

[Jmacpherson]

Thanks Peter
So there is definitely a noticeable "sucking" improvement stepping up to the 26/36?

 

[RKA]

The difference you’ll find is the suction in the 36 will remain more consistent with use since it takes longer to fill the bag.  I find the suction is sufficiently impacted on my 26 when the bag gets 75% full.  It’s a gradual decrease, but that’s around the point where I will change out the bag.

But, one could argue that the more frequent bag changes on the 26 would immediately give you more suction, so that would give you better overall consistency.  Im not smart enough to do the math to sort this out.  But I do think the extra surface area on the bag in the 36 would be a good thing.  So if youre parking the unit next to the MFT, the would be my choice.

 

[Stone Message]

I have copied the specs from the Festool UK web site and they are below:

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

They are the same as far as performance goes. I have never noticed any fall off in performance with my CT26 as the bag became full but cannot disagree with that statement above. However, should there be a degradation as (say) the bag became 75% full then the two machines will give the same performance against time - they will both be impaired for 25% of the time.

Now for the real advantage of the CTL26...

If you use a cyclone separator like the new Festool CT-VA-20, then the bag in your CT will last up to a year (that is what I do with my CT26 and Ultimate DD combo). Therefore the smaller the CT is (size, weight and cost) then the better as it will provide the same performance in a smaller space/weight for less cost.

I have not had a go with the CT-VA yet and am not aware of the discounted price for UK customers. At the full price quoted for both the CT-VA and for sets of bags the CT-VA pays for itself after the time taken to fill about 43 bags. That sounds like a useful bench mark in anyone's decision making process.

Peter

 

[semenza]

I'm trying to determine whether the jump in price between a CTL36 E AC HD (currently on special here) vs the CT26 and other models is worth it?

I currently have a CT17 which isn't available in the NA. Has a 17L capacity, 3700L/min flow, 24000Pa suction and the filter area is apparently 4600 sq cm.
The Midi in comparison has 15L, 3700L/min flow, 24000Pa suction and 5000 sq cm filter - basically the same.

The 26 and 36 have the same suction as above but 3900L/min flow and large filter area.
I came across this comment on another forum which was debating M-class extractors:

"I have a CTL midi (L Class) and a CTM 36 AC (M Class). Both have stanard bags and 36mm hoses, the same 1200W power rating, but completely different levels of suction. The CTM36 puts the midi to shame, especally when used with the Kapex saws."

Is the extra 200L/min making that much of a difference?
I'm already using a 36mm hose.

Wanted to check with other FOG users who switched too the large units if they noticed improvements?
Besides performance improvements, the larger capacity and long life bag are also a factor.

Weight and size doesn't bother me because it will stay under my MFT permanently

A couple things to note from the above .............................

      The early versions of the Midi had a less powerful motor and significantly less suction. It is possible that the comparison was with an older Midi. Hard to know.

        The CT 36 AC (Autoclean) is not the same as the CT36 or the rest of the vac line.

Seth

 

[Cheese]

A couple things to note from the above .............................

      The early versions of the Midi had a less powerful motor and significantly less suction. It is possible that the comparison was with an older Midi. Hard to know.

Like Seth said, the first MIDI vacs were rated at 99 CFM, then somewhere in 2011/2012 they were rated at 137 CFM, finally somewhere in 2015/2016 they were rated at 130 CFM. The difference between 130 CFM (3700 l/m) and 137 CFM (3900 l/m) is only 5%. I think that difference would be hard for anyone to notice.

The difference though between 99 CFM and 137 CFM is 28%, that would be noticeable to everyone. 

 

[AlexThePalex]

The 36 is in no way better than any other Festool vac, it only has more capacity than the smaller ones.

 

[BJM9818]

I have a 2006 Midi / 2014 Midi /a 36 And 36 AC.

Significant difference between my two midi’s.

I notice the difference between the new Midi and CT36 only when I need to bring it up stairs on a job site. The CT 36 sucks way more!!! [big grin]

 

[Jmacpherson]

Hi all

Thanks for all the responses.

[member=1619]SRSemenza[/member] - the info I found was from a post in July 2018 but I have no idea what year the MIDI is.

I have an opportunity to get a CTL 36E AC HD on promo for less than a CT26 but if its not going to give me a major gain then the cost still isn't worth the extra space. A dust commander setup or even the new CT pre-seperator might be a better investment.

I have to import a dust deputy/commander because I can't buy them locally.

Space is already an issue for me and a 36 is not small so probably a wise decision to look at other solutions.

Thanks guys