Is the CTL Midi 18v worth it if the rest of my tools are cordless?

[jpgodwin]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to upgrade my dust extractor, currently using a V-TUF Midi 230v, and really want the extra functionality of the CTL series. My question is specifically about the cordless version. It's around £100 cheaper where I am than the 230v version, and I can buy a 5ah battery for 100, and since I need two, it means I get to take the device cordless, AND get two extra batteries, for just 100 more than the corded version.

My question is: is this worth it, or does the corded version have any advantages beyond infinite runtime?

Secondary question: how much use can I expect to get out of two batteries? I use a tracksay, the cordless table saw, and the cordless Kapex. Will they all run as long as each other, or am I going to be stopping to recharge the extractor while still having life left in my tools?

Thanks guys!

 

[mino]

The cordless vacs are meant for on-site animals, not for "normal" people. They are not an alternative to corded vacs /if you do not already have one/.

With them you pay for /good/ performance with very short runtime. As in, measured in minutes. Plus you cannot run corded tools from them ... do not be mistaken, those are great cordless vacs.
But a cordless vac is a specific category on itself. The Festool ones are even more specific within that category by being /unusually/ high power/low runtime.


If you decide to go with a CTLC, go with the Mini version for max portability. Later, you can augment it with a corded CT 15 or CT 25 for those jobs you need continuous or high-power operation. That way you can leverage the interoperability within the platform.

Ah, and forget about getting 5 Ah packs for the vacs ... unless you already have them. You want the 8 Ah ones.

 

[jpgodwin]

Oh my, thanks for the advice, so I guess I'm just better off going for the CT25 corded in general then?

Is this the one you'd recommend? Price point works for me, and I'm only an occasional user of my tools

Festool Mobile Dust Extractor Cleantec CTL Midi I - PowerToolMate

www.powertoolmate.co.uk

I'm assuming since I only use these with wood that I don't need the more expensive AC option?

 

[mino]

The CTL Midi is the one to get as a hobby user. The Bluetooth is priceless, doubly so if you have cordless saws .. as a next purchase, seriously look at one of the cleaning sets with the D36 hose included.

I suggested the CT 15/25 only if you real wanted the CTLC option .. then it makes all kind of sense to couple with at least some corded model and those are the cheapest.


Also check some discussions around here on the same topic ref. hoses and vac choices. Lots of great threads to go around.

As for AC, skip it. If you needed it, you would already know you need it ..

 

[jpgodwin]

Great, thanks so much - ordered the CTL. Really appreciate the advice!

 

[six-point socket II]

In addition to what Mino said, ideally you want 4 batteries for the vac, and means to charge two simultaneously.

You didn’t do wrong, ordering a corded one first!

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I completely agree with the above. A cordless vac is purely a job-site tool. It's great for quick clean-ups, as you go, or at the end of the day. Even then, I wouldn't bother unless you already have battery powered tools or end up on site where there is no power (or very limited power)

The run time is just not there for bigger jobs. Sanding is where the vac will usually stay running the longest. Quick cuts with a track saw, don't use that much time.

Bluetooth functionality is fantastic, especially if you can get ahold of a remote. I know it sounds a bit extra, but it really is handy. I don't even have any BT tools, but that switch gets used a lot. Once you have one, you'll never go back.

 

[Coen]

it means I get to take the device cordless, AND get two extra batteries, for just 100 more than the corded version.

You don't really get "extra" batteries since you created a bigger need for them at the same time.

As in; after 13-23 minutes of use... you end up having two empty 5 Ah batteries. If you want to keep on using the vac... you need two more batteries. Most likely ... the batteries will be too hot to charge when straight out of the CTLC. The TCL 6 takes 45 minutes to charge that battery (according to the manual). So 13 minutes of use, 7 minutes of cool down, 45 minutes of charging... means you need 8 chargers and 10 batteries to achieve the ability to use it non-stop.

Maybe get some $100 cordless vac for the odd job that requires it and use a corded one for everything else.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Best use case for the discontinued small corded vac is trimming and installing doors.
The bag is too small to do much sawing (so cabinet making is out) and fine dust clogs the pores too quickly causing the by-pass door open which lowers the vacuum pressure drastically, so not good for extensive sanding either.

The cordless version imo is only good for light cleaning after all the work is done.

 

[Crispy]

I assume its the same overseas, but here in Aus, the Midi 18v now comes with 8ah batteries, instead of the 5's it was released with for run time.

I have been tempted to get the 18v version, as there has been a couple of times i have not had enough extension leads to power it, but cant justify the cost yet...but this would be a work item not for home.
I do have the corded Midi which lives in my work van, and as everyone has said, the bluetooth remote is well and truly worth it, and hate it when i have to use a vacuum without the feature.

 

[jpgodwin]

Thanks for the additionally commentary everyone, I feel like I dodged a bullet by not going with the cordless. I wasn't even going to make a thread; my mind was pretty much set on the cordless, glad I came here now. I was just doing the numbers on the 15 secs I use a tracksaw and thinking, well, that's over 100 cuts - that should be fine! Didn't even think of the 40+ minutes I use the sander for, etc..

Thanks for saving me, I'd have been so disappointed.