Mft/3 or ct26?

[james.barnas]

I'm in a little dilemma? I'm trying to decide between the Mft/3 or a ct26. I have a CNC'd top already that I use a 8020 aluminum extrusion as a fence with the rail dogs. I paid 140.00 for top. Is there that much more you can do with the protractor head and table extrusion that you can't do with the CNC'd top? And Also I use a ridgid vacuum with a powertec vac bags and a hepa filter. Is the ct 26 that major of a improvement? What would you recommend to buy?I have a ts55req with 55" and 33"track and a of1400. I also made a paulk workbenchII out of Baltic birch I use too rip and cross cut sheet goods down.

 

[nickao]

The CT all the way for me.

And I prefer the larger CT's myself, I will never buy less than the 36, even it I had to move it around.

The rigid is a joke compared to a CT, a toy if you will. The rigid is a shop vac, the CT is a dust collector. You will never go back to anything less for dust collection for sanders and routers once you use a Festool CT, Fein Turbo or similar. Buy the CT today and use the rigid to clean the shop. You won't regret it.

 

[travisj]

Definitely the CT.

My initial Festool purchase was a CT26 (the largest that would fit under the bed cover of my truck), ETS150/3, TS55, and an MFT.  I returned the MFT a week later and got a Domino 500 instead.  My reasoning (like you from what you have written) was that I had enough workbench area (2 benches and a 50" table saw) and I could never get the MFT to not be in my way.  I had remorse the day I picked up the MFT and honestly never gave it a chance.  More than likely I will build an MFT style top for my table saw outfeed table at some point.  The CT however, is awesome compared to the shopvacs that I have used in the past.  Both in their collection and how much quieter they run.

 

[slopjock78]

If you already have a perforated top work surface (you said CNC'd top which i took to mean perforated top) I would lean towards the CT.  Although, if you are only using it on a TS55 and OF1400 you will not see the full benefits of the CT.

To me, sanders is where the CT's really start to shine.  Being able to dial down the suction is VERY important on sanders.  I enjoy using my CT for simple floor cleaning over my ridgid shop vac, however, the CT truly shines when you hook it up to a sander.

just my 2 pennies

 

[jamanjeval]

ct26 for the noise if nothing else. If you are not having to transport it and have the space, consider the larger 36 or 48. Besides the being more economical to run and the capacity, you can snap a systainer to the top and it is at a convenient height.

The MFT is great, but I feel it's biggest feature is the portability. If you are not using that or what you have is transportable enough for your needs, then you have 90+% of it's usefulness covered.

 

[bdiemer]

The ct 26 was my first festool purchase. It sits under my workbench in the auto on position, waiting for a tool to be plugged in from the top of the workbench. Everything works off the one power cord and one hose. Go for the CT.
                                                                                                                                        Barry

 

[abcd123]

CT

 

[dltflt]

CT in the largest size you care to move around. I have the older 22 & 33.

 

[Holmz]

I'm in a little dilemma? I'm trying to decide between the Mft/3 or a ct26. I have a CNC'd top already that I use a 8020 aluminum extrusion as a fence with the rail dogs. I paid 140.00 for top. Is there that much more you can do with the protractor head and table extrusion that you can't do with the CNC'd top? And Also I use a ridgid vacuum with a powertec vac bags and a hepa filter. Is the ct 26 that major of a improvement? What would you recommend to buy?I have a ts55req with 55" and 33"track and a of1400. I also made a paulk workbenchII out of Baltic birch I use too rip and cross cut sheet goods down.

I have the protractor head and fence I have never used on my MFT3.
If you make an offer then you are 1/2 way to an optimal solution.

 

[waho6o9]

CT

 

[anthonyz]

Unanimous. CT no question. I have an assembly table which has an MFT top layout and use it for clamping and holding down materials. And I have an MFT/3 which is folded up most of the time, except for special jobs where it is great. But the CT, gets more use than the MFT3 ever does in my shop.  It's a dream for when I have to take it out onto a job and much quieter than most shop vacs out there. Go with the CT, then get the MFT/3 if you ever find you really need it. I don't ever use the protractor head on my MFT, so for me that wouldn't be the reason to buy one.

 

[Kev]

I like my MFT/3 ...

Personal utility is a result how something fits your needs and how your skills at using it improve over time.

It seems many people purchase an MFT and limit their use ... making their purchase more of an SFT !! [wink]

Nothing wrong with the CT's either.

If this is an A or B question I'd personally flip a coin [smile]

 

[Holmz]

Not sure hat an SFT is, but I get the idea.
The question is similar to should get a cow or a wife.

Depending on whether you need milk and butter or a family...
Some people have herds of cattle, and some are polygamists, so there is no right answer.

 

[james.barnas]

I appreciate the input just purchased a ct26 should work nice with my ts55 and of1400. Looking at a lr32 system next purchase or a rotex. I e been doing a lot of cabinet work and plywood breakdown.