Mini or Midi

[cabinetman803]

I've been using a CT26 for several years for mostly shop work. I'm doing lots of onsite work now and want to downsize. I'm looking for recommendations on buying the CT Mini or the CT Midi.
Any thoughts on the pros or cons between the two?

 

[Mr Jones]

I've used the mini for 10 years with everything from the sanders to the Kapex via the OF1400. Most of the time I only know to change the bag when the hoover weighs a ton, the bags last me months. I do have three other Festool hoovers now, one for the Planex, the CT36 in the workshop and the CT-SYS for site sanding and general small cleanup, but the mini is the first call for site stuff.

It's small size has only ever caused a problem when it's running with a sander in a hot room and it has to cool down after a hour or so. I have to consider the weight when full with the larger hoovers, especially in small victorian properties with narrow hallways and lots of stairs, you might not see that as an issue. In terms of suction I think there's no difference.

If you are using it with the saws and routers in inhabited domestic properties and you want 98% dust extraction you might want to stick with the CT26.

 

[rljatl]

The only difference in the two is the height, with the Midi being an inch or two taller.  Empty weight difference is inconsequential.  I prefer the Midi because you can use either Mini or Midi bags in it. 

Unless you have a height restriction for some reason, get the Midi.

 

[Shane Holland]

You may want to consider the handle for the CT 26 as an option as well. It might make it easier for you to move in and out of the jobsite.

Otherwise, I think there was a calculation done here on the forum at least once showing how bags factor into the long term cost of the various CTs. As I recall, the MIDI was more cost effective in the long run when considering bag costs.

The footprint being the same, I'd vote for the MIDI.