One Vacuum to Rule Them All.....

[Willy Eckerslike]

I have both the CT15 and the Midi.  The Midi was my first Festool extractor and the CT15 came as part of a job lot with a couple of other items secondhand.  I recommend the Midi. 

The extraction qualities are the same but the Bluetooth, the garage (plus associated systainer storage) and the brake make it a much more versatile machine.  Not only is the Bluetooth remote on the end of the hose so unbelievably convenient, it's also great when coupled with battery tools that require it - dust free drilling in a client's house is almost a guarantee of repeat business.  Being able to locate the drill bit, then fire up the extraction with a trigger pull then move on to the next hole without having to prise the collector from the wall because the extractor is still on (all whilst up a ladder) is very helpful.

 

[cpw]

One other thing about form factor.  With either a MIDI or a CT26 (I can't speak to the CT15), the rectangular footprint/hose garage and systainer dock is really nice if you are working in a small room (think a bathroom).  Compared to the circular shop vacs that inevitably have the hose and attachments spill out all over it uses much less space in a cramped workspace.

 

[Cheese]

Just to make your decision more difficult... [big grin] ...the MIDI comes with a manual bag & filter cleaning option, the CT 15 does not.

Here's a comparison that Festool produced when they first released the CT 15 about 4 years ago. I've always thought that the hose bungee strapped to the top of the machine was a poor method for transporting it.  Shop use yes...mobile use no.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Steve1]

-My current shop vac is a "Frigid" and I hate it. While it does clean up general car/garage/construction dirt, it is useless as a dust collector. It's so loud that hearing protection is needed to use it.

When I read this, I had to check who posted it.  I wondered if it was my own very old post.

I went with the CT-36.  Probably the same now, but at the time I bought, all the relevant Festool dust extractors used the same blower, and the difference is mainly just the size of the bag (and the bags are expensive, so you don't want to be changing them frequently).  Check the amps and airflow between models --- if they are identical, they are using the same blower.  CT-36 was about as big a vacuum as I could comfortably carry up and down the stairs (and even this task is something I don't look forward to). 

But the CT-36 has served me well.  For the longest time it was also the dust collector for my floor mounted tools with 4" ports (like my table saw and drum sander).  Had to put a dust deputy in front of it when I got the jointer.

 

[teton176]

Just to make your decision more difficult... [big grin] ...the MIDI comes with a manual bag & filter cleaning option, the CT 15 does not.

Here's a comparison that Festool produced when they first released the CT 15 about 4 years ago. I've always thought that the hose bungee strapped to the top of the machine was a poor method for transporting it.  Shop use yes...mobile use no.

[attachimg=1]

Dang, the Midi has so many more features than the CT 15. What's surprising is the small footprint of both models....19" x 13". The Midi is a bit taller but that's not really "apples to apples" as the Midi has an on-board hose garage and the CT 15 does not.  I have learned the hard way over the years that it's better to spend more up front and get the best. Come on tax refund! 

 

[Crispy]

I wanted a CT36, compromised with my self on purchasing a CT26, and when the time came could only afford the CT Midi.
No ragrets

the Midi has done be well but ended up being my main job/work vacuum, good size, fits in my van easy to move etc
I also could not live without the Bluetooth function in general, to the point where other vacuums just feel povo without it, like what peon has to walk back the actual vacuum housing to turn it on or off?!

The midi is a good compromise, but may be too small(?) if you start wall and roof sanding, maybe go the CT26 for the size.
Buy once cry once  [tongue]

I also eventually ended up with a cheap CT36AC that is my main shed vac for all my other festools.

 

[Cheese]

Dang, the Midi has so many more features than the CT 15. What's surprising is the small footprint of both models....19" x 13". The Midi is a bit taller but that's not really "apples to apples" as the Midi has an on-board hose garage and the CT 15 does not.  I have learned the hard way over the years that it's better to spend more up front and get the best. Come on tax refund!

Just wanted to mention, that the CURRENT CT 15 comes with an anti-static hose while the original CT 15 did not. I believe they updated the CT 15 about 2 years ago. The product comparison I showed was produced about 4+ years ago.

 

[Rutabagared]

My personal method is to use the Festool extractor for just that and for big cleanup tasks, I prefer the "Fridgid" and just use hearing protection. Why? The Festool excels at the extraction task and by sticking with that I'm not using expensive consumables and not gunking it up with things. The cost of a larger hose for the Festool (if you buy Festool brand) is more than the cost of a modest "Fridgid" shop vac that includes the larger hose and cleanup tools, too.

I have two CTs in my shop; an old CT 22 that's now dedicated to my KS120 and a new CT Midi which takes care of all the hand-held electric tool extraction needs. A small "Fridgid" 4-ish gallon vac hangs out for when it's needed. (I have an identical one that was my dad's up in the garage for cleanup there and in vehicles)

I have the same three vacuums and use them for identical purposes, save for the CT22 which I keep in my basement.  The Ridgid is a beast.  I got the Ridgid model that takes bags. . . easy cleanup and keeps the filter clean.  I did have to replace a switch on it after a few years, however.  The Ridgid bags are expensive, but you can source aftermarket packs from the big online retailer for a fraction of the price.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Dang, the Midi has so many more features than the CT 15. What's surprising is the small footprint of both models....19" x 13". The Midi is a bit taller but that's not really "apples to apples" as the Midi has an on-board hose garage and the CT 15 does not.  I have learned the hard way over the years that it's better to spend more up front and get the best. Come on tax refund!

Those differences are where the dollars went. The CT-15 gets you tool-triggered extraction. with just as much suction as the bigger models. They trimmed away the things that add cost, yet it still functions within the system.
I like the small size, mine fits under a work bench, rolling out as needed. A CT-26 would not fit in that same space.
In a mobile situation? I don't think I would want to deal with the hose.

 

[Coen]

For home use, no need for the CTM Midi I. Save and get the CTL Midi I.

The only thing the M class adds is the flow sensor and alarm.

So far, all the Festool L class vacs have M class filtration but are just lacking the flow sensor.

 

[ChuckS]

Those differences are where the dollars went. The CT-15 gets you tool-triggered extraction. with just as much suction as the bigger models. They trimmed away the things that add cost, yet it still functions within the system. snip.

Spot-on.

My local retailer told me they sell a good number of CT15 because of its price while it meets the core needs of suction with HEPA. All fancy features such as the BT and hose garage are not there for that reason.

 

[teton176]

For home use, no need for the CTM Midi I. Save and get the CTL Midi I. The only thing the M class adds is the flow sensor and alarm.

Agree, the CTL Midi is a strong contender. There are so many dang projects around the house that involves sanding and need a quality dust extractor.....ceilings near recently-installed skylights. The kitchen which has 24 doors, 7 drawer fronts and associated frames. Large rooms that need the drywall sander before they can be repainted. The thought of using the "Frigid" shop vac for those tasks is about as appealing as dental work without Novocain.

 

[teton176]

Wait a minute, something has come to mind. The Festool CT MIDI I HEPA is a top-ranked dust collector. It is equipped with disposable/replaceable bags and there is the  RS-ST D 27/36 cleaning kit for floors, crevices etc. My house has 100% hard surface floors (hardwood and tile) with only a few small area rugs.

Our current household vacuum is a 15-year old Miele PowerLine. I can therefore justify the purchase of the Festool MIDI on the basis that it will replace the Miele when it croaks.  [laughing] [big grin] [smile] [wink] 

 

[Coen]

And then two weeks after using the Midi for that, you buy a new Miele for household use.

 

[mino]

And then two weeks after using the Midi for that, you buy a new Miele for household use.

Yeah, our US friends have it easy.

In EU household portable vacs are effectively banned*). Getting an "industrial" one like the CT Mini allows to kinda skirt around that. Actually, I would argue the CTLC MINI is the vac for home use. If only they included an internal charger in it ...

*) max power use is capped at 7900W .. no matter what money one will spend, this caps suction power at 250W or so. About half of what a high end Miele units had before the ban and about 2/3 of the small CT series performance ..

EDIT: Fixed, somehow remembered the cap was at 700W while it is 900W.

 

[cpw]

I wouldn't generally use my CT for household use in the US; but there is a suction powered carpet nozzle available which I found to be useful in houses that had a carpeted room after picking up drop cloths to get some of the dust/debris that it left behind.

 

[mino]

Just to make clear, the only reason characteristic a CT MINI series has that is not good for household use is the cord is not self-winding.

With CT 15 and the MIDI there comes the "too big a tub", but it is the same bag, so to avoid being smelly one would just replace it by schedule, e.g. every two months, instead of when full.

I do fully expect a CT MINI to take over our home duties once the current pre-regulations one will die. Still hoping for CTC that will include battery charging .. that would be a game changer.

EDIT:
Fixed first sentence, original one was some salad combination of multiple thoughts. Erm.

 

[teton176]

Just to make clear, the only reason a CT MINI series has for household use is the cord is not self-winding.

With CT 15 and the MIDI there comes the "too big a tub", but it is the same bag, so to avoid being smelly one would just replace it by schedule, e.g. every two months, instead of when full.

I do fully expect a CT MINI to take over our home duties once the current pre-regulations one will die. Still hoping for CTC that will include battery charging .. that would be a game changer.

Well, a few bottles of beer encouraged me to place an order for the CT MIDI I HEPA. I literally and figuratively hope it sucks....... [smile] ;D [tongue] [wink] [smile] [eek]

 

[Cheese]

Well, a few bottles of beer encouraged me to place an order for the CT MIDI I HEPA. I literally and figuratively hope it sucks....... [smile] ;D [tongue] [wink] [smile] [eek]

You won't be disappointed... [smile]...it's a great vac...beer's a good thing.

I own a CT MIDI, CT MIDI I, CT MINI I, CT 22 & a CT 36 AC and for the most part they are all equal for cleaning tasks. The only real differences are in capacity.

 

[Coen]

And then two weeks after using the Midi for that, you buy a new Miele for household use.

Yeah, our US friends have it easy.

In EU household portable vacs are effectively banned*). Getting an "industrial" one like the CT Mini allows to kinda skirt around that. Actually, I would argue the CTLC MINI is the vac for home use. If only they included an internal charger in it ...

*) max power use is capped at 7900W, i-e under 1 hp .. no matter what money one will spend, this caps suction power at 250W or so. About half of what a high end Miele units had before the ban and about 2/3 of the small CT series performance ..

EDIT: Fixed, somehow remembered the cap was at 700W while it is 900W.

The 2200W household vacs from before the ban had less suction than a 1200W Festool. The ban was stupid, but the design trend at that time was insane as well. Now there is somewhat a focus on making more efficient designs.

But the Mieles from the previous century are still alive and my Miele is only from like 2013... so still going.

They die if you let them suck up concrete dust. But I let my Festools handle that.