Recommendation for 2nd Vacuum for home improvement, occasional dust extraction

[Josh2]

Hi,

I have a Festool Mini I in the shop for sawing, routing, sanding etc. I sometimes take it home for home improvement projects that include demolition, cabinet installation, dust extraction for miter saw, occasional sanding, floor sanding in smaller areas, extraction for multitool, drywall sanding.

What would be a good second vacuum for the home improvement projects? The shop is a 45min drive and I am tired of taking the Mini I. I also know that it is not the right vacuum for some of the tasks. I did consider the Midi I (or a bigger festool) for the shop so I can take the mini home. But I am also reluctant to spent $500+ but maybe it makes sense.

Any other recommendations? Maybe a better shop vac with some filtration but not HEPA?

Thanks!

 

[batmanimal]

How about the CT15? It doesn’t have the hose garage or Bluetooth capability, but has comparable power and capacity of the Midi.

I do think getting a Midi for the shop and taking the Mini home is the best option though - it will probably make you happiest in the long run. It’s just such a great vacuum series, the CT15 may feel like a downgrade (even though it’s a fine machine!)

I can’t really imagine being happy with a non Festool shop vac after having the Midi. I mean, I’m going to ride with my Ridgid 10gal until it dies, but just impossible to compare to the Midi on any level.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I'm kind of in the same boat. I'm thinking about adding a second extractor in the shop. I have a CT26 on one end, with a bluetooth switch on the hose. A second unit would help quite a bit, but I'm already in for the CT26 cost. A CT15 would surely do the job as far a suction for a little over half the cost, but at what other cost? Would it really feel like a downgrade? I would lose the BT and have to deal with a second size of bag too.
That has been holding me up. I don't want to short myself or be too extravagant.....says the guy with 20 routers  :

 

[batmanimal]

Don’t look at me. I’m the gal who opted for a second Midi over the CT15 as a dedicated Kapex vac “just in case” I needed to disconnect it from the Kapex on occasion to DC a second tool (can’t live without that Bluetooth). Such a case has yet to occur.

On the other hand, I tried to imagine a universe where I would regret having two Midis and was unable to do so.

I only have two routers though, so you win.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Two routers  [eek] What kind of savage only has two routers?  [big grin] Just kidding, of course.
I am in a very unique situation with a compatible addiction. I keep many, large and small, set-up for specific tasks and that is all they ever have do. I only ever remove the bit to replace it while its twin is out getting sharpened. Yes, I have at least 2 of each bit that I use regularly. It is very efficient and completely un-necessary for most users. Heck, a single OF1400 costs more than the total cost of most people's entire router collection.  There was a day, not that long ago, that I didn't have any Festool routers. Then I discovered the MFK700, game changer. The 18V cordless Makita is brilliant too.
But I have had more than router one since discovering the convenience of it.
I do only have one router table though  [unsure] so far anyway.

 

[pixelated]

My workshop extractor is a CT26. It occasionally gets used for household stuff, but it's a bit big and heavy for maneuvering through the house, especially when it needs to go upstairs.
So were I making the choice for a vac that would primarily be for the house it would be one of the smaller ones, most likely a CT15, but maybe a Mini.

 

[ChuckM]

A shop vac fitted with a HEPA ($25 - $50 US depending on model?) can do all these, BUT can be noisy : "include demolition, cabinet installation, dust extraction for miter saw, occasional sanding, floor sanding in smaller areas, extraction for multitool, drywall sanding."

A CT15 is under $500 and can do all these, but with no BT feature: "include demolition, cabinet installation, dust extraction for miter saw, occasional sanding, floor sanding in smaller areas, extraction for multitool, drywall sanding."

I use both types of dust collection approaches in my shop, and BT is never needed. For the shop vacs, in addition to using a HEPA filter, I also install an auto-switch ($55 US) so they turn on automatically with the power tools. I've insulated the vacs to keep the dB to under 75 or so.

 

[batmanimal]

Two routers  [eek] What kind of savage only has two routers?  [big grin] Just kidding, of course.

A shop vac fitted with a HEPA ($25 - $50 US depending on model?) can do all these, BUT can be noisy : "include demolition, cabinet installation, dust extraction for miter saw, occasional sanding, floor sanding in smaller areas, extraction for multitool, drywall sanding."

A CT15 is under $500 and can do all these, but with no BT feature: "include demolition, cabinet installation, dust extraction for miter saw, occasional sanding, floor sanding in smaller areas, extraction for multitool, drywall sanding."

I use both types of dust collection approaches in my shop, and BT is never needed. For the shop vacs, in addition to using a HEPA filter, I also install an auto-switch ($55 US) so they turn on automatically with the power tools. I've insulated the vacs to keep the dB to under 75 or so.

The auto switch is a good idea

I just picked up a muffler for my Ridgid shop vac a few weeks ago - saw it at Home Depot and wondered, “why did I never think to get this?!”

Have not been paying attention enough to tell if it works. I’ll have to remember to pay attention the next time I do clean up with it in the garage.

I have a HEPA and a bag in my Ridgid. Anything to help corral dust, I’ll go for it.