Review of Festool: CT-22, old horse, but still performing well. (583366)

[VictorL]

This is retrospective review of the bestselling vacuum in the NA. As a happy owner one of the best vacuum in the world for more than four years, I want to share my experience with this tool. Yes, indeed CT-26, is slightly better, but CT-22 has its own benefits. Festool USA currently offers CT-22 for $454.50, but for the limited time you can buy one for as low as $363.60.

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First at all this is not just a vacuum, this is dust extractor. Dust control is an integral part of the Festool system and design philosophy. CT-22, and it’s bigger brother CT-33 shares the same platform.

Some specs:
Dimensions: 24” x 15” x 17”
Weight  12 Kg (26.5 lbs)
Noise level: 62 dB (low setting) 72 dB (max. Setting)
Maximum suction capacity 134 CFM (3800 l/min(
Power consumption 350-1200 watts
Container/filter bag capacity 22 liters/20 liters (5.8 Gal/5.3 Gal)

The standard scope of delivery includes:
-   CT-22 vacuum
-   27mm x 3.5m (1-1/16” x 11.5’) antistatic hose
-   HEPA filter
-   One disposable filter bag
-   Shipped in cardboard box

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What makes this dust extractor outstanding among other brands vacuums?
1.   HEPA filters as a standard. Yes, unlike Fein vacuums, CT-22 goes with 0.3 micron HEPA filters as standard.
2.   Electronically regulated suction.
3.   Tool activated power switch
4.   Antistatic hose.
5.   Low noise level
6.   Wide selection of accessories includes cleaning kits, various houses (27mm – 50mm), boom arm, suction holders, handle etc.
7.   Compatibility with systainers
8.   Integrated brakes.
9.   Dry/wet vacuum.

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It might be impressive, but why to buy this particular dust extractor? The answer is extremely attractive price.  (Hurry up, this deal won’t last long).

What I like in CT-22.
Lower than CT-26 profile. CT-26 has un removable hose garage, that makes it almost 4” taller than CT-22. It’s not and issue in the shop, but in the small van or truck every inch is valuable.
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Brakes. I found that older stile brakes a little bit more comfortable. CT-22/CT-33 has two brakes near rear wheels.
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Exhaust port. This is very rarely used function, but it might be helpful when sanding some smelly materials.
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Another function which I’m missing in my CT-26 is cord storage hooks. CT-22 allows having them with handle/boom arm attached, CT-26 doesn’t.

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Suction start is very smooth. Noise level is extremely low. It is much lower than any tool attached to this vacuum especially on lower level of suction. CT-22 has very convenient handle on the top for caring this vacuum.
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Festool produces and sells wide variety accessories. All cleaning accessories can be used with other Festool vacuums.

Which accessories are worth to look at?

CT 22/33 handle 452921. this handle improves mobility, and required for mounting boom arm.

Suction hose holder 487072. This holder brings hose to workbench level

Boom arm 492753 It keeps the cord and hose up and out of your way. This boom arm can be used with CT26/36 vacs, but required additional bracket.

Conclusion:
This is an excellent vacuum for more than attractive price.

 

[jmbfestool]

Nice review!

I must agree with you about the differences you mentioned between the CT22 n 26.   I agree I prefer the old brakes at the rear and the hose garage being removable is a big plus to me. Like you said it does not add a lot of height but it does make the total height a lot and as you mentioned every bit of space counts in your van I have removed mine on my CT22 after 2weeks of owning the Vacuum (dust extractor) as I didnt like it as the hose garage made if feel bulky and made it feel heavier to carry especially when working in some ones house going through door ways trying to avoid knocking walls and stuff.

Also the exhaust port as you call it I do use it sometimes as when I use a tool with not dust extraction I end up with a dirty bench instead of brushing or hoovering its quicker to just blow it all way this is when im working out side by the way or on a site where its a complete mess any way and not harm full MDF

CT22 rules!  CT26 is a backwards step!

JMB

 

[jonny round boy]

CT22 rules!  CT26 is a backwards step!

JMB, I couldn't disagree more! [big grin]

So since you removed the hose garage, where do you store the hose? In a systainer, I'd wager. And when you add that systainer to the top of the CT22, is it still smaller than the CT26? I doubt it.

WRT the brakes, I found that the brakes on the CT22 were always breaking (no pun intended). I carried 3 around in a trailer, and if they moved around in the trailer at all, the mechanisms would break. I was always finding little bits of black plastic in the trailer that had fallen off from inside the wheels. This resulted in a vac that, (with the brake on) if the hose was pulled, would roll around freely making a really annoying clicking sound...

 

[VictorL]

So since you removed the hose garage, where do you store the hose? In a systainer, I'd wager. And when you add that systainer to the top of the CT22, is it still smaller than the CT26? I doubt it.

Yes, indeed in systainer.  I'm mostly using 36 mm hose, plus tons of cleaning attachments.

 

[jmbfestool]

CT22 rules!  CT26 is a backwards step!

JMB, I couldn't disagree more! [big grin]

So since you removed the hose garage, where do you store the hose? In a systainer, I'd wager. And when you add that systainer to the top of the CT22, is it still smaller than the CT26? I doubt it.

WRT the brakes, I found that the brakes on the CT22 were always breaking (no pun intended). I carried 3 around in a trailer, and if they moved around in the trailer at all, the mechanisms would break. I was always finding little bits of black plastic in the trailer that had fallen off from inside the wheels. This resulted in a vac that, (with the brake on) if the hose was pulled, would roll around freely making a really annoying clicking sound...

AaaaaH but you see your assuming I have stored mine in a systainer but you are very wrong!  You see a hose is flexible and will go any where it can go under my van seat it can go in-between places like where my kapex is stored i often throw it just behind the kapex. This has now saved space above my CT22 as I had designed and racked my van out for the hose garage but now because I have removed the hose garage I have a space above the CT22 so I often leave the systainer I was using last on the CT and it can stay on der giving me more space for another systainer some where else.

If I had known before hand I was not going to like the hose garage I could of lowered my shelve above the CT22 and I would of had space for 2 yes 2 more sytainers now thats how much space it has waisted in my van.  As I have my systainers sideways and the CT22 takes up 2 rows so if I was to lower the shelve above it would create more height for two rows so 2 systainers.

I agree the breaks arn't brilliant but all they had to do is improve the quality I think the front flip design on the CT26 is poor on very uneven ground as it rocks with a a few systainers above.  I have never broken my CT22 so I have had no problems with the breaks yes the front end can still swivel round but as long as it does not role away thats all that maters as I find its good that it still swivels so when I need that extra bit of hose I can still pull it wiv the hose but dont need to worry it will run of down some ones drive.

jmb

 

[jmbfestool]

Protool!

No hose Carriage!  Maybe my next Vac will be a Protool with no hose carriage! Brilliant!

http://special.tts-protool.com/all_products/vcp/index.php?cc=de&lc=de

 

[jonny round boy]

Protool!

No hose Carriage!   Maybe my next Vac will be a Protool with no hose carriage! Brilliant!

http://special.tts-protool.com/all_products/vcp/index.php?cc=de&lc=de

Remember this thread? I started that when I found some pics online after searching for info on the 48 litre vac. There was a discussion about the lack of hose garage then. It's very similar to this Protool one, most of the parts/mouldings are the same. I guess they decided to use that design for Protool instead, and stick with the same motor housing on the Festool version as the existing 26 & 36. Looks like both the motor housings use the same tub design anyway.

Looking through this brochure, it appears you need an adaptor plate to fit the systainers on:

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