Suggested DC Unit

[sreilly24590]

Currently I have both a TS 55 REQ-F-Plus imperial and a Dominio DF 500 that gets fairly regular use. What is a good match for a dust collection system for these tools. I use the TS 55 mostly for breaking down large sheets of plywood and of course the Domino for joinery so I wouldn't say anything like heavy use and it's in a hobby work shop so not continuous usage. I've tried the small hose adapters for shop vacs and they kind of work but very loud and bulky. I see there's a long listing of Festool Dust Extractors and from what I've seen of those at dealers they appear to be very quiet and efficient. I don't mind changing out bags frequently or emptying often. Basically I just don't want to put a large V8 in a vehicle that drives in a 25 mph zone mostly if that makes any sense. Looking fo a good job collecting the saw dust and quiet at the same time.

 

[Sanderxpander]

Many people feel that the Midi hits the sweet spot between compactness and usability for smaller jobs or home shop use.

It's significantly smaller than the 26 (next size up) but not that much bigger than the Mini while it still almost doubles the bag size.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have the Midi for 3 applications in my shop. Kapex, TS55, and the Sawstop overarm dust chute. I think the Midi is the perfect size unless one needs a much bigger volume bag.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Midi.

If you need more volume capacity in the shop add a cyclone.

 

[rvieceli]

If you are not lugging it around constantly, I would suggest the CT26 90 bucks more for 75 per cent more capacity. Bags are only slightly more expensive. If you need to lift it for transport the Midi is a better choice.

 

[RKA]

The CFM or airflow is basically the same on the Mini, Midi, 26/36/48.  So you're getting a V8.  [tongue]  The difference is whether you want 2 seats, 4 seats or a 3 row SUV.  The responses above summed it up pretty neatly.  I would say the Midi and CT26 are where your decision lies.  The larger capacity of the CT26 may be helpful if you're using a router or planer where the chips can fill up a bag fast.  But for the saw and domino in a hobby shop the Midi should be plenty and you already indicated you don't mind changing the bag if it comes to it.  And as Michael said, adding a cyclone to "pre filter" the dust is another option down the road if you do add some bulk chip producing tools.

I have both the Midi and 26.  I leave the 26 under my table.  As the bag fills it gets a little heavy and I don't enjoy dragging it out of my basement.  The Midi gets moved around as needed, whether it's connected to a tool or used for project clean ups and other household stuff.  If I had to have one, it would be the Midi and more bags.  I don't use my tools professionally, so filling a bag every month or two isn't a concern.

 

[rst]

At my stationary cutting table I use a Midi with a Oneida Festool cyclone.  In three years I have never had to clean the filter despite filling the 25 gallon drum repeatedly.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I would say the Mini, I have two myself. When you get the Midi, the vac can still get pretty heavy when the bag gets fuller. The Mini stays lighter and is easier to carry around. Cost of the bags hardly makes a difference.