US version CT Mini/Midi upgrade?

[billg71]

I'm confused...  ???

The website shows both the Mini and Midi as moving 137cfm(2807 l/min) @ 96"(20000 Pa) lift. But the 2011 catalog lists the same 2807 l/min as being 99 cfm and 20000Pa as 80" lift. In the other thread started by Ado the Festool UK site lists the Midi at 3700 l/min and 24000 Pa lift, which almost agrees with the catalog for the CT26/36/48 specs. .

So which is it?  ??? The Festool article doesn't mention any performance improvements, just the HEPA filters and the self-cleaning bags.

And, most important, if I buy one how do I know which one I'm getting? Is there old stock still around? All the online retailers I've checked still list the old specs, seems like an improvement like this would have been given some publicity...

I'd like to buy one to dedicate to the Kapex but only if I can be sure I'm getting the higher-airflow model.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Bill,

All CT MINI/MIDI units shipped to dealers in the US/Canada since July of this year would have all of the noted upgrades: new motor that's the same motor as the CT 26/36/48, HEPA filter standard, self-cleaning bags. The motor is 137CFM and 96" static lift. The catalog was printed in January of this year, long before we knew these changes would be taking effect. Hence the difference in specifications.

The only way you can tell if it's the newer version is to ask if your dealer if it was ordered from us since July. There are no markings, product numbers, or other distinguishing factors on the box that would tell you which version it is. While it's conceivable that dealers will have old inventory, I would think most have sold through the previous models by now. If you open the box and it has the HEPA filter and self-cleaning bags, then you'll have the newer motor too.

Shane

 

[billg71]

Thanks, Shane, just what I needed to know!

Now I just have to wait until noon to call around and then(hopefully) I'm out for a new toy.  [smile]

Thanks again,
Bill

 

[morts10n]

Hi Shane,

I purchased a ct midi about a month ago ( backordered for a week from Woodcraft) and it came with the same paper bags as the ones in my ct mini. I would then have to assume that this is from older stock with no HEPA, no self cleaning bags, and no upgraded motor, correct?  How should I handle it with them?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[billg71]

Hi Shane,

I purchased a ct midi about a month ago ( backordered for a week from Woodcraft) and it came with the same paper bags as the ones in my ct mini. I would then have to assume that this is from older stock with no HEPA, no self cleaning bags, and no upgraded motor, correct?  How should I handle it with them?

Thanks,
Dave

Dave,

Woodcraft still lists the old specs on their website. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you got what you ordered. If you're still within the 30-day grace period you can return it no questions asked, if not you're at the mercy of your local store manager. Just remember you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar...

Here's what the self-cleaning bag looks like:

Shane, thanks for the info. Highland had them, a short drive downtown and it was on its way home. BTW, it had a big HEPA sticker on the box:

It fits nicely in my Kapex cabinet after cutting some holes in the back for ventilation and hose/cord access:

And the nicest thing is that it sucks more(dust)  [wink] than my Fein ever did and it's almost as quiet. Pull it out, plug it in and cut. No more wrestling with cords and hoses, one cord and that's it.

Speaking of cords, I really wish you guys would have gone with an SJ (oops, SO) cord, the PVC jacket on the Midi cord is pretty stiff. Other than that I have no complaints...

Thanks again,
Bill

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I purchased a ct midi about a month ago ( backordered for a week from Woodcraft) and it came with the same paper bags as the ones in my ct mini. I would then have to assume that this is from older stock with no HEPA, no self cleaning bags, and no upgraded motor, correct?  How should I handle it with them?

Dave, sorry I didn't respond sooner. I missed your message to me. If your CT came with the paper bags, then it's safe to assume that you received the pre-upgrade model.

You would need to contact Woodcraft to see if they can help you exchange it for newer stock. I have no way to see their inventory levels or know what they have in stock. Every MINI/MIDI shipped from our warehouse to dealers since around June of this year should be the newer version. If it's been within 30 days, you could take advantage of the return policy.

 

[morts10n]

Thanks again Shawn,

I spoke with Woodcraft yesterday. The local festool rep.( Lars) told the owner that the only way you can tell if it is new stock is to see whether or not it has a HEPA filter. I'll check tomorrow, but since it came with paper bags it must be old stock. I have 2 days left in my 30 days so I'll probably just return it and order a new one from elsewhere.

Dave