Vac size question

[BlueMaxx]

Finally getting the funds for the first Festool purchase.

I am purchasing the RTS 400 EQ first along with the TS55....my question is will the MIDI vac work well with these tools? I am on the fence whether to save money by not purchasing the 22 vac and going with the MIDI or even the MINI perhaps.

Thanks for your time,

Mike

 

[PeterK]

The Midi and Mini will not accept the 36mm hose according to the website. Only the 27mm. They will work great on any of the sanders. Should be fine on the saw as well. You really need the larger hose on any miter saw, portable planer or router though and that would mean the CT series vacs.

 

[tbellemare]

The MINI and MIDI will accept the larger hose(s). They have less suction and smaller capacity but are more portable.

They should handle the TS 55 and all sanders as well. Since they have less capacity, they will fill up faster than the larger CT's.

Tom

 

[AlexThePalex]

The Mini and Midi do accept the 36mm hose. The Mini will work great with the RTS400 and will do ok with the TS55, but not fantastic. The Mini is generally meant for painters who work mostly with sanders while for the wood chipping machines like saws, planes and routers the CT22 and bigger is recommended. But I've read many comments here where people said the Mini did fine with their TS55 also. I have the Mini and I love it more than my CT22.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I use my Mini with the TS55 and sander all the time. It's a matter of how much sawing you do as to how fast you'll fill the filter bag. I know some guys reuse bags. If you think the 22 will fit your needs better then it's worth the extra money. Buy the Mini or Midi if portability is not number one priority, not just saving a few bucks. 

 

[PeterK]

My Festool product book - 2009 version - only shows the compact cleaning set as being compatible with the Mini and Midi. None of the accessories using the larger hose size are shown as compatible. Stopped considering getting a Midi when I saw that. Will have to rethink that one now.

 

[jonny round boy]

I only have a Mini, and use it with all my Festools. I have used a CT22 before. The DC is slightly better with a CT22, but for my use the Mini is fine. The difference isn't noticeable with the TS55. It's only really noticeable with the Kapex or the OF1400 with a big cutter.

HTH,

JRB

 

[BlueMaxx]

Thanks everyone..

Great website here...makes researching so much easier!!

Mike

 

[GPowers]

the other difference is the CT22 has the HEPA FILTERS.

 

[Brice Burrell]

the other difference is the CT22 has the HEPA FILTERS.

Yeah, but HEPA filters are available for the Mini/Midi as an accessory. 

 

[danrush]

I have both the mini ( with HEPA) and ct22.  In my experience, they perform equally well with the 55 saw and all of the sanders.  When using the Kapex,  I prefer the 22.  I think it draws more of the dust that the Kapex kicks up. 

For portability, the mini is the hands down winner.  It's my go-to when doing smaller, non-Kapex jobs.  For larger jobs, and when using the kapex, the 22 goes with me.  After moving the mini through a job, the 22 really seems big and clumsy in comparison, but it really isn't when compared to other brands.

The mini has a hose garage built in, the 22 does not.  If you end up with a 22, I strongly suggest the accessory hose garage.  I find it really helps keep the hoses under control.

For the shop, I stick with a 22.

Dan

 

[Wonderwino]

I have a CT33 with the boom arm and my wife has the Midi (Christmas present  [big grin]).  You cannot mount a boom arm on the smaller vacs if this is in your future.  The boom arm is great when you are sanding, cutting or routing on a table.  The midi keeps up with her ETS150/5 (another present) very easily.  As has been said earlier, the CTs have bigger bags so you won't change them as often when cutting or routing.

 

[justinmcf]

hi mike. save your'e money and get the ct-22. you will not be disappointed.

for general wood working it is the best.
it will accept a boom arm, and it comes standard with hepa filters.
buy the long life filter bag too.
i am surprised how much i do empty the bag, i cant imagine working with the smaller vacs.

justin.