Which Dust Collector? mini or 26...or other?

[greenMonster]

Hello,
New to Festool (and FOG), however have been reading up on Festool products for ages...and only now am committed to what I understand is a life time commitment  ;D

Anyhow, I do Home Renno mostly kitchens/baths and some amateur/hobby woodworking. So it would be brought to site as well as used in the shop.

I'm looking to purchase a TS55 and MFT/3 Combo and a Dust Collector.

Most the reviews I've read that compare the 26 (or I guess the obsolesced 22) and the mini point to the HEPA filter and the increased CFM (However, I understand the current mini has HEPA filter included).
So it seems, the only real advantage is the increased CFM and increased capacity for the 26. I intend to use this only as a dust collector for power tools, and not as a shop vac (to clean up demo etc). How much will I miss the increased power seeing as I'll only be using it for power tools?

Is there anything I'm not considering? Space in the truck is always at a premium, and would I really derive any of the benefits of the 26. (factoring in the additional cost and additional size)
And anything else I should be considering?

Also, I was under the impression the festool prices are the same across the board? (if so how, come it's cheaper say at rockler?)
Thanks again!

 

[BobKovacs]

I'd go with the Midi- you'll get the smaller footprint with a bigger bag than the Mini. The extra suction of the larger vacs isnt really needed with the TS, IMO.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Welcome to the FOG, greenMonster.

No need to worry about the difference in power. The Mini just got upgraded to the same power as the 26. The only thing you do need to worry about (not worry exactly, but make sure) is that you get the new type as there are still many older Mini's in the dealers' stock. If you were here in Europe I could tell you exactly what model number to look out for, but as we established only yesterday or the day before in another thread here on the FOG, in America there appears to be some confusion between the two types. But I'm sure if you'd contact any of our resident Festool dealers like Tom Bellamare or Bob Marino that they could help you to get the proper, new one.

 

[greenMonster]

hmmm, guess I need to go reread the specs then.
If the mini (and I assume the midi) both have the same power as the others, then what are the other real advantages?

 

[Frank-Jan]

I don't have a mini, but I do have several other vacs, including a ct22, a ctl26 and a hitachi with the same cfm as the mini and midi. With some powertools the increased cfm is very noticeable (jobsite tablesaw, routers,...) with some powertools the increased capacity is very useful (jobsite tablesaw, planers,...)

Recently the European festool sites upgraded the specs for the mini and midi vacs from 2800 l/min to 3700 l/m (versus 3800 l/m for the ct 22 and 3900 l/m for the ctl26), I don't know when the upgraded vacs will be available in the US (I do know they now come with the hepa filters in the US) But with the increased suction power they would be more interesting for me as a jobsite vac.

/edit: whoops, I'm a slow typer, I did get the notification of other replies being posted, but I didn't expect it would be 3 posts

Other advantages of the ctl26 are the selfclean bags, which is usefull if you want to use it occasionaly for fine dust that clogs the filterbags easily (for instance drywall and grinding dust). And I really like the extra powersocket, but that isn't available in the US.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Welcome to the forum. I suspect the forum members will offer you a lot of advice and insight. I didn't want you to think that your question was going unnoticed by Festool. But, I think the members will offer you the information you're looking for. Essentially, with the recent changes to the MINI and MIDI, all of the CT units perform essentially the same, coming down to capacity.

If I can be of any assistance, feel free to contact me directly, sho@festolusa.com.

Shane Holland
Festool USA

 

[greenMonster]

lol, thanks for the help...but don't think I'm any more certain of which to choose now.

But good point about making sure I get a 2011 version

 

[davee]

I started with the mini and recently purchased the 26.  I find myself using the mini when working outside the shop and the 26 while in the shop.  I don't think you can go wrong with either.  The extra capacity of the 26 is great, especially with routers.  The smaller size of the mini is great for transport.  I'm still using the old style bags for the mini.  The new self cleaning are a great addtion. 

 

[greenMonster]

The 2011 version right?

When you're in the field, what bothers you about the mini other than capacity?
(If nothing, why didn't you just get another mini? )

 

[AlexThePalex]

hmmm, guess I need to go reread the specs then.
If the mini (and I assume the midi) both have the same power as the others, then what are the other real advantages?

Like I said, there's some confusion between the old and new types on American sites (actually, it's more like there isn't any acknowledgement at all there's a new type), but in Europe it's common knowledge now the Mini/Midi had been upgraded. So if you want to read the correct specs, check Festool UK.

As Shane said, the only difference remaining is bag capacity, and as a result, size and weight. The 26 is bigger and filled up quite a bit heavier than the Mini. I have both the 26 and the old model Mini, and I mainly keep my 26 at home and take the Mini out with me on jobs. I love the Mini for it's portability, it is easy to take it wherever I want.

When you're in the field, what bothers you about the mini other than capacity?
(If nothing, why didn't you just get another mini? )

The new model Mini is BRAND new. Nobody has it yet. They announced it here in Holland 2 months ago but I've yet to see the first one in the store myself. Before the new Mini, there was quite a difference between the Mini and the 26 when it comes to suction. You see, the Mini is mainly developed for painters who need a small vac on site to use with their sanders. A sander doesn't need the high suction a wood chipping machine like a router, a saw or a planer needs. The big 22 and 26 were more aimed for woodworking and general site work. So if you'd like to do both, like me, then you were best off getting both.

 

[greenMonster]

I'm thinking the 2011 mini is the way to go, I just don't foresee needing the capacity of the production type guys. and am liking the portability, then again I'm thinking I should just get the 26 and be on the safe side (especially since it's the most popular!)

I have a 2011 magazine, can I differentiate the 2011 model by the "Item#"? ie the mini is Item# 583 360
Or is there something more obvious?

 

[AlexThePalex]

I have a 2011 magazine, can I differentiate the 2011 model by the "Item#"? ie the mini is Item# 583 360
Or is there something more obvious?

In Europe, the older models' number start with a 4 and the new one with a 5. So I assume the 583360 is the type number for the new one in America too. But I'm not sure because I'm not American and I don't know what the number of the old American Mini's are.

Maybe some American members could shed some light on this question by posting here the model numbers of their Minis?

 

[bhendrix]

The advantage of the Mini/Midi is portability.

The advantage of the CT-26, et.al., is capacity and, most importantly in my shop, the ability to mount the boom arm.  

I have a CT-22 that stays in the shop and has two boom arms mounted to it with the Ultimate Dust Deputy cyclone.  One boom arm with 36mm hose serves two MFT's for sanding, domino, Kreg pocket screw jig, etc..  The other boom arm with a longer 36mm hose serves the Kapex, blade guard on the SawStop, and TS-55 on my sheet-cutting table.  When routing with the 1400, I connect both boom arm hoses, if appropriate.

Now that the Midi has increased suction, I will buy one for portable use.

 

[greenMonster]

seeing as you have both I had a question about being able to attach systainers then carrying the entire assembly, say up stairs via the handle on the systainer.

Would you feel comfortable doing that with multiple systainers...with a full vac? etc? or is it not really designed with that in mind?

(thanks again)

 

[junk731]

One other consideration is the use of the WCR1000 workstation, it only mounts on the CT22 and larger vacs. Great for shop and on site tool organization.

John

 

[Brice Burrell]

The 2011 version right?

When you're in the field, what bothers you about the mini other than capacity?
(If nothing, why didn't you just get another mini? )

First, welcome the the FOG!

I wouldn't necessarily call it the 2011 version because Festool tools have manufacturing dates on them so it's possible some vacs made in 2011 might be with the old motor.  To avoid any confusion be sure to ask for a new stock Mini/Midi with the HEPA filter, self-cleaning bag and increased suction/new motor in you decide to go that route.

I have both and there are a several things to consider.  First are the two biggies, size and capacity.  One of these two will likely be the deciding factor.  Size, well the Mini/Midi are easier to transport than the CT26.  Storage and carrying up several flights of stairs the small vacs are sure winners.  However, you'll fine they fill pretty quickly when routing or planing.  Re-using filter bags can be done but it's not recommend it and don't be tempted to use your Festool vac without a filter (unless you're dealing with water).  Like I said you'll appreciate one of the small vacs for day to day transporting but it's not as simple as that.  There's more to consider.....

There are a couple of accessories only available for the 26 and larger vacs should be thought about, the boom arm and the workcenter.  These thing are great for the shop or on longer term jobs.  These accessories increase organization, improve productivity and just plain make life easier.  Boom arm review by Dan Clark, Workcenter review by Paul Marcel and Workcenter review by Brice Burrell.

Good luck.  

     

 

[davee]

The 2011 version right?

When you're in the field, what bothers you about the mini other than capacity?
(If nothing, why didn't you just get another mini? )

My mini is five or six years old and I like it very much.  It always performed well.  I didn't get another mini because I like the extra capacity.  I like having both because they are useful in different areas (capacity versus size).  If I had to have onlly one, I'd get the 26 as that feature set most fits the way I work.  

 

[greenMonster]

The 2011 version right?

When you're in the field, what bothers you about the mini other than capacity?
(If nothing, why didn't you just get another mini? )

First, welcome the the FOG!

I wouldn't necessarily call it the 2011 version because Festool tools have manufacturing dates on them so it's possible some vacs made in 2011 might be with the old motor.  To avoid any confusion be sure to ask for a new stock Mini/Midi with the HEPA filter, self-cleaning bag and increased suction/new motor in you decide to go that route.

Interesting, thanks for the heads up.
Good points about the accessories, I like the idea of getting the mini now for mostly field work...seeing how much the smaller capacity and the fewer accessories annoy me. Then eventually get a 26 for the shop.

I'd still like to know if there's a definitive way to differentiate the two (ie the item#), as I've often dealt with either uninformed shopowners, or ones looking to make a sale...

 

[davee]

seeing as you have both I had a question about being able to attach systainers then carrying the entire assembly, say up stairs via the handle on the systainer.

Would you feel comfortable doing that with multiple systainers...with a full vac? etc? or is it not really designed with that in mind?

(thanks again)

I'll be interested in hearing what others have to say about this.  Both vacuums can have systainers attached to them, and you can carry them with the systainer (within limits).  I typically carry the vacuum seperate and the combined systainers seperately.  Seems like a reasonable balance for me.

A previous post is right - you will value one feature over the other (physical size versus capacity).  That is the way to decide I'd think.

 

[Brice Burrell]

seeing as you have both I had a question about being able to attach systainers then carrying the entire assembly, say up stairs via the handle on the systainer.

Would you feel comfortable doing that with multiple systainers...with a full vac? etc? or is it not really designed with that in mind?

(thanks again)

Here's a video I did showing that the Systainers are very well attached to the vac.

Sys vac test

Despite some flexing in the Systainer lid you can see in the video the Systainer isn't going to come off while carrying.