Which dust extractor (minimum) for a TS55?

[BobKovacs]

Good morning all-

I'm getting ready to purchase a TS55, MFT3 and a dust extractor, and I'm torn on which one to go with.  While all 4 units are sold as package deals with the TS55, I haven't really been able to find any solid recommendations on what the "minimum" desirable size would be.  I won't be doing any heavy production work, and in the perfect world I'd like to get the smallest unit possible without kicking myself later due to having inadequate suction or filtration.  Any suggestions one way or the other from first hand experience with a particular combo?

Thanks in advance,

Bob

 

[greg mann]

Good morning all-

I'm getting ready to purchase a TS55, MFT3 and a dust extractor, and I'm torn on which one to go with.  While all 4 units are sold as package deals with the TS55, I haven't really been able to find any solid recommendations on what the "minimum" desirable size would be.  I won't be doing any heavy production work, and in the perfect world I'd like to get the smallest unit possible without kicking myself later due to having inadequate suction or filtration.  Any suggestions one way or the other from first hand experience with a particular combo?

Thanks in advance,

Bob

What other things do you anticipate using the extractor for? If you will only use it for the TS55, and possibly the sanders, you could probably be happy with one of the smaller units. If you expect to use it with a router then I would go with the CT22.

 

[Loren Hedahl]

I bought my TS55 as a package with the CT22 and have been very pleased with it's performance.  I think the CT33 would have been a good a choice also, however I normally only use the CT22 for sawing and sanding.  It takes quite a time to fill the bag.  For general use I have a large, noisy, Craftsman shop-vacuum.

 

[BobKovacs]

What other things do you anticipate using the extractor for? If you will only use it for the TS55, and possibly the sanders, you could probably be happy with one of the smaller units. If you expect to use it with a router then I would go with the CT22.

Good question.  There's likely some router work in it's future (though maybe not a Festool router- I know.... that sacreligious....lol), so it may make sense to make the upgrade.  What's another $100 or so when we're talking at this level anyway, right?? 

 

[greg mann]

Yea, Bob. It's sacreligious. Don't you know that Festool routers make fewer chips while removing the same amount of material?  :

Of course they also put more of those chips in the bag. Depending on what brand of otherwise worthless router you will be using with your extractor you will collect between 0% and 10% of the chips so it won't help having a big extractor because they aren't going to be inside it anyway. ;D ;D ;D ;D

 

[Michael Kellough]

Any decent vac will work with the saw since you don't need variable speed but it seems you want to limit the choice to Festool vacs so you can get the combo deal so I'd suggest the Midi or above. The Mini will also work but the bags are smaller so why bother with it?

 

[Dan Clermont]

I ran my TS 55 with a shop vac before getting the CT 22 dust extractor. Works fine providing the hose mates with the TS55.

For me reaching down and turning on the vac everytime I wanted to make a cut wore out quickly and the thought of purchasing a HEPA filter, proper hose, and an auto start for the vac convinced me to buy the CT 22

Been very happy with the CT 22 and would have most likely been just as happy with the CT Mini for its small size and light weight (no HEPA filter though)

Dan Clermont

 

[Michael Kellough]

I ran my TS 55 with a shop vac before getting the CT 22 dust extractor. Works fine providing the hose mates with the TS55.

For me reaching down and turning on the vac everytime I wanted to make a cut wore out quickly and the thought of purchasing a HEPA filter, proper hose, and an auto start for the vac convinced me to buy the CT 22

Been very happy with the CT 22 and would have most likely been just as happy with the CT Mini for its small size and light weight (no HEPA filter though)

Dan Clermont

Good point, I was thinking of tool start vacs like fein and Alto although Festool vacs are the best choice if entering the Festool system.

 

[b_m_hart]

I have a midi that works quite well, but from what I've read, I'd suggest the CT22 if you're going to be using it a lot (primarily for the extra bag capacity).

 

[greg mann]

My attempt at humor above nothwithstanding, if you plan on using the vac with a router I would get the CT22.

 

[robtonya]

My attempt at humor above nothwithstanding, if you plan on using the vac with a router I would get the CT22.

I thought it was funny, I use the booger method for now. I filter what ever particles I can through my nose and are collected in my booger filtration system.

 

[SteveC]

Bob,
I bought a MIDI to haul around with my TS55. No shop, so everything is on site. If you're gonna be travelin' with the CT22, add another $40 or so for the hose garage. Also I bought the rip guide and dust shield. I also bought a pair of clamps for the guide rail. As much as I trust the rubber strips to hold the guide, I just want some extra insurance when cutting prefinished kitchen cab parts that would take 4 weeks to replace.

 

[Per Swenson]

I don't have a Midi, but I had the opportunity to use one at Bob Marino's.

As Steve said above and Brice has said often the Midi is  sweet.

Transportation, storage, and capable.

But, and a big but here, once you start down the slope.....

you are going to end up with a tool that needs more suction and capacity.

Right, Eventually you are going to end up with a CT 22/33.

I have come to the conclusion that just as in so many other things,

there are no, "I nevers"

What it would come down to for me in the decision making process was

after I had a need for the 22/33 would I have buyers remorse

over the midi.

Good luck in your decision.

Per

 

[Dan Clermont]

I ran my TS 55 with a shop vac before getting the CT 22 dust extractor. Works fine providing the hose mates with the TS55.

For me reaching down and turning on the vac everytime I wanted to make a cut wore out quickly and the thought of purchasing a HEPA filter, proper hose, and an auto start for the vac convinced me to buy the CT 22

Been very happy with the CT 22 and would have most likely been just as happy with the CT Mini for its small size and light weight (no HEPA filter though)

Dan Clermont

Good point, I was thinking of tool start vacs like fein and Alto although Festool vacs are the best choice if entering the Festool system.

I have never actually compared a Fein to Festool for performance

The nice thing about the Festool over the Fein is the ability to attach a systainer or sortainer on top of the vac. That was a feature I really appreciated.

Dan Clermont

 

[danrush]

I use both the Mini and the 22.  The mini goes to the job (I travel light) and the 22 stays at the shop.  The Mini (or midi, same motor, different bags) does just fine with the TS55.  I cut lots of MDF panels, and dust control is really good.  If size or cost are the main factors, I think the mini-midi are ok.  If future machines may be added, (routers, etc) then maybe a 22/33 should be considered.  (or just buy one of each) ;D ;D ;D

Dan

 

[kfitzsimons]

I have the Fein "mediium" size that I'm perfectly happy with.  Works fine with Festool with $4 adapter from Fein. Can't put a systainer on top, but that's never even been a thought.  The hose is not anti-static, but again, never an issue. It does have the auto start feature that works with any tool. It's quite a bit less expensive too.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

      The Mini and Midi are the same vac with different capacities. Same for the 22 and 33.
 
        I have the Mini for the highest level of portability. I would not want it for use mainly in the shop- doesn't hold enough,  less suction (makes a difference for routers),  no HEPA (good to have for lots of sanding).  But it is still a great vac!!

        I have the CT33 for use in the shop - highest capacity and plenty of suction for routers.  But I wouldn't want to haul it around too often.

        I used to have the CT22. Best all purpose. Enough capacity , plenty of suction and HEPA.  It is not bad to transport when needed with or with out the Hose Garage.  I don't have it now for the above reasons + I have the pair. If I was going with only one and wanted to move / transport it sometimes,  I would go with the CT22.

      Whether you add a Festool or other router down the road- I think you will want the CT22 or 33 (as well as the D36 hose).    If you ever want to add the Festool Boom Arm you will need the 22 or 33.

Seth

 

[dirtydeeds]

i have the mini and the ct22

the midi hadnt come out when i bought the mini

the mini is ok for the TS55 if you are converting a few sheets

BUT if you think you will get a router or a planer dont bother with the mini, go for the ct22

the chip production from a planer or router overwhelms the hose on the mini

the midi is only a slightly larger version of the mini

 

[Michael Kellough]

The stock hose size is the same on all the vacs now. The early Mini had a smaller hose.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

I own both a Fein Turbo II and a Festool CT 22 E.  I bought the Fein about 5 years ago, and think it is a fine vacuum.  I prefer it for general use, and for hauling about.  I also like its longer (16 ft) larger diameter hose, which you can securely connect to any Festool with a small round dust outlet nipple by first installing a rubber O-ring onto the dust collection outlet nipple of the Festool (that is designed to fit Festool's 27 mm elastomeric hose fitting).  About 2 years ago I purchased the CT 22 E and more recently a 36 mm AS hose and some extra hose fittings which I used to make an adapter to enable me to quickly switch between tools that require a 27mm hose fitting and those that can directly couple to the the larger 36 mm hose.  Sooner or later, you're going to want the extra features of the CT 22 or CT 33 vacuum - Anti-static, more CFM, variable speed, and the safety feature of its power switch. 

On the Fein, whenever the unit is plugged into a "hot" receptacle, the auxiliary receptacle on the vacuum is also "hot."  In contrast, on the Festool vacuum, when the switch is in the "off" position, there is no power to the auxiliary receptacle.  Very handy and avoids undesired surprises when changing bits on your Domino!

I think the choice of which vacuum machine boils down to what will be your primary use.  If you plan to transport your vacuum to your place of work (at customers' homes) then you may prefer the Mini or Midi due to smaller size and weight.  If you plan to use the vacuum mainly in a shop setting, then the CT seems to be a better choice because it maximizes versatility of uses.  I recently bought a Dirt Bucket for my CT 22, something I never thought I would only a year ago.  It worked great to enable me to deep clean grundgey carpeting in my car (flooding with soapy water and sucking it out through the carpet).

Dave R.