Which size CT to buy????

[BarBuilder]

Ok final question before I take the GREEN tool plunge - what size CT dust extractor should I get? I am planning to buy a TS55/CT combo package to save a few dollars. My dilemma is which size to get, Mini or CT26? Either way I plan to mount a Dust Deputy on top of the unit for dust collection purposes and to save on consumable expenses (bags). This vac will stay parked in my shop probably 90% of the time. It may travel to a jobsite for install work on rare occasions. A few items to keep in mind:

1. My shop space is very confined and space is limited.
2. My primary focus is processing plywood sheets with the TS55/CT combo though It is possible that I may add a domino, router or sander down the road.
3. There is basically a $150 price difference between the Mini ($870) and CT26 ($1020) packages when purchased with a TS55 - this is not a great deal of money to part with for the larger vac but if I don't need it then it is $150 I can put toward the cost of other items like a 2700mm rail or the parallel guide set.
4. There are significantly fewer add-ons/attachments for the Mini when compared to the CT26 - It is difficult for me to say that I will never want/need a boom arm or any of the other fancy aftermarket accessories available for the CT26 but then again maybe I will never have the need - any input here?
5. According to Shane, since July ALL size CT's come with the same size motor, so the only gain in my eyes with a CT26 over a Mini is bag capacity and the ability to spend more money on aftermarket accessories which I may or may not need/want.

Am I missing anything? Any input from current owners/users will be very much appreciated.

 

[Guy Ashley]

Do you not have the option of the Midi??

I have both the Midi and the CT26, the Midi is used for mobility around the shop and out on job site, (much easier to move around) and the CT26 is the mainstay in the shop for heavy stuff such as routing with the 2200 and is more or less permanently attached to the Kapex.

The 26 with its front hose port has the ease of switching from 27mm hose to 36mm hose which does make a lot of difference to DC.

A Mini was never a consideration for me.

 

[AlexThePalex]

In the shop - get the 26, plain and simple. The foot print of both vacs isn't that different so size-wise it makes no difference if all it does is stand there. The Mini shines in portability. But for the shop, the added functionality of all the extras you can get for the 26, especially the boom arm, is a lot better.  

 

[Tristan Howe]

You know I was looking at the price of the CT 26/36/48 and the bag size/cost between each one and you come out ahead pretty well with the CT 48 over the CT 26. While the cost is about $100 more for the CT 48 the bags hold about twice as much for about a $2 a bag more. After changing out the bags a few times should have made up that extra cost...what does everyone else think?

 

[fatroman]

Since your primary use is going to be the TS55 with it, get the CT26 so you can get the boom arm. Truly, the boom arm is nice with any of the other tools you listed as down the road items, but for me it makes a real difference using it with the TS55 where it keeps the hose/power cord from snagging on the rail. (the little rail deflector isn't bad, but the boom arm is soooo much nicer in this regard)

I've got one on my CT22 and my 'shop' space is a room about 8' x 9'. It's not onerous to pack up and move with, either. Pop the arm off in the middle by loosening one bolt and you are good to go.

If you've got a way to rig up your own boom arm, then you can consider one of the other models.

And the TS55 doesn't create so much dust and chips that you are really needing a dust deputy. For me, I'd much rather spend the money on the boom arm than the dust deputy. If you are running a router and/or planer that's an entirely different story.

 

[NoBreyner]

I got the CT Mini because I was going to incorporate my dust deputy.  The mini shares the same motor as all the other models, so bags are a non issue as the mini comes with two bags out of the box.   you pretty much covered all the bases with your questions.  My dust deputy fills up pretty quickly vacuuming my shop floor regularly.  My saw still makes a large mess under it.  That's why the MFT/3 - TS55 combo will be my next purchase.  The 36 mm hose will work better for your TS.

 

[Starfl0]

CT mini, never try but seems good for you, your place and your cash !

 

[davee]

I bought the mini about 5 years ago in a package, using the same criteria you did - less cost, smaller size, "its big enough", etc.  I purchased the CT26 last year and love it.  The taller height makes it easier to access the controls, store tools on top, etc.  The larger bag is great (I use the dust deputy with both but not all the time).  The inlet port on the mini doesn't make it condusive to using the larger hose and cleaning set.  I love the mini for carrying on location, but the CT26 is for the shop for me - in the end it is personal perference.

 

[BarBuilder]

Based on the responses so far, i'm leaning toward a CT26. Seems like I have more options with this choice and it's not that much more to spend. Thanks for all the input, it is appreciated.

 

[yoda]

Inevitably, when you start using the festool vacs you will find times where a smaller vac would come in handy and other times when a larger one would work well. I've got a midi and a 26 and sometimes wish I had a 48 with a refillable bag I could just leave on site. Just get one of each....

 

[pingvinlakrits]

And inevitably you will find that the Mini is unsuitable as an onsite vac, except for REALLY small work. When the Mini bag is 40% full it is down to a mere 25% capacity and is then easily outperformed by any household vac, Volta, Bosch - you name it. The Midi - as far as I know - has the same motor and bigger bag, which means that you will have the same problem, but worse. I was considering a Midi when a fellow carpenter advised me not to.

When I was doing home reno my gf went after me with the small Bosch household vac to clean up after I was done. I know this is general practice in most households but this time she was right.  The Mini does not do a good job unless you change the bag prematurely.

The CT22 and CT26 are true workhorses. No complaints.

 

[Sparktrician]

You know I was looking at the price of the CT 26/36/48 and the bag size/cost between each one and you come out ahead pretty well with the CT 48 over the CT 26. While the cost is about $100 more for the CT 48 the bags hold about twice as much for about a $2 a bag more. After changing out the bags a few times should have made up that extra cost...what does everyone else think?

I'm with Tristan on this one.  Bags on my CT22 fill quickly.  When I use the Dust Deputy, they fill less quickly, but for best use of bags, I'd go with the CT48/Dust Deputy combo.  The boom arm is just the thing in my shop, and is easily removed when I need to take the CT22 out for a walk. 

[smile]

 

[builderbob]

I used to have a CT 22 & Mini. The 22 always had a boom arm in my shop, but the mini was the first Festool I ever purchased. I sold that a while back and purchased another 22 for field use. The 22/26 is more portable than its larger brothers & they get heavy as they fill. I use the DD in the shop as I connect to router table, table saw etc.

So, as someone who uses these vacs in & out of the shop, my opinion is in favor of the 26!

Bob

 

[Kev]

CT .. Bigger is better if you have the space and money. Any other stories are just dribble.

Spend as much as you can afford ... Or wait till you can afford what you want.

It's simple - people try to make it complicated!

 

[sancho57]

When I bought mines, I had it in my head to get the mini. I went to my hardwood/hardware supplier who is also a festool dealer. THis dealer caters primarily to pro woodworkers and finih carps/ cab makers etc.

After a discussion with their festool expert (they are all factory trained by festool) I bought the CT 26. I have not been disappointed. I still have to get a DD.

Call me cheap but I go through the pains of actually emptying the bag and reusing it. Takes about 3-5 mins and I go on.

Even though I got a box of new one sitting on the shelf.

 

[greenMonster]

Do you just dump it out or vac it out?

When I bought mines, I had it in my head to get the mini. I went to my hardwood/hardware supplier who is also a festool dealer. THis dealer caters primarily to pro woodworkers and finih carps/ cab makers etc.

After a discussion with their festool expert (they are all factory trained by festool) I bought the CT 26. I have not been disappointed. I still have to get a DD.

Call me cheap but I go through the pains of actually emptying the bag and reusing it. Takes about 3-5 mins and I go on.

Even though I got a box of new one sitting on the shelf.

 

[davee]

I too am cheap at time and sometimes reuse bags.  It depends on what I've been vacuuming.  If just chips I'll carefully open the bottom of the bag and dump the contents in a compost pile.  I then use duct tape to close up the bottom.  The reused bag loses a small amount of volume from the original, but I've never had any trouble. 

 

[sancho57]

Do you just dump it out or vac it out?

When I bought mines, I had it in my head to get the mini. I went to my hardwood/hardware supplier who is also a festool dealer. THis dealer caters primarily to pro woodworkers and finih carps/ cab makers etc.

After a discussion with their festool expert (they are all factory trained by festool) I bought the CT 26. I have not been disappointed. I still have to get a DD.

Call me cheap but I go through the pains of actually emptying the bag and reusing it. Takes about 3-5 mins and I go on.

Even though I got a box of new one sitting on the shelf.

We have a huge trash can so I just dup it out in the trash can, lower the lid to control the dust. It takes about 3-5 minutes or so to empty it.

Done it about 5 or 6 times so far no issues.

 

[sancho57]

I too am cheap at time and sometimes reuse bags.  It depends on what I've been vacuuming.  If just chips I'll carefully open the bottom of the bag and dump the contents in a compost pile.  I then use duct tape to close up the bottom.  The reused bag loses a small amount of volume from the original, but I've never had any trouble. 

Mines is used only with the TS55, now my ten ten router and RO 90/150 sanders and kapex. Nothing in the bag really but dust. So its no biggie. I just put it in the trash can shake the bag and dump it. If it clog up I reach up into hole the bag and losen the dust and shake some more. Dont take but a few minutes.

I wish they would make one with a zipper to reuse.

 

[sancho57]

Do you just dump it out or vac it out?

When I bought mines, I had it in my head to get the mini. I went to my hardwood/hardware supplier who is also a festool dealer. THis dealer caters primarily to pro woodworkers and finih carps/ cab makers etc.

After a discussion with their festool expert (they are all factory trained by festool) I bought the CT 26. I have not been disappointed. I still have to get a DD.

Call me cheap but I go through the pains of actually emptying the bag and reusing it. Takes about 3-5 mins and I go on.

Even though I got a box of new one sitting on the shelf.

We have a huge trash can so I just dup it out in the trash can, lower the lid to control the dust. It takes about 3-5 minutes or so to empty it.

Done it about 5 or 6 times so far no issues.

Mines is used only with the TS55, now my ten ten router and RO 90/150 sanders and kapex. Nothing in the bag really but dust. So its no biggie. I just put it in the trash can shake the bag and dump it. If it clog up I reach up into hole the bag and losen the dust and shake some more. Dont take but a few minutes.

I wish they would make one with a zipper to reuse.

Im the same guy who routed a 1 1/4 wide x 3/8s sliding dovetail into his MFT top , planed down a piece of oak to fit and made a replaceable insert so I dont have to keep repairing the groove in the MFT made by the TS55 in the table top.

I just finished it. Still adj-ing/ playing with it. I might make it a little wider so the insert will be easier to fit.