Which vac, festool or nilfisk

[zukinut]

The cs unitec 1225 is the one to be used with drywall so says the unitec website.  I like the features of the 1245 more but it specifically says no drywall. 

I'm trying to figure out which metabo is which starmix.  The metabo line seems to have more offerings. 

 

[TinyShop]

The cs unitec 1225 is the one to be used with drywall so says the unitec website.  I like the features of the 1245 more but it specifically says no drywall. 

I'm trying to figure out which metabo is which starmix.  The metabo line seems to have more offerings.

If I were you, I'd go to the source. Here's the relevant flyer for the previous generation Starmix iPulse vacs (the latest version not yet being available in N.A.):
http://www.starmix.de/sites/default/files/page_attachment/flyer_ipulse_gb.pdf

...and the same for the ISC Compact series (what CS Unitec refers to as the "1225"):
http://www.starmix.de/sites/default/files/page_attachment/flyer_isc_gb.pdf

You can access the rest of their site from that base url.

It's a pain (since no one makes it easy) but make sure you're comparing "like" filters. Starmix produces and sells a range of different filters (for different purposes) so I know I made sure when I was comparing to seek clarification on exactly which filters were included. The big deal in this country (assuming you're in the U.S.) is lead so, increasingly, the filter of choice is HEPA. That said, in the European market, filters are denoted by a single letter code: L, M & H (in increasing effectiveness). From what I was able to determine from discussions with a Starmix rep (via email) the filters installed in their H-Asbestos)-specific vacs are one and the same as what are referred to here as "HEPA". You will see some differences, however, with the iPulse vacs (though not the filter bodies) that are specifically designed for asbestos removal (as compared to the otherwise similar "M"-approved vacs), because the E.U. rules require that the vacs themselves (those approved for asbestos removal) feature some additional bells and whistles (like a light and related suction alarm, special bags, etc.). These features don't mean much to us on this side of the pond. All we care about is whatever our rules mandate about lead (and now, silica). I simply wanted the vac that offered the ,ost effective removal of lead dust and other toxic dust.

Also, be careful with the Metabo website. You need to make sure that you are looking at the U.S.-specific portion of their site. Once you do that, you will note that they only offer three vacs in the N.A. market, all different versions of the same Starmix model. You can only choose between HEPA or non-HEPA and, for the former, w/tools or w/o.

Finally, there is at least one other company that imports re-branded Starmix vacs into the U.S. Check out "Ermator" and their even older generation Starmix vacs (re-branded as "S50" and "S25" - these same models were once sold in N.A. under the Mafell-brand as well):

S50 -http://www.ermatorusa.com/S50-Wet-Dry-HEPA-Vacuum-with-Power-Tool-Outlet.html

...but make sure you verify the length of their warranty. From what I recall, they only offer a 1-year. That said, of course, so did CS-Unitec until I requested that they extend mine to a full three years (which they not only agreed to but also said that they would thereafter extend the same coverage to all of their vac customers).

 

[zukinut]

Tinyshop,

That's what I'm figuring out.  Thanks VERY much for clarifying. 

The star is appears to be the better vac just harder to get.  it also appears that the previous years made it easier to get a star mix because Bosch made them.  I really wish we could get the new ipulse that has sustainer docking and a higher amp tool plug on the front. 

Which did you end up going with when bought yours?

Will

 

[TinyShop]

Tinyshop,

That's what I'm figuring out.  Thanks VERY much for clarifying. 

The star is appears to be the better vac just harder to get.  it also appears that the previous years made it easier to get a star mix because Bosch made them.  I really wish we could get the new ipulse that has Systainer docking and a higher amp tool plug on the front. 

Which did you end up going with when bought yours?

Will

I bought the CS Unitec CS 1445 (otherwise known as the ISP iPulse ARH-1435 Asbest EW). Make sure you reread my last post - I added some more info.

 

[TinyShop]

Tinyshop,

That's what I'm figuring out.  Thanks VERY much for clarifying. 

The star is appears to be the better vac just harder to get.  it also appears that the previous years made it easier to get a star mix because Bosch made them.  I really wish we could get the new ipulse that has Systainer docking and a higher amp tool plug on the front. 

Which did you end up going with when bought yours?

Will

I bought the CS Unitec CS 1445 (otherwise known as the ISP iPulse ARH-1435 Asbest EW). Make sure you reread my last post - I added some more info.

Aside from offering the new molding and related brackets that allow one to affix systainers to the lid, the latest generation iPulse vacs - though, interestingly, not the one specifically designed for asbestos - also feature a 1600W motor (as opposed to the 1400W motor that accompanies the "N.A." version). I would expect, once companies like Metabo and CS Unitec run through their existing stock of iPulse vacs, that we will see the systainer-compatible version arrive here. That said, I'm not sure if the 1600W version will be offered. We may only continue to get the 1400W version.

Regarding CS Unitec's guidance involving gypsum/plasterboard/drywall dust, it looks more like they are only recommending the non-iPulse vac for use with their rebranded drywall sander. IOW, they don't specifically say "don't use the 1445 with drywall dust". It's nothing to do with the HEPA filters since they both have them. I'm thinking, instead, that there's some sort of operational issue between the 1445 and the sander that they'd just as soon avoid. Like maybe a conflict between the new Silica rules and the operation of the 1445 (maybe it doesn't allow filter pulsing while a tool is in use?). Or perhaps it's between the warning light and sheetrock dust (like maybe they want to avoid the light coming on and contractors thinking that this is something bad even though it's not - the 1225 doesn't have a light).   

 

[zukinut]

How does yours do with drywall dust, and fine wood sanding dust.  Have you ever put concrete dust thru it?

Also,  I can't tell from pictures so I'll ask you, do the filters protrude into the part where the debris or a bag would go? That's the one thing that I really like about the festool.  I think the nilfisk filter drops into the part where the debris go. 

I did notice that one of them had a 3 year warranty? I can't remember if it was called unitec or metabo. 

 

[TinyShop]

How does yours do with drywall dust, and fine wood sanding dust.  Have you ever put concrete dust thru it?

Also,  I can't tell from pictures so I'll ask you, do the filters protrude into the part where the debris or a bag would go? That's the one thing that I really like about the festool.  I think the nilfisk filter drops into the part where the debris go. 

I did notice that one of them had a 3 year warranty? I can't remember if it was called unitec or metabo.

I haven't used mine specifically with concrete dust (though Starmix markets the 1445 as a concrete dust extractor) but have with drywall dust and carpentry dust (wood, lead, plywood adhesives, etc., both with and without a bag). It's worked great for those materials.

Yes, the bottom of the filter bodies protrude into the container. That said, the method for removing them from the machine does not require the user to open the portion of the lid that provides access to the bag (or container if no bag is in use).

This vid shows better what I'm talking about:
=34

 

[zukinut]

I don't think I'll ever put concrete dust thru it either, but I sure woulda enjoyed having it on my last job.  I had to make 2 cuts about 5" long each in concrete with an angle grinder.  You wouldn't believe the mess I had to clean up even with a shop vac with a bag running right beside it.  That's the day I swore I was buying a good vac. 

 

[TinyShop]

Aside from offering the new molding and related brackets that allow one to affix systainers to the lid, the latest generation iPulse vacs - though, interestingly, not the one specifically designed for asbestos - also feature a 1600W motor (as opposed to the 1400W motor that accompanies the "N.A." version). I would expect, once companies like Metabo and CS Unitec run through their existing stock of iPulse vacs, that we will see the systainer-compatible version arrive here. That said, I'm not sure if the 1600W version will be offered. We may only continue to get the 1400W version.

 
To be clear, the Starmix "Smart-Fix" rails (the brackets one needs in order to affix systainers to the lid of the latest generation iPulse vacs):

...which can be purchased separately, are NOT compatible with prior year's versions of the 1445. The guidance from Starmix and certain retailers in this regard is a little lacking. Some of the language seems to imply that one can retrofit these rails to older vacs but this is NOT the case. Now, that being said, I'm not sure how this might apply to how these rails might be used in the facilitation of some DIY ingenuity....

 

[TinyShop]

I don't think I'll ever put concrete dust thru it either, but I sure woulda enjoyed having it on my last job.  I had to make 2 cuts about 5" long each in concrete with an angle grinder.  You wouldn't believe the mess I had to clean up even with a shop vac with a bag running right beside it.  That's the day I swore I was buying a good vac.

Indeed! Aside from my needing to comply with RRP and other related lead-paint rules, I got so sick of picking up debris and watching the fines blow all over the room (which was the case with my old Rigid shop vac). Of course, swapping out my tools for those with dust extraction also forced the move.

 

[zukinut]

Tinyshop,

A couple more questions, did yours come with a handle? It looks like it has a place for the handle but it doesn't come with it. is there any form of cord or hose storage? Does it come with an anti static hose? 

Thanks again
Will