which vac to get??
- Thread starter vwdave
- Start date
Others will be better able to answer this. My only concern is that there is quite a bit less suction and volume with the midi versus the CT22-33. I own the CT33 - same as the 22 - and it works with most any tool. Works great with my Makita 1013 slider. Have seen the midi in action and it could not keep up with a OF1400 router so doubt it will work very well with a chop saw or table saw.
I would like the midi myself for the physical size but wish it had more suction.
Pete
I would like the midi myself for the physical size but wish it had more suction.
Pete
This is interesting to me, too; I've just got a 1010 router, am about to pick up a ETS 150/3 and am looking at which vac to get. I have a dewalt sliding mitre saw and the cordless dewalt track saw, which I plan on using it with too. I was planning on the midi, but now I'm wondering! ???
Mac
Mac
Brice Burrell
Member
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2007
- Messages
- 7,385
Dave, while the CT Mini and Midi do have less suction than the larger CT 22 and 33 vacs they do work fine with most tools, including portable table saws and miter saws. I use my CT Mini with a D36 hose on my Kapex there is no noticeable difference in collection when I switch to my CT22. As for the amperage drawn, make sure you're plugged into a 20 amp circuit when ever you can when using larger power tools with the vac. Of course this assumes you are in the US, if you are abroad ignore my advice on power consumption.
This brings up another point, all members please fill in your location on your profile. You don't need to be too specific, a general location will work even if it's just the continent. It helps when offering advice to know where the member is from.
This brings up another point, all members please fill in your location on your profile. You don't need to be too specific, a general location will work even if it's just the continent. It helps when offering advice to know where the member is from.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 8,426
Dave,
Brice's advice is sound. You should realize increased dust extraction when using a 36mm hose versus a 27mm hose when used with a miter saw, for instance. The larger hose, capacity and CFM are definitely advantages of the CT 22/33. Of course, the CT MINI/MIDI offer better portability in a compact footprint. There's a good chart showing a comparison of the various CT models on our website.
We recommend you use the Kapex with a 36mm hose which can be used with the CT 22 and CT 33 to maximize dust extraction which is what you may have read. The MMC electronics which integrated into almost all of our tools offer a soft-start feature and variable speed setting help control the current draw unlike most other brands. You're always going to get the best results when using Festools in conjunction with one another since they are engineered to work as a system. Of course, without knowing the specifics of the power consumption of your tools it's hard to answer the question accurately. However, you can purchase with the confidence of knowing that if you make a decision and find that it doesn't suit your requirements, you can always swap out for a different CT within the 30-day guarantee period.
If you still have questions, I would recommend contacting our tech support guys who are very knowledgeable at 888-337-8600 or support@festoolusa.com.
Brice's advice is sound. You should realize increased dust extraction when using a 36mm hose versus a 27mm hose when used with a miter saw, for instance. The larger hose, capacity and CFM are definitely advantages of the CT 22/33. Of course, the CT MINI/MIDI offer better portability in a compact footprint. There's a good chart showing a comparison of the various CT models on our website.
We recommend you use the Kapex with a 36mm hose which can be used with the CT 22 and CT 33 to maximize dust extraction which is what you may have read. The MMC electronics which integrated into almost all of our tools offer a soft-start feature and variable speed setting help control the current draw unlike most other brands. You're always going to get the best results when using Festools in conjunction with one another since they are engineered to work as a system. Of course, without knowing the specifics of the power consumption of your tools it's hard to answer the question accurately. However, you can purchase with the confidence of knowing that if you make a decision and find that it doesn't suit your requirements, you can always swap out for a different CT within the 30-day guarantee period.
If you still have questions, I would recommend contacting our tech support guys who are very knowledgeable at 888-337-8600 or support@festoolusa.com.
I cannot speak for the Mini or the Midi. I do have a Hitachi 8-1/2" SCMS. When i run that off of my CT 33, I end up getting shut down after only a few cuts. So I run the two off of seperate power circuits.
I also have a DW 625 Router that I run off of my CT 22. That also shuts down occasionally but not so often. If i am running a lot of cuts, I hook the two up to seperate circuits. Both circuits are supposedly 15 amp breakers.
Tinker
I also have a DW 625 Router that I run off of my CT 22. That also shuts down occasionally but not so often. If i am running a lot of cuts, I hook the two up to seperate circuits. Both circuits are supposedly 15 amp breakers.
Tinker
can you hook up the 36mm hose to the midi?? also the vacs got an auto shutdown feature? I was ripping double 3/4 okume ply and the ts55 could not cut it without shutting down halfway threw. I was upset with that so now i must limit double ply ripping or get the 75
Dave
Dave
Brice Burrell
Member
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2007
- Messages
- 7,385
vwdave said:
Dave, yes, the D36 fits. There seems to be a misconception that the D36 won't won't fit the mini/midi vac. Here's a picture of the D36 hose installed in my CT Mini.
[attachthumb=#]
Good Morning Dave,
I have a FESTOOL Midi, for sanding with the RO 150 this is it, absolutely zero cleanup. For the Domino, Kapex, or shop cleanup please look at Nilfisk-ALTO - Attix 12 RDFD XC (or other Nilfisk vacuums). This will be something you can put in your will...
Michael (Meatplow)
I have a FESTOOL Midi, for sanding with the RO 150 this is it, absolutely zero cleanup. For the Domino, Kapex, or shop cleanup please look at Nilfisk-ALTO - Attix 12 RDFD XC (or other Nilfisk vacuums). This will be something you can put in your will...
Michael (Meatplow)
paul_david_thomas
Member
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2008
- Messages
- 281
I've got a midi and...
TS55, Domino, Makita saw, OF1400 and a few other tools that need a vac... The midi works just fine, if your planing stuff, you get a lot of debre off stuff - which might fill the bag up... I've built a couple of houses and use the midi, I'm happy with the fact I can tug it around the site nice and easy - you just use a few more bags, but they are pretty cheap...
TS55, Domino, Makita saw, OF1400 and a few other tools that need a vac... The midi works just fine, if your planing stuff, you get a lot of debre off stuff - which might fill the bag up... I've built a couple of houses and use the midi, I'm happy with the fact I can tug it around the site nice and easy - you just use a few more bags, but they are pretty cheap...
lordinteriors
Member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2008
- Messages
- 192
i have not set up my new shop yet but i will buy a new 36 litre vac for the shop and i use my ct22 for portable jobs and i find it just fine carrying it in and out of my van and in and out of peoples homes
lee
lee
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2007
- Messages
- 8,426
Dave,
As you can see by others' responses, the CT 22 is rather popular. The optional CT handle can be used with the 22/33 to make them easier to transport. Regarding the 36mm hose, you may want to consider buying one of the Universal cleaning sets that includes the 36mm hose. It's a good deal because you get the cleaning accessories for not much more than you would pay for the hose by itself.
Which blade are you using with your TS 55? I'm not personally familiar with okume but the panther blade is designed for ripping and may provide better results. Others can probably provide their experience with using that blade for similar applications.
The TS saws have overload protection which is probably what is shutting the saw down.
As you can see by others' responses, the CT 22 is rather popular. The optional CT handle can be used with the 22/33 to make them easier to transport. Regarding the 36mm hose, you may want to consider buying one of the Universal cleaning sets that includes the 36mm hose. It's a good deal because you get the cleaning accessories for not much more than you would pay for the hose by itself.
Which blade are you using with your TS 55? I'm not personally familiar with okume but the panther blade is designed for ripping and may provide better results. Others can probably provide their experience with using that blade for similar applications.
The TS saws have overload protection which is probably what is shutting the saw down.
bonesbr549
Member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2008
- Messages
- 542
The vac was one of the first tools I got from Festool. I bought the domino and ct33-e. I looked at the 22 and the mini's but after looking at how much bags cost and how I detest changing them, I went with the biggest sucker I could get (pardon the pun). Don't regret it, it's a hoss and with the hose garage and upright handle it acts as a great tool caddy.
Bones,
I bought 2 ct33's for my shop for the same reason, larger bags...However since then I added a cyclone to each one and all the dirt goes into the cyclone and I haven't got anything in my bag since. I'm sure it will eventually fill but I bet it will be a long time, maybe a couple years for me here. If I had it to do over, I'd get the ct22 and add the dust deputy plastic cyclone with the money saved.
Removable Cyclone assembled on top of CT33
I bought 2 ct33's for my shop for the same reason, larger bags...However since then I added a cyclone to each one and all the dirt goes into the cyclone and I haven't got anything in my bag since. I'm sure it will eventually fill but I bet it will be a long time, maybe a couple years for me here. If I had it to do over, I'd get the ct22 and add the dust deputy plastic cyclone with the money saved.
Removable Cyclone assembled on top of CT33
I do use mine in the shop only so the extra size of the 33 doesn't get in my way. If I did decide to move it, it is still portable and separates from the dust deputy the same way the systainer separates. If I did a lot of outside work i would probably want the 22 just for smaller size an being more portable and yet having the same cfm as the 33.
hoedma
Member
Hi Dave,
Not sure whether you have already decided on a vac but I use a midi with a 1010 router, TS55 and DTS400. All work very well. Of course, with some jobs no vac is going to get all the dust, but mostly it is very good.
Recently I got the CS50 Precisio table saw, which I believe is not available in the USA (and it is a fantastic machine, so start nagging Festool usa). This comes with 50mm hose which does not go into the midi. I asked Festool about this and they told me the midi and mini where specifically designed for painters (i.e sanding) and not for sawing. However, he did advise me to get some 50mm PVC piping and use that between the vac inlet and the hose. Brillant! The 27 mm hose that I initially used between the saw and the vac just had too much resistence. Now, with the 50mm hose and PVC, almost all the dust gets sucked into the midi. Only special cuts leave some dust.
However, the midi does have a rather small container when you do alot of sawing. If you only plan to do occasional sawing, you could go for the midi. If you expect or plan to do more, go for the 22 (or new 26) model.
Cheers
Mattijs
Not sure whether you have already decided on a vac but I use a midi with a 1010 router, TS55 and DTS400. All work very well. Of course, with some jobs no vac is going to get all the dust, but mostly it is very good.
Recently I got the CS50 Precisio table saw, which I believe is not available in the USA (and it is a fantastic machine, so start nagging Festool usa). This comes with 50mm hose which does not go into the midi. I asked Festool about this and they told me the midi and mini where specifically designed for painters (i.e sanding) and not for sawing. However, he did advise me to get some 50mm PVC piping and use that between the vac inlet and the hose. Brillant! The 27 mm hose that I initially used between the saw and the vac just had too much resistence. Now, with the 50mm hose and PVC, almost all the dust gets sucked into the midi. Only special cuts leave some dust.
However, the midi does have a rather small container when you do alot of sawing. If you only plan to do occasional sawing, you could go for the midi. If you expect or plan to do more, go for the 22 (or new 26) model.
Cheers
Mattijs
