which vac to get??

[Greg_R]

The Dust Deputy is a great idea. Does it really not impact the suction of the vac?

Of course a cyclone will result in some loss.  However, I have not noticed a problem (dust not getting collected, etc.).  The bulk of my dust production is when sanding and I wouldn't use the maximum setting on the vac for that anyway...

 

[TOOLMAN169]

GET THE CT 33  IT'S THE BEST WOOD SHOP VACUUM OUT THERE.

 

[Dan Clermont]

I like the CT 22.

Accepts the Boom Arm, Long Life filter bag, more suction the Mini and Midi.

Same features as the CT 33. Allot of customers use the money saved from buying the CT 22 over the 33 and get the Long Life bag.

Just my Two Canadian Cents!

Dan Clermont

 

[Mac]

For what it's worth I use my midi with my mitre saw...it starts it no problem and does the job nicely.

Cheers,
Rick

 

[lordinteriors]

i have the ct22 and i love it i have to get my festool gear out of the van everyday use it all clean it and then put it back in and the ct22 along with other tools from the festool system is perfect for me but before buying i wanted to handle one so i went to a dealer and ask to have a look for myself and they were more than happy to let me
hope this helps

lee

 

[counterfix]

i have the ct33,ct22and ct mini all are great the ct 33 is shop ony the ct22 is field use for all tools the mini i use stricly for sanding.all are in industrial use daily in fact the 22 is about 10yrs old [blink] [blink]

i wont leave with out one ;D ;D

 

[waho6o9]

I am looking to get a new vac.  I travel alot so I was looking at getting the midi but it says it will not work with a chopsaw.  I was wondering if it would start up a chopsaw or portable tablesaw. 
Thanks Dave

Ct 33 all the way.

 

[harry_]

I love my CT33! EXCEPT when it is time to (un)load it from my truck [big grin]

 

[Yukonal]

I am also considering which vacuum to get and am a new member of thefestool owners group.
I am also interested in portability and weight as I will be moving my vacuum from my basement shop to the  garage and also to our cabin. I will mostly be using it with a Festool saw and a Festool sander.
I got to thinking that other users may be interested in the total weight of the vacuums when they are full of dust as this is a consideration when hauling these units around.
Here is how I figure it. Please let me know what you think.

Using Oak and Birch as an example - which weigh about 47 pounds per cubic foot.
I made an assumption that a cubic foot of Oak or Birch dust would weigh the same.
One cubic foot is equal to 28.3 litres.
Therefore the following vacuums with a full load of Oak or Birch dust would weigh ( Vacuum weight + Dust weight = Total Weight) Weights are in pounds
Mini  21 + 12.5 = 33.5 lbs
Midi  21 .4 + 20.8 = 42.4 lbs
CT 22E  26.5 + 33.6 = 60.1 lbs
CT 33 E  32 + 50.4 = 82.4 lbs

I haven't purchased any Festool products but will do so soon. I am finding the festool owners group forums very informative.

Cheers,

Alex

 

[Holzhacker]

I've had my CT22 for a few months now. I thought about buying the 33 because I figured I might need the extra capacity from time to time. I opted for the 22 because it is my mobile unit and I always have my TII for backup. If the CT is going to be mostly mobile, I would recommend the 22 or smaller, not the 33. The 22 definitely gets a bit heavy once it starts to fill up. I would hate to lug around a nearly full 33. Good luck.

 

[bhendrix]

Hi Alex,

I went through a similar exercise in considering my choice of dust extractors.  I have asthma so I wanted the best protection/collection possible.  The 22 and 33 both have HEPA filters.  The Mini and Midi have 1 micron filters.  There's a bunch of harmful stuff smaller than 1 micron.  So that quickly took me to the 22 or 33.  The major difference between the 22 and 33 is bag capacity and a storage drawer, so I chose the CT 22.  I use it with a Dust Deputy to collect the majority of the saw dust.  When it comes time to transport, simply remove/empty the dust deputy and the basically empty 22 is ready to go.

I loved the CT22 / Dust Deputy combo so much that I bought a second CT 22.

Warning:  While you think you may be only going to buy a saw and a sander, if you are like me, you will become addicted to the quality of the Festool system.  My journey into Festool started a year ago and I now own everything available in NA except the T-15 drills and the 850 planer and the detail sander.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Just a note, if HEPA filtration is a consideration.  HEPA filters for the MINI and MIDI will be available in the coming weeks.  495 752 for $33.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Just a note, if HEPA filtration is a consideration.  HEPA filters for the MINI and MIDI will be available in the coming weeks.  495 752 for $33.

Not as much as the outcome of the epa's testing. [poke]

 

[bhendrix]

Just a note, if HEPA filtration is a consideration.  HEPA filters for the MINI and MIDI will be available in the coming weeks.  495 752 for $33.

Not as much as the outcome of the epa's testing. [poke]

Can you give us more information on the "EPA testing"?

Thanks!!

 

[Tom Turrill]

As a contractor who is new to Festool, I can say that I am happy with the CT22.  Just before the holidays I bought the TS75 and several MFT/3 tables and went back to my friend who is a Festool dealer and purchased the CT22.  I have been using this setup on a job in a school and the cleanup is minor at the end of the day.  I have the Fein vac and use both and I can honestly say that the CT22 works better with the Fein sander and the circular saw.  I keep all of my tools in top condition and I think both vacs are very similiar, but I give the edge to the CT22.  Just my 2 cents.......

 

[Jesse Cloud]

If you are using the saw and the sander, they don't make huge amounts of dust.  It will take a while to fill the bag of a CT22.  I see no reason for a 33.  I have a 22 and am amazed at how long the bags last.  No experience with the mini or midi.

 

[peter halle]

Just a note, if HEPA filtration is a consideration.  HEPA filters for the MINI and MIDI will be available in the coming weeks.  495 752 for $33.

Not as much as the outcome of the epa's testing. [poke]

Can you give us more information on the "EPA testing"?

Thanks!!

Darcy was referring I believe to questions that have been posted about the use of the CT's on construction sites with the upcoming EPA mandated lead paint vacuuming requirements.  In a nutshell, contractors are going to need to have HEPA vacuums to deal with lead paint dust.  The EPA's rules are basically requiring that the vacuums be rated as hepa versus the filters.  To qualify all the exhaust air must pass thru a hepa filter.  Darcy, and everyone else who might use these to make a living are hoping that we will hear that Festool has passed the mark.

That is a summary.  If I have mis-spoken for anyone, I apologize and feel free to correct me.

Peter

 

[bonesbr549]

My first festool purchase was the Domino and CT33e and they have  been great.  Its an awsome tool and you won't be dissapointed.  since DC as the heart of all festool, having any of their tools an not one of their vacs just doesn't seem to make sense.  Take care.