5 Reasons Why I LOVE the Festool CT Cyclone

[@wendlord]

... it works with the Ctl-Sys too!

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Thanks for the heads up!!

[@jrichardson6]

Great video. I put off buying this for over a year because of wood whisperers Luke warm review. However I eventually bought for £270 in U.K.. I was expecting to be disappointed but quite the opposite it has been great over the past month knowing all the main volume is dumped into the clear hopper and the bag in the ctmini and the filter have less work to do. Definitely one of my favourite festool purchases of all time. I have a small ctsys too and I have a long life filter bag inside it - to empty it I just open the top attach a 36mm hose to the ctmini (with pre separator attached) and suck the dust from the long life bag straight into the clear hopper. Then I take out the sys filter and give that a good suck with the big hose . Definitely a worthwhile purchase. I haven’t noticed much suction power drop either. I noticed over the years that without the separator the suction dropped on all my vacs as the bag became fuller and the filter became clogged. I’m assuming the suction may stay at a more constant level when the separator is attached as the vac isn’t sucking air through a mound of waste that is removed by the hopper and isn’t being burdened by a load of dust in the bag/filter. Maybe that may make less strain and consequently a longer life for filter and motor of extractor..

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Awesome! Yeah people see the CFM comparison and think it’s a piece of rubbish - when that loss of suction doesn’t really have an impact.

[@boxoffluffys]

Been using it professionally as a floor sander . I empty the thing multiple times a day . It works great . Use a bungee to clip top of unit to base so you can move it around as a single unit

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Nice!! Bungee chords are the unsung hero of nearly every industry

[@boxoffluffys]

@@BenMarshallDesigns bungee and black gaffer tape 😀

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

@@boxoffluffys for the win!!!

[@markjarman7819]

I have very good results with this paired with my midi. Running the kapex on a 36mm hose and the same running to a dewalt table saw with a y piece from the cyclone. I don’t get much in the midi bag. Very happy with it.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

I'm running the exact same set up on my Kapex. I also use this with my DeWalt 735 planer. I change my vac bags about once a year - not because they get full be because I feel like I should at least change them every so often! Appreciate you sharing your experience!

[@DennisKyser]

Thanks for the review, I just purchased my first Festool yesterday and ended up getting the CT 26 Dust collector and the Domino. I am impressed with the ecosystem so far and plan on adding this cyclone soon. Yes it is more expensive, but not bulky which means I will use it more often.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Nice! I've had the CT26 for almost 4 years now and it's the most used tool in my shop. Yeah, you can't beat the Festool ecosystem, it's the main reason why I don't venture outside of it - things are just designed with the right complimentary features. Besides the cyclone, any other festool you're looking to pick up? I'm looking at getting a Rotex soon, I had the 125 a few years ago and loved it.

[@jason-hh6lu]

That saves me a fortune in bags. I have to Festool dust extractors, one for workshop, one for site work. Whenever either bag is full I attach the dust separator and suck out the dust from a full bag. Then just dump the dust from the tub later. Nice video

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

I'd advise that you just shell out the cash for additional bags - over time it will clog up eventually and could put more strain on your motor.

[@mikiauto73]

On minute 3:46 what tool to make square the wood are you using?

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Festool HL850 planer

[@Laguna2013]

I have to climb step stairs to boathouse roof to work on sanding railings up there. Is it crazy to think of lugging the ct48 up there?

[@hectorrojas9818]

Is a festool vacuum with the cyclone ideal for concrete grinding with a 5 or 7 inch grinder?

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

If you're grinding steel or any other magnetic metal, you'd want to buy a metal catch for the vacuum. All other materials, yes it would work.

[@blacklabelcarpentry]

Great video. I enjoy the clear bin, makes it very easy to know when to dump the bin. Ive filled up my midi a few times now because i didn't realize the oneida was full

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

The clear bin is certainly a great touch! Thanks for watching!

[@markknight2293]

Thanks so much for this video, seriously. I picked my unit up yesterday with all the bells and whistles, lots of spares and then some. $3,200.00 AUD, yes it hurt but I really need it and yes I use it professionally and am very fussy about my dust extraction. No other brand does a set up quite like this that has been balanced and tested in the same way on this size scale.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Buy once, cry once! Festool is a fantastic brand and holds well over time

[@yabogomol2285]

Thanks for the great video! I’ve been trying to decide between this separator and the black Oneida model. I already have a small dust deputy on a 5 gal bucket and love how it performs but I hate how bulky and cumbersome it is- especially when working in smaller rooms. I’ve seen some reviews that mention a noticeable loss of suction with the Festool separator. Have you noticed this? Also, I’ll mainly be using for fine dust from Rotex sanders and my Planex drywall sander. (I find that my CT36 auto clean feature doesn’t keep up and I hate cleaning the filter.) How does this separator do with fine dust?

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Thanks for watching! It's already been proven in other videos (woodwhisperer) that there is a loss in suction. However, I've not used a machine where that loss in suction is an issue. Particles still get picked up, and whatever particles were already getting chipped away from the machine are still going to happen, no matter how powerful my dust extraction is. I have seen a few festool owner group members, with a CT Cyclone and Planex, they say that it collects some but not all the dust (you'll have this problem no matter which separator you use). I'd say that if you already have success with a small cyclone, that this should work just fine. I REALLY appreciate that it has a clear bin to see when it needs to be emptied, probably the best feature (compared to others).

[@yabogomol2285]

Thanks so much for the input!

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

@@yabogomol2285 Glad to have helped.

[@kubilayylmaz1716]

I have also ctl26 sometime full up quickly.my question is just change reservoir bottom reservoir change with 48 liter less cost than cyclone and more effective no?

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

You don't have to replace bags as often if you use the cyclone - over time it is cheaper

[@michaelpayne8102]

You hit the nail on the head vs. some other reviews. The reason to buy it is to not have to buy/clean out bags as much. While it’s pricey it pays for itself over the course of time. You also hit on the fact that you don’t need the bin to use it, so for a small job you don’t need to haul the bin around to save some space.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

I love how modular and compact it can be. I think having the clear bin ALONE is worth it compared to other cyclone systems. Plus it fits on top of a CT!??!?! No brainer! Thanks for the feedback!

[@leatherbydragonfly]

What a great overview and honesty!. I learned a few things from your video. Keep up the good work

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lloydhavekost4611]

Thank you for sharing, i have been looking at the differences between the MIDI and CT 26 and your video is the first that listed the Cyclone as NOT supported on the MIDI. Made my decision for the CT 26 easy, thanks again

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Glad it was helpful! I've had my 26 for 5 years now - still going strong!

[@David_K_pi]

My local Woodcraft is using the dust extracter on a MIDI, I think. Why shouldn't it work?

[@David_K_pi]

I may have been mistaken about my local Woodcraft using the CT Cyclone on a CT MIDI dust extractor, although we did verify that it would fit on top of one and everything would connect. I think they may have a CT 26 back in their shop. But, according to the Festool 2024 online catalog, on page 38, it says: ‘For CT MINI I, CT MIDI I, CT 26, CT 36, CT 36 AC, CT 48, CT 48 AC”. So, the Festool literature says the CT Cyclone can be used on the CT MIDI - at least the 2024 versions do.

[@ThekiBoran]

I have the Oneida on a CT36. The only dust inside the vacuum bag is some sanding dust from a few years ago when I used it without the Oneida. True, you can't see inside it so I just check it and empty on a regular basis, kind of like checking a vacuum bag. The festool does have a lower profile with both hoses attaching to the side and the clear bin is nice but the Oneida is not a bad choice as it captures 99.whatever of the particles that go through it.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

I agree, the oneida does a good job. However too many times I would be enthralled in some routing or planing and the system would back up. Plus I can put other systainers on top of the CT Cyclone - cant do that with the oneida. To each their own - whatever works!

[@iamthenotbenamed365]

Brother, did you ever feel like Enlarging the Hose from standard-27/32 to ...

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

I have the larger hose on my HL850, Kapex and CMS. Certainly helps out with the Kapex and HL850, and when using the cyclone on my dewalt thickness planer

[@gregmatchett7110]

Worth using for just sanding with ETS 150/5?

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

It's worth to save money on bags if you use a Festool extractor

[@markknight2293]

I have a track saw, may purchase the large planer soon too.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Nice!

[@B15SDMDESIGNS]

I went with then newer CTM midi over the slightly dated 26 due to the portability and the blower function on the newer midi. I also purchased this separator for those more demanding jobs where I need more collection.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Nice! It's a great piece of kit!

[@t.e.1189]

Do you have the cordless CTC Midi I or the standard CT Midi I (with bluetooth)? Also does it fit properly over it or do you have to modify anything? And finally is it top heavy on the Midi?

[@ParisCarpentry1971]

I watched a few reviews and yours was one of the last ones I watched and you are so right about the dust collection this CT Cyclone does. I am really happy buying it. A little pricy but you get what you pay for with Festool. Everything you said about it is spot on! Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Thanks! It's a great bit of kit and is a great addition to any shop!

[@tonyr484]

Thanks for your honest rundown Ben, I was only just considering looking into this system, & you have answered all my queries I had Cheers

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Fantastic! Glad you found it helpful and thanks for dropping a comment!

[@Eorlingur]

Does it separate large hand plane shavings as well? I have one of the common small cyclones and big shavings goes through and fill up the bag. I have been looking at this to see if it fares better. Hand plane shavings become very voliminous and cleaning up the shop after a session with the stanley can easily fill up a bag despite my cyclone.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Hmmm, that's an interesting one. I don't use hand planes, so I couldn't tell you whether they end up in the bag or not. I would think that it's a small chance, but if you already have experienced it with different separators, then you'll likely have the same issue here? Either way, it's a competent little separator, and at least you'd be able to look in the bin as it's running to see if the shavings got sucked into the bag!

[@Eorlingur]

@@BenMarshallDesigns If I understand it correctly, the ct is a baffle separator, and it may be different in this regard from a cyclone one. I only have experience with cyclone separators and they do not manage long shavings very well.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

@@Eorlingur You're correct, it is a baffle separator, so the longer shavings may not end up in the bag. However, given how light and thin those shavings can be, it may not be heavy enough to get separated. If I had a hand plane, I could surely test it out for you. I've you aren't already, head over to www.festoolownersgroup.com, make an account, and drop a question in the tool sections. There are plenty of folks that would be able to answer that question!

[@Eorlingur]

@@BenMarshallDesigns Thanks. Ill do that.

[@tcbridges]

Thanks for all the advise. I just purchased the Cylcone and when i turn the ct36 on the cyclone plastic liner bag sucks inward is that normal or is something wrong. I would thing the container would not suck inward . Thanks, Tom

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Tom, every few cycles you need to push the bag back into the sides of the clear bin. It becomes a hassle after a while, and I just stopped using the bag altogether. Some cities/states require you to use a bag, so be cautious for whatever your use is. I'm a hobbyist in my own home, so it's not an issue. You don't have to use a bag with this system - works perfectly fine without one (I've used it bagless for many many months at this point).

[@tcbridges]

@@BenMarshallDesigns Thanks for letting me know that. I am just a hobby home guy retired and playing. I think I will pass on the bags after I fininf my drywall rebodel and then it will be just in my playground.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

@@tcbridges yep! Having fun is the best way to do it!

[@pmelchman]

very informative video Ben. I have looked at this product before...I might need to have a second look now after seeing your video. I have a kitchen remodel in the near future.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Thanks for watching, Patrick! Good luck on the reno!

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

What is that Jointer that you are using @3:43?

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Man your commenting everywhere!! It's the festool HL850 planer. If you expand the video description, I have the majority of my tools listed there.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

@@BenMarshallDesigns OH WOW! That's so interesting! I actually have that planer. But, I don't believe that I have that railing... Or, if I do, I haven't seen it upside down like that or something... I've got a lot to learn. I'm actually just kind of leveling out my tool needs in plans to move in 2022 so that I have what I need while I can afford it, prior to post-home purchase. I am out of my home-region for the time being, so "Staging" in advance. ...And, I will definitely engage in your commentary to boost analytics if you (or other content providers) have awesome content.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

@@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios that's the bench unit, it was discontinued a few years ago. If you're wanting to find one, head to festoolownersgroup.com and register. There is a classified section where members post items for sale (or if they are searching for something). A bench unit will pop up every now and then, but they are kinda rare. Took me about 2 years to find one!

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

@@BenMarshallDesigns NICE! Thanks, Brother!

[@Youtuber396j]

I have the dewalt planer and it has an exhaust blower. 2.5 inch hose port. Do you think it will work with this?

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

yes, if you have the bigger festool hose, just turn it around and it'll work. Not exactly a perfect fix, but this is how I've been using it for years, just be sure to not bump it in the middle of extracting chips 🤣

[@Youtuber396j]

Thanks. I ended up getting this and the Wood River Trash can top. Went 4 inches from Dewalt to that and then two inch adapter from that to Festool. The air-pressure from the Dewalt was blowing the wood river lid off of the trashcan, even with like 50 pounds of weights on it. Was concerned the air pressure would damage the Festool. Had it on the Festool for a bit at first (before I put the weight on the trash can lid) but no chips stayed in the trash can -- all blew out since the lid was not weighted. Net: the Dewalt pushes out A LOT of pressure. Are you concerned at all about it causing a problem with the Festool?@@BenMarshallDesigns

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

It doesn't, haven't had an issue in over 3 years of using this with the dewalt planer

[@olivepressdesign]

Hi Ben. Great video. I gave up on even thinking about this separator until seeing your video All excellent points. Thank you. I wanted to get some advice on hooking up my Dewalt 734 planer to the CT 26. 1. Would you just recommend using this separator? 2. Can the CT 26 just be hooked up directly to the planer? 3. Would I need to use another hose diameter? Any advice on making this work would be great. I'm assuming Festool doesn't make lunchbox style planers. THANKS

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Olive, I have the 36mm hose and use it all the time with my Dewalt 734. Simply reverse the ends on the CT Cyclone, it marries up perfectly with the dewalts dust port. Hit me up on Instagram, and I can send you a video of how I have it set up. The CT 26 can be hooked up to the planer, with the 36mm hose, however it will fill up rather quickly without a separator. Unfortunately, Festool doesn't make lunch box planers, just hand planers.

[@olivepressdesign]

@@BenMarshallDesigns I messaged you on IG. 👍

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

@@olivepressdesign got it!

[@Adather]

Very good video. One think about compabilty with other Vacs. I’m using it with new CTM MIDI and it works great. CTL MINI should be good as well.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Thanks for sharing the compatibility! Festool needs to update their website to reflect the newer vacs that are good to work with the cyclone.

[@eventhorizon2873]

You did good, CTM is better for this job, its in class M wich is for wood and concrete. the filters of the other vacs are not realy good

[@andrepoon]

@@eventhorizon2873 not true. My Midi is class M. I think the CFM is marginally less though

[@ProfessorClay]

Before that six month time, how many bags were you going through on average? Thanks.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Hard to say, I used the same bag for years, just kept emptying it 😂😂 I used a small shop vac to empty it out!!! A combination of being cheap and too lazy to buy more bags. I would empty the bag weekly, sometimes it was full and sometimes not so much, depending on what i was processing. I will say that I use my vac every day and it is the most used tool in my shop. Hope that answers your question. Thanks for watching and dropping a question!

[@ProfessorClay]

@@BenMarshallDesigns Awesome. Thanks Ben.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

@@ProfessorClay Wecome!

[@garypinagp1]

I just got one it’s awesome!

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

right!?

[@adrianabshire]

Does the HEPA filter still work in the midi with this?

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

The CT cyclone doesn’t impede the HEPA on the festool extractors. I believe you need an adapter for the hose with the MIDI, but not 100% certain

[@dpeatebc7265]

Good review of a great product. 👏

[@Skiller7777]

I got it will use it very soon

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

awesome!

[@BoxcarJerry]

Good review Ben . I'm guessing the fine sander dust is going into the bag ? Do you feel the cyclone is worth the invest if that's the case ? Take care .

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Jerry, yes the finer sand ends up in the bag. After 6 months of sanding (hobbyist, single person use), there is barely any dust in my CT26 bag - maybe 5% of the overall bag. I HIGHLY recommend the CT Cyclone, especially if you already have invested in the festool ecosystem.

[@bjsummerfield]

Works with the MIDI I

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Good to know! thanks for sharing

[@paulmacey9084]

please can you tell me what planer you wear using on this video and how you did the planning hopping you can help me Paul

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Hey, Paul. I'm using the Festool HL850 planer. If you want to see more info on it, you can use the links in the description of the video - I link all the tools I currently use there. Thanks for the question!

[@dipseadiver]

Many thanks Ben. Helped reassure me that I had done the right thing in already purchasing this addition.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Nice! Glad the video reassured you! Appreciate you watching and letting me know as much!

[@Igor-q3f]

There’s new accessory for this, It should be part of the original package.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

what's the new accessory? Its not on the website.

[@Igor-q3f]

@@BenMarshallDesigns 205239 retro fit. It also comes with a new insert to install inside the box to keep all the parts tight.

[@2jitters]

Work with MDF

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

Ok, now what?

[@bobseguin2195]

Here in canada, that thing is $500.00

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

in USD or CAD?

[@bobseguin2195]

@@BenMarshallDesigns cad way to much

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

@@bobseguin2195 oh that sucks!

[@eventhorizon2873]

strange that everyone use a CT or CTL, while the kind of work you do with these machines are not ment for them. you need a CTM (M=dust class for wood) CT is basicly just a vaccuumcleaner while the ctl is almost the same and more for small machines say DIY. the pro who does wood construction work, even working concrete use the CTM. its all about the filters and power.

[@fepatton]

I can’t tell that we can even get the L and M versions in the US. The Festool US site only lists the HEPA versions.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

@event horizon, we don't have the same dust regulations that other countries do - there aren't any other models for us to pick. The only rating we have are for HEPA certifications - that's it.

[@deafpool]

the CTL and CTM are the exact same model with only difference of a sensor that recognizes full filters where the workplace would be more polluted because of the lower suction. look it up, i bought myself a CTL for the planex too, because its 200 bux less. also i bought a 26 instead of 36, because the cyclone does take all the dust, so i have a smaller system for regular use which makes it handy.

[@dejantrifunovic3009]

😁💪👍

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

thanks!

[@shaynesabala]

You spent how much? I added an Oneida cyclone to my festool for 135$ and it works perfectly. I don’t need a bag and there’s no dust in my distractor. You paid 4 times what you needed to pay. 😁. My separator is clear and you can see what’s in it perfectly. Good grief, don’t follow this guys advice.

[@BenMarshallDesigns]

How come you’re watching this video if your Oneida separator is enough?