Festool CTM 26 Mobile Dust Extractor

Dusts in the woodworking and construction industries are harmful, particularly fine silica and the dust from man made materials such as MDF. "M" Class extractors are being specified in many work environments. The Festool CTM 26 is their smallest "M" Class extractor in a range of machines suitable for the toughest jobs and the most stringent regulations.
This machine had been lent to me and has now been returned.

[@twjull]

Great video Peter! Really like the dial for the different hose sizes. Nice that festool is really working on quality mobile dust collection for all the tools.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thanks Terry. Peter

[@alansimpson596]

Thank you, Peter, for another excellent video. I'm extremely fond of my healthy lungs and have been using a Festool dust extractor for about 6 months. Consequently, my workshop is almost totally dust free. I should add that I also wear a powered respirator. I also bought the brush accessories which allows me to run the extractor over the worktops for a final tidy up at the end of the day.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Alan, It pays to be on the safe side and a Festool extractor coupled with a powered respirator is very sensible. Peter

[@ronh9384]

Another informative video Peter, thank you. Something I have noticed at least with my CT36 that when sanding I have to turn the suction/speed down as it causes my Festool sanders and other brands to dart around a bit. My Festool rep suggested I turn the speed down until that stops as the suction is so efficient that it causing the pad/sandpaper to grab or catch on the wood. He said each wood species is different due to pore size etc and play with the setting until you find a balance where the dust extraction is sufficient and the sander doesn't grab.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ron, Yes, I have heard that it benefits some situations. I have never done this and manage but I do know that lowering the suction level will help if you are having difficulty controlling a sander. Peter

[@philipperoue3760]

Hello Peter Thanks a lot for this perfect vidéo. Best regards from France

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Cher Philippe, Merci beaucoup. Bon chance. Peter

[@quovadis5172]

Hallo Peter. Thank you for the comprehensive review. Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mr Beneke, Thank you. Peter

[@quovadis5172]

Hallo Peter. Actually, it’s Ms, not Mr. 🙂

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Oops ! No way of telling and I was trying to be polite as I do not have your first name. Cheers. Peter

[@okafka5446]

The Festool 2019 catalogue states that the CTL 26 is only suitable for - "Assembly [low quantities of coarse dust]" and furthermore is not either "appropriate" or "extremely appropriate" for extracting wood dust or mineral, quartziferous dust. The lowest level of extractor which is suitable for use in "workshop, industry" and can handle both wood and mineral/quartziferous dust IS the CTM 26 and 36 models. The information is all clearly laid out in the catalogue, and can be accessed online.

[@blackbird-25]

Hello Peter, clear and concise as usual. Many thanks for a great review

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Simon, Many thanks. Peter

[@HughGladden]

Interesting video Peter, as always. I was particularly impressed by your demonstration of the different pick-up abilities of 27mm versus 36mm hose. However, I'm a little puzzled about the rating for the auxiliary power take-off socket on the front of the machine: you say on the video that this is 2400 watts, but my CTM 26 AC is very clearly labelled as "1800 watts max". This seems to me to be a little low and I'm wondering if in fact it can cope with my Kapex saw? It would be a great pity if it can't and would remove one of the major features of the machine that persuaded me to buy it in the first place. Perhaps you might be able to shed some light? Thanks.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Hugh, You can certainly run the Kapex with this extractor. I have the CT26 (12 years old) and it has been in use with my Kapex all of that time. Cheers. Peter

[@shanehertzog5812]

Hi peter this morning saterday i just brought a festool CTM 26E M CLASS dust extractor. Its the first festool dust extractor i own now. see what you mean superbly made.I put the bag in careful.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Shane, Well done. My CT26 is 11 years old and as good now as it was when new. Cheers. Peter

[@RedAdder666]

Hi Peter, Great video as usual. My only gripe with Festool is they changed the actual hose connection for this new vacuum. They have a "keyway" which will prevent plugging the hose onto the Dust Deputy or similar fitting where the hose has to go on the outside of the intake fitting. Hope you get my meaning.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I do understand and there are a lot of other people unhappy with this too. Peter

[@simonh73]

I'd love to see the 4/5-cut method tested on the Kapex 60 or 120. I've seen people complain about the difficulty in setting up the MFT accurately and that a sliding mitre is more accurate and repeatable but I wonder how much play there is in a cut with the sliding mitre saws when cutting a 300mm board.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Simon, The result from a 4 cut test on a Kapex will depend on how well it is set up by the user. I check mine about once a month and adjust it if required. It usually only needs to be adjusted after a knock. Mine is quite accurate but not as accurate as my tracksaw cutting station created with the Parf Guide System. That said, the Kapex is far easier to use for repeated cross cuts and is as accurate as I need most of the time. I almost always use my tracksaw cutting station for sheet material over 150 mm in width. Peter

[@eversleyowl]

Nice clear demo video Peter. What would be really interesting would be to see the Festool saw with a different extractor and a different saw with the Festool extractor. Is it the saw that is great, the extractor or the combinatiin of the two? Given everything I have heard about the excellent dust extraction on the Kapex my guess is that even with an inferior extractor the extraction on that saw would be extremely good. Keep up the good work! Terry.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Terry, An interesting idea. For Festool it is all about the "System" approach which means that every component contributes to the process and so the saw helps the dust extraction and the extractor makes it perfect. Cheers. Peter

[@hgohlke]

Hi Peter, Thank you for the excellent video! I have one question:) When is the 50 mm hose used?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Henning, If you are using the extractor to serve a machine some distance away then the larger hose size is an advantage. Also a short length of a wider hose works well with the Kapex or any other mire saw. Cheers. Peter

[@eaglecot]

From what I understand it uses the same bags and filters as the CTL. The only thing making it more expensive is the monitoring of air flow. This is needed if you are doing certain jobs as a professional. I would also guess that the high performance filters suitable for autoclean is just as good as the hepa filters. But that's only a guess.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I think that technical stuff like this should be directed to Festool for comment. I suspect that regulations have a lot to do with the way the machine is set up and it conforms to those. Peter

[@gkinlen]

Hi Peter, a bit late and possibly thick, but can you tell what the electrical looking contacts are for at the front of the machine when taken apart? Thanks

[@gkinlen]

Something to do with liquids?

[@peterjennings8880]

Hi Peter, Another helpful video, thanks . Great dust extractor, but what is the second, clear plastic, bag supplied with the extractor used for?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Peter, I bought mine so long ago that I have forgotten. I can only guess that it is to put either a full bag or main filter in ready for disposal. Cheers. Peter

[@carolyn8728]

The clear plastic bag is meant to be used with the CT36 AC as a liner to help remove drywall dust; used in conjunction with the collection bag by laying it in the vacuum chamber first, then attaching the bag to the hose end.

[@colinfarrier3668]

Hi Peter,is the M class filter better, equal or worse than the HEPA rated filter?Colin in Northern Ireland

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Colin, That is a brilliant question and only one that Festool can answer. Peter

[@bighands69]

+colin farrier In theory HEPA as an actual filter but not a system has a higher rating in terms of dealing with particle sizes. M Class is more than just the filter itself it is the whole encasement of where the filter is housed so that means the container is sealed as well. Now just to put a spanner in the works very few tools will ever be able to collect all of the dust so you will have dust blown out by the actual tool. Now M Class filters in vacuums are really not about the tools but about using it as a vacuum system such as you would use to clean your floor in the house.

[@patrochford5980]

Hi Peter, great video as always. Some time ago you did a video on building a dust hub, in it you used a remote socket switch to start the vacuum, do you have a brand name or a link to where I can get one? Many thanks, Pat.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Pat, I bought mine from Maplin here in the UK. Their site is down right now so I have found something similar on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/Etekcity-Programmable-Electrical-Household-Appliances/dp/B01N9NLQ8L/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1507703708&sr=8-12&keywords=remote+control+switch I have not used this particular make but just show it for illustration. Peter

[@dalebromley972]

New Brit Workshop p

[@carolyn8728]

Hi Peter, I really enjoy watching your videos. Since you have a CTL and have done such a thorough review of the new CTM dust collection, can you point out what makes the CTM effective to 0.1 microns while the older models with a HEPA filter installed are only rated to 0.3? I called Festool here in the US, and asked a guy in their "Technical Use Department" said he didn't know anything about the CTM Dust Extractors and their specifications because they are not available in the US. Did you say in the video that the CleanTech bags were HEPA rated? I ended up buying a Oneida Dust Deputy after watching your video showing the setup. I've felt better about cleaning drywall dust with my Festool CT36 HHEPA since getting the Dust Deputy.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Carolyn, Yes, I am fairly certain those bags are HEPA rated. The main filter may be different as well. The UDD is very useful and saves a lot of money on extractor bags. Cheers. Peter

[@carolyn8728]

@@NewBritWorkshop Thanks for your reply. I have been combing through all the parts and accessories and I can't seem to find a HEPA rated replacement bag on any website for purchase, Festool international or US or sny dealer. I'm just trying to get to the smallest particulate size for lung safety reasons which seems to be the 0.1 microns health code rating. It seems that replacement bags for sale are the same Cleantec self-clean bags that are sold in the US (same part number), but Festool has always stated the bags are rated to 5 microns, so they are not HEPA rated which is 0.3 microns. The main filter I use in my CT36 is the HEPA rated filter. So, is the new main filter used in the UK what goes down to 0.1 microns? That would make it even better than HEPA, and less expensive to replace. What do you use in yours?

[@eddieq1905]

Nice video Peter, thanks for the informative presentation. I too have the CTL since 2016 and it is still going strong. However now I am unsure whether to upgrade to the CTM. Do you still use your CTL or have you taken the opportunity to upgrade to the CTM? Many thanks in advance. Eddie

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Eddie, There is no need to upgrade unless you are working on site where M class is mandatory. Peter

[@eddieq1905]

@@NewBritWorkshop Thank you for the prompt reply Peter and duly noted.

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi Peter, I am not an expert by any means but I think you have got the "volume or power" button the wrong way round, the thin pint is low and the thick point is high, at least that is the settings on my vacuum (not a Festool).

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi John, No, go into a shop and look at one. Peter

[@SingleTrack66]

what are the other accessories that can be attached instead of the additional socket Peter ?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I think that there are some air line attachments but nothing that I have tried. Peter

[@harveysmith100]

There is a blue tooth remote control switch that can be fitted. You have a small control that fits in your pocket so you can turn the machine on and off from a distance. Ideal if your using cordless tools.

[@reddy73]

hi peter, i have the ctm26 110v which i have just bought and what ive noticed on mine that no other video shows is a loud bang or knock when i finish every cut , i was wondering if this is normal or do i need a rep to come and have a look???

[@NewBritWorkshop]

There is no CTN 26 in 110v but there is a CTM 26 AC in 110 v. The "AC" means Auto Clean which is why you hear the noise. What happens is that the inner filter gets vibrated every now and again (and it does sound quite loud) in order to stop the build up of fine dust. This is a really good feature and is what make your machine so much better than the ordinary CTM26. Peter

[@reddy73]

thanks... i thought something was wrong as i hadn't heard of that

[@okafka5446]

Is the CTM 26 more efficient at extracting dust than the CTL 26? Apart from the flow sensor there is nothing to differentiate the 2 extractors? A Hepa filter filters to 0.3 microns, a cellilose or polyester filter filters to 1 micron. What the filters do not catch, gets exhausted (at speed) from the extractor - so yes, I'd choose a Hepa filter. The litigious Americans have had all Festool extractors other than the ctl-sys and the AC versions, fitted with Hepa filters as standard - which speaks volumes in my view.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I have HEPA in my other extractor and will replace the CT26 one with HEPA when the time comes. Cheers. Peter

[@okafka5446]

Yes, but - "Is the CTM 26 more efficient at extracting dust than the CTL 26? Apart from the flow sensor there is nothing to differentiate the 2 extractors?" ??

[@okafka5446]

The motors are the same; the design and build of the bodies are the same; the filters are the same - if all this remains equal, how can one be better than another or handle 'M' class dust types?

[@mururoa7024]

Can this vacuum be used in conjunction with a (Dust Deputy) cyclone ? Thanks.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

You can use any vacuum with a Dust Deputy but some manufacturers, including Festool, warn that static electricity might damage the vacuum and in such cases they are not covered by warranty. Peter

[@pf5658]

Is that CTM only available outside the USA? Great review btw. Recently bought the midi but I’m regretting not spending the extra money and getting the 26 instead.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

The CTM is available everywhere. Yes, the CTM 26 is an excellent machine. The larger CTM36 and 48 have the same motors etc but have a bigger dust bag capacity. Peter

[@pf5658]

New Brit Workshop - Thank you Sir. I see all these model but nothing that says - M - at the end. Everything just says- CT. I Googled and searched but no luck. I have a feeling it’s not available in North America.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Are you aware of the FOG? I suggest that you ask a question there as the CTM is sold in Europe but, as you say, you only have the CTE. I suspect what you have is the M class machine but a quick question on the FOG will sort that out. Peter

[@pf5658]

@New Brit Workshop - Thank you, but I have no idea what the FOG is. Much appreciated though.😊

[@NewBritWorkshop]

The Festool Owners Group (FOG) is a forum all about Festool kit and any other kit that people want to talk about. It is well organised and certainly well moderated and I have been a member for about 9 years. I recommend that you go there, join and ask whatever questions you might have. It is not a place for boring experts and you will find novices, DIYers and Professionals all there respecting each other and sharing knowledge. Here is the link: www.festoolownersgroup.com/ Peter

[@okafka5446]

cellilose = cellulose (essentially paper filters)

[@KevinAmatt]

Is it available in 110v for site work?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Kevin, There is no CTM26 in 110v but the CTM 26 AC comes in 110v. Take a look at the Festool web site as there are many other 110v options. Peter

[@GarfieldSound]

Which mask are you using at 10:00?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

That is the 3M Versaflo and it is the very best powered respirator that I have ever seen but it is not cheap. Peter

[@juancornetto8243]

For anyone wondering this dust extractor is SEVEN HUNDRED POUNDS STERLING.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Juan, It is £549.95 at D&M Tools. Peter

[@juancornetto8243]

@@NewBritWorkshop I don't think it is Peter; that's the CTL. The CTM 26 at D&M is £819. No?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Juan, You are confusing the CTM26 with the CTL26 - L and M mixed up. I have the CTL. Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Juan, My apologies - I have had so many comments about the CTL video that I did think that you were talking about that one. As a matter of interest I am perfectly happy with the CTL for all my woodworking activities. Cheers. Peter