PRODUCT REVIEW - FESTOOL CLEANTEC CTM MIDI MOBILE DUST EXTRACTOR (with Bluetooth)

Nick Sammut, Trade Decorator Product Reviewer, has been putting the Festool Cleantec CTM Midi mobile dust extractor to the test.
The Festool CTM MIDI is a compact M-class mobile extractor with high filtration standard of 99.9% hazardous dust as fine as 0.1 mg/m3. It features variable suction and manual filter de-dusting for maximum efficiency. Hose detection automatically adjusts suction to the diameter of the hose in use. An innovative and intuitive touch control panel makes operating the controls extremely simple, even when wearing gloves. Fitted with integrated Bluetooth technology; it allows you to use the extractor in conjunction with a remote control or a Festool Bluetooth battery pack for automatic switching-on. Unique access to the main filter from the outside makes changing the filter quick, easy and tool-free.
The Festool CTM MIDI includes 3.5m of conical 32/27mm smooth suction hose. This hose greatly improves efficiency. Reduced internal friction increases the airflow rate. The smooth outer skin means you no longer need worry about ribbed hose snagging on edges or inadvertently damaging a workpiece. A CLEANTEC bayonet fitting ensures a secure connection to Festool power tools for sanding, routing, sawing, etc.

[@herrroy4963]

Thanks for good review!

[@takeniteasyfriend]

Well done 👍 Very thorough review. Thanks for the clarification on the manual vs auto clean not being the same thing.

[@casperj.b.1705]

thanks for the info! makes it easier to buy the right one

[@sergiubogos986]

thank you for good information

[@diycentral]

Whoa. Thanks for the heads up about the filter. Yeah that isn't cool. I've wanted one of the new ones since they were release in the US but that is going to make take a step back. I have a feeling they will come out with a removable one eventually.

[@reubs91]

I’m looking at this VAC, I currently have a very heavy 36L that takes me months to fill, and I never use the vac without a bag. Plus all my sander tools are festool now!

[@AshHalls]

Fantastic review, I just bought one. Now I’m trying to buy the Bluetooth remote, apparently there’s a world wide Bluetooth chip shortage.

[@willspencer3044]

Really great video NIck. Thanks. Have you tried storing the power cord in the hose garage and if so how did it go? I will need to do that if I buy one as I understand the power cord attachment at the back increases the length of the unit from 470mm to 530mm and my storage cupboard is only 500 deep. Thanks.

[@MovingToMnPro]

I'd love to be able to upgrade the little casters with urethane wheels.

[@carolyn8728]

Great job with this review! This is the side-by-side old vs. new Festool MIDI review that I been looking for. You answered my questions regarding the filter drawer and cable cord questions. As a former Industrial Designer, I too find that it is unfortunate that the whole drawer must be thrown out with the filter, I suppose it is because of the manual filter shaking feature and making sure it the seal never gaps open when it gets a strike. The lack of a cord clip, where the CT26, 36, and 46 did have it, is unfortunate as that definitely could have been included. I'm quite happy about the new blower feature though.

[@nicksammut6406]

I have since found a solution to the cable situation. Message me on Instagram (Rushmoor100) and I'll send you a picture. Overall it's a huge improvement on the previous midi. Let me know how you get on.

[@molley17]

I’m a carpenter so mostly use extractor for plunge saw do you think I’d be changing the midi bags too often? Can’t decide between midi and ct26 but annoying that Bluetooth isn’t built into the bigger units

[@mrpoopypants9586]

Hey Nick, great review. I've just bought a rotex sander and trying to figure out which extractor to get. I need HEPA filtering, so leaning towards the midi. This helps. Just thought I'd mention that here in Australia the midi hepa filter is waaayyy cheaper than the bigger vacs, even with the plastic framing. Less than a third of the price, in fact. This is another reason to get it over the ct26 for me. Also the 26 doesn't have the manual clean. Thanks for the detailed comparisons. Cheers PP

[@nicksammut6406]

Yeah I'm aware of the different filters you have. They are the same in the usa as well. I heard the hepa filters aren't as good for blow back features like the auto/manual cleaning functions. But I could be wrong.

[@mrpoopypants9586]

@@nicksammut6406 thanks for the reply Nick! I pulled the pin on the ct26. Turns out the CT hepas are all the same, but can take a standard filter for auto/manual cleaning, but they don't filter the microns like the hepas, which is what I need. Old house with lead paint etc. The 26 has much bigger volume. I don't think mugs like me really understand the difference the festool dust extractors make over a normal vac. I can now see why tradies use them. Chalk and cheese. Thanks for your youtube stuff, really well presented and makes a huge difference understanding all this stuff. Cheers mate. PP

[@AshHalls]

You don’t need the cable clip because it has a slot that traps the plug under the lid.

[@spy2778]

Is the suction any stronger than the original Midi?

[@Johnsull1965ish]

Hi, I'm looking for a solution to a problem I have with my one. The issue is it is beeping, I've changed the filter plus the bag and tried the manual filter cleaning and the problem is still there. Hoping you or one of your viewers could be of help. Thanks in advance, John.

[@JoeL-ut9ee]

Great video, I have had the original midi for few years. As a painting contractor using it on a daily basis with my ect 150 sander the filter stays pretty clean. So I'm not sure how much the manual filter cleaning would help. You said it makes a big difference witch may change my mind on spending the extra few hundred dollars upgrading to the 36ac. I don't have a plantex sander but I do see some retailers offering package deals and they offer a plantex with even the small box sander. Just wondering if you seen that and what your thoughts were on that. Well I really enjoyed your video it was very informative.

[@rushmoorpaintinganddecorat1493]

The filter cleaning function is great to help clear the hose or the filter as it's supposed to do. But I would not use it in place of an auto clean model. Which are better suited for sanding down lots of fine fillers which can clog the filter. Thanks for watching.

[@steve_the_carper]

A bit off topic Nick but I am currently looking to get a gazebo like yours to practice my spray painting using a Graco 9.5 and some recycled furniture and was wondering what size yours was and the supplier. Many thanks mate

[@nicksammut6406]

Hi Steve. My gazebo is 3 metres by 4.5 metres. Heavy duty. Highly recommend. It's from the gazeboshop.co.uk

[@steve_the_carper]

Thanks for that Nick, it’s much appreciated. I’ll definitely check the website out thank you

[@mackwoodcock7484]

The real question is do you ever have enough CT vacuums? I have 4 looking at number 5

[@rushmoorpaintinganddecorat1493]

Can never have too many. Although I'm in the process of swapping one of my old midis for a Ctl sys vac for ladder work. Feel that it will be really handy.

[@juancornetto8243]

4:33 "use it as a hop up" did I hear you say? ;)

[@rushmoorpaintinganddecorat1493]

🤣🤣

[@jhernan40]

Hi how you connect the Bluetooth to the ct mini New model

[@nicksammut6406]

Are you referring to a bluetooth power tool or the hose module attachment ?

[@JoeL-ut9ee]

So you would use this without the filter bag and instead use a plastic liner/bag?

[@rushmoorpaintinganddecorat1493]

I wouldn't recommend doing this as it doesn't have an automatic cleaning system to stop the filter getting blocked.

[@jackwardley3626]

these are probably good for denatured wood but other than that not a lot of point

[@rushmoorpaintinganddecorat1493]

I'm not sure I understand your question Jack. It is more than capable of dealing with wood shavings, dust and fine surface fillers. As a decorator there isn't much more it's needed for.

[@jackwardley3626]

@@rushmoorpaintinganddecorat1493 its good for timber that has gone grey but for regular sanding just easier do it by hand than a big expensive piece of kit.