What’s The Difference Between Festool’s Dust Extractors?

In this video I discuss the differences between the different Festool CT Dust Extractor options. I explain the differences between the CT Mini, CT Midi, CT15, CT26, CT36, and CT48. Hopefully this will give you a little more insight into which Festool CT Dust Extractor may be right for you in your shop.
You can find links to the different Festool CT Dust Extractors discussed in this video below.
#festool #dustextractor #festooldustextractor
Find me on social media!
Website: www.bentswoodworking.com
Patreon: / bentswoodworking
Instagram: / bentswoodworking
Facebook: / bentswoodworking
Bent’s Woodworking is Sponsored By:
Harvey Woodworking - Go check out the Gyro Air G700
bit.ly/bwharveywoodworking
Bent's Woodworking is Proudly Partnered With:
Festool USA - See everything that Festool USA has to offer
bit.ly/bwfestoolusa
Bessey Tool North America - The only clamps I use in my shop
bit.ly/BesseyNA
Hartzell Hardwoods - Global suppliers of terrific hardwoods like walnut, oak, hickory, and ash. bit.ly/hartzellbw
Bent’s Woodworking Affiliates:
TSO Products - Some of the best woodworking accessories on the market tsoproducts.com?aff=5
Jay's Custom Creations - Shop Jays vast collection of plans and templates jayscustomcreations.com/produ...
Axiom Precision CNC Machines - See what Axiom has to offer www.axiomprecision.com/?acc=1...
Rubio Monocoat - See all the finish options Rubio Monocoat has to offer www.rubiomonocoatusa.com/#ben...
Bits and Bits Company - Save 10% on your order with the code BENTS10
bit.ly/bitsbitsbw
Affiliate links to items in this video below:
DISCLAIMER - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Festool CT Mini - amzn.to/3rn8GRE
Festool CT Midi - www.woodcraft.com/products/ct...
Festool CT 15 - amzn.to/3slWjqu
Festool CT 26 - amzn.to/3chA6nS
Festool CT 36 - amzn.to/31fQhM3
Festool CT 48 - amzn.to/3smujCT
Festool Bluetooth - amzn.to/3fcTwMo
Festool Bluetooth w/ module - amzn.to/3fbBxpH
Camera and Audio Equipment I Use:
Canon 90D - amzn.to/2Rl9vKM
Canon 10-18mm Lens - amzn.to/2Tk21dP
Rode Wireless Go - amzn.to/32yBzz4
Sigma 18-35 f1.8 Lens - amzn.to/2NEi2Ye
Neewer Monitor - amzn.to/2RuXket
Pergear Tripod Head - amzn.to/2sIkAgS
Neewer Monito Batteries - amzn.to/30GGnSz

[@cg3205]

Simple, clear explanation of the differences. Shame on Festool for their official videos not being as clear or honest as this one.

[@Noman3]

Thanks for making this video. This was all stuff I was trying to figure out when I purchased my vacuum and I think you did a great job summarizing it.

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Super helpful. About to pull the trigger on either the 26 or the 36. Thanks for sharing.

[@austinstubblefield9907]

Perfect timing. I’ve been looking at upgrading and Festool is on the list.

[@andrewdearing5160]

Thanks Jason - very informative and helped validate my decision to go with my dust extractor. Much appreciated!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markoddo9414]

Great summary. I have had the 26 for years and I rarely empty it - the vac does a great job of packing the dust tight into the bag. It is not my primary vac but I use with the track saw, sanders and routers so a fair amount of dust generators. I didn’t get the boom arm but made my own over my assembly table with the 5m hose - saved some $ but I really didn’t like the big support system hanging off the CT - in a small shop it is a trip hazard around the work area (but it is a great design overall).

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JustTony72]

I can't keep my eyes off your festool wall. I think it's better stocked than my local store. Wonderful explanation

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful 👍

[@michaelkaye4998]

Very informative video. I went to my local Woodcraft store when the CT15 came out which I purchased. I use it with my sander, Kreg track saw, and to clean out the bottom of the SaWStop table saw. It is fine for the amount of things I do. THE one thing it doesn’t have that I wish it did is a wheel break. It isn’t often an issue but ...

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@DragonclawMakerStudio]

Do you need any special adapters to work with those tools?

[@jeffhampton6972]

This is extremely helpful, thank you so much for making it!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@nightmarecivic]

I retired a 12 year old black Friday shop vac for a CT15E for detailing vehicles. All I can say is it's a time saver. Very happy with the suction and build quality

[@chippychippy8291]

Thanks Jason, appreciate it. Stay safe.

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@brianrussell7691]

An excellent primer on the whole line of Festool’s dust extractors. Well done.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad to enjoyed it!

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Thank you Jason for running us thru the variety of dust extraction options. My CT Midi has served me well as a machine dedicated to sanding & track saw use. The blue tooth feature is a great value & convenience. The Midi is a good compromise between capacity & portability. Like anything from Festool, my recommendation is to always purchase from a knowledgeable dealer. Unlike many products, buying Festool online won’t save you a dime. A good dealer should ask what you need to do with the tool, and will find the right tool to meet your requirements. As Jason so thoroughly stated about dust extractors, Festool offers a range of capabilities in each line of tools (sanders, drills, track saws, etc.). There’s usually one specific model in each line that will best meet your requirements. If you can’t get to a Festool dealer, and are limited to buying online, I suggest calling/ emailing Hartville Hardware, Hartville, Indiana. They’re the mid-west’s largest Festool dealer. Their customer service is very knowledgeable and helpful. This recommendation is a personal testimonial, not intended as an ad for Hartville Hardware.

[@vadimroelants7694]

I have a MIDI for a couple of years now and recently added a CTM36, both are great even when the bag is full suction power is still great. but the suction power of the CTM36 is on a whole other level compared to the MIDI. Midi is great for just cleaning up a project, whereas if u want to hook up some tools like the wallsander or other woodworkers the CTM36 is just way better in troughput and power. So when u say they are basicly the same; don't be mistaken tho, u will get more power out of a larger vac (aka anything not mini/midi)

[@arc.handyman1905]

Thank you for this concise and clear breakdown!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnh8952]

Very informative video! Thank you Jason!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@SteelBladeWoodworks]

Thanks for the information, great explanation Jason.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@Tdog500]

Thanks for making this video and all the great info!

[@BKMakes]

CT26E w/ boom arm, bluetooth switch, cyclone separator and workshop cleaning set here and loving IT! Credit to you and Spags for the referral ;o)

[@bentswoodworking]

That’s a solid setup bro!

[@andestriping]

Super useful and clear. Many thanks.

[@nickcosh5947]

Perfect video exactly what I wanted to hear thank you

[@reubs91]

I have a 36l. I made a big mistake and should have got the smaller version, the 15l, just too big to haul around and jobs depending, can take months to fill a bag.

[@jpesce23ful]

Super informative. Thank you!

[@michaell8835]

Thank you Jason, great vid. I have a question regarding festool extractor hoses, have searched and searched but still unsure on a couple of aspects. Finally worked out that Cleantec is when the tool end has a bayonet on the rubber. Also worked out that AS means anti static. But confused by difference AS/CT and AS/CTR, I’m assuming the CT bit means fits a CT model extractor, but what about the R? Not sure yet whether that means a rotating end (at the extractor), or the hose has RFID. Anyone know? The hoses are expensive so want to make sure I chose the right one. Also, some hoses state they aren’t suitable for extractors with autoclean, but I can’t work out why? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@RPDCH1]

Just what I was looking for........many thanks.

[@wittworks]

You’ve helped me decide the midi is the one for me. I want to get one with a rando sander. What sander do you recommend? I have not tasted the green koolaid yet. So this combo will be the entry, similar to yours.

[@bentswoodworking]

I think the best all around sander is the ETS/EC models.

[@Mark_Wood]

Really useful overview Thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@johnb8807]

Informative video, thanks!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@underfiles1]

Also the different kinds of dust and materials you use the vacuum for make the difference in choosing the right vacuum for the job. For example the ctl mini/midi are only L-class materials like normal dust and big shavings etc. The ctm midi is suitable for M-class materials such as paint, concrete dust and other very fine dust types.

[@edwinghysebrechts9377]

The midi l and midi m are basically the same, no different filter, just a sensor in the hose telling you the bag is ful. No reason to pay for the m really

[@Modestas_Gardziu]

I just learned a hard way that midi m extractor is not suitable for very fine dust (definitely not for sanding a drywall or concrete) . If you check description it says midi m can be used only for brief drywall or concrete sanding. My mistakes was buying midi m thinking that it will be suitable for fine dust, using midi m for drywall sanding, concrete grindinig. Almost killed my vac, as it was starting to be super hot after short sanding sessions. Midi m and midi l essentially is the same vac only m gives you a beeping warning if suction drops.

[@lmallard3788]

You could use a 36mm hose on the midi to get more air flow. I am only using mine for sanding and the 27mm hose works pleasingly well for me

[@doctorrepaintinginc8184]

Thanks for explain the differences!!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@jesusjesus1327]

Used to have a ct36 and when bag was full it gets real heavy specially when u have to go on stairs I recently got me a ct midi and i love it its very light and compact,i love the hose garage top i can put my festool tracksaw or sander on it

[@sandjune2753]

So helpful, thank you so much. I am a DIY person and need to do the odd thing at home but asthmatic and advised to get these as they are better than the cheap ones in hardware stores. My health comes first.

[@varsitynoodle]

CT36 w/ the pre-separator is approx. 16 gallons. Luxury buy for sure compared to a standard shop vac with a cyclone. In more than 6 months of use with the pre-separator, I've not yet filled the bag in the CT36, and I'm using my setup for general purpose

[@bentswoodworking]

Yeah I can imagine it would take forever to fill a bag with that setup. 👍

[@NicolasRubio]

Great info! I have a MIDI and one thing that I don’t like about it is that if I want to add the CT-VA Cyclone, I have to make an adapter for the hose because it was designed for the CT-26/36/48 vacs which have the inlet in the front.

[@ggfggf4151]

That's not correct. At least for the new German version of the midi it works without any adapter already :)

[@NicolasRubio]

@@ggfggf4151 Thanks! But how? I have a new european CT MIDI and when I tried it, as both ends of the short hose are “L” shaped, it wouldn’t fit in the MIDI’s inlet.

[@ggfggf4151]

@@NicolasRubio ahhh okay. On 2020 version of ct va 20 I do have only 1 side that is l shaped not both. I guess you do have another version of it? Maybe not the newest model? Festool do revise products from time to time and ct va 20 got a few updates in 2020

[@NicolasRubio]

@@ggfggf4151 Well, my experience was back in mid-2019, so they must’ve upgraded it! Great news, I’m buying! Thanks!

[@carguy1312]

Great info, thank you!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@niftygriffty]

I got greedy on size and got a CT36 years ago. I’m looking to add an AC soon as well. If I could go back in time i’d get a smaller one instead of the CT36 - gets heavy!

[@youiyoui9942]

Thank you for this video

[@TheTranq]

I just got a MIDI. Liking it so far. Planning to add the cyclone at some point

[@bentswoodworking]

I realized after I released this video that I didn’t even talk about the cyclone 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@TheTranq]

@@bentswoodworking it was still a good overview!

[@independent900]

Excellent video with very useful info. I don't think having the physical vacuums on the table would have added much value. You stayed on message and conveyed a lot of useful info in a short video. Thx.

[@bentswoodworking]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful

[@Jazzcat1980Rip]

Jason, I have a Festool dust extract, plus in 2015 I added on a Dust Right Separator. Replacing filter bags dropped off greatly. I don’t have a Festool collection like your but I have enough to deal with my needs. Is there a difference with the motors for the various models or is the major change just in capacity. Kevin

[@tcbridges]

This is a very helpful video. TY. Couple questions what model do you have hooke uo to our miter saw and when you where doing the cuts what model track saw where you using and what vac was it hooked to.

[@bentswoodworking]

MIDI for my Miter saw. CT36 for everything else

[@rfguy8499]

Yeah, I agree. At first I wasn't interested in Bluetooth either because I only have corded Festool products, not cordless, but after getting the Bluetooth switch for the hose end I love it. It is definitely worth getting if you have a Festool extractor. I have thought about getting the Workcenter but I am still just not sure about it so I would be interested in seeing your thoughts on it after you have had it awhile.

[@bentswoodworking]

I think boom arm vs work center is totally based on your setup, the way you work, and your needs. There are pros and cons to both. I have enjoyed the work center so far and it fits the needs that I wanted. Nice for storage as well

[@carbb5760]

I have ctsys, midi and ct36ac. Midi is the sweet spot no question about it. Weight is good making it easily portable, capacity and suction are adequate to do basically all jobs. 36 is a beast, awesome machine, terrible if you are dragging it around to job sites I basically carry it in several pieces it can get so damn heavy. The ctsys is a great idea but in practice it is a piece of trash. Meant to be portable and compact but ends of taking up the most room in the truck because the hose and cord don’t pack up well at all. Loses most suction power when the bag is had full.

[@bentswoodworking]

The Midi is a great vac for sure

[@dannyvannierop805]

Hey Jason....thanks for the clear video. You already commented briefly in another comment, but what's your take on Festool in combination with an lets say Almeida cyclone system or similar cyclone setup.Dust goes right in the bucket, making emptying much easier .If like you said CFM is pretty much the same on all models you could opt for an Mini and fabricate the dust collection yourself.?

[@bentswoodworking]

Well you will naturally loose a little CFM with a separator attached. Because of this I would likely opt for a 26 or larger.

[@brianakins83]

I think you forgot the highland woodworking link you mentioned at the end of the video. Thanks for putting this together.

[@bentswoodworking]

I’ll fix that right now. Thank you!

[@Madmaxian1088]

@@bentswoodworking - Still not on there

[@tcbridges]

I have the ct36 with the top seperator and now there is a new ad on box shaped black one from Onida Wonder how the CT36 works with it. Both about same money

[@tupelowoodcarver1785]

I’m looking at a situation and would like your opinion. I need to put a good dust collection in my shop. I’m looking at Festool midi, and I must admit I’m in the fog on their tool lineup. The sanders are confusing. I’m a one man shop and would be using it for all my sanding. Rough through 120-320 grit. What would you recommend? And yes I want the Bluetooth option. Also I’m going to buy a Oneida Supercell but they just came out with a Supercell “Turbo” with 20% more than the original supercell. Would you opt for the Turbo? I only open one gate at a time, and have about the same shop tools as yourself.. Thanks

[@bonniertaylor1203]

Basic question - the term or description vacuum and dust extractor seem to be interchangeable - is the Festool vacuum and or dust extractor the same thing? If they are different in what way? My need would be the Mini or Midi.

[@olivepressdesign]

I’m curious how you connect your Festool DE to a planer. Very timely video 😊 🙏

[@bentswoodworking]

You would need adapters. However, it wouldn’t give you the results you may be looking for. It isn’t really set up for use on a planer. Unless you were using a small handheld planer.

[@GarrySanchez]

Looking to pickup a MIDI soon. But your link has the vacuum on backorder. Do you have a affiliate link for the MIDI that is in stock? Thanks, always like the information in your videos.

[@bentswoodworking]

Seems like these days it’s on and off with the availability on Amazon. I appreciate you asking if I have another link though 👍👍

[@stevereed5776]

Thanks Jason, would putting a wider diameter hose make a difference and can that be done on all vacs?

[@bentswoodworking]

Yes, the hose size van be adjusted and it will make a difference. I use the larger hose on my MIDI that is connected to my Kapex.

[@williamcarter8226]

Enjoyed the video. Question, can the Kapex 120 be plugged into the MIDI or is the load to high? Thanks!

[@bentswoodworking]

I use a midi for mine.

[@summoning111]

Great, informative video. My small concern regarding this platform (and I admittedly know nothing about festool vacs) is that the auto feature is limited to tools with max 1600w ? Is that right? Some (not many) of my tools have higher wattage, mostly the ones creating most dust.

[@bentswoodworking]

They are designed for smaller hand held tools.

[@summoning111]

@@bentswoodworking thank you for your prompt response. Should have known that - it's festool at the end of the day lol ;)

[@robintaylor-mockingeemill8223]

I watched this hoping to see what machine is best suited for different tools . I just got the larger domino and I am planning to get a sander . Maybe they are all suitable . I am new to festool .

[@bentswoodworking]

The CT 26 is a great dust extractor to start with

[@matthewweerts4517]

Did I miss the link to the Highland woodworking comparison?

[@derekgranger8228]

I have the new generation midi with the ct va20 cyclone, I can't recommend the cyclone enough. I have emptied the bin so many times and the bag is still only a 1/4 full and most of that is from before I got the cyclone

[@wlnjr]

Could you use your Gyro G700 for tool dust extraction instead of using one of the Festools?

[@Van-du8uz]

You don't need to worry about capacity if you use venture separator. Your vacuum becomes just a vacuum and all the dust and dust get collected in another bucket. I forgot which one I have of those vacuum.

[@Southpoint2019]

Which is best for raking out for pointing ?

[@diegaulle9143]

The BT-bracelet is great. You can also pair the vacuum with the BT-batteries though.

[@bentswoodworking]

Definitely great to have

[@paulhimaya1447]

Do you need the $45 blue tooth button add on if you are using the Festool bluetooth batteries with your tool? Won't the Festool Bluetooth Batteries tell the dust extractor to turn on when the battery is activated ?

[@diegaulle9143]

@@paulhimaya1447 Yes they will.

[@looopy2u]

Great video, my experience with the Festool ctl36e has not been great, its engine burnt out once and then the electronics caught fire 3 times then it was replaced and the replacement burnt out too. The last one was then repaired and cross fingers is still going 2 months later.

[@bentswoodworking]

Hopefully they have been able to help out with the problem. I myself have a 36 for a couple years now and have had no issues.

[@looopy2u]

@@bentswoodworking The service was great but I was surprised at the failure as I have many festool products.

[@bentswoodworking]

Yeah, but I think there is always a chance for that. That’s where a solid warranty makes a world of difference.

[@truthserum9157]

Wow, I have 5 of there sanders and a CT26 dust collector, never had a single problem, I love there tools.

[@looopy2u]

@@truthserum9157 yes they are good in general but not without some problems.

[@DragonclawMakerStudio]

What challenges do you have with non Festool tools? I'm thinking of buying Festool dust extraction but I am not blessed with Festool tools. I've read a lot of forums but value your thoughts.

[@bentswoodworking]

I can’t really speak to that cause I primarily have Festool tools so I haven’t had any issues. There are many companies thought that make adapters.

[@Bleatedbowl2704]

I’ve heard that the ct 15 is a L class extractor while the midi is a M class. I’m looking to get an extractor but just for sanding would the ct 15 be adequate or since it’s a L class is it not?

[@johnforsyth8414]

Can these vacuums be used for just general Workshop clean up and not necessarily connected to any particular sanding tools? And does that mean you have to purchase other accessories to use it as a general workshop cleanup vacuum?

[@bentswoodworking]

Yes and yes. They have accessories for the vacs

[@jasonhagen]

You mentioned you had the boom arm and the workstation WCR-1000. Can you use the workstation with the boom arm installed? I haven’t been able to find this out.

[@bentswoodworking]

I’m almost positive the answer is no. I don’t believe the work center will fit with the boom arm installed.

[@jasonhagen]

@@bentswoodworking Ok! I wasn’t sure if you had tried it out or not.

[@kristofferwesterlund2434]

festool is One of my favorite brand

[@bentswoodworking]

👍👍

[@utubemaymunadam]

Thanks for vid! The different models have different filtration capabilities don't they (L, M and H class extarctors) - any thoughts on this? I've has people recommend L class (low risk) for woodworking while others swear nothing less than M class in indoor environments (not to mention my local laws make it illegal to use anything but H class extractors for commercial work).

[@bentswoodworking]

Good question. I’ll let someone else address this if they have information or more knowledge on the topic than I do.

[@alexeychernenko2096]

From what I know, L and M class machines have the same filters. The main difference between M and L is that M class vacuums have a flow sensor and will warn you then it is time to clean or replace the filter. As for dust types, hardwood is M class, softwood is L. Mine random-guy-from-the-internet opinion: for woodworking L is OK (think, many people choose it over M just because of the price), M is optimal and H is an overkill

[@markoddo9414]

I was told that you can add the hepa primary filter to the older ct’s but unsure if that is true and whether you lose cfm. Not sure what class the extractor becomes then. You can probably do a month of 5-min friday’s on this topic!

[@pf5658]

You forgot to mention that the CT15 does not come with the same anti static hose. It’s has a plastic type of material hose. Great explanation though. I own the CT-MIDI and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This little thing is a mini monster.

[@arianaandjamesrabanaleslop9053]

Also ct 15 no manual clean filter

[@arianaandjamesrabanaleslop9053]

I have midi... does the job. But for sure ct 26 will be better when the make it auto or manually clean filter

[@kbram7363]

I hAve the MIDI. Perfect size for me

[@ricknafziger3736]

I have the CT MIDI I and for the life of me I can’t figure out the sustainer attachment on the unit. I can set the sustainer on the unit but the latches seem to be off by 90 degrees. Anyone have any insight on this?

[@Boogetsbizzy]

Do you guys think a festool extractor can be used as all all purpose vacuum? For instance to pick up small debris like screws, chunks of compound, small drywall chunks and things of that nature?

[@bentswoodworking]

I do. They even sell cleaning attachment kits for different clean up jobs. I use one for general cleanup when doing remodeling and shop cleaning

[@Boogetsbizzy]

@@bentswoodworking that’s awesome! I appreciate your input. Now I’m just deciding which festool I’m going to buy!

[@Kbcqw]

Which would be ideal for a paint contractor doing cabinet refinishing work?

[@bentswoodworking]

Any of them I think. Just have to figure out what bag capacity you want.

[@woodcraft_cz]

So to confirm a CTM e v CTM e AC is the same vac but the later having auto clean?

[@bentswoodworking]

I don’t have any experience with the M series but I would assume yes

[@uswcboy]

Are you able to use the machine with other tools…makita, dewalt, Bosch, etc Does festool make adapters for the previously mentioned tools?

[@bentswoodworking]

Festool doesn’t make adapters for other tools but other companies do

[@uswcboy]

@@bentswoodworking Thank you for letting me know.

[@larryterhaar6576]

Does the new generation mini have self-cleaning?

[@tim-hypnotherapist]

New to this line of vacuums. are these the kind that you connect to table saws, compound miter saws, planers, jointers etc. I am looking for a vacuum that I can connect to the tool I am using. Garage Woodworker here.

[@bentswoodworking]

These aren’t designed to be hooked up to larger tools.

[@tim-hypnotherapist]

@@bentswoodworking Copy that...I was lead astray by the "all your tools" comment....Got way too excited...then my mind fuzzed over.

[@CisnerosShop]

Where do we find the manufacture date on a ct midi?

[@agisler87]

I wish it just wasn't an 8 week wait for Festool products right now. Just ordered a Domino 500 and the Mfk 700.

[@bentswoodworking]

I would shop around a lot and also look at local dealers. I have seen sporadic stock showing up at different vendors. Also, local dealers have items many times and do a poor job having the correct inventory on their websites.

[@Looyenss]

imaging living in the EU and have to wait a YEAR for fucking woodpeckers products.

[@agisler87]

@@Looyenss Oh damn! Thanks for the perspective.

[@Looyenss]

@@agisler87 haha no problem

[@davidschneider3118]

You will love both tools

[@chrismyres8106]

Do any of these DE units work with stationary tools such as a cabinet table saw or miter saw?

[@chrismyres8106]

Or are they meant for handheld power tools?

[@bentswoodworking]

Larger stationary tools are meant to be hooked up to a larger dust collector as they typically required a much higher CFM to be effective. Dust extractors and shop vacs aren’t meant for that. Can you hook them up somehow? Yes. Are they going to be super effective? No.

[@markoddo9414]

Oneida makes a system that works well for both high cfm tools like a table saw/bandsaw but also low cfm/high pressure needs like handheld tools - seems to work well from the reviews but it is pricey.

[@okafka5446]

So, is there any reason (other than the volume of the dust bag) why the CT Mini/Midi can't be used to extract dry wall dust?

[@kylehull9636]

You want to get one of the vacs that has auto clean . The drywall dust gets in the filter and that bogs down the vacuum. At work we have the 36 with auto clean just for drywall dust and you can trust me when I say there’s a big difference between using them and the midis when it comes to drywall dust and keeping the filter clean.

[@okafka5446]

@@kylehull9636 I was actually just wondering why Bent's woodworking omitted to mention this in an appraisal of Festool dust extractors. In the old UK catalogues Festool was quite frank about the effectiveness of the 'lower' end extractors from the ctl sys up to and including the CTL 26/36 they are marked as only being suitable for "low quantities of coarse dust"". As you rightly point out it's only when the line morphs into the AC versions that they are marked as being suitable for drywall dust. The newer catalogues are not as clear when they describe the differences between the extractors. I appreciate that the European system of models being marked as L, M, or H has no relevance to the U.S. system - but the overall point is - any model that doesn't have Autoclean will potentially overheat, the bags will only partially fill, and the motors eventually cut out, unless the filters are manually cleaned and the bags given a shake (the smaller particulate tends to clog the pores of the 'self clean' bags). I switched out of Festool when I learned about this, as felt I'd been missold by my retailer, and bought into a Starmix iPulse.

[@michaelkowalenko492]

Hi. Will the CT15 accept and use the 32mm hose?

[@bentswoodworking]

I believe so, yes

[@johnfrederickson3082]

How about the dBA rating, that very important 71! I have a Ridgid vac which I like except it screams at approx. 100,000

[@julianweiser9985]

You can somewhat have a normal conversation while at lowest setting (MINI). Never needed more power.

[@DocRonSnyder]

You covered everything except for the cyclone separator.

[@bentswoodworking]

I know, I’m gonna make a part 2 to this video in the future that does a deeper dive into the accessories. Seems to be a lot of interest.

[@beverlymccardle4492]

Can you later add the Bluetooth to the CT 15?

[@bentswoodworking]

No

[@edwinghysebrechts9377]

Can you fit the 36mm hose on a midi?

[@bentswoodworking]

Yes

[@markhuru]

Best one for planex 2?

[@RickFarris]

Yeah, but what if you're gonna have a cyclone in front of it? Then what size extractor do we need?

[@bentswoodworking]

Personally, I would choose a 26 or larger because you will naturally loose a bit of suction when adding a cyclone. To counter that, I would choose one that is rated at a 137 CFM

[@ggfggf4151]

I do have experience with ctl26 and ctl midi with the ct-va 20 from festool. Both works fine! As mentioned in the video, the power difference is not that big...

[@duperdude25]

After watching the review, I noticed that all these have one flaw in common. You have your dust collector and you also have your dust extractor like these for small tools. I bought a Kirby vacuum cleaner motor head which has a impeller that is separated from the motor. The motor has a separate assembly to get cooled. The impeller sucks the dust and within few inches exhausts it to a bag via 3 inch pipe. I removed the bag and connected it to my large shop three stage dust extractor with cyclonic action. This way I have one place for all the dust from the small and large tools, none of the filter expense, takes very little space and it’s in-line install setup for under 100 bucks.

[@bnic5776]

Can you expand on this plz

[@christianratajczak3884]

@@bnic5776 The Kirby vacuum cleaner has a scroll cage type of setup, where the dust is sucked into the center, and pushed outside through a hose to the dust bag. The motor is separated so the dust never enters the motor compartment. It's like a mini dust collector, but because the scroll cage is small and it rotates at high RPMs, you get lots of high velocity extraction, as big dust collectors move lots of air at low velocity, whereas the vacuum cleaner moves less volume but at high velocity. The hose that went to the dust bag is directly connected to my 4-inch pipe of the big dust collector. So when I use my sander or anything that requires a small dust port with fast velocity suction, I use the Kirby vacuum and I also turn on the big dust collector as the Kirby empties its dust into the 4-inch pipe. This way, I got only one bag to empty, and it's from the big dust collector. I hope that clears it up.

[@The78bluedevils]

more detail on the bag system

[@bentswoodworking]

I plan on doing a follow up video to this where I will actually show more of the features that I discussed and some of the other accessories that were not discussed in this video. The purpose of this video is to answer more of the common questions and misconceptions about the different dust extractors.

[@The78bluedevils]

@@bentswoodworking the bag systen could be a point breaker for many new users. Festool FES499704 Long Life Reuseable Filter / Dust Bag For Ct/ctl Midi Dust Extractor.

[@kevinbolt8845]

Is the CT 15 a L class or M class Can you buy this model in a M class?

[@interceptor7905]

I think its L but it has HEPA filter at least here in Australia.

[@bozhidarmitrev7565]

Can I use the midi model for planex or not.

[@bentswoodworking]

Probably but definitely not the best tool for the job. I would want the auto clean feature

[@bozhidarmitrev7565]

@@bentswoodworking Thank you buddy

[@lesbentley4082]

Why is the ct cyclone not compatible with the mini or midi.

[@bentswoodworking]

It has to do with compatibility of attachment

[@94hockeykid]

Well golly, I wanted the CT15 because the Bluetooth isn’t important for the sander and eventually domino, but now I’m not sure

[@bentswoodworking]

Well if you aren’t interested in the Bluetooth, I still think it’s a great option.

[@larrycurran7005]

I have the CT15 using it with my small power hand tools including a track saw and not having bluetooth has not been an issue. A bigger issue but not big issue, with it is the casters do not lock so it tends to move around when you push the power or manual use buttons since they are on an angled surface. Saying that, it is a great unit and I would buy one again if I need another unit. Thsnks for the review of the different models.

[@davidschneider3118]

I have 2 ct15s and an old ct33. They all work with the 500 and the xl700 dominos as well as every other tool. What Jason didn’t make clear is that you really don’t need Bluetooth unless you’re using cordless tools. The dust extractors all have auto on/off if you use a corded tool

[@bentswoodworking]

True, however I find it most helpful with just doing clean up tasks. It’s great being able to control it without having to bend over to switch it on or off.

[@aetorres7422]

Well I think CFM is pretty important it's 25 c f m per inch per blade like you would need 125 CFM for a 5-inch disc

[@julianniemeyer1655]

I know this was a 5 minute slot so keep it simple - but be aware NA and European models are different. In Europe we have CTL, CTM and CTH designations that refer to Low, Medium and High dust filtration - for MDF, for example, M is recommended not L. Maybe M is the same as your HEPA? We also have AC models - AutoClean - which prevents the filters from clogging up as quickly - the filter gets shaken every so often. Then we have different hose sizes - some for the Planex have larger inputs with gates whilst others have smaller inlets. I understand the Planex arrives in NA this spring, so maybe you will also see new vacs?

[@bentswoodworking]

Yeah, this video was primarily for the North American available and more for overview purposes. Europe has way more stuff than over here.

[@foxwoodworking8759]

I believe the CTL MIDI and CTM MIDI use the same filters and bags so I think the CTL filters to the same level as the M Class. It only lacks the suction alarm.

[@pablomax9376]

Does not seem to be mentioned here, but I believe the Festool vacuum line is further broken down to CTL and CTM. The CTM has an airflow metering system which will sound an alarm when the bag or filter needs to be replaced. This is comply with workplace rules in various countries. The UK for example requires such a system for commercial applications. BTW, if the motor burns out, you can replace it with one of those 40 dollar ones from the same manufacturer as the Festool motors, but the shaft will be too short to add the magnet at the end, which will make the vacuum beep all the time.. but the suction and operation will be identical since the motor is identical. You can save 160 bucks if you can stand the beeping ;)

[@TravisKlein1]

what about a cyclone, is it needed?

[@bentswoodworking]

Not needed but has it benefits

[@TravisKlein1]

@@bentswoodworking I bought it and yes I can see exactly what you mean, if it's super fine probably a cyclone can help with less time/money on bags. you're the best thank you so much for your honesty and awesome videos!

[@SynQ86]

If you carry the vacuum around to jobsite's etc, stick with the mini or midi. Even a half full midi gets annoyingly heavy when you have to lug it around constantly. I can't imagine carrying around a CT26 or even larger for that matter lol But these things are quality. I have a midi that's like between 10 - 15 years old and it still goes strong although it looks like a piece of shit haha.

[@joeking433]

Yeah, on Amazon the CT 15 is only $399. I doubt I would pay more than that.