Thread: Festool vac

In a nutshell, L, M and H are the dust class they're rated for (basically, how fine they can filter) and the number is the container capacity, there's also the Autoclean models.

Essentially it's just 2 sizes with filter options. Also the 48 H class, but you only need that for asbestos and similarly hazardous stuff and at $3k it's probably not on your radar.

EDIT: Should also note that the capacity is for the container, NOT the bag. You'll probably lose 3-5L of usable space with a bag in there.

All of the CT models (26 thru to 48) use the same head with the only difference being the capacity of the bag. The other variation is the self cleaning filter model designated AC which is designed for use with cloging plaster dust.

The midi & mini are a smaller more portable unit with almost the same suction but less features.

The M, L or H designation relates to the filter that is fitted but lately the local CTs were all fitted with a HEPA filter. The M designation is for the EU and has a flow sensor that shuts the CT off when it looses suction when the bag is full, an OH&S requirement for building sites.

The new models now are bluetooth control enabled so it appears that there are a vast number of models but a lot are for specific applications.

What do you want to don with it?


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I see. So for woodworking I dont even need more then the 15L from the MIDI as I use the cyclone.

Is there much value in the extra suction from the CTM26 over the CT MIDI M class? (It seems the features are the same?)

Anyone setup their own relay to turn the vac on when you power on tools? The limit of 1200w means cant use something like a track saw or router is auto on

Also, can generic vac bags be used? Those Festool ones are crazy expensive lol

Originally Posted by qwertyu

Anyone setup their own relay to turn the vac on when you power on tools? The limit of 1200w means cant use something like a track saw or router is auto on

I've made one, see Shopvac auto-start adapters?
Mine has a small micro controller and actual current display with a programmable delayed time, ie vac/DC can stay on for a variable set time after the power tool has been turned off.
Mine doesn't use independent power cords (ie from two different GPOs, one 10A for vac and one 10A for power tool ) so is limited to 10A, but it could easily be adapted to do this. I don't recommend my setup to anyone who doesn't have the necessary AC mains experience.

Like I said in my post

FWIW I have no immediate need for this device it was really just to see how easily and cheaply such a device could be made. I will have a bit of a play with it but then I suspect it will live in the back of the cupboard and eventually it will be repurposed for another project.

Yep it's gathering dust in the back of a cupboard.

The main disadvantage of the MIDI is that the right angle hose fitting that it uses only comes in 27mm; fine for sanding and sawing, but you really do need a 36mm hose for routing and planing.

If you can find generic cloth bags then go for it, but I wouldn't go with the paper ones.

Keep an eye on gumtree, festool vacs are notoriously hard to kill and you'll save a lot of money buying second hand.

Thanks BobL - that looks really complicated!

If looking secondhand, would you specifically look for a M model? Do they all leak eventually making it a moot point?

Do vac bags have a standardised hole diameter which Festool also uses?

Dunno about the hole size, but the shape of the bag I think might be unique because it fills the entire container, rather than having to wrap around a motor; the MIDI definitely is.

Originally Posted by qwertyu

Thanks BobL - that looks really complicated!

It's only complicated because it's programmable.
It could be made with two 10A input cables two GPOs and one relay, but that would be too simple

They can be used bag-less (which you should do if using the ‘wet’ function. Issue is emptying and the risk of inhaling all that fine dust when you tip it into the bin - if that worries you.

If your cyclone is half decent, there’ll be very little in the fe$tool. I don’t have a bag in mine, and just empty the cyclone regularly. I use the traditional Breath Holding method to protect myself when emptying, along with the well-known Safety Squint. (Bob will have to have a lie down after reading that)

Originally Posted by qwertyu

Also, can generic vac bags be used? Those Festool ones are crazy expensive lol

you could try making the bags reusable.

YouTube

Cheers Andrew

While they can be used bagless, you will clog the filter much faster and they're a lot more expensive than bags are. If you are using it with a sander, a bag is pretty much mandatory.

Originally Posted by qwertyu

I see. So for woodworking I dont even need more then the 15L from the MIDI as I use the cyclone.

Is there much value in the extra suction from the CTM26 over the CT MIDI M class? (It seems the features are the same?)

Anyone setup their own relay to turn the vac on when you power on tools? The limit of 1200w means cant use something like a track saw or router is auto on

Also, can generic vac bags be used? Those Festool ones are crazy expensive lol

I've run track saw, Kapex dropsaw, the big V8 router, and the bench mounted belt sander on both my vacuums, for years, with no problems at all with the auto plug in feature.
The reuseable white bags are expensive, but they last for ages, I'm kinda regretting buying a pack of five because I've had the same one in the midi for abut 3 years and it gets emptied every second day.

I know you asked for the differences between the vacs but thought I’d chime in with my experience.

I have the CT26 and it fits my needs perfectly. I have never wished I had the larger capacity CT36.

What I really like about the Festool vacs is that you can turn it into a mini work centre/organiser. I added a couple of sortainers and screw storage assortment systainers to the top of my vac and also added the boom arm. It’s incredibly handy to have all my most used tools kept together.

The boom arm is also very handy as you no longer have to worry about tripping over the hose etc. You could make one also.

The last thing I did was add the newer smooth 36mm hose. I definitely noticed suction improvement using my track saw. The only issue with the larger hose is that it won’t fit on the smaller tools like the domino, sanders so you’ll need to get a reducer which defeats the purpose of the larger hose.

I can post a pic of how I’ve set mine up.

Cheers