$700 for a VACUUM?!?!? Why I bought the Festool CT26 Dust Extractor || The Recreational Woodworker 

I just try not to think about the price. But I’ll be honest that I really-really like this vacuum.

The TS 55 is a bit underpowered, but the (cordless) TSC 55 has plenty of oomph. The TS 75 has good power, but working with it all day, it seems to get mighty heavy, and even more so if you're only making cuts all day where you don't need the 75mm cut capacity. Since I got my TSC 55, the TS 75 has stayed in its Systainer. The TSC 55 is a WINNER. The Mafell is perhaps marginally better, but it has its own track ecosystem -- and with an eye-popping price to make Festool look like bargain basement by comparison.

I’m very happy with my Makita cordless

bosch track sew is by far the best

Agreed. I’m about to move to a new shop. Dust collection and air quality will be top of the list

$50 shopvac will do exactly the same. Given you use good quality filters. I prefer HEPA with carbon filter. Takes the smell away when my saw runs a bit hot

@@hornetIIkite3 haha very true! festool makes quality tools and for weekend diy projects and even most contractors they are overkill but someone who works in skyrises dust control as well as mobility is worth the price. I have written many of my vacs off for health and safety insurance.

@@hornetIIkite3 that’s incorrect. The shop vac filter will clog long before it gets full. The Festool extractor maintains consistent suction from empty to full bag.

@@fiveoboy01 That is where my wife's pantyhose and the cyclone filter come into play.

When I bought my second CT I went with the 36. If you already have a midi I’d go with the 36. texastoolcraft.com/products/dust-extractor-ct-36-e-hepa-cleantec-574935

@@DaileyWoodworks Thank you for that advice. 😊 To be honest I actually thought about that, but I didn’t want anything too large either.

None it fits nice and snug

Can you use the midi to clean up the job site when you're done with a project? If so, how is the suction?

@@jimdiet8534 You certainly can, but keep in mind that the bag capacity is only 3.3 gallons, so if doing a lot of jobsite cleanup, either add a cyclone separator, or go for a bigger model. As for suction it's only 8cfm less (130 vs 138 for the bigger models) than all the bigger models, which is basically unnoticeable. Static lift is identical (96"). The midi is my jobsite vac; for the workshop I'll be using a ct 36 connected to a dust deputy.

@@NWGR Thank you

Oh wow what did you use it for? I’m thinking about getting the ct 36 or 48 for grinding concrete and to use as daily vac on the job.

@@elitetilesetting1909 Well the funny thing is that I have been using it for normal household cleaning.

Sure your problem isn't the sander ?

I'm curious what sander you were/are using when you asked this question? I'm tied into the Festool sanders and typically I'll run the sander speed high and turn the extractor low and dust collection is very good. Hopefully you solved your problem by now as it's a old comment.

Mainly because it seemed to be the best balance of size and mobility. I do kinda wish I had the extra volume of the 36. I fill this one up quickly as much as I use it. I found plans for a DIY sys-separator. I may build that or pony up and buy the cyclone.

I was wondering the same thing. I plan on purchasing the CT36 in a couple of months.

It really comes down to size and what you need out of the extractor. If Bluetooth is a requirement it will be an additional cost on the 26's and up. I use mine mainly out in the field and use them as a selling feature of cleanliness and efficiency. So for me cargo space and mobility is a consideration. My first was the CT 26 because it offered the middle of the road in capacity and mobility. That vac is still running and it's almost ten years old, so I feel it has treated me well. Since the first I added another 26 as well as the 36ac which is mainly dedicated to the larger drywall sander. The 36 is more cumbersome for transport and unlike the 26 it gets stored and pulled out when needed where the 26's are permanently stored in the work vehicles and always being used on-site. Annually Festool has their price increase typically in January and I had been telling myself that when the oldest 26 dies I'll swap it out for a Midi because I like the idea of less bulk, weight, and easier mobility. The og 26 doesn't die so I opted to order the Midi anyways and beat the price increase. I'll retire the og 26 for home duties and a on-site backup if ever needed, or sell it so I don't have to store it since everything is real estate space. I will add though to put it into perspective on the annual price increases. The 26 was around $560 in 2012 iirc and currently is at $740 with a increase to come in a couple days. The price increases are marginal at the time but when looked at in the long term they definitely do add up. Over the years besides consumables I've replaced two hose garages and a cord wrap on the vacs but I chalk that up to the cost of consistent mobility. So if you are going to be using for field work any of the vacs will fit that need but the Midi and 26 are a better option imo than a 36 because vehicle real estate is always a consideration. The same consideration can be made for a shop environment. If space is a factor then the 36 can feel cumbersome being more stationary as well. The capacity of the 36 is great but I still consider the 26 to be that sweet spot of capacity and overall size. Of course the new Midi won't be here til next week so maybe I'll change my mind on the sweet spot for my needs after some time. Anyways with Festool you do have a 30 day return period so if you feel you should have went larger, or smaller and a correction needs to be made you can readjust.

I have a guy who edits for me. I think he uses Premier

@@DaileyWoodworks wow, how much that running you?

Not. I went through two of them inside the warranty period. Have a Ridgid Jobsite saw now.

@@DaileyWoodworks Holy Moly. Yikes. Thanks for the reply. I suppose I shouldn't get one from Lowes today then. I'll look at the Ridgid.

It's time you get a sawstop!

@@dalebaldwin5623 By the way, SawStop got bought by the same folks who own Festool (i.e., TTS Tooltechnic Systems).

@@dalebaldwin5623 If you're giving them away I'll gladly accept one! lol

Damn thats sad.

There are other reps...

The store could have been out of stock and direct shipped to him instead of making a trip back to the store. Most business now days charge shipping for the tools they sale to the consumer, At least that is the way it is where I live so sometimes I just have them ship to me instead of to the store on out of stock items. Cost the same either way.