I have had a lot of questions about workshop extractors and so have produced what I hope will help everyone. The CTM 36 shown in this video is has been lent by Festool UK and is no longer available.
The Festool extractors ARE the best extractors for on site use. They cost a bit more and the cost of the reusable bag is a bit much. But I’ve had mine for 10 years and it’s been brilliant. A very large heavy piece of timber dropped off the chopsaw and smashed the top part to pieces but I replaced it with a plywood top that I quite honestly prefer as I can now use it as a stool/hop up even. I’ve added the Bluetooth module which I love. 🤣 I’ve even added a usb charge point so I can charge my phone and power a mini light when I’m router a latch in a dark room.
Hey Peter, just wanted to mention I have found the small carry extractor great for working inside homes. The other two roll much better then other shop vacs I have owned, making them great to use in my shop. Thanks for reinforcing purchases you led me to years ago. Have a Great Day!
Great demo...thank you Peter! I know I'm going to buy one of these...it's just a matter of which one. Your video is another piece of the puzzle for me. Very much appreciate the good detail. Cheers! Dave M. from Orlando FL.
Hi Diana, With Festool extractors it is almost impossible to go wrong as long as you are clear what size machine and what level of filtration you want. Cheers. Peter
Thanks Peter, another great vid. Bought the CLT-SYS 2-3 years ago now on the strength of a previous NBW video and a recommendation from an electrician. Hesitated for a while, as there were cheaper alternatives for an amateu DIY-er like me. But I got one for a good price, I could still sell it on for the same price I bought it for, and its transformed all the woodworking and other dusty DIY jobs. Also plugs in direct to the crappy chop saw I bought as well. Just wish I had stumped up for it at the outset when I started installing a kitchen instead of struggling with a Henry. The Auto-start facility when the TS-55, router or sander and other tools are hosed up to it is fantastic - saves a huge amount of to-ing and fro-ing. And it stacks direct with all my other systainers so easy for storage taking up minimal room. The bags are a stupid price, so I usually ask for a box of bags for Christmas - raises eye brows, but at least they are useful and I'm not being given more useless tat for the charity shop.
Hi Kevin, I am so glad that this has worked out so well for you. I agree that the bags are not cheap but they are essential and do help to protect your lungs. Good luck with all of your projects. Cheers. Peter
festool makes very high quality tools and always ahead of all other tools, among the various festool tools i am a big fan of the ts55 saw and kapex 120 are wonderful quality tools, this festool vacuum cleaner is very beautiful! thanks Peter.🙏
That little sys is a brilliant extractor. I just bought one second hand and like new condition with the newer hose at a bargain price of £150. I’m very happy with it. Keep up the great work you do here Peter😊
Hi Mark I use mine a huge amount and my wife borrows it too - for all those really awkward jobs around the house (leaves near the front door and grit in the utility room) ! Cheers. Peter
Hi Vincent, I had hoped that my work for MI6 would never come to light. I have some leftover exploding watches and a used ejector seat if anyone is interested ! Cheers. Peter
Thank you Peter. I’m doing my homework and getting ready to purchase a number of Festool tools from Axminster. The Festool dust extractor is on that list - I just wasn’t sure which model to choose. Your video was very helpful. Peter
Dear Peter, Thank you for this film. It is still interesting despite it is already one year old. Recently I bought the little CTL-Sys because of the limited space I have in the basement. Because of the good perfromance figures of that little extractor I combined it with the CT-VA20 cyclone extractor and it is working perfectly. Most of the dust stays in the CT-VA20 instead in the filter bag of the CTL-Sys. The hoses are interchangeable and so I am happy. The mentioned CT-VA20 works even with the Makita VT1320 and the Festool hose fit as well at the Makita vacuum. Stay save - bye Andreas
Nice informative video Peter. If you get a chance, or when you get to a show, have a look at the CMT MIDI. It come with most of the features of the larger machines but in a smaller package. I’m so happy with mine. It works great with the festool dust separator too. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻😊
Hi Charles, I have a huge amount of respect for the small CTL Sys. I use it for all sorts and it is very efficient. My wife also uses it a lot for various jobs inside and outside the house. Cheers. Peter
I think where Festool really shines is doing the simple kinds of work that pay off in the contract market. And then installing that work. In a more complete woodworking shop, one has a lot more issues to deal with, and while this grade of extractor would still be ideal, if there is any kind of budget in place, not to mention no income being generated, well I have a 6 prong approach: 1) Shopvac with hepa filter and bags to extract machines at point of use;* 2) Full size dust extractor that pulls large machines like planers; 3) Dust box for general air filtration to catch the stuff that makes it past the extractors; 4) Racal style helmet for things like woodturning; 5) And here is the big expense... Huge investment in hand tool which generally vastly reduce dust output, not to mention allow far higher quality work. 6) And a far larger expense... Live on properties where you can take the work outside, if you prefer. Have the gear like mobile benches, to do it. So in a Festool frame of mind, you do have the option of overpaying by 12-20X for all of these stages. I know I have for item 5 & 6... But I doubt too many people really have the pocket to got all Festy on the budget in a full working environment, and need to be a little careful with how much caviar they consume. *I am evaluating whether the system I have here is so much exceeded by stuff like Festool Extractors, that I need to make a move.
Hi Derek, I have to keep the workshop far cleaner than one might expect partly due to the camera equipment but mainly because I consider it appropriate to keep things clean and tidy when I am inviting so many visitors (viewers) into the place. I always use an extractor with the brush attachment to go over all my tools that might be on show. Cheers. Peter
These are fantastic, with my festool sander attached I can sand with literally zero dust even in the house, so versatile and reliable. I’m still on my original filter as the bag filters so efficiently, and because waste is naturally compressed the bag holds an astonishing amount before it needs replacing. The onboard PowerPoint is great for automatic control with whichever tool is being used (corded machines).
@@NewBritWorkshop Sorry I meant in using the power point on the machine as our auxiliary tools power source, both machines operated from the tools power switch, vacuum and sander/track saw etc.
Got it - thanks. Yes, I agree with you, the power socket on the extractor is a brilliant feature. Many other makers do this but the reliability and quality of the Festool extractors make a huge difference. I have had my CT26 for 11 years and it is as good now as it was when new. Cheers. Peter
Hi Peter, thanks for the vid and explanations, good to see properly what the M class differences are. What would be really useful would be a video on the additional options for the auxiliary slot, the extra socket, and compressed air module (and maybe others!) very little info on those around, only ever seem to see the Bluetooth option explained! Thanks Paul
I love my Festool MIDI. But one correction. There is no benefit for using an M rated Festool extractor outside a business environment. The vacuum performance does not differ between M and L rated extractors. The L rated extractors meet all the performance related requirements of the M class (passthrough lover then 0,1 ). Therefore there are no separate filters for the different classes (anymore). The only difference between the devices is that M class has a feature -as required by EU-regulation for extractors used in a business environment - that constantly monitors the airflow and provide acoustic and visual warnings in case the airflow is significantly impeded. This regulation tackles the risk that even a constantly impeded airflow is often not noticed (particularly by employees) and may result in a high dust concentration which can be very harmful. Wood workers have a 40 times higher risk of nasal and lung cancer than the general public.
Hi Kirk, Many thanks for that explanation - you are right that for on site work or in public places the M Class machines are now essential in Europe at least. Also, for drywall contractors, people using grinders and stone cutters the auto clean feature and audible low flow warnings are super useful. Cheers. Peter
I have always taken the risks of dust very seriously. However, that figure seems very high. Presumably the real risk is spread over a lifetime. I am just reaching retirement age. If I had started in a ceder mill where the dust extraction system was a front end loader, 50 years ago, when most people smoked. There were no indoor smoking bans. Tailpipe emissions where higher, just hundreds of changes have occurred. Well I shouldn't tempt the gods.... But it was a different world.
Another great video 👍 Apparently Peter the L and M class use identical filters so therefore must filter the air in EXACTLY the same way? I understand that the M class has a warning if it detects a loss of airflow.
Hello Peter, Brilliant video again very thorough good job I’ve had my CTL 26 for a few years now never failed you get what you pay for, do you have any plans to cover the different hoses and in particular joining hoses together as I know there are lots of different connectors. Thanks again Peter.
Hi Phil, The trouble with the hoses is that almost all of mine are of the old type. If it helps, always use as large a diameter as you can. If you want to have an extra long hose then that is even more important - rather than buying a 5 m long 27 mm hose I got a 5 m long 36 mm hose which does a great job. Peter
If you are in the Festool hose market, and it didn't empty your bank account... It is yet another situation where you really benefit from a 3D printer. The form factor is somewhat small; it really helps if you can design, and that is rather simple with modern tools; HOWEVER, Thingieverse already has things like sockets for the Festool twist fittings. You can print them as easily as you can pint a picture or PDF. And once you get the hang of it, you will be printing all kinds of other things for the shop. 3D printing mainly works on a lot of little things, but it is amazing how many of those there are...
M and L class have same filters. They only differ in a flow control unit and that is for legal reasons. For private people both protect your heath but only L saves 100 Eur
Correct, and it is only the professionals who have to adopt M class on site. The auto clean function is an important feature of M Class extractors which does prolong the efficient working of the system. Cheers. Peter
One issue about stuff like the high end tools we have today, is that many of us had hepa filters, remote controls, and electronic switching, back 20 or 30 years when the average dust extraction system was a shovel. So on the one hand while this stuff is way out ahead... The market has taken a long time to catch up. Will that be the case in the future? Is the market so saturated with innovation that we should just sit back and wait for it. Or should we continue to expect to exceed these packaged solutions?
Great video even 2 years later. I’ve got a cal sys on back order but I’m a little confused. Is it suitable for sanding old furniture which will be painted or lacquered soft and hardwoods? I do my sanding in our car port so it’s very airy and not a confined space.
Great video as always! I am just about to buy my first Festool extractor to go with a df500. Do you know if the mini/midi extractors are any use? The seem a bit cheaper. Thank you
Hi Peter. Great video thanks. I went for a CTM 26, but the sys looks really impressive and will take up less room in the van! If you get chance to review Festool 150mm sanders, I’d be really grateful. Struggling to know which types suit which jobs... thanks again
Hi John, I think for a professional working alone in a workshop the CTl26 is excellent and the CT Sys will do well for those odd occassions when you need to go off base. You will always have the option of taking the CTL26 anyway. I have done a few videos on sanders: - ETS EC 150: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zphGmjTlUo4.html - Festool Cordless Sanders: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_FfhBenAIrc.html - Festool Rotex 150: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JklnW-x7swA.html
Looking at building a compact woodworking shop, that has to be put away in between projects as the shop is needed for other uses. So the size of everything is important. Listening to the specs, it seems the CT Sys has the power for most projects, just not the storage. Will the CT Sys and the Dust Deputy type arrangement handle the volume of chips from a big router?
Hi George, For a lathe you need a greater air flow and less pressure so look at a chip extractor. For separators look at the cyclones on ebay or the 4" separator from Axminster: www.axminstertools.com/axminster-craft-accih-cyclone-interceptor-head-105872
Very nicely done! Quite a bit of refined technology for the equipment; thank you for clearing up the distinctions! ... but how in Heaven's name do you have a well-used 11-year-old dust extractor that looks virtually brand new?!? ... For those (like me) whose minds are Imperial-based, 24k Pascals is about 3.5 psi or 0.24 atm.... and your example 10 sq cm hose would then be able to lift about 5 lb 7 oz. Finally, the 3,900 L/min air flow equates to 1,030 gpm (pretty thirsty!)
I look after all of woodworking kit, never lend any of it out and before filming I always clean it up. It is using the fluffy end on the CT26 that makes the most difference. Also the camera is very generous and does wonder to the Festool standard colours. Cheers. Peter
Thanks for the informative video, I will use the extractor solely for sanding. But when I read the information for the festool extractors, they all seem to say "for brief sanding Periods". Just wondering which machine I should go for? Thanks
I have used mine non stop for over an hour on many occasions when making large oak benches. No problem - the extractors are industrial quality and can run all day without a break if required. Peter
@@NewBritWorkshop Thank you. I have been using a nilfisk, which does the job very well, at a quarter of the price. But maybe not so good for finer dust particles, Festool it is. thanks again
How would you compare the sound volumes between sizes and other manufacturers? My workshop is in a residential area and I'm very conscious about the sound my current extractor produces. Thanks.
Hi Dave, I am not particularly familiar with other manufacturers' kit except am able to comment on my Numatic NVD 750. I use it for High Volume Low Pressure work with my planer. It is quite noisy. My CTL26 and the CTM36 which I am borrowing sound the same and not far off that of our old Dyson. I have noticed that the main irritation from extractors is if they start and stop frequently. I had my new workshop sound insulated which you might consider if you are worried. Peter
Peter, very interesting presentation as always - thank you! Have done my own research and have decided to buy the CT15 which suits my (very!) compact work space. Just one question if I may - and maybe a silly one, but nonetheless - I assume that on the machines that Festool sells in Britain and Ireland (I’m in Dublin) the socket into which a power tool can be connected is actually the three-pronged one with which we are familiar? Reason for my wondering is that most of the reviews I’ve seen are US-based and other ‘European’ reviews tend not to mention this aspect! Cheers👏
Hi Michael, Fear not - all of the machines are country orientated in terms of plugs and sockets. The CT15 is an excellent extractor (actually they are all brilliant). Good luck and many thanks for the kind words. Peter
No, create a tracksaw cutting station with the Parf Guide System. If you have to do a very long cut then just measure very carefilly from a known good edge. Peter
Hi Peter, very nice review, I was waiting for your expert opinion. I'd purchase the small sys extractor if only it was cordless or corded with the option to plug a battery in so you have the best of both worlds. Other brands do both options. Many customers don't want to see cords trailing on the ground. Any idea if festool are considering a cordless option
Hi Dan, I think the real issue is the power consumption of an extractor as amazing as the little CT Sys. It is 1000 watts and with an 18 v battery that needs 55 amps. Even with 3 x18 v batteries it over 18 amps. Peter
@@NewBritWorkshop cheers Peter, thank you for taking the time to review the extractor and for your kind response it's a pity they can't get around that problem
@@danthechippie4439 I think festool are going down the route of a large battery/ inverter unit in a systainer to provide power away from the mains. Check out the 'sys powerstation' - I'm expecting it to be shockingly expensive!
Hi David, Yes, I have seen that but have no detail. The concept will be great for places where mains power is not possible but as the tools still end up being tethered it is only a small step forward. Better batteries and even more efficient motors are required. Peter
@@NewBritWorkshop allegedly it is powerful enough to run a ct extractor and mains tool for some time...so if you used a battery tool with Bluetooth and ran the extractor with the power station, it might have some mileage in it and you would be tethered only by the extractor hose. I suspect that it may be quite heavy, so mounting it to a wheeled extractor would probably make sense anyway.
Hi Peter, great explanation on these extractors but you didn't mention the power tool socket which could be a game changer for some. The CT26 is 1800w and the 36 is 2400w i believe. Im looking at the CTL36 just purely for future proofing when i buy the OF2200 router unless you know a way around running that router on the CT26?
There is absolutely no problem running the OF2200 with the CT26 as you can see from this rather old video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VdmCSv9xbnU.html Peter
@@NewBritWorkshop Thanks for that link Peter, much appreciated. I still can't get my head around why Festool mark the power tool socket for 1800w machines? Something to do with EU regulations maybe? I was looking at the CT36 to future proof my Festool range as and when i need the OF2200 but thanks to your advice I'm going to go for the CTM26 E AC that's on offer at our favourite store.
Choosing a vac from festool has been a little confusing, when it comes to the regular and the AC version. Am I right in thinking that the regular version has a Hepa filter while the AC doesn’t? I’m inclined to go for the regular M class due to this fact as I will mainly be dealing with dust from wood?
For woodwork you do not need the autoclean function. I use my CT26 for all of my HVLP work (TS55, routers, all sanding and Kapex) and am very happy. Peter
Bur Peter what gives the difference in filtration between the CT36 , M-class and the CT-26 ( I have Auto cleaning on my CT-26 and it’s L-class. Is the filter Units different? Finer filter material?
if they are the same current generation they are identical in this regard. They use the same engine, filters and basic design. M-class has an airflow control and warning module which is useful / legaly required for professional every day use. 36l box is bigger then 26l of course. :)
The main filters are different part numbers - check on any Festool web site. However, these are the same size. It is the other "M" features that insurance companies and health and safety inspectors will want to see. Peter
Hi peter i saw a festool m class auto clean planex dust extractor 36LTR it said it sucks fine dust.Peter that auto clean is that allright for general woodwork all is it overkill for woodworking.?
Hi Shane, The auto clean is overkill for woodworking. It is designed for working with plaster dust when there is just a plastic bag inside the extractor so the main filter is doing all the hard work. Peter
Small shopvacs with quiet function will do around 4 inhg which is 13500 pascals. I would have to test the current one to see the real number, but just as a baseline when vacuum bagging boats, I know we figured on 4 inhg, and had measured it, because we always have vac gauge on the bag. Of course, you can buy one for around 30 bucks. There are more powerful shopvacs/Rigids out there, but they are too much for vac bagging plywood, So I don't know what they top out at. They are a different scale of form factor to a Festool extractor. Has anyone actually measured the Festools? Presumably, the Festools are measured under ideal circumstances.
In my old age I added a CT Mini. Since it is tiny, the bag fills quickly. Once caught without a spare on a little job, I just emptied the bag into a trash can and replaced it in the extractor. It actually then performed so well, I have taken to using each such bag several times before retiring it. Is there any reason not to continue this practice? It is a minor hassle to empty the bag, but seems that the machine cannot tell the difference. Thanks for your virtual Festool University. I am proud to be one of your students.
Hi Michael, In my early days with the CT26 I used to empty the bag using an old Dyson vacuum (it was HEPA rated) but the issue is that the bag itself is a very important part of the safety side of all extractors. If you see any staining at all on a bag then do not try and re-use it. The staining indicates that micro particles of dust are finding a way through. The CT Sys bags are really not too expensive and I always dispose of them straight away and fit a new one. Peter
I would recommend the reusable bag. The new bags are generally not very good for being reused very often. They are desigend to safe material but still meet the M class requirements thus the pores can fill easily and performance can be impeded. However, if you use the extractor e.g. with a track saw, this filling effect is lower as the particles are bigger and you could reuse the bag quite often. If you use the extractor with a sander particularly when sanding paint, you might see a negative effect much sooner. If you like to reuse a standard bag, I would recommend to clean out the bag early of saw dust, particularly before the bag is full and tension is applied by the dust on the paper over a longer period.
@@kirkmann4434 Thanks for good explanation. That makes sense and is just about what I have been doing. My main use is with track saw, as I fit a lot of doors. I'll be sure to empty before the sawdust gets too packed in. If I know much sanding is in the offing, I bring my Dust Deputy unit designed for Festool (precursor to Festool's product), which of course is the best route to very long bag life.
@@michael.schuler do that the same way :) although I realized how much space and time this setup takes. I have no dedicated workshop (anymore) and do a lot of work on the porch.
@@kirkmann4434 Kirk, Off topic: If you're doing work with ad hoc setups on the porch, et al, try to pick up a Zyliss vice on Ebay. You can get one very reasonably, and the ingenious design allows you to utilize almost anything that won't move as a bench to hold the vice. (Porch railings, for example...) I got one for an odd circumstance and have been amazed at how often it conveniently solves a problem I hadn't had in mind when I bought it.
All those extractore look brand new!! do you spend 2 hours polising them after you have used them :) , I have the CTL Midi I exceptional extraction for what I need, only had it 4 months mine look 10 yrs older than yours LOL
Look, you must understand that when I let you and the other great folks into my workshop I have a bit of pride keeping the place reasonably tidy and the tools looking clean and well cared for. If my best friend was coming to visit then we would certainly make a jolly good effort - it is my very best friend that I talk to when I look at the camera - I hope that might be you! Peter
Other brands are available! Love the quality of your videos but I must admit the festool talk does lose my interest with a hint of festool rep about it
Hi Stevie, I understand your point but I have spent a lot of money on Festool kit and almost every one of my professional friends have either done the same or have a significant amount of their kit. You will see plenty of other kit in use in my workshop that is not made by Festool but is in their inventory - router cutters from Trend, drills of all types from Famag, clamps from Bessey and Axminster and so on. Also, do not forget that I have created the Parf Guide System which allows people to create their own MFT3 tops at a fraction of the cost of those from Festool and I give away free plans for an MFT3 size folding bench that can be made for less than £100 and it is more stable than the MFT3. Peter
Never intended to offend. As previously stated I thoroughly value the quality of your videos and your experience. Just more interested in what can be done with the tooling than which one to buy. Particularly without taking out a festool mortgage that the average woodworker wouldn't be able to justify. Just my opinion that's all
Hi Stevie, Many thanks. I know what you mean but people ask me questions about all sorts of things and so I do my best to make videos answering those queries. There have been loads of requests for this particular video. Cheers. Peter
My friend has been pleased with this vacuum. I put it together and other than one of the wheels coming back out(which I had a bit of difficulty with) ru-vid.comUgkxnBiz5H40H0BTcRcPDEHZkcV2smSjfUD0 it was easy to assemble. It's worked well and the large size has been handy for vacuuming up sawdust around my friend's tablesaw. The wheels and handle make it simple to move around, so the bulky size isn't overly a negative, unless you're lacking on space. It has a bag that can be used to collect the dust, though it doesn't have to be used. It works perfectly great without it and it is an added expense when replacing the bag. If vacumming water, just leave it out. It comes with various attachments, which are handy. A durable bag attaches to the handle to hold them and I love this feature. It has good power and it's a nice option for a shop vac.
That’s a lot of explanation for just an idea. Not sure that your average woodworker is interested in the physics of it all. Maybe just put an anemometer at the end of the hose?
Hi Paul, Thank you so much for all of your valuable comments that have helped so many visiting my channel. Oops, just noticed that you have done none of that and this is the only comment that you have ever made, never mind. I wish the best of luck. Cheers. Peter
