Hi Andrew. Many thanks for the support. I do not have plans for the Kapex workstation but will try and mention the key features in my next Questions and Answers video. For now: the overall height is 900mm (the same as the MFT3), it is on heavy duty castors (but I had to add some extra ones in the middle due to the overall weight!) and there is a board at the back so that sawdust does not go down the back. Peter
I just have to say "Peter, I love watching your videos. You have a calming presence and you thoroughly present your subject. Thank you for your efforts." 👍👌
Hi Mr Dan, No you have not made a mistake. The anti static hoses stay clean and I prefer them. The 36mm hose is perfect for the Kapex, routers and the circular saws. You have done the right thing. Peter
Hi Peter, Thanks for your response. I just received word from Festool. Apparently all of their dust extractors are suitable for working with MDF. They mentioned that the main differences between them tend to be suction power and size of tank. I had also asked them if the midi now comes with a HEPA filter as standard as I had read lots of whispers about that being the case on the web however they informed me that is not the case as it is only in America where that has been implemented.
Hi Anthony, I only have the CTL26 but from the Festool web site it appears that the CTM have a few added features like self cleaning. I use MDF and Oak a lot and manage with my CTL. I am hoping to do some dust level measurements soon and will report my findings. Peter
Hi Wayne, I think that the Midi has the same suction power as the CTL26. I really like the self-clean bags designed for the CT range as they act as an extra filter and are perfect for MDF etc. I have never used the Midi and so can offer no further advice. Peter
Hi Wayne, I am in the middle of a field in The Netherlands (doing some work for a Satnav review) and my internet connection is rubbish. I thought that the CTL series had a HEPA option - check out the Festool web site and see what it says. Certainly the self clean bags will be better than paper bags. Peter
I've burned up two shop vacs that I use to pull sawdust from my table saw through a dust deputy. The deputy works like a charm, but these shop vacs can't stand the heat build up over time. Would this Festool machine be a better choice, even though I won't necessarily need the filtration aspect of the vac?( I find it much easier to empty the dust deputy than mess with plugged filter in shop vac. ) Thanks
Hi Frank, My CT26 has never let me down and it is often used on and off all day. It has an automatic bypass function so the motor will always be protected from over heating. Peter
Hi Daniel, I am sure that the 110v version will be easy to find. I installed mine with no problem at all but if you are worried about electrical stuff, or your local laws insist, them you should seek the help of a qualified electrician. Peter
Hello Peter, is the difference between this machine, ctl, and the ctm the filters fitted? I am in the market for such a machine but as I use mdf and oak a lot I would need an m class unit.
hi peter, you mentioned you had a 2nd power outlet installed on your machine, i was wondering can this also be achieved with the 110v version and do you have to have festool install it for you or can you do it yourself? regards Daniel.
hi peter, how do you find the 36m antistatic hose? it seems over on fog they prefer the non antistatic version, i dont mind the 27mm version but i have just ordered the 36mm version to use with the of2200, im hoping i havent made an expensive mistake...
Hi Peter, Thanks for your very informative videos! You have really given me some great clarity around various products. I was wondering if you have used the Festool CTL Midi Dust Extractor? I do a lot of on site work using MDF. I am thinking about buying the midi to go with my TS 55 REQ and am wondering if it is suitable for the fine dust produced by MDF? Once again thanks and keep up the good work.
Hi Peter, did you happen to see Festool new cyclone attachment for this extractor? I’d love to see you make a video and hear your thoughts. Cheers Daniel
Hi Daniel, I have seen it and it does look very interesting. I have asked Festool UK to send one to me but I have no way of knowing whether they will or not. Fingers crossed. Peter
New Brit Workshop hi Peter, I’m sure they will as are the best guy in the business when it comes to their products. I don’t pretend to understand what the advantages are to having this extra part on the extractor. Cheers Daniel
Hi Daniel, I am using a cyclone interceptor made by Oneida and it is really good. Basically the cyclone will take out the majority of the dust and debris (like 99% or more) before it gets to the extractor. That means that extractor bag life is extended by about 20 times. At £5 per bag that is a pretty good deal. Fingers crossed that Festool respond. Peter
Hi Peter, Can I ask your thoughts on the ctl 26 vs the ctl 26 ac (autoclean version)? I'm struggling to see it being worth £130 more but I was wondering if, having owned the standard model, you could see the benefit of having the autoclean function. Best Osian
Osian Batyka-Williams Hi Osian, The autoclean version has a function that shakes the filter cartridge to remove dust that might otherwise get caked on. My understanding is that this is mainly aimed at users who sand drywall for a living - that plaster like substance creates a lot of fine dust that is otherwise difficult to deal with. For general woodworking you do not need the AC version. Peter
Hi Peter You mention that there is the option of the additional socket, I have looked on retailers sites and also Festools own site and this is never mentioned as an option. How do you get one???
Phil Spatcher Hi Phil, I am not sure which country you are in. This may make a difference with the actual part numbers for the sockets. There are two types - one is live all of the time and using it does not make the extractor come on and the other (which I have) will act like the main socket and turn the vacuum on when the tool runs. I bought mine from Toolfest here in the UK. Take a look at @festool-cleantex , then choose "Cleantex Additional Modules". I assume the Cleantex module will work with the standard CTL26. If you have a CTL36 it will work in there as well. Peter
New Brit Workshop I never understand why TH-cam destroy web links... Just Google Toolfest. Their web site is www dot toolfest dot co dot uk. Then choose "Cleantex Extractor" on the left. Then choose "Additional Modules". Peter
Phil Spatcher I buy quite a bit through Toolfest. The owner, Warren, is a really great guy and certainly knows his Festool kit. His prices are usually pretty good too. Peter
Hi Stefan, I usually keep the Kapex plugged in all the time and I have a plug-it cord in the second socket so I only have to swap a hose to use a sander or Domino. Peter
Hi Jerry, Yes, it is working as well now as it did on the day that I bought it. It is the unsung hero in my workshop - have you seen my Dust Hub video ? Peter
Peter, could you check out the following youtube video… the ultimate dust deputy for Festool CT Dust extractor and tell me what you think? Cool project I would like to see on youtube… The dust deputy cost $50, and the black box cost $150. Can you make a video attaching the dust deputy to an existing festool systainer to cut down on cost? An existing festool systainer should be able to latch onto the CT dust extractor like the one in the video. Consider adding a regular or cheap vacuum bag inside the systainer to collect all the dust. This way, you can remove the bag at the end of a project, throw it away, and store your festool in its own sustainer. You can call it Peter's MUILTI-FUNCTION SYSTAINER !!!
Hi Jenny Although I use a DD with my CT 26 for about half of my work it is not recommended. There is a risk that static electricity can build up on the DD and produce a charge that will blow the electronics of the CT. I check my setup quite regularly and (so far) all seems well. Using a systainer as a drop box is a serious waste of a good tool box when one can be made from a few small pieces of MDF. I suspect that the systainer would make the static electricity problem worse. It is not easy getting a plastic bag to work inside a drop box. The problem is that it gets sucked into the DD. To overcome this the bag needs to be held inside the drop box. Once the drop box is about 1/3rd full it stays in place. Peter
+quammea1 I am not sure which country you are - but all I did was ask my local Festool dealer who sorted it out very easily. If you are in the UK then do what I did - get Warren at Toolfest to sort it out for you. Peter
Through some of your other videos I noticed that you are very concerned with dust extraction and keeping your workshop clean and healthy. That´s why I´d like to point out that "officially" "L-Rated" dust extractors aren´t approved for collecting wood dust or any other hazardous dust. Festool and other manufactors offer "M" rated extractors for hazardous dust - such as wood dust and espeically hardwood dust like oak, beech and tropical timber. I´m not sure about regulations in the UK but in Germany "M-Rated" extractors need special HEPA filters along with sensors that measure CPM/Airspeed to ensure appropriate extraction is warranted and if not - for example due to a clogged hose - warn via an acoustic signal. For further Information look at: www.festool.net/dustextraction/au/index.php?site=FAQ#
Shin rah Many thanks for that important information. Have you seen my dust study video? I borrowed some very expensive dust measuring kit and took a week measuring the dust levels in my workshop. The only activity that produced dust that got near to 50% of the UK limit was hand sanding. All of the tests with Festool kit were well within the UK regulations for continuous exposure. There will be many people who will take that extra step and but M rated extractors to be 100% safe. Peter
New Brit Workshop I seem to have missed that one. If your air is clean, even with the L version, then it´s all the better because I also have a CTL 26 :>
An answer in a very old thread but anyways.... In europe the SYS, MINI and MIDI (+ the other bigger L rated vacs) isn't officially rated higher then the European standard "L" in dust control. In the states they are fully certified hepa (~99.97%). That means that it qualifies in the european standard "M" BUT the "M" standard in Europe demands other features then just the filtration. Suction alarm for example. You can buy a hepa filter for the L rated vacs and get the same filtration as an M rated vac. Surely you can hear or feel when the vac is loosing suction. The filtration is the most important.
Hi Andrew. Many thanks for the support. I do not have plans for the Kapex workstation but will try and mention the key features in my next Questions and Answers video. For now: the overall height is 900mm (the same as the MFT3), it is on heavy duty castors (but I had to add some extra ones in the middle due to the overall weight!) and there is a board at the back so that sawdust does not go down the back. Peter
I just have to say "Peter, I love watching your videos. You have a calming presence and you thoroughly present your subject. Thank you for your efforts." 👍👌
+BrenticusMaximus1 You are very kind. I do my best to help anyone and everyone. Cheers. Peter
Brilliant review! Just ordered one! Thanks for the recommendation!
Glad I could help!
Hi Mr Dan, No you have not made a mistake. The anti static hoses stay clean and I prefer them. The 36mm hose is perfect for the Kapex, routers and the circular saws. You have done the right thing. Peter
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your response. I just received word from Festool. Apparently all of their dust extractors are suitable for working with MDF. They mentioned that the main differences between them tend to be suction power and size of tank. I had also asked them if the midi now comes with a HEPA filter as standard as I had read lots of whispers about that being the case on the web however they informed me that is not the case as it is only in America where that has been implemented.
Hi Anthony, I only have the CTL26 but from the Festool web site it appears that the CTM have a few added features like self cleaning. I use MDF and Oak a lot and manage with my CTL. I am hoping to do some dust level measurements soon and will report my findings. Peter
Hi Wayne, I think that the Midi has the same suction power as the CTL26. I really like the self-clean bags designed for the CT range as they act as an extra filter and are perfect for MDF etc. I have never used the Midi and so can offer no further advice. Peter
Good to hear from you again. Let me know if you need any more information.
peter
Yes - no problem. I use them together all of the time.
Hi Wayne, I am in the middle of a field in The Netherlands (doing some work for a Satnav review) and my internet connection is rubbish. I thought that the CTL series had a HEPA option - check out the Festool web site and see what it says. Certainly the self clean bags will be better than paper bags. Peter
Another superb review. Thanks Peter.
Hi I've recently purchased the CTL 26E extractor will the auto mode work with the 2200 EB-Plus router? Thanks and grate video hope to see more
I've burned up two shop vacs that I use to pull sawdust from my table saw through a dust deputy. The deputy works like a charm, but these shop vacs can't stand the heat build up over time. Would this Festool machine be a better choice, even though I won't necessarily need the filtration aspect of the vac?( I find it much easier to empty the dust deputy than mess with plugged filter in shop vac. ) Thanks
Hi Frank, My CT26 has never let me down and it is often used on and off all day. It has an automatic bypass function so the motor will always be protected from over heating. Peter
Hi Daniel, I am sure that the 110v version will be easy to find. I installed mine with no problem at all but if you are worried about electrical stuff, or your local laws insist, them you should seek the help of a qualified electrician. Peter
Hello Peter, is the difference between this machine, ctl, and the ctm the filters fitted? I am in the market for such a machine but as I use mdf and oak a lot I would need an m class unit.
hi peter, you mentioned you had a 2nd power outlet installed on your machine, i was wondering can this also be achieved with the 110v version and do you have to have festool install it for you or can you do it yourself?
regards Daniel.
Thank you, Peter. Outstanding review.
hi peter, how do you find the 36m antistatic hose? it seems over on fog they prefer the non antistatic version, i dont mind the 27mm version but i have just ordered the 36mm version to use with the of2200, im hoping i havent made an expensive mistake...
Peter, great video's. Taught me a lot already. Love your Kapex work station. Do you have a plan for it? If so would love a copy. Cheers Andrew
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your very informative videos! You have really given me some great clarity around various products.
I was wondering if you have used the Festool CTL Midi Dust Extractor? I do a lot of on site work using MDF. I am thinking about buying the midi to go with my TS 55 REQ and am wondering if it is suitable for the fine dust produced by MDF?
Once again thanks and keep up the good work.
Hi Peter, did you happen to see Festool new cyclone attachment for this extractor? I’d love to see you make a video and hear your thoughts. Cheers Daniel
Hi Daniel, I have seen it and it does look very interesting. I have asked Festool UK to send one to me but I have no way of knowing whether they will or not. Fingers crossed. Peter
New Brit Workshop hi Peter, I’m sure they will as are the best guy in the business when it comes to their products. I don’t pretend to understand what the advantages are to having this extra part on the extractor. Cheers Daniel
Hi Daniel, I am using a cyclone interceptor made by Oneida and it is really good. Basically the cyclone will take out the majority of the dust and debris (like 99% or more) before it gets to the extractor. That means that extractor bag life is extended by about 20 times. At £5 per bag that is a pretty good deal. Fingers crossed that Festool respond. Peter
Great video. Thank you.
Hi Peter,
Can I ask your thoughts on the ctl 26 vs the ctl 26 ac (autoclean version)?
I'm struggling to see it being worth £130 more but I was wondering if, having owned the standard model, you could see the benefit of having the autoclean function.
Best
Osian
Osian Batyka-Williams Hi Osian, The autoclean version has a function that shakes the filter cartridge to remove dust that might otherwise get caked on. My understanding is that this is mainly aimed at users who sand drywall for a living - that plaster like substance creates a lot of fine dust that is otherwise difficult to deal with. For general woodworking you do not need the AC version. Peter
Great review. Thanks!
I have had mine for 5 years and it is as good now as it was on the day that I bought it. Cheers. Peter
Hi Peter
You mention that there is the option of the additional socket, I have looked on retailers sites and also Festools own site and this is never mentioned as an option. How do you get one???
Phil Spatcher Hi Phil, I am not sure which country you are in. This may make a difference with the actual part numbers for the sockets. There are two types - one is live all of the time and using it does not make the extractor come on and the other (which I have) will act like the main socket and turn the vacuum on when the tool runs. I bought mine from Toolfest here in the UK. Take a look at @festool-cleantex , then choose "Cleantex Additional Modules". I assume the Cleantex module will work with the standard CTL26. If you have a CTL36 it will work in there as well. Peter
New Brit Workshop I never understand why TH-cam destroy web links... Just Google Toolfest. Their web site is www dot toolfest dot co dot uk. Then choose "Cleantex Extractor" on the left. Then choose "Additional Modules". Peter
New Brit Workshop Hi Peter
I am in UK so will look on Toolfest site. Appreciate prompt reply, keep up the good reviews as they are great.
Phil Spatcher I buy quite a bit through Toolfest. The owner, Warren, is a really great guy and certainly knows his Festool kit. His prices are usually pretty good too. Peter
Great Review...Well done!!!!
Do you still use your cyclone with the CTL 26, as have CTl 26 on order and wondered was it worth getting the cyclone as well
Steve
Hi Steve,
Yes I do. It is a Dust Deputy from the UD (about $36).
Peter
Hi,
What do you use the extra socket for?
Thanks
Hi Stefan, I usually keep the Kapex plugged in all the time and I have a plug-it cord in the second socket so I only have to swap a hose to use a sander or Domino. Peter
Great review this is my second time watching can I ask do you still have this extractor
Hi Jerry, Yes, it is working as well now as it did on the day that I bought it. It is the unsung hero in my workshop - have you seen my Dust Hub video ? Peter
Peter, could you check out the following youtube video… the ultimate dust deputy for Festool CT Dust extractor and tell me what you think?
Cool project I would like to see on youtube… The dust deputy cost $50, and the black box cost $150. Can you make a video attaching the dust deputy to an existing festool systainer to cut down on cost? An existing festool systainer should be able to latch onto the CT dust extractor like the one in the video. Consider adding a regular or cheap vacuum bag inside the systainer to collect all the dust. This way, you can remove the bag at the end of a project, throw it away, and store your festool in its own sustainer. You can call it Peter's MUILTI-FUNCTION SYSTAINER !!!
Hi Jenny
Although I use a DD with my CT 26 for about half of my work it is not recommended. There is a risk that static electricity can build up on the DD and produce a charge that will blow the electronics of the CT. I check my setup quite regularly and (so far) all seems well.
Using a systainer as a drop box is a serious waste of a good tool box when one can be made from a few small pieces of MDF. I suspect that the systainer would make the static electricity problem worse.
It is not easy getting a plastic bag to work inside a drop box. The problem is that it gets sucked into the DD. To overcome this the bag needs to be held inside the drop box. Once the drop box is about 1/3rd full it stays in place.
Peter
Thank you for the review!
exzellent review
How do I order my an extra outlet to
my CT 36
+quammea1 I am not sure which country you are - but all I did was ask my local Festool dealer who sorted it out very easily. If you are in the UK then do what I did - get Warren at Toolfest to sort it out for you. Peter
+New Brit Workshop (Peter) thanks for the response Peter, I live in USA, South Carolina
+quammea1 If you had been in the UK I could do a lot more to help. Good luck with your local dealer. Peter
If you buy you will buy CT26 or CTL Midi?
I would buy the brilliant CTL26 - I have had one for 5 years now with no problems at all. Peter
Can you show me what advantages than CTL Midi?sorry if i speak english badly. I am Vietnamese
The CTL 26 has a larger filter area, a much larger bag and greater volume of air passing through. Peter
Thank your help. Peter
I am pleased to be able to help you. Have you now joined the Festool Owners Group (FOG) ? Peter
great thank you.
im soo happy with festools products ...i would pay more if i could lolol
Tee Giang Hi Tee, Yes they are great value for money when you look at the quality, durability and ease of use. Peter
Through some of your other videos I noticed that you are very concerned with dust extraction and keeping your workshop clean and healthy. That´s why I´d like to point out that "officially" "L-Rated" dust extractors aren´t approved for collecting wood dust or any other hazardous dust.
Festool and other manufactors offer "M" rated extractors for hazardous dust - such as wood dust and espeically hardwood dust like oak, beech and tropical timber.
I´m not sure about regulations in the UK but in Germany "M-Rated" extractors need special HEPA filters along with sensors that measure CPM/Airspeed to ensure appropriate extraction is warranted and if not - for example due to a clogged hose - warn via an acoustic signal.
For further Information look at: www.festool.net/dustextraction/au/index.php?site=FAQ#
Shin rah Many thanks for that important information. Have you seen my dust study video? I borrowed some very expensive dust measuring kit and took a week measuring the dust levels in my workshop. The only activity that produced dust that got near to 50% of the UK limit was hand sanding. All of the tests with Festool kit were well within the UK regulations for continuous exposure. There will be many people who will take that extra step and but M rated extractors to be 100% safe. Peter
New Brit Workshop
I seem to have missed that one. If your air is clean, even with the L version, then it´s all the better because I also have a CTL 26 :>
An answer in a very old thread but anyways....
In europe the SYS, MINI and MIDI (+ the other bigger L rated vacs) isn't officially rated higher then the European standard "L" in dust control. In the states they are fully certified hepa (~99.97%).
That means that it qualifies in the european standard "M" BUT the "M" standard in Europe demands other features then just the filtration. Suction alarm for example.
You can buy a hepa filter for the L rated vacs and get the same filtration as an M rated vac.
Surely you can hear or feel when the vac is loosing suction.
The filtration is the most important.