Friday, September 2, 2011

Festool CT Mini 2.6 Gallon Dust Extractor Review

Festool CT Mini 2.6 Gallon Dust Extractor
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This works very well with the Domino and is surprisingly quiet and heavy. Lots of suction. But unless you are only using this with power tools and need to do general cleanup plan on an extra $140 to $235 in accessories. Very similar to the Fein but if bought as a package with another Festool cheaper. Very flexible but the "extras" you really need add up fast which is why it doesn't get 5 stars. BTW the inlet port on all of the Festol dust collectors is 2?" so the 27mm, 36mm, and 50mm hoses all fit as does any 2?" OD shop hose (2" id which is most).
Some other minor downers:
In moderate cold (30 to 32F) the hose and power cord get very stiff and are difficult to get back into the holder neatly. But the built in hose storage and cord storage are very good. The clips that let you fasten a systaner to the top are handy.
Not suitable for working HAZMAT, you need the CT33 with Hepa for that and IMHO an SCBA.
If you generate very fine dust you need one of the more expensive HEPA models.
If you are using it with a router table or band saw (yes with an adapter it does well with a 4" dust port) you need something like the The Dust Deputy AND A 50MM HOSE (STARTS AT $100, remember what I said about pricy) otherwise the bag fills very fast.
If you use an intermediate filter like the dust deputy you need to make sure that everything is anti static otherwise there is a chance of fire or explosion. The Dust Deputy and Festool are anti static.
But a major plus is that the hose is plenty long enough for almost all uses and the heavy duty cord is plenty long. (I really hate those cheap high amperage tools that come with about 3' of 20 gage cord and then say "don't use an extension cord".) And if you plug the tool into the CT then it starts automatically when you turn on the tool.
IMHO the Fein is slightly better but they are really close. I got to play with both at the dealers when I bought my Domino. Either can do a great job of eliminating dust and limiting the necessity for a mask or respirator Comes with a 20A to 15A adapter cord but be aware that with many tools you can easily overload the 15A circuit with a tool plugged into the CT. If you use a separate circuit you can't use the auto start feature.
BTW spend the extra $13 and get an extra 20 to 15 amp adapter cord; you aren't going to Home Depot or Lowe's on Sunday and getting one. I have almost lost mine twice. If you only work in 15 amp circuits you can always epoxy the two together or if you only work in 20 amp it doesn't matter.
I have since used it with my DeWalt 5" random orbital sander and it works well but it can generate too much suction and needs to be on the lowest setting. As expected does a great job with my Trion jig saw and the domino; as well a the router and band saw. (I use a Oneida Dust Deputy Deluxe (includes cyclone, 5-gallon bucket and lid, 4' of 2-1/2'' diameter hose, and assembly hardware) with 50mm hose.)
BTW the hose inlet into the CT vacuums are all accommodate 50mm hose connections and all the Festool hoses have 50mm ends to the CT.

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Offering a combination of portability and power, the Festool CT MINI Dust Extractor handles tough job-site use efficiently and quietly. It features a capacity of 2.6 gallons, as well as air flow adjustment for job-specific performance, and it allows you to set up for tool-triggered operation. Plus its compact size, top handle, oversized wheels, and onboard hose/cord storage make transport easy.
Quiet and Efficient with Tool-Triggered Dust ExtractionBuilt to quickly and quietly remove large amounts of debris from your workspace, the Festool CT MINI mobile dust extractor offers an intermediate 2.6 gallon capacity and adjustable electronic air flow. Also delivering suction capacity up to 99 CFM, it can be used wet or dry. Its low setting produces just 62 dB of noise, so you can trust that it won't interrupt your concentration or keep important job-site instructions from being heard clearly.
You can start it up smoothly using a manual on/off switch, or set it up for efficient tool-triggered operation. When using this feature, the extractor turns on automatically anytime a tool plugged into the on-board power socket is turned on. When the tool is shut off, the CT MINI also shuts off automatically. Compared with running a vacuum continuously, this setup reduces power use and overall job-site noise, while still keeping your workspace clean and the air around you safe to breathe.
Versatile, Easy-to-Transport DesignFeaturing large wheels, a low center of gravity, and an ergonomically balanced design, the CT MINI is simple to maneuver around the job site. When you get it in position, an easy-to-operate foot brake prevents the CT MINI from rolling off and pulling on attached tools as you work. The foot brake is also ideal for transport, since it ensures that the extractor won't roll around in the back of your truck.
In addition, the ergonomic carry handle placed on the top of the extractor offers handling options. Measuring a manageable 17-1/2 by 13-1/2 by 16-1/2 inches (D x W x H) and weighing in at 21 pounds, the CT MINI is easy to carry up stairs or lift into your vehicle for transport to remote job sites.
Fast, Tool-Free Filter ChangesThe option of adding a variety of job-specific dry and wet filters (sold separately) to your system allows the CT MINI to meet the specific needs of your most common applications. Plus, the main filter can be changed without using any tools, so you can quickly and easily switch tasks or upgrade the extractor's performance. A single 1-micron filter comes with the extractor, so you can start collecting dust right away.
Durable Bags and Convenient Fluid-Level SensorFor dry use, the CT MINI utilizes disposable, two-ply filter bags that are tear-resistant. An integrated dust cap prevents the dust and debris that you've collected from spilling during disposal, so you don't have to worry about doing the same job twice.
For wet applications, the CT MINI features internal sensors that monitor the fluid level in its collection container and automatically switch the extractor off as soon as the container is full.
Antistatic Hose and Onboard StorageLike all Festool CT dust extractors, the CT MINI comes with a standard antistatic hose measuring 1-1/16 inches in diameter and 11-1/2 feet long. This hose offers the reach you need, and it conveniently stores in the extractor's onboard hose garage, as do any cords, so you don't have to worry about tangles or tails.
For added convenience, the extractor's flat top and locking latches allow you to securely attach and tote one or more Systainers (storage containers for Festool power tools).
The Festool CT MINI Dust Extractor is backed by a three-year limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What's in the BoxFestool CT MINI Dust Extractor, 1-1/16-inch by 11-1/2-foot antistatic suction hose, two filter bags, and filter.


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