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Post by chopper88 on Sept 20, 2022 12:06:36 GMT -5
Hi all, this seems by far the most knowledgeable place on Starmix vacs, I kept finding this forum whilst searching for info, so I figured it would worth a shot to ask here  I'm looking to buy a Starmix vac, either the M-1635 safe plus, or the L-1635 in some version if the differences between the two models turn out to be a problem for my use case. I understand the differences, e.g. the beeping when the flow is restricted on the M model and the difference in suction power selection. Both are however similarly priced in Europe, that it seems to come down to features and accessories. The M-1635 safe plus comes with antistatic hose, metal suction tubes, systainer top plate and the handle to roll it across the room or drag it up the stairs for +- €750/800, adding festool adapter would add another 25 or 30 bringing it up to €775/825 The L-1635 premium comes with a red safety hose instead of antistatic, a different floor mouth and added Festool connector and smaller mouth to vacuum joints and crevices etc. for +- €675, adding antistatic hose would add another €170, bringing it up to around €845. Buying the basic version of either makes no sense, even the L-1635 is already €570, and adding the systainer plate (+- €70) and handle bar (+- €80) to it already takes the price up to the M safe plus and the L premium versions at €720, and you end up with plastic suction tubes and still have to add the antistatic hose on top. 1. If I understand correctly, if you want the antistatic hose (and I want that, I severely HATE getting zapped), the M is the 'better' vac, for roughly the same price. Am I missing something here? 2. With the M model, you can't change the suction in a stepless way, is the smaller hose setting going to work when sanding either wood or gypsum with for example a DTS-400? 3. Is adding the 447186 hose connector to the M model usable as a workaround to be able to change the suction power? 4. I think you can connect the Festool adapter to the 447186 hose connector and plug straight into the DTS-400, can anyone confirm this? Any other comments in general, or reasons to pick the L version above the M? Thanks in advance! |
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Post by aas on Sept 20, 2022 12:59:02 GMT -5
I have the H-1635 - pretty soon I opened it up and unplugged the beeper, it really is unbearable.
I was always a big fan of metal tubes, the Starmix version is extendable. It's already blocked on me once, with a lot of force I managed to free it. The metal elbow has been stuck in the tube since the first time it went in. I've got a couple of Festool sets with the plastic tubes - with hindsight I prefer them - and I don't need to worry about the wand falling over, because if the metal one hits something it can do damage.
Antistatic - I agree, will only use antistatic hoses, this alone would cross the L off my list.
They are good vacs - negative points : the filters are very expensive and difficult to clean; the hose outlet on mine has a lug broken off - Starmix can't be bothered to reply to my emails... best I can find is the part number to replace the whole tub!.. I just want the hose outlet; the Bluetooth solution is clunky, the vac has to be put on manual mode and the bluetooth turns on the mains, so no auto mode then switch on the vc quickly qith the button, the plug in adaptor needs to be unplugged for a few seconds each morning before it will work again - the vibration sensor switch is good though.
I've also got three Festool vacs, one with bluetooth, and the new smooth finish hoses. The bluetooth functionality is exactly as it should be - auto mode with button override, the hoses are far superior...
I'm not sure I'd buy another Starmix - as much as I really like the look of the new 36v models - I'll keep it for rough dusty work.
Of course it depends what you are using it for, if you are doing lots of concrete grinding, etc... it's a good choice.
The worse thing for me is the lack of customer service.
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Post by chopper88 on Sept 20, 2022 14:39:25 GMT -5
Thanks, I was hoping you'd respond!
I'm a hobbyist, and my use case is everything in and around the house, but it will get used hard from time to time.
This ranges from vacuuming the garage floor to cutting tens of meters of slits in the wall for conduit pipe or sanding an entire plastered ceiling. The Kärcher I had couldn't take it and the motor died.
I don't require M level, but am conscious of my health, and don't want another entry level Kärcher where I'm breathing in the cloud of dust that exits from the other side.
The reasons I settled on Starmix were the higher power motor, larger diameter and longer hose and frankly the price vs Festool. What would you say is the direct competitor of the M-1635, CTM E 36 AC?
Bummer about the customer service though, I expected that to be better for a top of the line appliance...
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Post by aas on Sept 20, 2022 17:50:23 GMT -5
My Festools are 1x Midi and 2x CT15 - none of the fancy alarms and filter cleaning - I have the Starmix for that!..
Most of the time I use a Festool CT-VA separator on the Starmix, the hose for this fits 'into' the Starmix tub - not outside like the Starmix hoses - so in a way, the broken lug is not a huge issue, but I don't like broken tools! End of a job, the CT-VA goes in the van, final clean up and - damn I forgot the hose won't stay on. I can get the replacement part from Metabo - 90€ for a 5mm lug that's broken off!.. or Starmix will sell a whole tub for 320€ - half the price of a vac!
I'm very careful with my tools, despite being a hard working pro - the great Starmix ads 'will it break ?' sold me on durability. The lug broke off as the hose was lightly knocked on a door frame... not good enough. Maybe I've just been unlucky. When I get a moment I'll find a way of fixing it...
As a hobbyist, it will serve you well. Can you not get a better deal on a Metabo?.. not sure where you are, but you can get an ASR 35 M ACP in Germany with antistatic hose for 522€. It's 1400w instead of 1600w, but you're only down about 3.5% for vacuum in mbars.
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Post by chopper88 on Sept 21, 2022 5:26:05 GMT -5
Hmm, I didn't know the Metabo M came with an antistatic hose as well. It's 4 meters instead of 5 with the Starmix, but that's no problem for me. I'm in the Netherlands, but buying in Germany is also no problem. I would have to buy the systainer plate and handlebar though. I think they should also fit the Metabo? That would make it €550 (inc shipping) + €70 (adapter plate) + €60 (rollbar handle) = €680 to have a setup comparable to the m-1635 safe plus. It would save me about €100, but would also mean a slightly less powerful motor. Somehow there is no 'ideal' price/value combination for these things. Wish I bought the M-1635 safe plus when it was €700... For parts, have you checked here? www.outilpieces.fr/metabo/asr-35-m-acp?lang=frI've ordered a lot of parts for DeWalt saws there before. I am not sure what part you exactly need, and whether the Metabo part will be equal to the Starmix part you need, but might be worth to try and find out? |
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Post by aas on Sept 21, 2022 14:39:50 GMT -5
Yes I've seen this site thanks, part is no. 53 - 316099070 - 67 euro.
I wouldn't worry about having the lower power motor - the Starmix is 280 mbar, the Metabo 270 mbar - you'd not even notice the difference. As a comparison, the Festool AC26 is only 240 mbar.
With energy prices going mad, it might even be a good idea to be using 200 watts less!
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Post by chopper88 on Sept 21, 2022 16:46:53 GMT -5
I think you are right, the difference is probably not noticeable in practice. I have just ordered the Metabo ASR 35 M ACP for €510 with a coupon on ManoMano. Once I get confirmation it's actually shipped I will order the Starmix Unifix adapter. Once having to remove the systainer to be able to lift it starts to annoy me enough I'll buy the handle bar. Thanks again for the advice! |
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Post by aas on Sept 22, 2022 13:12:58 GMT -5
You're welcome - a good choice!
I hardly use the handle bar - it's bulky and adds depth to the back of the vac - OK if you need to push the vac piled up with systainers. If you're a hobbyist, I can't imagine a time it would be useful.
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Post by chopper88 on Oct 7, 2022 15:07:52 GMT -5
Very happy with it so far, even though I haven't really given it any hard work yet. Thanks again for the info and recommendations!  I also got the Unifix adapter plate and a systainer to store all attachments and bags etc. Besides that I bought the festool D27 dm-as/ct adapter, this allows you to arrange air bypass. I tested it and just opening it a little stops the beeping. It also allows suction to be dialed down to prevent the sander from getting stuck to the workpiece. The Starmix Festool adapter (which was a pleasant surprise to be included with the Metabo!) fits right into the Festool bypass adapter.   The only downside I've discovered so far is that the Unifix adapter is directly above the attachment holder in the back, it works this way by 'forcing' the tubes into place, but its not optimal...  |
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Post by aas on Oct 8, 2022 12:59:48 GMT -5
Cool. I got rid of the tube and tool holder at the back - it gets in the way when pulling it up stairs.
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Post by chopper88 on Oct 8, 2022 16:55:11 GMT -5
Do you still use the tube, and if so, where do you put it then? I tried stuffing it between the Unifix plate, but then the systainer can't be opened because the tube blocks the lid...
I can imagine on job sites you'll probably rarely use the tube and floor nozzle as it'll probably be connected to a tool the entire time. I also use it to vacuum the garage etc. on a regular basis.
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Post by aas on Oct 9, 2022 15:17:35 GMT -5
I use the tube, it's long as it won't break down any more. Ends up being lent up in a corner or put under a work bench. I like the Festool tubes as they break down in to systainer sized pieces. I have a sys 4 of vac accessories that travels with the Starmix & CT-VA, makes for bulky vac - plus I run 10m of hose quite a lot - first 5m at 50mm, then next 5 at 35mm. But this usual gets setup for minimum a month at a time - anything less and I'll use a smaller Festool vac.
I use the Starmix remote button with vibration sensor most of the time - even with mains tools. It means the vac can stay out of the way and I can plug into the nearest socket for the tool. Also great for cordless tool activation and of course remote switching for clean up.
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