My Attix 33 finally arrived yesterday! I took some photos today and will post up a review when I have some time at the computer. In a nutshell, I really like it! Of course time will judge overall durability, but on initial impressions I’m quite happy with it after two days of use.
Tom, I know this is an old post, but how are you liking the nilfisk? I'm testing a ct26 but already know it's going back and I'm either gonna get a nilfisk or a starmix. I'm kinda leaning towards the nilfisk and was wondering what you think of it now that you've had it a few months.
Good morning Zukinut! My apologies for the delay in following up with my review of the Nilfisk Attix 33/44, I have a rough draft saved that just needs some touching up prior to posting. In the mean time, here are my impressions (please note that this is based on a North American user).
The Nilfisk Attix 33/44 is a GREAT vac!! I have previously owned the Metabo version of the Starmix, CT-26, CT-36AC, CT-MIDI, and a variety of cheaper vacuums, and thus far the Nilfisk is my favorite, based on my specific use profile.
Comparing the Nilfisk to the Starmix:
Capacity: the Starmix and Attix 33 will have comparable capacities, while the Attix 44 has additional capacity beyond the Starmix. In practice, the Starmix and Attix 33 are roughly comparable to the CT-26, while the Attix 44 is more comparable to a CT-36 in terms of debris capacity.
Size/footprint: I’ve never had them side-by-side, but my memory is that the Starmix has a more compact footprint (similar to a CT-MIDI/MINI), while the Attix 33/44 is a bit longer, almost identical to the CT-26/36. If you’re working in particularly tight quarters the Starmix may be a better bet, whereas the Nilfisk has a wider stance and is slightly more stable.
Hose: every rebranded Starmix seems to ship with a different hose. In North America, my old Metabo shipped with a non anti-static 36mm hose, but the Mafell ships with a 27mm anti-static hose. The Attix 33/44 ships with a neat anti-static 32mm hose. The 32mm size is a nice, “all-around” size, suitable for everything from sanding, routing, sawing, ERIKA sawing, even general job site clean up. That being said, if you are only sanding all day then you’d want a 27mm hose, and if you’re only extracting big chunks you’d be better served with a 36mm or 50mm hose. So, like everything else, your specific working habits will inform your decision.
Docking station: the Nilfisk has an accessory docking station available for a nominal cost (I think ~$25?), which accommodates both the Tanos Systainer cases as well as the Sortimo L-BOXX cases. Very clever! Starmix vacs will offer a Systainer docking station, but my understanding is that the docking station will not be available on any of the rebranded versions. That being said, the top of the vac is flat so you can place a tool box there, but there’s no way to secure it for transport.
Casters: the Nilfisk has very nice rubber coated, double locking front casters that firmly hold the vac in place. The front casters on the Starmix are hard plastic, and the locking tabs don’t work very well.
Hose/cord wrap: the Nilfisk allows for secure attachment of the cord and hose for transport, whereas the Starmix relies on draping the cord and hose on a single hook. Fast, but not as secure as the Nilfisk.
Accessories: the Nilfisk vacs have an extensive array of accessories available, including Long Life bags, various nozzles for the hoses, various hoses, and even different length options for the stainless steel extension wands. Due to the widespread distribution of the Attix vac in North America, parts and accessories should be easy to acquire, though due to demand many parts are backordered from Nilfisk. Part of the reason I sold my Metabo vac was due to the difficulty in acquiring replacement bags and parts. If Timberwolf carries the Mafell vac that problem should be resolved.
Filter cleaning: both vacs offer pulsed filter cleaning. The Nilfisk uses pulses of air at fixed intervals, while the Starmix mechanically agitates the filters when it senses that they are clogged. I haven’t tested them head-to-head, but they both are very effective at shedding drywall and other cementitious dust, but struggle when extracting mixed media (for example, extracting insulation, then drywall, which WILL clog the filters). Whenever possible, I suggest using a fleece filter. Use a Long Life filter for extracting larger wood “chunks”, and use a open top plastic bag for cementitious dust. ALWAYS use a fleece bag and follow EPA guidelines when extracting Lead or other toxic substances.
I hope this helps. In a nutshell, they’re both great vacs. I think the Starmix is better suited for cramped areas, and that the Nilfisk is better suited for larger capacity needs.
I REALLY like my Attix vac, and am considering acquiring a second.
If you have any follow up questions please let me know and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Best,
Tom