Dust Extractors - Festool competitors

[Matt Day]

Going off the CT26 v Midi thread, who is the competition for Festool? Flex, Metabo, Bosch, Makita, Dewalt?

I’m looking for a lower cost alternative to Festool that still performs well. It will be used for a future track saw, hand sanders, routers, etc. No big chip producers. I’m okay adding a mini cyclone separator like a dust deputy or similar to separate the fine dust.

Currently using 10 year old Craftsman shop vac with upgraded filter.

You guys must have experience with some of these newer units. I haven’t seen many reviews of these other units for the past couple years, based on web searches.

[Jim Becker]

There have been various discussions over time about this and to my recollection, at that time, "equivalent" units for performance, noise and features aren't that different in price. More recently, the familiar names have been introducing quieter, more full featured options because of the increasing popularity with contractors for actually using dust extraction from hand-held tools. There's a review article from 2018 I just found via Google search for "Alternatives to Festool Vacuum" (https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/head-to-head/best-dust-extractors-head-to-head/) that has some interesting information and shows some units from the "names" relative to performance, etc. (Doesn't include some Euro options that get mentioned from time to time, however) But this last chart in the article shows that cost for this level of performance still isn't chump-change...but relative to that, this is a larger Festool CT36 which isn't really necessary for small tool collection and costs whole lot more. The other units are similar capacity, however.

https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Dust-Extractor-Costs.png

[Dan Gaylin]

I have some Festool tools and I like them all, but I am not a Festool fanboy. I generally think they are expensive for what they are. That said, I bought both a Fein and a Festool CT-26 dust collector a couple of years ago. The Fein was supposed to be quieter and just as effective as the Festool. And it was less expensive. But it was not much quieter (I measured with an SPL meter, about a 3 dB difference) and it was definitely less effective. I also preferred the Festool's ergonomics. I returned the Fein. Two years later I am still very pleased with the Festool.

[Peter Kelly]

https://www.sylvane.com/nilfisk-aero-6-gallon-wet-dry-vacuum.html

I'd go with the Metabo / Starmix otherwise but it isn't inexpensive.

[William Chain]

I own and regularly use a Festool CT-26 and prior to purchase I obsessively played with it, and a Bosch VAC090AH, and a FEIN Turbo in the 5.8 gal size. In the end I went with the CT-26 for the filter and the ease of integration with preexisting tools, but the Bosch unit is a touch less investment and was pretty darn close in performance. My only problem with it was the noise, it was significantly louder to my ear than the CT-26 (I did not measure it so I have no real data for you). I did not like the FEIN, it did not seem to perform as well as the other two. The price was yes, a wince-inducing purchase, but I gotta say, I use it daily, it never quits, and my lungs thank me. I use a regular shop vac for regular tasks like floor cleanup, and the CT-26 for tool hookup. I can tell just from the smell in the room that no dust emerges from the FT, but does from the shopvac. It is just what it is. I've used a regular shop vac with the right hose, etc, to hook up to tools prior to this, and yes there is a performance difference in the expensive unit - for the most part, zero dust emerging from the unit post bag/filter. I truly wish there was no difference, but there is.

Buying again, I think I'll try the Bosch and better ear protection but I don't regret spending the previous money. And, one can fit the Festool hoses to the Bosch one way or another, so no worries about native fit to the various tool outputs. That being said, I am now playing with third party hoses (powertec or some such) that I've wrapped in the same fabric material as the FT hoses and achieved nearly the same performance. Next step is integrating the power cord.

[Mike Kees]

I am following this thread and the others lately about extractors with interest. I am looking to buy something better than my Rigid here in the near future. Yesterday I checked out the smallest Makita (VC2512 L) offering and came away impressed. I am still researching and trying to compare ,but $450 compared to $1100 range for Festool means there had better be some huge differences in performance to justify that much difference in cost. I have worked with a Festool tracksaw/router and extractor so am familiar with how they work. (I bought a Makita tracksaw and have no plans to buy a Festool router.) For me it is just trying to figure out what I need and then looking for the best long term bang for my buck. Not yet sure where that will end up. This is not just a hobby for me as what I buy will help me put food on my table.

[Jim Becker]

One thing to keep in mind, no matter what brands are in the running...if you are using the unit specifically for dust extraction from small, hand-held electric tools and not for general cleanup, you do not necessarily need the larger units with vast amounts of storage for debris. They charge a lot for that. Something smaller, but with the features you want (low noise, auto start, variable vacuum, etc) will be more cost effective. I use a cheap Ridgid shop vac for cleanup type things; my extractor (happens to be Festool) only gets used with sanders and other portables. A mini or midi is what I'd buy if I were replacing the CT22 I have now and I'd look at similar from other brands before going larger purely based on my personal usage.

[Markie Hughes]

Have you checked out an ash vacuume? They have HEPA filters, and are extremely portable. Haven't tried one myself, but have been tempted.

[Scott Bernstein]

I have a large 5hp DC for my big tools, but at one time I used a big-box shop vac (Rigid) for smaller tools and cleanup. It had good suction but was very loud and the filter clogged super-easily; when that occurred it was virtually useless. I added a small cyclone to it and that helped a little, but not that much. So eventually I got rid of that and purchased the Milwaukee 8 gallon HEPA filtration OSHA-compliant silica dust extractor, model 8960-20. It's around $650 and works great. The filter never clogs due to a feature which automatically cleans the filter every few seconds. It's much more quiet than a standard shop vac, and has great suction. It's not rated as highly as the top-of-the-line Hilti, but it's close. Also I am slowly grinding smooth the concrete floor in my garage workshop, so I wanted a unit which was approved for silica dust. Along with additional safety gear, of course, it works great for this. One of the characteristics of a silica-certified dust extractor is the ability to remove the collection bag without allowing dust to escape. The fleece bags for this unit have a paper flap which is used to seal the opening when the bag is removed - this is great for wood dust, too.

Downsides to this unit? Price is one - but all similar units are in this price range, more or less. The other thing is that even though this can hold 8 gallons of dust, that is only theoretical. In reality, the HEPA filter is inside the dust collection area and takes up at least a third of the internal volume, maybe more. So there is no way the bags will actually contain 8 gallons of dust when full. Maybe 4-5 gallons. You could certainly add a cyclone to make any of these vacuums a two-stage unit. But with silica or other really harmful dust, that is probably not a good idea, unless you are using a cyclone intended for the purpose.

[Doug Dawson]

One thing to keep in mind, no matter what brands are in the running...if you are using the unit specifically for dust extraction from small, hand-held electric tools and not for general cleanup, you do not necessarily need the larger units with vast amounts of storage for debris. They charge a lot for that. Something smaller, but with the features you want (low noise, auto start, variable vacuum, etc) will be more cost effective. I use a cheap Ridgid shop vac for cleanup type things; my extractor (happens to be Festool) only gets used with sanders and other portables. A mini or midi is what I'd buy if I were replacing the CT22 I have now and I'd look at similar from other brands before going larger purely based on my personal usage.

I bought my Festool CT48 because it would be more economical in the long term, factoring in the cost of the bags. (The unit itself is not _that_ much more expensive than the CT26.) Once I realized how quickly I was going through bags, I bought a Dust Deputy. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gotten the CT26.

[Dan Friedrichs]

What do you find lacking in your current set-up? The answer to that might guide a decision.

[Mike Kees]

Not trying to derail this thread... But what features do you guys with Festool vacs appreciate the most ? I want the automatic on when I trigger my power tool switch. What about variable suction ? What about shaker or other self cleaning HEPA filter ?

[Jim Becker]

Noise level, auto-on with the tool and variable vacuum when sanding, especially as one works up to finer and finer abrasives. Too much "suction" causes the tool to "stick" to the workpiece and makes it harder to sand. Even the non-HEPA versions filter reasonably well with the OEM bags. The unit rolls easily and has a very heavy and LONG power cord, too.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Like Jim said, the new major tool brand HEPA vacs are geared towards the pro contractor market, and that's a good thing. I posted on the other thread that I like the Dewalt. Jim's chart has it over $500, last one I bought was under $300. Excellent bang for the $. Comparing it to my Festool 26 that I never let the crew use, I like the Festool shape better, but not 3x the price better. Inches of vacuum and cfm don't care what color of machine produces them, it'd be interesting to see a head to head quantifiable comparison. I bet Festool wouldn't win by performance. Packaging possibly, it is a slick machine. Rolls great while carrying a load of tools in systainers.

[Dave Sabo]

Jim the only problem with Rob’s test is that he used the 36 AC version of Festool’s vac which made it way more expensive than comparable competitors. The rest of the test was fine since the turbine doing the sucking is the same throughout the large lineup.

Doug , you talked yourself into that vac or didn’t do the math correctly because festool ups the price on bags and capacity and vacs in a linear fashion. You are paying roughly the same per metric whether you get the small capacity vac or the super sized one.

You are also paying up front for a separator to save on bag cost way down the road. Which seems counterintuitive for someone paying $500+ plus for a shop vacuum. Akin to buying a Benz and whining about the cost of the premium fuel you need to feed it.

[Doug Dawson]

Doug , you talked yourself into that vac or didn’t do the math correctly because festool ups the price on bags and capacity and vacs in a linear fashion. You are paying roughly the same per metric whether you get the small capacity vac or the super sized one.

That wasn’t always the case, maybe it is now, dunno. Anyway, I really LOVE this vac, it is my faithful companion, and it has never let me down. :^)

[Brian Holcombe]

Mirka, whenever I replace my festool (still going strong) i plan to try out mirka.

[Patrick Curry]

That being said, I am now playing with third party hoses (powertec or some such) that I've wrapped in the same fabric material as the FT hoses and achieved nearly the same performance. Next step is integrating the power cord.

Be sure to post once you get that fabric wrap rigged up.

[Bernie Kopfer]

I have two Fein vacs in the shop, a midsized older model dedicated to the miter saw, And the small (newer model) one with a small dust deputy mounted on top with a 3 gal bucket. I have never replaced the bag in that unit because the DD gets it all. Empty the bucket when full and good to go. It is very quiet and with the tool switch it meets all my sanding and general cleanup needs. Buy a $15 remote switch that you strap to the hose. Save a lot of money and spend it on your significant other and tell her where you got the money. That way your future purchases might only get minimal scrutiny.
And Jim is correct the bigger models often have the same suction as the small ones.

[Eric Schmid]

I do find it interesting that Nilfisk rarely makes it into the conversation. I have an Aero that I bought for general use. It does everything from concrete to wood dust as well as a fairly easy conversion to wet vac.

I had the Aero and a CT 26 on a construction project last year. The two vacuums were on different floors and the small tools were moved between them. A couple of things I’ve noticed.

For most tasks there is no noticeable difference in performance. For sanding with smaller pads (hence less dust collection area) the lack of variable speed on the Aero can be a problem. The Aero uses a vent on the hose to dial down suction, which does not have the same effect. Sanding dust collection is better on the CT 26; meaning less dust left on the surface and no issues with the sander getting sucked down. Both Bosch and Festool sanders were used.

That said, with the Aero, I was able to grind a concrete floor in a finished room without a trace of concrete dust. Of course the surfacer had a dust shroud.

It’s great that so many more options are available compared to 10 or 15 years ago. When I began looking for something better than the Shop Vac design, there was Fein Turbo, Nilfisk Attix and Festool CT, all similarly priced. Now if everyone else, not Festool, could just figure out that systems do matter; or at least tools that are designed for optimal dust collection without having to purchase five additional accessories or cobble together some solution.

[Patrick Curry]

I do find it interesting that Nilfisk rarely makes it into the conversation.


I have the Nilfisk Attix and use it for my sanders, track saw and other handheld dust makers. It sits on a shop made cart with a small dust deputy up top that nearly eliminates the need to replace bags. It’s quiet and moves more than enough air for my purposes.

Still have my trusty orange screamer in the corner with a 15 ft hose for shop cleanup.

Not sure about other owners but I rarely mention my “Nilfisk Attix” because I can hardly remember the name without walking out to the shop!

[Rod Sheridan]

Not trying to derail this thread... But what features do you guys with Festool vacs appreciate the most ? I want the automatic on when I trigger my power tool switch. What about variable suction ? What about shaker or other self cleaning HEPA filter ?

Happy New Year Mike, I like the auto start, variable suction, low noise and the ergonomics of hose/tool storage. I have a CT26 and a Midi, I like the Midi much more as it's lighter.

The Festool vacs pack their dust bags so densely that it's like lifting a bag of concrete mix out of the vacuum. That weight is no fun to lug up stairs, so unless you really need the chip capacity stick with the smaller units..............Regards, Rod.

[Jim Becker]

I do find it interesting that Nilfisk rarely makes it into the conversation. I have an Aero that I bought for general use. It does everything from concrete to wood dust as well as a fairly easy conversion to wet vac.

I actually wanted to mention that brand...but couldn't remember the name. LOL

[ChrisA Edwards]

Didn't see this mentioned, I use Powertec bags for my CT-26, pack of 5 ($17).

https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-75037-Self-Cleaning-Filter-Festool/dp/B01MZBWDEA/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=POWERTEC+75037&qid=1609944861&s=hi&sr=1-1

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51A-P9MZmeL._AC_SL1206_.jpg

[Tyler Kotar]

Have you taken a look at the Festool CT 15? When it first came out it was only $350 and had pretty much all the same features as the CT 26 which was double the price besides bluetooth and a few extra things but overall it is an amazing value. Festool did recently up the price to $400 even at that price it's a great value but I wish they would of left it at $350 since it was and is designed to be an entry level vac which would get customers into Festool brand at a great price.

[al ladd]

This little unit is inexpensive, quiet, (2 stage motor) and has been my light duty CNC vac for several years now, after my Fein didn't really live up to my longevity expectations.
https://vacmaster.com/5-gallon-5-peak-hp-remote-control-wall-mount-wet-dry-vacuum/

[Jim Becker]

Didn't see this mentioned, I use Powertec bags for my CT-26, pack of 5 ($17).

I buy the PowerTec bags, too.

[Jack Frederick]

I have the Festool CT22E, which has been excellent. Thanks for the PoweTec bag suggestion as i am in need of new bags. My Fein quit a few years ago and I picked up a Ridgid, which was simply to large and cumbersome. My mistake on that buy. Upon suggestion from our friend from Germany, whose name escapes me, I picked up a Karcher WX5. It has been very good and reasonable priced with the auto on, hepa and variable speed. The hose is short however and I need to pick up the adapter set for the terminations as it doesn’t fit up to the track saw or sander. It hasn’t been a problem as I do have the 22. Next time I go to town I’ll take the hose with me to Rockler to see if the fit-up is right with their adapter set.

[Jim Dwight]

I am happy with my Rigids. My main vac has a big motor (I think it's 13A) but a small dust capacity because it sucks through a dust deputy. I put a quasi Hepa filter (HEPA rated fabric) on it and I have an aftermarket auto on switch. One advantage of the after market switches is greater current capacity than some shop vac's built in switch. I often use it with my DeWalt track saw which pulls as much as 13A. I also use this vac on my domino XL and sanders. I have to clean the filter occasionally but it works fine on these smaller tools. I wear hearing protection for the tool already so the fact that the shop vac is noisy doesn't really matter. I use a Bosch 5 meter hose with it most of the time. I also have a smaller motor but bigger dust capacity Rigid I use when I am not in the shop.

[Albert Lee]

I have a Starmix wet/dry vacuum. better than Festool vacuum I think. cheaper too.

[Dave Sabo]

I have the Festool CT22E, which has been excellent. Thanks for the PoweTec bag suggestion as i am in need of new bags. Upon suggestion from our friend from Germany, whose name escapes me, I picked up a Karcher WX5. It has been very good and reasonable priced with the auto on, hepa and variable speed. The hose is short however and I need to pick up the adapter set for the terminations as it doesn’t fit up to the track saw or sander. It hasn’t been a problem as I do have the 22. Next time I go to town I’ll take the hose with me to Rockler to see if the fit-up is right with their adapter set.


Not CT22 bags from Powertec - and the sun is setting on them from festool too.

You should have a look at PT's vac hose with adapters for your WX5. Nice hose in anti-static or regular with 5 interchangeable fittings up to 20 ft. Reasonably priced.

[Andrew Seemann]

I used a Rigid vac with an aftermarket HEPA filter and a muffler. Unfortunately the new Rigid vacs are different than the older ones and the aftermarket HEPA filters don't fit as well. After the filter fell off for about the twentieth time last February blowing sanding dust all over the shop I snapped, jumped in truck, drove to Acme, found that the Makita HEPA I wanted was out of stock, and said "gimme that Festool CT26 there" and back home I went.

The Festool CT26 was roughly six times the cost of the Rigid + aftermarket HEPA +muffler I was using.

Is it six times better than the Rigid? No.

Is it worth six times as much? This is where it gets interesting.

I find that I actually use the Festool closer to 10 times more than I did the Rigid. Why?



The Festool doesn't make my ears bleed, like the Rigid.
The hose doesn't catch on everything, like the Rigid hose did.
The setup doesn't tip over when I pull on the hose, like the Rigid did.
I can easily throttle the suction down to match my random orbit sanders and other portable tools, plus it gets quieter when I do that, not louder, like the Rigid.
The hose actually fits my sanders, unlike any combination of hoses I tried with the Rigid.
The auto-on outlet is much more convenient than messing with turning the vac on and off while sanding, routing, cutting, biscuitting, etc.
The input port accepts standard 2 1/4" hose, so I can use it to vacuum the floor, plus the longer cord means I don't need to get an extension cord or keep switching outlets. Did I mention it doesn't tip over?
Plus I actually like that it comes with a bag. The thing I hated the most about every single shop vac I have ever used is getting full of the exact dust that I was trying to avoid, every time I emptied the vac and cleaned the filter. I specifically got the Festool because you don't lose most of your bag capacity with that design, unlike many of the other HEPA extractors on the market.


The shop is also much cleaner overall, because I now use the Festool so much more in regular shop life than I did the Rigid vac.

So despite anticipating a ton of Buyer's Remorse after getting the Festool, after using it for a weekend, I was more regretting having not gotten one years earlier:)

Regarding Nilfisk, I thought they actually made most of the HEPA extractors on the market and private labelled them for the various brands (Matkia, Bosch, etc). I even have a memory of even Festool's extractors being made by them, but mine said made in Germany not Hungary, although Nilfisk does manufacture in Germany also, so maybe it is a Nilfisk after all.

[Rob Sack]

I discussed this in a previous thread. I have a Festool Kapex and the dust collection with a conventional shop vac was not completely effective. I checked out the Festool booth at last summer's AWFS show and in all fairness, the dust extractor they had hooked up to the Kapex was extremely effective. The only problem was that the cost of the dust extractor they recommended with the additional hose that was required pushed the purchase price to over $900.00. I began looking into alternatives and pulled the trigger on a Ridgid WD7000 from Home Depot, one of my least favorite places to buy anything. The WD7000 was rated at 203 CFM, and while it is quite possible this was inflated, I figured it had to be at least equal to if not an improvement over the Festool claim of 133CFM.

After several months of use, I can attest to the fact that this unit is equally as effective as the Festool I demoed. Granted, I added a Bosch vacuum hose, which matched the Festool i.d. better than the hose that came with the WD7000. It also didn't require any adapters to hook up the vacuum or the saw. I also added a switch box that connects the saw with the vacuum so that the vacuum comes on automatically with the saw. I don't think I spent over $400 total for the vacuum, additional hose, and auto start switch. It would appear I have all the functionality of the Festool, in addition to the wet/dry capability of the Ridgid, for less than half the cost of the Festool.

Oh, and as long as Home Depot stays in business, I have a lifetime warranty on the vacuum.

[Alex Kapl]

I had Flex VCE vacuum before, its rebranded Nilfisk Attix model. Worked good, no complaints. Recently switched to CT 48 as I got one used and couldn't pass up the deal ($350 with boom arm) I do notice a little better suction but Flex was used with festool seperator so maybe thats why. I did mod my Flex to work with festool bluetooth recently. Overall flex is a very good option and i got it during the black friday crazy deal of $249

[Justin Rapp]

I am waking this thread up again. I was also looking at the ridgid WD7000 for a while and when I went to buy get one, it's out of stock and even removed from Home Depot's web site. However after taking a visit to the new rockler store in NJ and coming home with a Festool sander, I am now back on the hunt for a solution to pulling the dust from the sander, and other hand-held tools I use in my shop that are non-festool rated. I am tired of pulling apart my very large Ridgid shop vac, pulling out the filter and taking outside to bang out all the dust. I suspect I could find a dust bag to capture most of the sanding dust before it gets to the filter and just thought of that today (duh).

So here are my questions:

If I get a festool vac: CT15 or Midi are both possible options:
- How are people hooking this vacuum up to other portable non-festool brands (other sanders, handheld routers with dust-ports, biscuit jointer, etc)

If I stay with my loud ridgid:
- Has anyone used the ridgid muffler, does it help, the noise is getting stupid annoying, even with hearing protection?
- For those who put bags in their shop vacs, do they significantly reduce the suction of the vac for things like normal shop cleanup?
- Does the Bosch hose work well with festool?

[Aaron Inami]

There have been various discussions over time about this and to my recollection, at that time, "equivalent" units for performance, noise and features aren't that different in price. More recently, the familiar names have been introducing quieter, more full featured options because of the increasing popularity with contractors for actually using dust extraction from hand-held tools. There's a review article from 2018 I just found via Google search for "Alternatives to Festool Vacuum" (https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/head-to-head/best-dust-extractors-head-to-head/) that has some interesting information and shows some units from the "names" relative to performance, etc. (Doesn't include some Euro options that get mentioned from time to time, however) But this last chart in the article shows that cost for this level of performance still isn't chump-change...but relative to that, this is a larger Festool CT36 which isn't really necessary for small tool collection and costs whole lot more. The other units are similar capacity, however.



This Toolboxbuzz review is excellent. However, please be aware that Makita has a newer model dust extractor (VC4210L). This extractor is the exact same as the Milwaukee, which is exactly the same as the Nilfisk Attix 33. While this is an okay vacuum, it did not perform nearly as well as the upper end(such as Festool/Hilti). One of the problems with the Makita/Milwaukee/Attix33 is that it uses 2 filters - one main filter and a second smallish hepa filter. Not sure, but I suspect this is the reason that the Makita loses CFM once the bag starts to fill up.

The previous model Makita VC4210 that performed so well in these tests is the same as the Nilfisk Attix 44. This model has two large main filters where most other vacuums only have one filter (which is probably why it performed so well).

That being said, I tested briefly with the new Makita VC4210L and the Festool beat it in static pressure suction. Also, the Makita may have been a tiny bit quiter, but it had a higher pitched noise which would cause "listener fatigue" and would be much less pleasant to use.

[Jim Becker]

If you go Festool, I'll suggest the Midi is the better choice of the two you mention. Relative to other tools, if I'm not mistaken, Rockler has a bunch of adapters for mating up with various brands of tools. There are no "standard" ports on small, hand-held electrics so the challenge is the same regardless of what you select for your extractor, honestly.

EDIT: Here's the adapter kit: https://www.rockler.com/3-piece-replacement-port-set-for-flexiport-power-tool-hose-kit-3-to-12-expandable

I guess I need to schedule a field trip to the new Rockler. The only one I've ever been in was in Denver years ago. :) This could be costly... ;)

[Aaron Inami]

Restating this (duplicate), because my reply is buried in the middle of the thread.

This Toolboxbuzz review is excellent. However, please be aware that Makita has a newer model dust extractor (VC4210L). This extractor is the exact same as the Milwaukee, which is exactly the same as the Nilfisk Attix 33. While this is an okay vacuum, it did not perform nearly as well as the upper end(such as Festool/Hilti). One of the problems with the Makita/Milwaukee/Attix33 is that it uses 2 filters - one main filter and a second smallish hepa filter. Not sure, but I suspect this is the reason that the Makita loses CFM once the bag starts to fill up.

The previous model Makita VC4210 that performed so well in these tests is the same as the Nilfisk Attix 44. This model has two large main filters where most other vacuums only have one filter (which is probably why it performed so well).

That being said, I tested briefly with the new Makita VC4210L and the Festool beat it in static pressure suction. Also, the Makita may have been a tiny bit quiter, but it had a higher pitched noise which would cause "listener fatigue" and would be much less pleasant to use.

[Justin Rapp]

If you go Festool, I'll suggest the Midi is the better choice of the two you mention. Relative to other tools, if I'm not mistaken, Rockler has a bunch of adapters for mating up with various brands of tools. There are no "standard" ports on small, hand-held electrics so the challenge is the same regardless of what you select for your extractor, honestly.

EDIT: Here's the adapter kit: https://www.rockler.com/3-piece-replacement-port-set-for-flexiport-power-tool-hose-kit-3-to-12-expandable

I guess I need to schedule a field trip to the new Rockler. The only one I've ever been in was in Denver years ago. :) This could be costly... ;)

Thanks for the link - that would be helpful. And yes, the store is for sure costly walking in, so best to go in with only the cash you want to spend and leave the credit/debit cards at home. It cost me a sander to leave the store however the higher priced items, like the vacuum I will order from WoodWerks in Ohio (which helps save a bit on sales tax). I will however find ways to support the local store of course but given their proximity to a pretty populated area and being right off the NJ Turnpike and 295, I suspect they will do pretty well. The 'grand opening' must have had 250 people lined up before they opened. The store is a bit smaller than other rockler's I have been to and the classroom area is nothing like the 3 woodcraft stores in PA/DE.

Ok, back to clean-up. My only small hold-up now on going with a festool is the ability to vacuum/shop cleanup. Sure it will get any dust and fine particles, but the small hose size will limit larger pieces from getting through, where my 2 1/2" wet dry excels. I am running out of room to keep them both out all the time. Festool has a 50mm clean-up kit for $175. I guess if I go the festool route I need to keep up-ing my budget.

[Jim Becker]

The solution to the shop cleaning is to not use the Festool extractor for that. I don't. I have an inexpensive, small Ridgid for that purpose. I feel no need to fill up the bag in the Festool extractor with shop detrus and only use it with tools. That said, the same large diameter, flexible Ridgid hose I use with the orange vac will plug right into the Festool extractor. So if you want to use the Festool for cleanup, no problem. It's a standard size hose inlet on the machine.

BTW, what's "cash"... :D

[Pat Germain]

I guess I need to schedule a field trip to the new Rockler. The only one I've ever been in was in Denver years ago. :) This could be costly... ;)

I too have visited the Denver Rockler only once. I made the drive when I was getting into woodworking and wanted to compare it to Woodcraft. I walked out with a dust collector, planer and dovetail jig. Yeah, that was an expensive visit.

[Jim Becker]

I too have visited the Denver Rockler only once. I made the drive when I was getting into woodworking and wanted to compare it to Woodcraft. I walked out with a dust collector, planer and dovetail jig. Yeah, that was an expensive visit.

LOL. I visited the Denver area a lot over my years of working for ATT/Lucent/Avaya as there were multiple facilities in Highlands Ranch and up in Westminster. One of the trips I had some free time and managed to hit that Rockler. I do believe I got out of there "unscathed" at the time. If I visit this new store in Moorestown NJ, I doubt that will be the case... ;)

[Frank Martin]

https://www.sylvane.com/nilfisk-aero-6-gallon-wet-dry-vacuum.html

I'd go with the Metabo / Starmix otherwise but it isn't inexpensive.

I used to own a Festool CT22 for years. Couple years ago switched to Metabo ASR 35. Love it. It was a bit cheaper than similar Festool, retailing around $599. Powerful, quiet as Festool, appears very well made in Germany.

[Bruce Mack]

I have a big Ridgid vacuum with both the filter and the collection bag. This is ratchet-strapped to the Rockler Dust Right separator. While it can roll if needed outside the shop, it usually lives in one area of the shop with a 20 foot hose attached and is used mostly for the shavings and sawdust generated by my hand tool activity. Very little of the debris gets to the vacuum bag itself and it has been ages since I have accumulated dust in the pleats of the filter. I run the hose to the tablesaw or the lunchbox planer or the bandsaw when needed (not often as I now do small-scale work). It is far from perfect but good enough. It even works with the 6' jointer for the little jointing I do. As I do almost no power sanding I am happy with the setup which with the dead space of the separator can still provide the suckage I need for the hand tasks and can reach anywhere I need with the hose. Many other workers would wince at the pythonesque hose and I admit if I were doing it again, I'd have a real dust collector with a sweep as well as a Festool.

[Justin Rapp]

The solution to the shop cleaning is to not use the Festool extractor for that. I don't. I have an inexpensive, small Ridgid for that purpose. I feel no need to fill up the bag in the Festool extractor with shop detrus and only use it with tools. That said, the same large diameter, flexible Ridgid hose I use with the orange vac will plug right into the Festool extractor. So if you want to use the Festool for cleanup, no problem. It's a standard size hose inlet on the machine.

BTW, what's "cash"... :D

Cash is that green paper stuff usually found in pockets and wallets, and usually makes it much harder to over-spend when using. But than again, I have a tripped booked to Hawaii on points from my Amex, which cash won't help you earn :).

With that said, I am going with the Midi. The reason my preference would be to use the festool vac is exactly for the bag and filter. Most of the shop clean-up is from stray dust or small chips that make their way out of the path of the big dust collector. I'd rather change a bag than make a mess emptying the shop vac, and of course the filter is always clogged and needs to be banged out in winter, at 10pm during a snow storm :)

[Justin Rapp]

I have a big Ridgid vacuum with both the filter and the collection bag. This is ratchet-strapped to the Rockler Dust Right separator. While it can roll if needed outside the shop, it usually lives in one area of the shop with a 20 foot hose attached and is used mostly for the shavings and sawdust generated by my hand tool activity. Very little of the debris gets to the vacuum bag itself and it has been ages since I have accumulated dust in the pleats of the filter. I run the hose to the tablesaw or the lunchbox planer or the bandsaw when needed (not often as I now do small-scale work). It is far from perfect but good enough. It even works with the 6' jointer for the little jointing I do. As I do almost no power sanding I am happy with the setup which with the dead space of the separator can still provide the suckage I need for the hand tasks and can reach anywhere I need with the hose. Many other workers would wince at the pythonesque hose and I admit if I were doing it again, I'd have a real dust collector with a sweep as well as a Festool.

That is good to know, re: about the filter bag in the ridgid. I royally hate cleaning the filter pleats, and its' always clogged at the worst times, so next time I am at the orange store i'll grab some bags just to have them. However, I am going to grab the festool Midi and see how that works out for most dust collection and shop cleanup. All of my larger machines are ducted to a 3hp cyclone, and i'd make way to much dust for a smaller system sometimes. Today for example I was milling a pile of boards down and filled my cyclone bin twice with the amount of debris it sucked in.

[Justin Rapp]

Midi is on the way :)

[Greg Funk]

I used to own a Festool CT22 for years. Couple years ago switched to Metabo ASR 35. Did the Festool die? I still have a CT22 that keeps on sucking.

[Jim Becker]

Yea, I still use a CT22...other than some dirt and dust, it works like new.

[Justin Rapp]

So after a few uses on my festool 125 sander and the festool Midi, I can honestly say, I don't know why I didn't take the plunge years ago. There was no dust 'spray' like I get from my other sanders, even when hooked up to a shop vac. The noise, no more 100% required hearing protection to deal with the shop vac, sander and air filter going. The air filter will go on anyway just for the heck of it. The use of a mask or respirator is even questionable, pending what I am doing I guess.

[Justin Rapp]

Didn't see this mentioned, I use Powertec bags for my CT-26, pack of 5 ($17).

https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-75037-Self-Cleaning-Filter-Festool/dp/B01MZBWDEA/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=POWERTEC+75037&qid=1609944861&s=hi&sr=1-1




It looks like festool does make a bag for the Midi however it's the pre-2018 model. They changed the bag design so it would work with the midi, mini and a few other models. Powertec doesn't have it yet. I have a 5 pack plus the orig, I suspect it will last me a pretty long time.