replace shop vac with festool dust extractor

[Grant Gunderson]

So I ended up picking up a couple of Festool sanders for a really good deal over the weekend (got both sanders for less than $300). My current shopvac brand vacuum is a POS. The wheels keep falling off, the head unity doesnt really seal on it etc... so I have been thinking of replacing it for a while, and the new festool sanders are just the extra motivation I needed to dump it. So what size of festool dust extractor would you guys recomend to replace the shop vac with? Ive been looking at hte CT26 but thinking it might be too small as its like ⅓ the capaciyt of my current shop vac....

 

[SMKS]

Do you want to hook the sander up to a vacuum and have the vacuum be tool actuated? Is that the goal here?

If you're just looking for a vacuum for general shop use, I really don't think the fancy Euro vacs are worth it. I bought one, a nice Nilfisk-made Stihl. Sure, it's nice. But now that I've owned it and used it for a while I think the price and lack of easily accessible accessories makes it not worth it.

For my money, a good quality vacuum from the major brands -I personally like the Ridgids- is better for general-use vacuuming.

 

[Trey T]

the main difference b/t Festool vacuum vs other is the variable speed suction. If you prefer to control your suction by electronic vs mechanical valve, get the Festool. Othewise, you'll be more happy with major vacuum brand such as Vacumaid garage pro.

Festool pushes their product using HEPA filter bag but there's nothing innovative about it, Vacumaid is the same.

 

[todd_fuller]

If you want some of the features of the Festool like tool activation, suction control, Makita and Bosch both have similarly priced models with a lot more capacity.

One thing that is also nice about the higher-end vacuums is the noise level. I replaced my Craftsman shop-vac with a CT Midi and the difference is significant.

If you're worried about volume, there's also something like a Dust Deputy to consider.

 

[stevenhs]

I would go with the CT36. All the extractors have the same motor. So your really paying for the space. Buy it now. They are on sale 15% off

 

[ultgar]

I use a CT36 in my shop right now but for sanders, a small Midi would be fine, especially for use in the field or going up/down stairs. SD

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I would go with the CT36. All the extractors have the same motor. So your really paying for the space. Buy it now. They are on sale 15% off

Yep, trying to decide if the 26 or the 36 will fit my needs best. I will be purchasing more festools, so I want to stick with them for the dust collector. I dont need it to be portable as it will live in the shop.

 

[stevenhs]

Yep, trying to decide if the 26 or the 36 will fit my needs best. I will be purchasing more festools, so I want to stick with them for the dust collector. I dont need it to be portable as it will live in the shop.

In this case, I would consider the CT 48 and not worry about it down the road