Dust Extractors
Dust Extractors Tech Information
Comparing a Festool Extractor to a shop vac really misses the point.
- The extractors are powerful (compare their 80" to 90" static water lift to most shop vac’s that barely break 60").
- They use a dual filter system (filter bag and two HEPA filters).
- They are relatively quiet compared to most shop vacs.
- They offer variable suction control and are trigger activated.
- They come on when the tool comes on — turn the tool off and they stay on for a few seconds to clear the hose.
- One other thing — unlike most shop vacs you find these days, THEY WORK!
Which Extractor?
The extractor/tool combos are the way to go because you will generally save $50 to $80. Keep in mind that most folks fall in love with their Festool and come back to purchase additional tools. The Mini has the power for working a sander but the hose is slightly smaller and has small capacity bag. The smaller hose is not as effective for general cleanup. The CT 22 and 33 offer more power; the only difference is capacity — CT22 is 5.8 gal and 17" tall, CT33 is 8.7 gal and 22" tall). The CT 22 is our best selling vac. See all extractors below.
What else will I need?
CT 22 & 33 will come with one filter bag, 20amp to 15amp cord adapter and 27mm D x 3.5m anti static hose (11.5 ft). The cord adapter is provided because 20 amp receptacles are not always available. Keep in mind, you are running the tool through extractor and the larger ones can push up the amperage. If you’re using the extractor and TS 75 saw, you’ll want to use that 20-amp plug. When ordering an extractor, don’t forget to order some bags to take advantage of the free shipping. If you need to order them alone later, you will incur a shipping charge.
Do I have to use disposable bags?
Disposable bags are the recommended route. The Germans think it’s puzzling that we spend so much effort to collect dust and then empty our shop vacs and release the really fine particulate matter (and the really dangerous stuff) back into the air. The long-life bag is made well, but is very expensive. You can use the extractor without a bag but it will reduce the life of the HEPA filters. One warning: Extractors are meant to be stable; they really do not like to be tipped over to be emptied. The top can easily be removed to aid in dumping but it’s a bit awkward to reattach (remember the thing about resisting tipping). The dirt trap is a good alternative that allows easy dumping. Its price is an indicator or its quality. Keep in mind that it’s heavily designed to hold a full amount of water when used as a wet vac. It also has a heavy-duty filter unit with stainless steel filter screens for wet vac use.
For those still not convinced, and who insist on hooking up a Festool Tool to their own shop vac, I recommend purchasing a Festool hose. Since you won’t have the benefit of the antistatic feature, you can purchase the less expensive non-antistatic hose that will fit standard 2-1/4" shop vac inlets and will work with any future Festool you buy.
If you insist on using your hose, purchase an adapter and some duct tape and have at it. Call me back later and tell me that you wished you bought the hose!
Click Here for Filters and Bags for SR Series Vacuums
PRODUCT COMPARISON
Products Mentioned in This Tech Article