Festool Sander With Dust Extractor (Personal Experience)
Using a Festool sander with a CT 36 dust extractor has been the best investment I have made and prevents almost all of the fine dust from sanding. This is why I also compared all the current models of Festools dust extractors to help you find the best for your needs. Coming from a Dewalt sander and a standard shop vac I now see the benefits of Festool products. Using Festool's dust extractor and an ETS 125 sander has made working in my home workshop more enjoyable and with much less dust.
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Advantages of a Festool Sander & Extractor Combo
Dust Collection & Sanding Performance
The main reason to use a Festool sander in combination with a Festool dust extractor is dust collection. Festool power tools arguably have the best dust collection in the entire woodworking industry. I personally use a Festool ETS 125 sander and Festool CT 36 dust extractor in my workshop and I have experienced incredible results. When I am finished sanding there is little to no sawdust on the worksurface or the workbench. Festool dust extractors also have adjustable suction power to be able to handle coarse to fine sanding. There are different models of Festool sanders but what they have in common are ergonomic designs and built with quality in mind and engineered to utilize a dust extractor.
Safety & Health
A major benefit of having a Festool sander paired with a HEPA dust extractor is for your personal health and safety of those in your workshop. Sanding wood throws very fine dust into the air which can have a big impact on your health. Most of the sawdust created when sanding are very small particles which are not captured in standard dust collectors or shop-vacs. The only way to effectively capture the particles is with a HEPA filter which is equipped on all Festool dust extractors. Using an extractor with a HEPA filter will significantly reduce your risk of health issues associated with airborne sawdust. You will also have an improved working environment by not having dust particles collecting on other tools or being stirred up while walking through your shop.
Quality & Efficiency
Festool has engineered both the sander and dust extractor to work together to provide the best dust collection and sanding quality possible. The larges contributor to imperfections while sanding is poor dust extraction. When dust particles get trapped on your sanding disk they can leave streaks, marks or pig tails when you go to finish your project. Using a combination of a high quality sander and dust extraction you eliminate the possibility of defects in your finish. I have noticed a big improvement on the surface quality of my finished projects using a Festool sander and extractor over a Dewalt sander and shop vac.
Time Savings
A major reason to use a dust extractor with a Festool orbital sander is that you eliminate the need to clean your workspace. The dust extraction is so good even with coarse sanding that you will not need to sweep or vacuum your workbench or the floor around where you were sanding. Festool dust extractors also have a feature that automatically turns on and off the extractor when you switch on the sander saving time and headaches turning on a shop vac. As an optional add Festool offers a Bluetooth module that can be attached to the end of the anti-static hose to turn on and off the extractor for time savings.
Portability & Jobsite Performance
Festool products are known for a few things with one of them being their systainer system. With every Festool tool you generally receive a lightweight plastic systainer or case that is designed to carry the tool and accessories while keeping it safe and secure. One of the great features is that the systainers are able to lock together offering an easy way to transport and store your tools. If your also have a dust extractor from Festool they are compatible with the systainers allowing them to be locked in place on top of the Festool vac. Another benefit for portability is the new ct dust extractors come equipped with large wheels and an easy to use locking mechanism to hold them in place while your working. While it may seem like the initial cost is high for Festool products keep in mind you are also getting a custom, purpose built, portable tool storage with each purchase potentially saving you a lot of money. As for performance you will not be able to find a better alternative than Festool with hepa filters, systainer system, variable speed sanders, universal cords and suction hoses as well as unparalleled quality and dust collection.
Drawbacks of the System
One of the major drawbacks to a Festool sander and a ct dust extractor is the initial cost. Festool sanders and dust extractors combined start around $600 with the ETS 125 and CT 15 and goes over $1600 with the Rotex RO 150 and CT 48 AC at the high end, it just depends on your specific requirements. In addition to the initial cost if you plan to buy a Festool hose, remote control, filter bags or any type of accessory you will be paying a premium. Another downside is slightly obvious but if you enjoy cordless tools using a dust extractor may seem like a hinderance, but the tradeoff comes with less dust collection. If you decide to purchase a Festool extractor and sander you may be locked into their ecosystem since its designed to work with other tools like their track saws, jig saws, routers and domino jointers. I personally have some tools that are able to utilize the Festool hose without an adaptor.
Drywall Sanding
Festool makes a unique product combination with an autoclean dust extractor and the Planex drywall sander. The Festool Planex drywall sander is one of the best options for contractors and drywall finishing. The Planex sander is equipped with a EC TEC brushless motor that has proven its longevity. Festool also released a new generation Planex long-reach sander that allows for more ergonomic work that can tackle high walls or ceilings. When you pair that with a dust extractor that is equipped with the autoclean function your job site will be safer and spend less time cleaning or changing filters on your mobile dust extractor.
Should you buy a Festool sander & dust extractor?
Yes If...
If your looking to minimize the saw dust in your home workshop and mitigate health concerns of airborne sawdust, a Festool sander and dust extractor is a must have. You will notice a significant improvement in the level of sawdust and will make sanding more enjoyable. Buying a Festool ETS 125 sander and CT 36 dust extractor has been the best investment and tool purchase I have ever made.
or
If your a contractor or profession working in clients homes or places of business, a Festool sander and dust extractor will pay dividends. Your reputation is key and your customers will appreciate the minimal dust you leave behind and can save you valuable time and money not having to clean up you finish the job.
No if...
If your just starting out woodworking and on a budget I do not recommend buying Festool tools. A cheaper alternative sander like Dewalt, Bosch, or Makita will do the same job for a lot cheaper and give you more money to expand your tool capabilities. You can always update later when you progress in your woodworking journey.
Cost & Options
Festool Sanders
Festool offers a few variations of sanders with a standard random orbital sander, detail sander, unique Rotex sanders, and Planex drywall sanders. If your looking for an low cost entry into the festool brand the ETS line of sanders is what your looking for. They start around $200 with the ETS 125 REQ which is a great all purpose sander. If you are curious about the Festool ETS 125 REQ, I have a full hands-on review here. If your looking for a workhorse sander the Rotex line of sets itself apart from competitors, and typically starts around $500. The Rotex sanders has a dual purpose with the capability of a standard random orbital sander for fine sanding, while offering a gear driven rotary motion to rapidly remove stock for coarse sanding. Festool also offers the Delta line of sanders which is engineered for sanding small angular surfaces that are difficult to reach. The Delta sanders come with a triangular pointed sanding pad and typically starts around $250. For those that specialize in drywall finishing, Festool offers the Planex line of sanders engineered specifically for drywall which start around $800.
Festool Dust Extractors
Festool offers a wide array of dust extractors with their Cleantec line of products. They come in 2 main variations with one being equipped with Festool's AUTOCLEAN system. The AUTOCLEAN system automatically cleans the main filter which will provide higher suction for long periods of operation without manual intervention. All of Festool's dust extractors come with HEPA filters as well as the ability to stack systainers on top for easy portability. The price difference to have the AUTOCLEAN system is roughly $150 but would make a big difference if you depend on your extractor daily. The Cleantec line of dust extractors start at $400 with the CT 15 which has a 15 liter container and goes up from there with the CT 26, CT 36 and CT 48 for increased capacity. The only difference between the various Cleantec dust extractors is the size, so purchase the one that best fits your scenario. If your looking for something very portable they offer a battery powered version that integrates into the systainer system. If you require an extractor that is capable of a large amount of dust collection it may be worth picking up Festool's CT cyclone pre-separator keeping 95% of the dust out of your bags and filters saving you time and money.
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