Can you use Festool sander without vacuum?

Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 09:26 pm

Dust extraction with vacuum systems

The primary purpose of a dust extractor is to eliminate suspended particles from the working environment to maintain clean air. Due to their high performance, industrial dust collectors and workshop dust extractors are ideal for localized extraction directly onboard process machinery.

Their function ensures the efficiency and security of both operators and production settings as chips collectors. Vacuuming chips and powders directly from the source ensures that all process machinery producing vast amounts of shavings, particularly in the wood, PVC, and aluminum industries, operates optimally.

Festool model numbers that use vacuum systems

The CT 26 E, CT 36 E, and CT 48 E are the Festool Dust Extractors’ stalwarts. The vast dust extractors are sturdy when rolling over rough surfaces thanks to their broad, deep footprint and large rear wheels, especially when stacked with Systainers on top. Suction and airflow are sufficient to collect dust from any tool. The hose is securely attached to the front of the vacuum and may be used to drag it around without causing it to crab or tip over. The Festool Boom Arm Attachment can only be helpful with big dust extractors.

The volume and height are the only distinctions between these three types. The CT 26 has a capacity of 26 liters (6.9 gallons). The CT 36 has 36 liters (9.5 gallons), and the CT 48 has a capacity of 48 liters (12.7 gallons). The CT 36 AutoClean is a refined version of the CT 36 E essential to work with the Festool Planex Drywall Sander. It includes a built-in cleaning mechanism that shakes the filter periodically to avoid caking and clogging. Although the CT 36 AutoClean is helpful for regular dust collection chores, it is not HEPA certified, so you’ll need to purchase an additional hose to fit your Festool equipment.

Dust extraction without vacuum systems

Dust is controllable in two ways. The first is done with a shop vac or dust collector at the source; then, the second method filters an entire space or room with an air filter/purifier. A dust collector preserves breathable air and cleans process air across a whole facility, whereas vacuum systems are valuable for precision cleaning and material conveyance. Using a dust collector to gather dust at the source is more efficient. Once it’s floating around in the air, on your belongings, and in your lungs, it’s too late.

When it comes to avoiding dust at the source, most people select between a shop vac and a dust collector. A dust extractor, on the other hand, is a third choice. Dust extractors that leave the cleanest air are the most efficient. Because of their HEPA filters and high air cleaning performance, they are helpful in hospitals, museums, and cleanrooms. 

Because of the carcinogenic nature of concrete dust, dust extractors are used on the job site to remove it at the source. They are the best at filtering out the ultra-fine dust particles that can evade a shop-vac or standard dust collector in the woodworking sector.

Handheld power tools with built-in dust ports function well with dust extractors. They’re not a good fit for miter saws, table saws, band saws, or other stationary equipment with more oversized 2-1/2 in. dust ports.

Festool sanders that use dust extraction without vacuum

Swirl markings generated by Festool sanders have been a source of contention for specific users. And this is why variable suction vacuums are useful with sanders since it is possible to adjust the suction only to lift the sander off the workpiece. You might be able to do it using the dust collector by slightly opening the blast gate. Without dust extraction, Festool sanders are no more susceptible to clogging than any other. You can use a dust bag with the RTS/DTS if you connect it to the dust port. A fan built inside the motor removes dust into the bag.

Can you use a Festool Domino without a vacuum?

If you don’t use a vacuum with the domino, your mortises sawdust, and you’ll have to clean them. Apart from the convenience of the auto on-off button, there is no reason why you should only use a Festool vac.

Is Festool Sander worth the money?

The Festool sander is well worth your money. The Festool has an advantage over handheld belt sanders (which are also quite powerful) in that the belt sanders don’t provide a fine finish and can’t get close to the floor’s edges. You can rip scratch marks against the grain by turning the belt sander sideways at the end of the boards. 

The Festool covers the entire floor (save for the very corners), produces a fantastic finish, and does so rapidly. Most random orbital sanders are capable of producing a high-quality finish like this. The Festool is valuable because it combines extraordinary power with exceptional quality, but random orbital sanders can be slow and inconvenient to use. They lack the necessary oomph to complete the task promptly.

And this is especially crucial for those of you who plan to use hand tools to sand and refinish hardwood floors. Sanding an entire floor with a Festool sander is difficult; sanding a floor with a cheap random orbital sander is torturous.

How do you use a Festool sander?

Festool sanders share three characteristics that make them so appealing. The first is a great dust collection system. The second is correct internal balancing, which allows the sander to run more smoothly and hence be less taxing. The final feature is a three-year warranty.

The Festool sander is a highly flexible and helpful instrument. Nothing beats it for getting the work done in a short space, and it’s also relatively easy to use. And this is the peak of design excellence. You plug it in, put on the abrasive, and you’re done. You’re all set to go.

The Festool pad contains several holes around the disk, which feed into the dust extraction outlet on the tool’s back. It has two settings: one for oscillating only and another for oscillating and spinning. Then, there’s a speed setting at the tool’s tail next to the cord. You could set the speed at the midway position and forget about it for the most part.

What is the distinction between a vacuum cleaner and a dust extractor?

A vacuum cleaner is a high-pressure, low-volume machine, whereas a dust collector is a low-pressure, high-volume machine. Dust collectors are utilized for the full-scale facility or process filtration, while vacuums are valuable for precision cleaning and material transportation. Vacuum cleaners use an electric engine to create negative pressure. The primary purpose of a dust extractor is to eliminate suspended particles from the working environment to maintain clean air. 

Due to their high performance, industrial dust collectors and workshop dust extractors are ideal for localized extraction directly onboard process machinery. Their function ensures the efficiency and protection of both operators and production settings as chips collectors. Vacuuming chips and powders straight from the source ensures that all process machinery producing vast amounts of shavings, particularly in the wood, PVC, and aluminum industries, operates optimally. 

Additional Tips

Go with the vacuum when choosing between a vacuum and a dust collector for a small shop. If you have a large shop, invest in a dust collector and one or two shop vacuums. Get a dust extractor to attach to your track saw, handheld sanders, biscuit jointers, and other power tools when you’re ready to invest. The dust extractor will come in handy if you’re working on concrete or onsite at a client’s home.