Replies

1. 
   TimSams | Dec 12, 2003 05:16am | #1

   I use my Festool vac daily with my saw, router and sander and have to say that I've never experienced a better set up. I often work inside a client's house when I'm building custom cabinetry and so dust is not only a health concern but a client management issue. I've been more than pleased with the results. It's very efficient at dust collection when sanding.

   Note (IMO) that part of that has to do with using Festool tools with the vac. The sander in particular is set up to work with this vac, using a jetstream suction system as I've seen in others. I do not know how well others of this sort work as I have not used them with this vac.

   As far as routing goes, however, I still get a lot of chips, but that's less to do with the vac and more to do with the way the Festool router is set up in it's vac hookup. There are accessories I can purchase to aid this but I've not purchased them as of yet.

   I've had no experience with Fein tools and how Festool compares. Hope that helps.

   Tim

2. 
   lfulton | Dec 12, 2003 07:39am | #2

   I use a Fein mini turbo and it is wonderful.  I've always used bags, particularly since I've used it on plaster dust, sheetrock dust, and MDF dust, and I never have anything blowing out the top.  Always plenty of power.  The bags are a bit pricey, though at 10 bucks each.   I keep reminding myself that keeping the dust of of my lungs is probably worth it, though...

   I can't recommend this machine enough.

3. 
   hammer1 | Dec 12, 2003 09:12am | #3

   I've been using a Fein Turbo III for about 2 years. I use it for any portable or stationary tools that have 2 1/4" or 1 1/4" outlets. The vac came with a 2 1/4" hose, no accessories. Most standard shop vac accessories fit. I bought a 1 1/4" hose at HD. The washable filter is a large cone shaped felt fabric. I added a teflon/nylon bag to help with sheetrock dust and extend filter life. I have not seen a HEPA filter advertised for this large model. I feel an expensive HEPA would soon be overwhelmed with sawdust. Unlike any other vac I have owned, the Fein does not blow a heavy stream of air that often stirs up extra dust. It is the quietest I have ever heard and power is smooth and strong. This vac, still on the original filter, has been on the jobsite and in the shop working everyday. You can't tell when it is filled to the brim, it just keeps packing it in. I wish every tool I owned performed as well. Five stars out of five!

4. 
   AlanTurner | Dec 12, 2003 04:51pm | #4

   I use my big Fein with a 6" Metabo ROS, and with the Festool plunge saw, and the amount of dust it traps is amazing.  The outflow is not in one place, but all around the top, so there is no jet stream of discharge air.  Quiet.  Just keeps on working.  I have the Festool small hose that I use for tool connections, and the Fein 2.25" hose for floor cleaning.  Good investment.

   Alan

1. 
   ABenker | Dec 12, 2003 05:10pm | #5

   Thanks for your replies, it sounds like either of these tools is a good investment.

   Thankds again.

2. 
   EdHarrow | Dec 12, 2003 05:21pm | #6

   I, too, have a mini Fein.  Size makes it quite portable.  I deal with the expensive bags two ways.  One is to use a cloth filter for some other common shop vac over the Fein's filter.  This removes a huge percentage of the stuff that would normally accumulate on the filter.  The other way is to use bags for 5,6, and 8 gallon SHOP-VAC brand shop vacs.  They're not a perfect fit, but they do OK.

   Using either of these techniques I don't see, or notice in any way, stuff coming out, and I've used to to deal with some very fine dust/ash, etc.  Also, the little vac comes with the small (1.25") dia hose.  The large hose fits perfectly, so makes a nice addition if you're doing stuff that clogs the little hose.

   It would be nice if it had a power outlet (even an uncontrolled one) on it.  That would save on power cord complication.  Other than the general price of bits for it, and the tendancy of the small hose to plug up, I've got NO complaints.  I don't think you'll ever go wrong with Fein or Festool for that matter.  The nifty little Fein vibrating - cutting, sanding, scraping, do-all tool is shear delight.  It will do stuff no other tool will do.

5. 
   Christian | Dec 12, 2003 09:51pm | #7

   I never used a Fein vac but I'm very happy with my Festool CT 22.
   Very quiet operation, auto on/off, variable suction, flat top which holds systainers, wet and dry extraction, antistatic equipment, lots of accessories available. The Festool vacs use a one micron filter as far as I know.
   Bob Marino, my email friend, is hobby woodworker and Festool ISA. He can certainly give you more information on this topic. You can email him at [email protected]

   You might also like to read comments and reviews from other Festool users:
   http://www.cjohnhebert.com/Festool.htm
   http://benchmark.20m.com/tools/Festool/FestoolIndex.html 
   http://www.woodshopdemos.com/men-fes.htm http://www.thewoodshop.20m.com/festool_atf_55e_part2.htm

   Hope this helps,

   Christian Aufreiter, Austria

6. 
   sharp | Dec 15, 2003 02:13am | #8

   i have the festool and it is really clean.  the european standard are so good.. either machine will serve you well. i think festool is a better design. you can attach your other tool cases to the top.. take a close look at their system..

   the sanders are superior for sure.

   j