ToolBox Blog

Tool: Festool CT-33 – HEPA Dust Extractor
Date of Service: December 2008

Believe it or not, this is not my first vacuum costing over $500 but it is my first Festool. I spent a few months with an entire Festool system, ‘on loan’, for a furniture project that included lots of exposed edge plywood. A key component of that system was the automated dust collection so I’m starting my Festool collection from the ground up.

Rating:

Features:

• 8.7 gal. / 33 liter capacity
• Equipped with HEPA filters
• 134 CFM max. suction
• Tool-triggered or manual start
• Integrated hose garage
• Sys-Dock feature
• Locking brake
• 24” x 15” x 22”

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Experience:

The ground up indeed! Most Festool equipment fits inside stackable storage boxes that lock together called “Festool Systainers” The CT 33 Dust Extractor’s flat top is the SYS-DOCK allowing you to stack and transport tools and accessories securely and conveniently. My first Systainer atop the CT-33 is the Festool CompaCT cleaning set, ($68), which is a few nozzles for vacuuming.

Comments:

Without years of experience with this CT33, but with training and experience using Festool equipment, I expect it will serve me well for years to come.

My shop is already equipped with a dust collection system and an exhaust/air filter. So why this costly new Vacuum? Festool equipment is way too expensive for a carpenter’s budget and nothing so unique it couldn’t be purchased from another manufacturer for 1/2 the price. So, why Festool?

More often than not, in my line of specialized residential woodworking, my productions take place on the jobsite. Often times inside a residence and most often requiring explicit control of dust and debris. Imagine routing a dado in someone’s bedroom. Typically this requires the additional cost and steps to protect the room, taping plastic from ceiling to floor, dropcloths and subsequent vacuuming. A Festool attached to one of their Dust Extractors fairly effectively contains the dust produced. I’m starting with the biggest and baddest of all Festool Dust Extractors because it’s a strong foundation for my Festool future.

Links:

CT33 at Festoolusa.com (Product Data)
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