Festool574837 Dust Extractor CT MIDI I HEPA

The festool CD MIDI is a outstanding dust extractor with Bluetooth capability, which makes it super easy when you’re using other tools not made by festool, the onboard hose storage and the capability of attaching systainers to it makes it easy when you are taking it to a job site, the hose is excellent because it’s not ribbed that catches on edges of wood while you were working on your project and the idea of it being static free helps from getting shocked, the adjustable suction level is nice when you’re sanding so you don’t get stuck to the board while working. Seems expensive at first, but as most people know you get what you pay for and with festool their products are outstanding highly recommend this product

Like many Festool products, initial cost of acquisition leaves you wondering about retirement savings... But after 4 months of use, I can now say this is one of the best tool investments I've made. Suction is really great, anti-static hose works extremely well (Makita track saw was causing all kinds of static shocks and dust pile-up on the outside of the non-antistatic Ridgid hose and vacuum previously), and it's only moderately noisy. It's like a little robot in the garage, very easy to pull around by the hose with great wheels that just work without hassle. A must-have is the Bluetooth button accessory 202098 that fits on the end of the hose. With that magic button, you just keep the hose handy wherever you're working and you can turn the hose on/off without ever going back to the main unit. In 4 months, I think I've touched the front panel maybe 3 or 4 times, total. Seriously. Upgraded to the 36mm hose (bought the vacuum kit 203409) which I've found has better suction than the 27mm hose. Also bought the accessory handle kit 204310 which I highly recommend - gives you nozzle storage and a much easier way to move the vacuum around when you need to park it or store it. The handle is collapsible too so you can fit it into cubby holes with no problem. If I were to do it over again, I would probably buy a CT36 or higher model, for one main reason - they are able to accept various Festool vacuum accessories like the hose boom arm, etc. The CT Midi I supports none of those accessories, which I am finding frustrating. If not a concern for you, then you won't be disappointed with this little workhorse. It is one great vacuum for shop use and woodworking.

When I set up my shop, I was determined to prioritize my respiratory health and safety. I purchased a decent 2 stage dust collector with a pleated filter and put in twice the number of ceiling mounted filters required for my shop size. I bought a 2.5 micron particle meter, and wore a mask for all but the most rapid operations. I really figured I had covered my bases. Especially for a serious amateur. I was so confident, that on my telework days, I would just work from the shop so I could putter around with projects while on conference calls and such. But I kept getting dust all over everything when I would sand. I had my ROS hooked into my dust collection and had built a (somewhat) efficient downdraft table. I just chalked up the dust to being in a workshop and dust was going to happen.Gradually I began to have minor respiratory issues. Irritation, etc. Went to the doc and was told there is nothing wrong, try being more diligent with the mask. I did, but I didn't wear the mask when I was working my day job from the shop. My symptoms continued, never worsening, but not going away either.Then I met Festool. I had been planning to make a series of small tables and I decided to finally bite the bullet and get the Domino to speed things up. That was going to be it. No more overpriced Festool. I am just a hobbyist. Why did I need all this Festool stuff? I walked into Woodcraft to get the Domino and got a chance to play around with an RTS400 mated with one of their dust extractors. I was totally blown away. Not only is the sander a joy to use, it really is virtually dust free.Being the skeptic that I am, I pulled out my particle meter, and set it about 12 inches from a walnut apron I was working on and sanded the back of it up through the grits. The thing peaked at 2ppm. Normally, with my Dewalt ROS hooked to my dust collector, from across the room, the thing gets up to about 45ppm.In terms of the machine itself, I am very impressed with the size as well as the fit and finish. It is incredibly well thought out and robust. Being able to plug my sander into the DC and having it start up when I turn on the sander is an amazing feature that will ensure I never operate the thing without having extraction running. I don't know about you, but that does happen to me from time to time.I also expect that this piece of equipment will greatly enhance the quality of my work. I used to dread sanding projects (who doesn't) but not for the act of sanding, rather for the dust storm it created. So far, I am finding myself sanding more frequently and more thoroughly and it does show in the finishing.If you are a hobbyist, I know the cost is a bitter pill to swallow. I spent years on the "hater" side of the black and green, but only for the high price barrier to entry for the hobbyist. I still resent Festool's high price but for a slightly different reason - If Festool products were more affordable, more people could benefit from the amazing engineering built into their products and more importantly, the health and safety benefits they provide.I am thoroughly impressed with this dust machine. It is dramatically improving my work and health. I will continue to buy Festool products and undoubtedly continue to complain about the cost, but in terms of the quality of the tools, there truly is no substitute.