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So, I'm thinking of getting a Festool CT 33 E HEPA as my dust extractor/shop vacuum cleaner. Festool CT 33 E SG AUS HEPA

I currently only use hand power tools like power saw, jigsaw, ROS and a router. I don't have any large machinery; no bandsaw, table saw or drum sander . My workspace is the two car garage, which doubles as my hobby electronics workshop/ brewery/ storage/ general handyman workshop/ and soon to be guitar building workshop. So, while I'd love to build a cyclone (a la Bill Pentz), I don't have the space for one. And being an occasional woodworker and soon to be guitar builder I don't think I really need one.

I want something that will get the job done (fine dust removal) while being small and mobile. They're pretty expensive at $1075 Aus but I think that this machine fits my requirements pretty well.

I guess I'm after comments or advice from those of you who have one of these type of dust extractors. If you could do it over, would you buy it again? What are its strengths and weaknesses? What do you wish it could do that it doesn't.

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If God had wanted us to drink beer, he would have given us stomaches.

i use my ordinary shop vacs, including the large fein, on routers, sanders, etc., but they are far, far less than 100% efficient, and this is largely a function of how well the dust collection design is on the tool involved.

given the multi-function nature of your facility to really keep it clean i would recommend that you do your sanding and routing, and as much other copious dust generating activity outside. so long as you're not in melbourne that should not be too hard.

even with a large dust collector connected to a downdraft table or the router table, i still appreciate having two air cleaners operating in the shop.

i guess that what i'm saying is that for A$1000 i think you could get a better solution to your immediate problem which would allow room for expansion in the future.

Hesh hit it on the head. I too have the ct-22 and it is a great vacuum. THE best part is using it with Festools, which by the way, seem to be the tool of choice for those who don't have the big tools like you mentioned( or those who do have them and just want great hand tools) and need accurate/efficient hand tools. I also have two of their sander(s) and can do dust free sanding right at my repair bench if I like. I have their 15v cordless drill and love it too. I LOVE Festool and would buy ALL their stuff if I could afford it.

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"