Festool extractors are the benchmark for portable dust collection. They are quiet, powerful, and have self-cleaning filters that keep suction consistent over long sessions. The CT MINI, CT MIDI, and CT 15 cover most shop needs.
The catch: Festool uses a 27mm hose system that is not compatible with any other vacuum brand. To connect a non-Festool tool to a Festool extractor, you need the right adapter.
Festool CT MINI
The CT MINI is the smallest Festool extractor. It holds 2.9 gallons and weighs 13 pounds empty. It is designed for light sanding, drilling, and detail work. The MINI runs at about 85 CFM and 87 inches of water column static pressure.
Best for: hobbyists, small shops, use with Festool ROTEX and ETS sanders, and light workshop work. Not ideal for heavy routing or planing.
Festool CT MIDI
The CT MIDI is the most popular Festool extractor in the US. It holds 3.7 gallons and weighs 17 pounds. It runs at about 106 CFM with 95 inches of water column static pressure. The MIDI is Class M rated for medium-hazard dust.
Best for: most sanding tasks, routing, and track saw use. The most versatile single extractor for a portable shop setup.
Festool CT 15
The CT 15 is the compact Class H extractor. Class H means it captures particles down to 0.1 microns at 99.995 percent efficiency. It is rated for hazardous dust including asbestos abatement, fiberglass, and hardwoods like oak and beech.
Best for: professional contractors, anyone working with hazardous materials, or shops that deal heavily with hardwoods and MDF.
The Festool Hose System
Festool hoses come in two main diameters:
- 27mm hose (flexible): used with the CT MINI, CT MIDI, and CT 15 for portable tool connections. This is the standard Festool hose you see with their sanders and routers.
- 36mm hose (anti-static): used for higher-volume applications like planners and circular saws on the larger CT 26 and CT 36.
The 27mm hose fits directly into Festool sanders, routers, jigsaws, and track saws that have a Festool port. For any non-Festool tool, you need an adapter.
Connecting Non-Festool Tools to a Festool Extractor
This is the most common reason people come to GulpDust. You bought a Festool CT MIDI but your Milwaukee circular saw, DeWalt sander, or Makita router uses a 1-1/4 inch or 32mm to 36mm port. You need a step-up or step-down adapter.
| Your Tool Port | Festool Hose | Adapter Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 32mm (1-1/4") | 27mm | 32mm-to-27mm reducer |
| 36mm (Makita) | 27mm | 36mm-to-27mm reducer |
| 35mm (Bosch) | 27mm | 35mm-to-27mm reducer |
| 38mm (1-1/2") | 27mm | 38mm-to-27mm reducer |
| 40mm | 27mm | 40mm-to-27mm reducer |
Festool Hose to Shop Vac Adapters
Some users have a Festool tool but want to use it with a standard shop vac. The reverse adapter goes from the 27mm Festool tool port to a 1-1/4 inch or 1-7/8 inch shop vac hose.
Note: this reduces suction efficiency because a shop vac filter does not match Festool's dust management system. For occasional use it is fine. For regular sanding work, use a shop vac with a HEPA filter bag.
Filter Maintenance
Festool CT extractors have a self-cleaning filter called "Turbo Filter Cleaning." Pressing a button on top of the extractor pulses the filter to knock dust off the media. This keeps suction from dropping over the course of a long session.
Even with automatic cleaning, the filter still needs periodic replacement. Replace the filter bag when it is 3/4 full. Replace the main filter every 12 to 18 months with regular use. A clogged filter is the single most common reason for poor Festool extractor performance.
Summary: Which Festool Extractor Should You Buy?
Most people should buy the CT MIDI. It handles most tasks, is Class M rated, has the auto-clean filter, and is easier to move around than the larger CT 26. The CT MINI is a good second unit for a dedicated sanding station. The CT 15 is for anyone with Class H requirements.
Whichever you buy, make sure you have the right adapter to connect your tools to it. Our configurator handles Festool hose compatibility for all major tool brands.