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 its own hose system, and a tool from another brand will not simply push onto it. To connect a non-Festool tool to a Festool extractor, you need an adapter made to the two ends.
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 sells a smaller flexible hose for portable tool connections and a larger anti-static hose for higher-volume work on bigger extractors. The Festool hose is meant for Festool tools that have a matching port. For any other tool, you need an adapter.
Hose sizes change between extractor models, so measure the hose end you actually own.
Connecting Non-Festool Tools to a Festool Extractor
This is a common reason people come to GulpDust. You bought a Festool extractor, and a tool from another brand does not share its hose size. Tool makers change port sizes between models, so do not trust a chart.
The job is always the same. Measure your tool port. Measure the end of your Festool hose. Give us the two numbers and we print the adapter to them. The size guide shows how to measure, and the port size pages are a starting point if you want to compare.
Festool Hose to Shop Vac Adapters
Some people own a Festool tool but want to run it on a standard shop vac. Measure the tool port and your shop vac hose end. The 27mm size page is one place to compare. We print the adapter between your two numbers.
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, measure the hose end and your tool ports before you order an adapter. Then Build My Adapter to your two numbers.
