Festool Ct dust extractor real world performance

[KentonIwao]

I understand the advantage of two stage filtering on Festool vacs.  It seems like the design should keep the filter from clogging as quickly and coupled with a good mini cyclone would be more like three stage filtering.  According to the Bill Pentz data the air speed of the tool generated dust stream must be overcome by the air speed of the vacuum.  Does anyone have information regarding actual performance in a closed shop using air quality monitors?  I'm sure that the Festool system does a great job of keeping the work space clean but is it actually preventing the elevation of invisible, potentially harmful dust? Thank you. Eric

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Eric,

I don't know of a vacuum that's truly sealed enough to prevent anything from escaping back into the air, but the Festool CT's are so worth it and do an excellent job of trapping the dust and dirt, however it is still a good idea to use an air filtration unit in a shop environment, big or small.  Mine is a JDS unit.