Festool Dust Extractor

[CaverTranq]

Hello. I'm purchasing a Dust Extractor CT 36 or 48. I have 2ftx2ft area of mold that requires removal. My wife says she want it done right, air scrubbers, dehumidifier and a hepa vacuum. Now ik this dust extractor isn't really for mold but I think with everything else it will be fine for this small task vacuumming up any leftover drywall dust. However since my wife insisted I get a hepa vacuum, I'm a hobby wood working, just started last year. What festools would you recommend next to go along with it. I have general stuff in other brands, sander jigsaw, circular saw, etc, anything you guys couldn't live without that festool makes better then others? I've been really wanting to get into bigger furniture, like a new dresser or nightstand, but havent jumped down the rabbit hole yet.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I've been using Festool tools for around 45 years now, the whole range is pretty spectacular in my opinion, and while I absolutely love the Domino's, the amazing routers, and the truly sensational SYS 50, the stand out tools to me over the years have been the sanders as these are probably what I use the most on average.

They are superb beyond belief in my opinion. With the ETS EC's being by far the best sanders I've ever used. And like most Festool gear, coupled with a dust extractor you can sand without needing PPE or having to clean up areas as the dust collection is superb.

Another aspect I've always considered essential and has stood my in good stead, is factoring the ergonomics side of the tools. I can't stress this enough. I see so often people who are far younger than me having to give up woodworking because of RSI or other related issues because of using lesser quality tools. 45 years later I'm still going strong and have no ill effects from using the tools, ill effects from the timber mill, or other jobs is a different case, but knowing I've invested in quality tools that minimise harmful vibration or RSI is extremely important to me.

So I'd highly recommend as incredibly useful, the ETS EC 150/5 sander to start with, and for routing the OF2200. Don't be put off by the beastly size of the OF2200, it is amazingly balanced and smooth in operation no matter how hard you're running it. In my opinion it's the best router ever produced on the market.

 

[bertv]

The models you mentioned are HEPA. Something to consider: check if the vacuum can also do fluids (sometimes you need to remove a filter or change for a special one -- my experience is limited to the old MIDI and that only needs removing a filter and the dust bag to work with (dirty) water).
To really get rid of mold you may be required to flood the area with something that kills it definitely, and mopping up chemically compromised water is no fun - the vac is perfect for that. OTH You could do the 'mopping up' with a very cheap one from Home Depot or such.
Also: use the best PPE you can. Some molds can be lethal if they get into your lungs. Or may cause more or less serious illnesses.

As for the sander: the most advised ones (from Festool) are the ETS EC (as mentioned above) and the RO90 (very useful for working in corners and tight spaces). I own both ones (and a lot of others as well), and the ETS EC 125 - with the 150 base - is the one I use most.

 

[pixelated]

Most of the usual circular saws don’t have a provision for dust collection. A couple of Bosch models do which are available in home center stores. Then of course, there are the Festool saws, which generally have very good dust collection. The HK series saws for general purpose use, and the dedicated track saws.

 

[mcfal12]

Given the initial part of your post- Festool Sys Air comes to mind for an “air scrubber”.

For ‘fun’ the Festool CSC Sys 50 is a great addition and you’ll find no shortage of folks recommending the Festool track saws.

If you want to really explore the high-end tool market; give Mafell tools a look. I’m obsessed with the KSS 40 cordless circular saw.

 

[Steve1]

Dust Extractor CT 36 or 48

Pretty sure they use exactly the same blower. Difference is capacity.
Bigger capacity means fewer bag changes, and besides the time savings, one big bag is probably less expensive than two small ones. (although with a bag containing mold, you might decide to replace it right away, and then you say "these bags cost HOW MUCH ?") A Dust Deputy cyclone I added to mine makes the bags last almost indefinitely.
I have the CT36, and for me, it's about as big of an item that I would want to carry up the stairs.