Can the 3M Dust Extractor Compete with Festool?

3M versus Festool dust extractors. Is the 3M dust extractor worth it or should you just buy a Festool Dust Extractor. Some product links are Amazon and other affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. This helps support my channel so I can continue to make content like this.

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FYI Some 3M Extractor Accessories are sold out but will be restocked within 30 Days

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3M Provided this dust extractor to me for review. 3M had no input on this video or editorial say in what was included nor did they have any say on removing anything. These are my thoughts.

0:00 3M vs Festool Dust Extractor
0:33 How to Get Your Wife to Buy Tools
0:57 3M Dust Extractor Performance
1:11 What Comes with the 3M Dust Extractor
1:45 3M Dust Extractor Features
3:44 How to Install 3M Dust Extractor Bag
5:00 Why Use a Fleece Bag in Dust Extractors
6:17 Changing 3M Dust Extractor Filters
7:10 Festool vs 3M Dust Extractor Differences
12:00 3M Dust Extractor Compatibility
12:50 Festool Beats 3M on These Features
13:50 3M Dust Extractor Accessories
14:14 Why Use a Dust Extractor
15:00 Dust Extractor vs Shop Vac

#dustcollector #festool #3m #tools #woodworking #powertools

[Woodworks]

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🛠Tools in this Video:
FYI Some 3M Extractor Accessories are sold out but will be restocked within 30 Days of this video publish date

Other Tools/Equipment I'm Asked About Often:

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[StumpyNubs]

This was a fair comparison. Thumbs-up... I also own both. I don't think I could say that one is clearly better than the other. Each has features that I wish the other had. If the 3M had Festool's hose, bags and warranty, it would be the clear winner. On the other hand, if the Festool had 3M's lower cost, reduced noise, increased suction, dual filter auto-cleaning system, and pneumatic support, it would be the clear winner. I keep mine next to each other in the shop hoping they will have a baby together. It would be the ultimate dust extractor.

[ianwebster]

I have had a Festool CT Mini for more years than I can remember. Still works as well as the day I got it. Absolutely love it, wouldn't consider anything else.

[barriowoodworks]

One feature I enjoy about the festool 36 is the availability to stack your systainers on top of it. Makes transporting tools easier on the job site.

[shaynesabala]

Matt I am very impressed with this review. You basically left no questions unanswered. It seems to me it’s about application. For a shop, these are probably not what you want even if the shop is small. For a couple hundred more you can get a much better dust collector that can handle the heavy load of a planer. For someone that does work in clients homes theses a a must.

[ibitaRaptor]

I got my CT midi off festool recon last year and glad I got it before the price hike. It was in excellent condition basically brand new. No regrets paying for the premium price.

[mcfarlandcustoms]

I’be been excited for this video to come out! We’ve been talking about which extractor to buy for a few weeks now. This helps mail that down. Thanks man!

[NWGR]

Great comparison, thanks.
I went with a festool CT Midi I since I already had a festool tracksaw and recently added two festool sanders, and will be adding a festool router and jigsaw soon as well. The festool system works well for me, so I stick with it. Autoclean is not really necessary unless you're extracting drywall or concrete dust.

[coolabahwoodworking]

Thanks mate! I really appreciate your amazing work. You are giving so much value to your community!

[dougmanter]

I drank the green cool-aid long ago. So, easy decision for me. Great unbiased review, as usual. Thanks!

[ScottS]

Great review! Thanks for the detailed comparison with the Festool vac! The Festool parts availability is no joke: I've had my Festool CT22E for almost 20 years and can still get bags, filters, and other accessories for it. Given the current prices, if I had to choose between the 3M and the Festool, I'd be tempted to buy the $499 Bosch VAC090AH dust extractor 😆9-gallon capacity, HEPA filter, auto-filter cleaning, 150cfm, fleece filter bag, wet/dry capability... it seems to check all the boxes. I think the biggest downsides to the Bosch are that the vacuum hose and power cord are a bit shorter than both 3M and Festool.

[slimpickins]

I've been running the ct36 auto and the midi, both in the shop for woodworking and in the field for finish carpentry and drywall work. I haven't found anything better and I've tried all kinds. I'll keep buying Festool for the rest of my career

[amberalvarez]

Oh so pumped about this video! Been waiting for it. Thanks Matt

[michiganracer]

My wife has the Festool sander and dust extraction. She does a lot of furniture refinishing it works amazingly well, I do send a few of my unfinished projects through her area to get them sanded with her Festool it just works.

[biomorphic]

The 3M product is most likely made by Starmix, a German company. I have an older model with the vibration automatic filter cleaning system.
The point is that you shouldn't use a bag if the appliance has a filter cleaning system. Without the bag you have more suction power. Once the filter is dirty you simply turn on the vibration, and the filter is cleaning automatically. I literally have used mine for heavy duty work in construction, when I was renovating my home, and the cleaning system is simply great. It is not intended to be used with a bag, and the vibration is what keeps your filter clean enough to keep working, and have enough suction.

[truthserum]

I have around 7 or 8 Festool sanders and the CT26, I totally love them, what I don’t like is their sand paper, I get 3M or other brands.

[adama]

Thanks Matt for the info on the 3M sander and dust extractor. I am in the market for a sander/de system and was on the fence for 3M or festool. Your videos (including Stumpy's comments) helped make the decision for the 3M system as the best for me. Used your links to purchase this morning.

[ekill]

I just want to a say, I found your channel a few days ago looking for ideas for affordable table saws and miter saws that might be an upgrade from what I have now, but I’ve really enjoyed all of your content and I’ve watched quite a few videos on stuff that’s way out of my price range because you make it very informative and interesting.

That’s not what has made the biggest impression on me, I had noticed your t-shirts being Christian related in a couple videos, but in this one, I went to the description to see a link to the 3M Dust Extractor to see how much it costs, and I saw your link to the greatest free gift you ever received. It is awesome to see someone like you, in a position where they have followers and a platform, use that to bring glory to God and to spread the Gospel. Keep up the good work!

[maik_and_ike]

The 3M is made by STARMIX and those can also be used for wet. Are you sure this one is only for dry vacuuming?

[FixItFrench]

I like the double filter feature of the 3M, but the Wet vac feature is a pretty huge feature. Both of these are out of my price range right now. Just using a separator for my shop