Reddit reviews Festool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor
We found 2 Reddit comments about Festool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Automatic Tool Start & adjustable suction with tool triggered or manual on-off switch and infinitely variable suction force, can be used wet or dry.Supplied with 11-1/2 foot long anti-static hose that is flexible and kink-resistant and will minimize shock hazards as well as reduce static cling.Sys-dock and hose garage feature allows for the storage and transport of Festool Systainers (not included) on the top of the flat, low-profile unit.Large wheels, low center of gravity, and ergonomically balanced design allows you to move the CT effortlessly around the jobsite.Equipped with one HEPA main filter that is flat and are positioned over the collection area for maximum capacity with a compact design.
Oy vey. I drank the Festool Kool-Aid a few years ago and it's a very polarizing brand in some parts (largely due to the price tag; think Apple products). I own a pretty sizable chunk of Festool tools and they all have their pros and cons. I don't swear by them as the end-all be-all tool but as a tradesman and someone that both works in the field and is short on time, they fit my "process" quite nicely. Anyways, without further adieu:
I own the Domino DF 500 Q and love it. That said I think if your dad is drooling for a Domino you should consider the Domino XL DF 700. It's a lot of cash ($1,400) but it'll do pretty much anything your dad needs (and they also make an adapter that lets him use all of the DF 500's bits to make it that much more versatile)
So assuming you do spring for that there's over half your budget right there (gotta love the green kool-aid) but there's literally no other tool like it on the market and I think it's truly worth its weight in gold.
With that taken care of and assuming you're not sick of riding the Festool wave I'd highly consider a dust extractor. They make numerous sizes but I'd offer up the CT36 as a recommendation or even the CT26. I own the CT48 and it's a bit cumbersome and if I had to do it over again I'd opt for a smaller one. If you go for the Festool CT26 you're looking at $650 but I do think the dust extractors are great tools.
Okay, so you've got your Domino and your CT26 and are $2,075 of your slotted $2,500. Now it really gets to personal preference. At this point I think I'd suggest the ETS EC125 with the 150mm Hard Sanding Pad.
I love the EC125 and a reason is because you can put the larger 6" pad onto it and have both the 5" / 6" sander (they both use the same motor). Lots of bang for your buck there and I personally feel the EC125 is the best sander I've ever used (save for some of the pneumatic sanders).
So of your $2500 you're $4 over budget should you opt for all those tools. BUT WAIT - most places will let you "bundle" the Domino w/ a dust extractor and take off 10%. Just go to a place like Hartville Tools and look for "package deals" and you can find them for the packaged price. Here you go: Festool Package
Anyways, hope that helps you out. If you have any questions just let me know about any of their tools. I don't own all their tools but I do own a handful and I'd be happy to give you any knowledge I might have that can help you.
By the time you get set up with bits, tenon stock, and a vac, it's more like $2k :(
http://www.amazon.com/Festool-Domino-DF-500-Set/dp/B004SETSXE
http://www.amazon.com/Festool-498899-Assorted-Cutters-Systainer/dp/B0073E5N8U/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_y
http://www.amazon.com/Festool-583492-CT-26-Extractor/dp/B003XWAZ9S/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1406844587&sr=1-3&keywords=festool+ct+midi