Originally Posted by
Brian W Evans
I have a newer model Fein and it works perfectly with my first foray into the Festool vortex (Domino XL) - no extra adapters other than what came with the tool. The Fein is quiet, it has a long hose, a long power cord, and I like the built-in auto-on / auto-off. I will be connecting it to a Dust Deputy one of these days. I believe the Fein plus a Dust Deputy will still be cheaper than any of the Festool vacs.
That is an example of the power of the Festool system, even when it comes to third party companies. Oneida makes the Ultimate Dust Deputy which attaches directly to the top of a CT vac and while certainly more expensive than a Fein and DD the CT + UDD it is an elegant solution.
That said for a in-shop system only I think the Oneida Dust Cobra with piping around the shop to plug hoses in (and either a simple or sophisticated on/off or auto on/off system) makes for a better solution for not a lot more money than a Festool vac and likely cheaper in the long run when you consider the cost of bags and filters for the life of the vac.
Of all the laws Brandolini's may be the most universally true.
Deep thought for the day:
Your bandsaw weighs more when you leave the spring compressed instead of relieving the tension.