I have a Bosch GAS 35 M. The M rating (fine dust) is rather annoying as the automatic filter cleaning is fairly loud and always comes on with the vacuum (stays off when disabled if using it on automatic mode). It stacks neatly with Bosch L-Boxxes. I have all Makita kit and a Festool vac would've been better because of their Systainer base. Since I have all Makita I can get wireless auto start when using cordless tools through their Bluetooth system. They have a universal receiver that you can use with any vacuum. You should consider this when buying, I don't know what solution Bosch and Festool uses for their wireless start. On the older full-size Festool vac you could add a standard remote through the add-on port on the front. Also look up the prices for replacement bags and take that into the equation. Answer from Fekillix on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/tools › dust extractors: festool/mirka/other?
r/Tools on Reddit: Dust extractors: Festool/Mirka/Other?
December 5, 2020 -
I have been looking to get a quality dust extractor for woodworking to use with a track saw and RO sanders.
In particular, I am currently considering either a Festool CT36 or a Mirka 1230 (rebranded Nilfisk Attix 33) and I am unable to decide which one to go with. I am currently leaning towards the Mirka since it is ~$100 cheaper, however I would have to order it online (by contrast, Festool is available locally)
I am also open to any suggestions for other brands/models as long as they have variable suction and (preferably) auto-start with the tool. I am aware of Starmix iPulse (OEM for Mafell, Metabo, Rokamat) extractors which are well regarded, but I have not found many retailers for them here in Ontario, Canada.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Top answer 1 of 4
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I have a Bosch GAS 35 M. The M rating (fine dust) is rather annoying as the automatic filter cleaning is fairly loud and always comes on with the vacuum (stays off when disabled if using it on automatic mode). It stacks neatly with Bosch L-Boxxes. I have all Makita kit and a Festool vac would've been better because of their Systainer base. Since I have all Makita I can get wireless auto start when using cordless tools through their Bluetooth system. They have a universal receiver that you can use with any vacuum. You should consider this when buying, I don't know what solution Bosch and Festool uses for their wireless start. On the older full-size Festool vac you could add a standard remote through the add-on port on the front. Also look up the prices for replacement bags and take that into the equation.
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I own two festool and the previous model Mirka. They are all great vacs but the festool is a notch above. Being available local also means easy warranty, easy to buy new filters and bags too. Festool does almost no wrong when it comes to the vacs but yes a little overpriced.
Festool Owners Group
festoolownersgroup.com › festool discussions › festool tool reviews
Mirka Extractor vs. Festool | Festool Owners Group
July 26, 2019 - I actually went down the IAS/LEX rabbit hole for a few years and just recently changed back to Mirka after getting tired of the needless specialness of the festool way (it took me all of 20 minutes to make a nicely sleeved coaxial vac + airhose that doesn't require special connectors, etc) I certainly won't claim using it with air sanding is common use. However, overall i'm honestly a lot happier with the mirka than i was with the festool. I still use festool hoses though ... Yes Nilfisk do make very good extractors, and pressure washers amongst other things.
Videos
08:42
Festool ETS EC150 vs Mirka Deros - choose WISELY - YouTube
Sanding UPGRADE - Festool, Mirka OR 3M Extract
Mirka Deros VS Festool ETS EC | Which Sander Should You Buy? - ...
14:45
Festool guy buys first Mirka, which one is better? - YouTube
08:41
Festool ETS EC150 vs Mirka Deros Review - YouTube
Obsessed Woodworking
obsessedwoodworking.com › home › tools › mirka dust extractor vs festool: is one better?
Mirka Dust Extractor Vs Festool: Is One Better?
October 5, 2023 - The CT36 model, a fair comparison to the Mirka 1230 model, uses a HEPA-certified bag (self-cleaning, also), variable speed suction to meet the needs of the power tool being used, whether sander, planer, track saw or miter saw, all power tool ...
Screwfix Community Forum
community.screwfix.com › forums › screwfix community forum › carpenters' talk
Mirka or Festool | Screwfix Community Forum
May 15, 2024 - Previously I worked one job where ... say if one was more dust-free than another. From what I can see, wood finishers tend toward Festool, whereas decorators (not just the ones I work with) seem to go with Mirka....
Decorator's Forum
thedecoratorsforum.com › mirka-deros-vs-festool-ets-ec150
Mirka Deros Vs Festool ETS EC150 - Decorator's forum UK
The build quality of Festool is widely regarded as being better than Mirka. However, the Deros is probably the best sander that Mirka makes; it’s lighter and creates less dust. They both come with a 2-year warranty, but you can register them ...
Published September 6, 2025
Haymes Paint
paintaccess.com.au › blogs › company-news › mirka-vs-festool
Mirka vs Festool
Festool is a German-made brand specialising in high-quality construction tools with an emphasis on “healthy working”. Like Mirka, Festool aims to reduce painter’s exposure to hazardous dust.
Facebook
facebook.com › groups › diycabinetrefinishing › posts › 1725254291339399
How do Festool and Mirka dust extractors compare for ...
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YouTube
youtube.com › coastal woodworking and concrete design
Mirka vs. Festool Who won???? - YouTube
Super scientific #Mirka vs. #Festool comparison. Check this out...#shortsviral Mirka Deros MID650-912-5 6" Electric Dust-Free Sanding System - https://amzn....
Published October 27, 2022 Views 9K
Detailing World
detailingworld.co.uk › home › forums › lifestyle › the home and garden zone
Mirka or Festool dust free sanding | Detailing World Forum
It did improve the plaster but ... keeping the dust down to virtually zero I use the Mirka for all sorts of sanding work and the Festool DTS for corners and also smaller jobs....
PaintTalk
painttalk.com › home › forums › professional painters forums › surface preparation and application
Sanders/Vacuums, what’s the best option. Festool? Mirka? Ekasand? | Professional Painting Contractors Forum
I also do not like the hose storage for the Mirka. My experience is the Festool dust extractors run really well, and they have the best hoses. My first CT 26 I retired at its 10 year mark. Still worked when I moved it on. I just felt it wasn't as efficient as it used to be.
Home Improvement Way
homeimprovementway.com › blog › festool vs mirka: essential tool showdown
Festool vs Mirka: Essential Tool Showdown | Home Improvement Way
August 27, 2025 - While Festool’s abrasives are excellent, Mirka’s Abranet often provides a more noticeable leap in the user experience for many. Expand your knowledge about Tools & Equipment with this article. Fret Saw vs Coping Saw: Essential Guide · This is a cornerstone of both brands’ philosophies, but Festool often leads the charge in creating a complete, integrated system. Festool’s Systainer-based dust extractors (like the CT series) are designed to integrate perfectly with their tools.
Pistonheads
pistonheads.com › gassing › topic.asp
Festool vs Mirka - Page 1 - Homes, Gardens and DIY - PistonHeads UK
Although I`ve not tried the ETS, ... for, both the Festool and Mirka are very good, have excellent dust extraction, come in Systainers and the Mirka fits a Festool Extractor, usefully....
Sawmill Creek
sawmillcreek.org › forums › woodworking topics › general woodworking and power tools
Mirka sander vs Festool | Sawmill Creek Woodworking Community
December 31, 2017 - The extraneous dust the 5 to 10 sanders with dust collection are going to produce is still going to be noticeable without your sanding booth and good air recirculation. The DC on these sanders is good on bigger panels, not as good on stuff smaller than the disc size IMHO. ... Had a Mirka, I like the brushless festool much better.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/woodworking › anyone own/tried both yet?
r/woodworking on Reddit: Anyone own/tried both yet?
October 14, 2024 - Mirka is the only other company that comes close to the quality of the festool in my opinion ... That same guy did say Festool had the best sanders hands down. If you're going that route there may be some nice integrations with the Festool Extractor.
Screwfix Community Forum
community.screwfix.com › forums › screwfix community forum › painters' talk
Combining other brand tools to a festool dust extractor? or recomendations? | Screwfix Community Forum
October 1, 2021 - The base of the sander is full ... is available in any grit from 40 to 1000 as mentioned above. Plus - the Mirka's suction nozzle is 27mm, so it will hook up directly to a Festool extractor hose....
Painterspitstop
painterspitstop.com › threads › festool-extractors.12300 › page-5
Festool extractors | Page 5 | Painters Pit Stop - Decorators Forum (The Forum for Paint Trade Professionals)
Hmm, bit confused - the Mirka rep was saying they're basically the same, but M class more efficient and better suited for hardwood dust, so they're the...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/woodworking › festool ec 150/3 or mirka deros
r/woodworking on Reddit: Festool EC 150/3 or Mirka Deros
November 16, 2014 -
I am looking at upgrading my random orbital sander and looking for peoples opinions and experiences with the two. The big things are
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finish quality
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dust extraction
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ease of use
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and whether the Deros can hook up to a Festool extractor
Thanks for your opinions and advice!
Top answer 1 of 3
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I am looking at upgrading my random orbital sander
Ugh... me too. I deliberately avoid it because not only is it $$$, but because the Festool has like a dozen of them and I'm totally lost. I read the paragraph about it and it looks identical to a bunch of other models. Why this not that???
I'd go Deros myself if only for the fact that they have like one model so that makes choosing simple.
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Although I dont own one I do use them weekly. Off the top of my head festool have a grading system in their tool name ie. Random orbital sander 3S150Fe or something like that the first number and letter give the stroke action in mm so it would be a 3mm Stroke (which is a fine type) for higher quality finishing(clears, stains and oils) while a 5S is for faster general finishing (painted).
A stroke is how much the disk is off center I think, the more off center the more aggressive.
The numbers after the S show the width of the disk and the letter after those correct me if I'm wrong show its power method electric or pneumatic.
I really like festool sanders but unfortunately since they switched to that new cable system I've notice an overall drop in quality. Their older boxy type is still going in the shop while the newer ones have already been retired after 6years
Reddit
reddit.com › r/woodworking › mirka vs festool ets150 vs rotex
r/woodworking on Reddit: Mirka vs Festool ETS150 vs Rotex
April 14, 2025 -
Which sander should I buy? I need a general purpose replacement for surface finishing of tables, cabinets, and veneered pieces. I am not in any ecosystem, and I have 4” dust collection ports at my workstations already.
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Not buying any Mirka stuff, as I read too much reports of it braking after the warranty is over. Rotex is for heavy sanding. Like saw rough cuts. You don't use it for finish sanding and I would buy the Bosch GET 150 instead. Both gear driven, but the Bosch is way cheaper, which is why I got it. I used the Rotex many times before and I don't feel a difference. I also don't like to finish on a 150mm sander, but that depends on what kind of pieces you are building. All purpose, the ETS 125 / 150 would be my choice. Or better get the combi I use, which is the Bosch GET 150 and the Festool ETS 125.
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I use a mirka everyday. I love it. Buy sanding equipment from companies that specialize in sanding equipment.
Shop Tool Reviews
shoptoolreviews.com › home › mirka dust extractor 1230 preview
Mirka Dust Extractor 1230 Preview - Shop Tool Reviews
May 11, 2017 - Sure, the game we play with sanding is much safer with a dust extractor, but it makes the job much more pleasant as well. If you don’t do it for regulators, do it for yourself. ... With this dustless focus on the forefront, many tools are coming with dust ports included. In addition to the dust ports, we see flow-through sandpaper and more efficient tools in general. To answer the call of these more efficient tools, the Mirka Dust Extractor 1230 includes three high performance models.
Seriousgrit
seriousgrit.com › blogs › sandpaper-post › which-festool-dust-extractor-to-buy
Which Festool Dust Extractor to Buy? - All Models Compared from $399 - – SERIOUS GRIT
August 16, 2023 - In our opinion, the Festool CT MIDI I HEPA is the best Festool dust extractor for most people. It has great features like the smooth anti-static hose, the built-in hose garage for storage, optional bluetooth control, and a good balance of size/portability. And at $679, it sits right in the middle of the lineup. So which one do you have in your shop? Are there other brands like Mirka or Fein you recommend Whichever dust extractor or vacuum you choose, it's important to use it!