Festool CTL MIDI HEPA Dust Extractor
The Festool CTL MIDI is best-in-class for dust extraction with farrier grinders thanks to its compact design, reliable HEPA filtration and tool-triggered automatic start that keeps grit out of the shop air during frequent, short grinding cycles. Compared with the other options here it trades a higher purchase price for superior integration with powered tools, low-noise operation and premium filter performance that reduces long-term health risk and filter replacement frequency. For farriers who prioritize clean-air performance, portability and minimized downtime, the Festool justifies its cost with lower operational friction and matched accessories.
Whisper-quiet ninja
True HEPA capture
Whisper-quiet ninja
True HEPA capture
Review Summary
"Highly praised for build quality, consistent suction and class-leading HEPA filtration; expensive but many professionals say it's worth the price for reliable dust control. "
Auto-start docking
True HEPA filtration for capturing fine metal and hoof dust down to 0.3 microns.
Auto-start docking
True HEPA filtration for capturing fine metal and hoof dust down to 0.3 microns.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Festool CTL MIDI is best-in-class for dust extraction with farrier grinders thanks to its compact design, reliable HEPA filtration and tool-triggered automatic start that keeps grit out of the shop air during frequent, short grinding cycles. Compared with the other options here it trades a higher purchase price for superior integration with powered tools, low-noise operation and premium filter performance that reduces long-term health risk and filter replacement frequency. For farriers who prioritize clean-air performance, portability and minimized downtime, the Festool justifies its cost with lower operational friction and matched accessories.
Whisper-quiet ninja
True HEPA capture
Auto-start docking
True HEPA filtration for capturing fine metal and hoof dust down to 0.3 microns.
Integrated power-tool inlet with automatic start/stop for grinder use.
Whisper-quiet ninja
True HEPA capture
Auto-start docking
True HEPA filtration for capturing fine metal and hoof dust down to 0.3 microns.
Integrated power-tool inlet with automatic start/stop for grinder use.
Makita VC4710 HEPA Vacuum
The Makita VC4710 offers a strong, reliable motor and large-capacity canister that makes it a cost-effective choice for busy farriers who need plenty of run-time between dumps while still retaining HEPA-level filtration. Compared with Festool, Makita typically delivers similar suction at a lower entry price and with a rugged build that tolerates heavy shop use, though it may lack some of Festool’s integrated tool-matching refinements. For shops balancing budget and performance, the VC4710 presents a practical value proposition with easier maintenance costs over time.
Dust-hungry dragon
Large-capacity canister
Dust-hungry dragon
Large-capacity canister
Review Summary
"A solid, reliable HEPA vacuum with strong suction and good value; bulkier and less refined than premium units but well-regarded for heavy workshop use. "
Rugged portability
High-efficiency HEPA capture combined with strong suction suited for prolonged grinding sessions.
Rugged portability
High-efficiency HEPA capture combined with strong suction suited for prolonged grinding sessions.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Makita VC4710 offers a strong, reliable motor and large-capacity canister that makes it a cost-effective choice for busy farriers who need plenty of run-time between dumps while still retaining HEPA-level filtration. Compared with Festool, Makita typically delivers similar suction at a lower entry price and with a rugged build that tolerates heavy shop use, though it may lack some of Festool’s integrated tool-matching refinements. For shops balancing budget and performance, the VC4710 presents a practical value proposition with easier maintenance costs over time.
Dust-hungry dragon
Large-capacity canister
Rugged portability
High-efficiency HEPA capture combined with strong suction suited for prolonged grinding sessions.
Rugged build and large debris capacity to reduce emptying during farrier work.
Dust-hungry dragon
Large-capacity canister
Rugged portability
High-efficiency HEPA capture combined with strong suction suited for prolonged grinding sessions.
Rugged build and large debris capacity to reduce emptying during farrier work.
Bosch VAC090AH 9-Gallon HEPA Dust Extractor
Bosch’s 9-gallon VAC090AH stands out for its larger debris capacity and steady airflow, which is useful during extended farrier grinder sessions where frequent emptying is disruptive. Versus the smaller Festool and Makita units it reduces interruption thanks to its tank size and practical onboard tool storage, while providing HEPA filtration suitable for airborne metal and hoof dust. For mid-sized shops wanting long uninterrupted runs and a balance of commercial suction and cost, the Bosch is a strong middle-ground choice.
Shop bouncer
Big-bucket runtime
Shop bouncer
Big-bucket runtime
Review Summary
"Compact and powerful with effective HEPA containment, though some users report accessory-fit and longevity concerns; overall a capable extractor for shop environments. "
Self-cleaning filter
9-gallon tank size balances capacity and portability for full-day farrier jobs.
Self-cleaning filter
9-gallon tank size balances capacity and portability for full-day farrier jobs.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Bosch’s 9-gallon VAC090AH stands out for its larger debris capacity and steady airflow, which is useful during extended farrier grinder sessions where frequent emptying is disruptive. Versus the smaller Festool and Makita units it reduces interruption thanks to its tank size and practical onboard tool storage, while providing HEPA filtration suitable for airborne metal and hoof dust. For mid-sized shops wanting long uninterrupted runs and a balance of commercial suction and cost, the Bosch is a strong middle-ground choice.
Shop bouncer
Big-bucket runtime
Self-cleaning filter
9-gallon tank size balances capacity and portability for full-day farrier jobs.
HEPA-grade filtration plus features designed for dust-intensive power-tool cleanup.
Shop bouncer
Big-bucket runtime
Self-cleaning filter
9-gallon tank size balances capacity and portability for full-day farrier jobs.
HEPA-grade filtration plus features designed for dust-intensive power-tool cleanup.
FEIN Turbo II HEPA Dust Extractor
The FEIN Turbo II earns its market-leader reputation for heavy-duty farrier work by combining German-engineered durability with an active turbine-style filter-cleaning system that keeps suction consistent during long, dusty sessions. It is typically priced higher than the Shop-Vac or Makita models but outperforms them in sustained extraction efficiency and lower filter-change downtime, making it ideal for professional farriers with high daily throughput. Compared to Festool and Bosch, FEIN emphasizes industrial robustness and continuous operation as its primary financial benefit through reduced service interruptions.
Turbocharged suction
Tool-trigger sync
Turbocharged suction
Tool-trigger sync
Review Summary
"Top-tier performance with durable construction and excellent dust containment that professionals favor for daily heavy use; higher cost but praised for longevity and suction. "
Durable premium build
Very high airflow and suction power built to handle heavy dust loads from grinders.
Durable premium build
Very high airflow and suction power built to handle heavy dust loads from grinders.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The FEIN Turbo II earns its market-leader reputation for heavy-duty farrier work by combining German-engineered durability with an active turbine-style filter-cleaning system that keeps suction consistent during long, dusty sessions. It is typically priced higher than the Shop-Vac or Makita models but outperforms them in sustained extraction efficiency and lower filter-change downtime, making it ideal for professional farriers with high daily throughput. Compared to Festool and Bosch, FEIN emphasizes industrial robustness and continuous operation as its primary financial benefit through reduced service interruptions.
Turbocharged suction
Tool-trigger sync
Durable premium build
Very high airflow and suction power built to handle heavy dust loads from grinders.
Professional-grade HEPA filtration and durable construction for frequent commercial use.
Turbocharged suction
Tool-trigger sync
Durable premium build
Very high airflow and suction power built to handle heavy dust loads from grinders.
Professional-grade HEPA filtration and durable construction for frequent commercial use.
Shop-Vac 9621210 Professional HEPA Vacuum
The Shop-Vac 9621210 is the most budget-friendly option suited to part-time farriers or as a backup extractor, offering HEPA-rated filtration and broad availability of replacement parts at low cost. It doesn’t match the refined tool integration or continuous-duty features of FEIN or Festool, but its lower upfront and maintenance costs make it an economical choice for occasional use or for shops that want multiple units spread across workstations. For buyers prioritizing affordability and easy parts sourcing over premium continuous-operation features, Shop-Vac represents solid value.
Old-reliable workhorse
Wet-dry versatility
Old-reliable workhorse
Wet-dry versatility
Review Summary
"Affordable professional HEPA option offering strong suction, but heavier and louder with mixed reports on long-term reliability and filter maintenance. "
Budget-friendly upkeep
Affordable professional HEPA-equipped vacuum suited for part-time farriers or budget shops.
Budget-friendly upkeep
Affordable professional HEPA-equipped vacuum suited for part-time farriers or budget shops.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Shop-Vac 9621210 is the most budget-friendly option suited to part-time farriers or as a backup extractor, offering HEPA-rated filtration and broad availability of replacement parts at low cost. It doesn’t match the refined tool integration or continuous-duty features of FEIN or Festool, but its lower upfront and maintenance costs make it an economical choice for occasional use or for shops that want multiple units spread across workstations. For buyers prioritizing affordability and easy parts sourcing over premium continuous-operation features, Shop-Vac represents solid value.
Old-reliable workhorse
Wet-dry versatility
Budget-friendly upkeep
Affordable professional HEPA-equipped vacuum suited for part-time farriers or budget shops.
Decent tank capacity and straightforward filter access for quick maintenance.
Old-reliable workhorse
Wet-dry versatility
Budget-friendly upkeep
Affordable professional HEPA-equipped vacuum suited for part-time farriers or budget shops.
Decent tank capacity and straightforward filter access for quick maintenance.
$250-400 CAD