The corrugations on most vacuum hoses, including the one on my Festool Dust Extractor, tend to catch on the sharp edge of the workbench and restrict sander movement. To solve the problem I purchased “Expandable Braided Sleeving” from Amazon in the 1 1/4-in.-dia. size, which fits over the end fittings on the hose and pulls tight on the hose itself. I secured it at each end with a zip tie and Gorilla tape. For $15 total, I now have a hose that glides over table edges and makes sanding easier. For larger hoses, look for larger-diameter sleeving.

—CRAIG MORGAN, Orchard Lake, Mich.

Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #282

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM

While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test.

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Grout float

The red foam on these grout floats grip well to wood, and the large handle keeps your hands safely away from bits and blades.

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Fein Turbo II HEPA Wet/Dry Dust Extractor

Among the most powerful HEPA-rated shop vacs on the market, Fein’s Turbo II is quieter, more compact, and nimbler than the rest.

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