Dust Extraction Hose Fitting Compatibility Guide
Connecting a dust extractor to a router should be straightforward. In practice, it’s one of the most frustrating compatibility problems in woodworking. Router dust ports come in different diameters, extractor hoses come in different diameters, and the two rarely match without some kind of adaptor in between. This guide maps out every common combination so you can get the right hose, the right adaptor, and actually extract the dust instead of breathing it in.
Why Dust Extraction Matters for Routing
Routers produce an enormous amount of fine dust — far more than most other woodworking operations relative to the material removed. MDF routing is particularly nasty: the particles are extremely fine and the formaldehyde-based resins in MDF make the dust a genuine health hazard. Even with hardwoods, long-term exposure to wood dust is linked to nasal cancer and respiratory disease. The HSE workplace exposure limit for hardwood dust is 3 mg/m³ — you’ll blow past that in minutes without extraction.
Beyond health, dust extraction dramatically improves cut quality. A router bit cutting through a pile of its own chips produces a rougher finish than one with clear chip evacuation. And if you’re following a pencil line or template edge, being able to actually see what you’re doing makes a noticeable difference to accuracy.
Router Dust Port Sizes by Brand and Model
The dust port is the nozzle or spout on your router (or router’s dust extraction attachment) where the hose connects. These vary significantly between brands and even between models within the same brand.
Festool Routers
| Model | Dust Port Size | Connection Type | Compatible Hose |
|---|---|---|---|
| OF 1010 EBQ | 27mm | Bayonet click-fit | Festool D 27 hose — connects directly |
| OF 1400 EBQ | 27mm | Bayonet click-fit | Festool D 27 hose — connects directly |
| OF 2200 EB | 36mm | Bayonet click-fit | Festool D 36 hose — connects directly |
Festool’s system is the gold standard for dust extraction. Their routers connect directly to Festool CT/CTL/CTM extractors with no adaptors needed — just click the hose on. The catch? You’re locked into the Festool ecosystem, and their hoses and extractors aren’t cheap. If you’re connecting a Festool router to a non-Festool extractor, you’ll need a Festool-to-standard adaptor.
Makita Routers
| Model | Dust Port Size | Connection Type | Adaptor Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RT0702C (trim router) | No built-in port | N/A — needs dust extraction base | Makita 196861-4 dust extraction attachment |
| RP0900 (900W plunge) | 28mm approx | Push-fit spout | 28mm to 32/35mm step adaptor |
| RP1801 (1,850W plunge) | 28mm approx | Push-fit spout | 28mm to 32/35mm step adaptor |
| RP2301FC (2,100W plunge) | 28mm approx | Push-fit spout | 28mm to 32/35mm step adaptor |
| DRT50Z (18V cordless) | Integrated shroud | Push-fit | Makita dust extraction attachment 195558-3 |
Makita routers typically have a 28mm-ish dust port that doesn’t match standard 32mm or 35mm extractor hoses. You’ll need a stepped adaptor or a universal rubber reducer. The Makita-specific dust extraction accessories work well but add to the cost.
DeWalt Routers
| Model | Dust Port Size | Connection Type | Adaptor Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWE6005 (laminate trimmer) | No built-in port | N/A | Aftermarket dust shoe or shroud |
| DW621 (1,100W plunge) | 35mm | Push-fit | Fits most 35mm hoses directly |
| DW625EK (2,000W plunge) | 35mm | Push-fit | Fits most 35mm hoses directly |
| DCW604 (18V cordless trim) | 35mm via attachment | AirLock compatible | DWV9000 AirLock adaptor for tool-free connection |
| D26204K (900W combo) | 35mm | Push-fit | Fits most 35mm hoses directly |
DeWalt has standardised on 35mm across most of their dust-producing tools, which is helpful. Their newer cordless range supports the AirLock system — a quick-connect fitting that lets you swap the hose between tools without faffing with push-fit connections. The DWV9000 adaptor adds AirLock to any tool with a 35mm port.
Bosch Routers
| Model | Dust Port Size | Connection Type | Adaptor Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| GKF 12V-8 (12V trim) | No built-in port | N/A | Aftermarket dust shoe |
| GOF 1250 CE | 35mm | Push-fit | Fits standard 35mm hoses |
| GOF 1600 CE | 35mm | Push-fit | Fits standard 35mm hoses |
| GMF 1600 CE (multifunction) | 35mm | Push-fit | Fits standard 35mm hoses |
Trend Routers
| Model | Dust Port Size | Connection Type | Adaptor Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| T4EK (850W) | 36mm | Push-fit | Fits 36mm hoses or use 36mm→35mm adaptor |
| T5EB (1,000W) | 36mm | Push-fit | Fits 36mm hoses or use 36mm→35mm adaptor |
| T7EK (1,500W) | 36mm | Push-fit | Fits 36mm hoses or use 36mm→35mm adaptor |
| T10EK (2,000W) | 36mm | Push-fit | Fits 36mm hoses or use 36mm→35mm adaptor |
| T12EK (2,300W) | 36mm | Push-fit | Fits 36mm hoses or use 36mm→35mm adaptor |
Trend routers use 36mm dust ports across the range. If your extractor uses 35mm hoses (common with Bosch GAS and Henry Numatic), you’ll find the 36mm port is just slightly too large for a snug fit. A wrap of electrical tape or a 36mm→35mm reducer ring sorts this out. Trend also sell their own dust extraction accessories that fit perfectly.
Extractor Hose Sizes — What You’re Connecting To
The other half of the equation is your dust extractor’s hose. Here are the standard sizes across the main extractor brands in the UK:
| Extractor Brand | Hose Internal Diameter | Compatible Router Ports |
|---|---|---|
| Festool CT/CTL/CTM | 27mm or 36mm (model dependent) | Festool routers directly. Others need adaptor. |
| Bosch GAS 35 | 35mm | DeWalt, Bosch routers directly. Makita/Trend need adaptor. |
| DeWalt DWV902M | 35mm | DeWalt routers directly (AirLock). Bosch fits. Others need adaptor. |
| Makita VC2012L / VC3012L | 28mm / 36mm (dual) | Makita routers on 28mm. Trend on 36mm. Others need adaptor. |
| Henry / Hetty (Numatic) | 32mm | Needs adaptor for almost all routers. |
| Karcher WD series | 35mm | DeWalt, Bosch fit. Others need adaptor. |
| Record Power | 36mm / 100mm | Trend routers on 36mm hose. 100mm for larger workshop ducting. |
Universal Adaptor Solutions
If your router port and extractor hose don’t match, here are the most common adaptor solutions:
Stepped Rubber Adaptors
The cheapest and most versatile option. These are cone-shaped rubber adaptors with multiple stepped rings that you cut to the size you need. They typically cover 25mm to 58mm in one adaptor. Widely available from Screwfix, Toolstation, and Amazon for under £5. The downsides: they’re not airtight (you lose some suction), they can slip off under vibration, and they look a bit agricultural. But for occasional use, they’re perfectly fine.
Buy Universal Stepped Adaptor on Amazon
Buy Makita Dust Nozzle on Amazon
Buy DeWalt DWV9000 AirLock on Amazon
Brand-Specific Adaptors
| Adaptor | Converts | Use Case | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DWV9000 AirLock | 35mm port → AirLock | Quick-connect any 35mm tool to DeWalt extractor | £15-20 |
| Festool D 27/D 36 adaptor | Festool → standard hose | Connect Festool router to non-Festool extractor | £10-25 |
| Trend 35mm→36mm reducer | 35mm hose → 36mm port | Connect Bosch/DeWalt extractor to Trend router | £5-10 |
| Universal stepped cone | 25mm-58mm range | Fits almost anything to anything | £3-8 |
Router Table Dust Extraction
If you’re running a router table, dust extraction gets more complicated — and more important. You need extraction at two points: the fence (where most chips are thrown) and the router housing below the table (where fine dust collects). Most quality router tables have a 2-1/2″ (63mm) or 4″ (100mm) port on the fence and a smaller port below.
For proper table extraction, you really need a workshop extractor with larger bore hoses — the small M-class extractors designed for power tool extraction don’t have the airflow for a router table fence. A minimum of 100mm/4″ ducting to the fence, connected to an extractor doing at least 1,000 m³/hr airflow, is what you’re after.