Recommend a good shop vac

[Billy Jack]

For a powerful but portable vacuum, look into the Vacmaster Beast series. They are proud to publish their specs like CFM and waterlift and their specs are better than just about anything else comparable. I ordered mine through Home Depot, even though they were not in stock there and if it broke tomorrow, I'd get the same one again. I also bought a Rigid car detailing kit, which got me a longer 10 foot 1 1/4" heavier hose and numerous attachments.

Bill

 

[brownbagg]

the shop vac brand from lowes is the worst one i ever had, died within six months

 

[Mallen]

Hi guys,
i need a small yet powerful portable (on wheels) shop vac. I have a three car garage, with my shop in the 1-car bay. I have a wall mounted shop vac with a 25ft hose in the 2 car bay, but it doesn't reach, and pulling it off the wall is a pain. I also have a small M18 cannister vac for spot cleanups, but i want something bigger to vacuum grinding dust/swarf from the shop floor. Space is at a premium, and the stuff I want to clean up doesn't necessitate a large cannister, but does need good suction.

Any recommendations appreciated. Will be buying new.

Thanks.

You could just get a longer hose or an extension.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

If you value your lungs, add a Hepa filter.

 

[mikedodge]

Here is the one I bought yesterday. Seems to work ok, only used it a bit. Fits where I want although it's a bit tight.

Not married to it yet but I don't know what better options there are...

I have one like that but it's a Ridgid. I bought it for price but no complaints. I also have a shop vac brand, again no problems other then the cheap casters are always breaking.

 

[vtcat]

cyclone/dust deputy the most important part

 

[PZ 1]

Get another wall mount. Cheap, easy, and in ways, better. Put a mount on a cabinet or side of a shelf unit or hang from the ceiling if there is a place to do that.
The Hang-Ups are so handy, always there ready to go. You don't have to roll a vacuum around and uncoil the hose and the cord and hook up the hose and tubes, and then coil it all back up and put it back. And it isn't sitting in the way anywhere.
Keep the hose hanging near the workbench and when you're done working on something, hit the switch and start to finish is about 30 seconds.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you value your lungs, add a Hepa filter.

HEPA is not required for 90% of the jobs. They clog quickly. A fine mesh filter is adequate.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My son bought another Craftsman after he killed the first one vacuuming dry wall dust with the wrong filter !

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Rigid 16 gallon from HD still going since 2005. Buy good filters for the job.

 

[vavet]

The nice thing about going with a big box brand unit is the immediate availability of accessories and attachments. My setup is a 20+ year old ridgid with a dustopper separator on a 5 gallon bucket. Mine does not accommodate a bag.

 

[brtsvg]

I just wish you could buy a “dry-only” shop vac instead of the “wet/dry” type which they all seem to be. I never use mine in the “wet” mode so I don’t need the higher suction that water pickup requires. I’m more interested in airflow for dust pickup. My dad had a good Craftsman dust-only shop vac on wheels 40 years ago that worked great for all the dust he created with his RAS and it had a lot of suction airflow. Wish I could buy one like it today.

 

[qqzj]

The DeWalt vac I bought from Costco works really well. I was vacuuming my gutters yesterday. Since there was both rain water, mud, leaves and dry dirt and sand, I didn't use filter. Have I done anything wrong?

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

HEPA is not required for 90% of the jobs. They clog quickly. A fine mesh filter is adequate.

The dust you don't see is what kills. Filters work best when the dust is also part the filtering . I got that from a filter maker. If your vacuum can't handle a full filter, toss it.

 

[JRC3]

HEPA is not required for 90% of the jobs. They clog quickly.

That's why you use a bag too. No other setup goes longer without clogging all while keeping the air clean. Been running it for years even hooked right up to my 9" disc drywall sander.

This was a regualar bag change...I did nothing but change the bag, I didn't clean the canister or the HEPA filter.

 

[jrsavoie]

If you value your lungs, add a Hepa filter.

I was told by a Dr. Not to run a vac - even with a hepa. He recommended something else, but I don't recall what he said.