Shop vac reommmendations?

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) · 2010-02-20 05:19

My Sears Craftsman wet/dry vac just self-destructed — rather spectacularly. I had it connected to the CNC mill to suck up dust from milling out PCBs. (It has a HEPA filter, so I don't think any dust got into the motor.) I'm glad I was standing there when it happened, else it might have burnt down the shop! I've got the ceiling vent fan running now to extract the smoke and acrid electrical fire odor, and my clothes reek of it.

Anyway, I need a new vac. It needs to have (or be compatible with) a HEPA filter, due to the fiberglass dust. Any recommendations? Shop Vac (the real thang), another Craftsman, or ... ?

Thanks,
-Phil

Mikerocontroller · 2010-02-20 07:22

I use a 14 gallon Ridgid on a daily basis and it is pretty quiet. It uses pleated cannister filters and over bags. I don't care for the flimsy handle but it is definitely quieter than the Shop Vac brand.

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) · 2010-02-20 07:51

Thanks! A friend of mine has recommended Ridgid, too. (He also complained about the handle.) Apparently Home Depot carries them, so I may have a look tomorrow.

-Phil

Franklin · 2010-02-20 17:26

If you have some money to spend look into vacuums sold to chimney sweeps, they have good filters.

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- Stephen

Unknown · 2010-02-20 17:43

You might want to investigate dyson vacuum cleaners or dyson shop vacs to see if it can do the job but I warn you they might be a bit pricey.

Erik Friesen · 2010-02-20 21:28

How long do you want it to last? You get what you pay for in vacuums. I do drywall, and have found that it is critical for motor life that there is an internal filter. (at least with drywall)

Porter cable makes a good one, but It is not really geared toward general use. I had one from this company, and they are pretty good also. lovelessash.com/

www.dustlesstechnologies.com/dustlessvacuum.htm the vac is good, the flash on the website . ugh.

hover1 · 2010-02-20 21:40

I second vote for Rigid. I bought the 16 gallon 3 years ago, and it has served me faithfully, shop dust, drywall dust, metal shavings, fiberglass dust, and water pickup. It has a HEPA filter and the good thing, all the replacement attachments and filters and add ons are just around the corner at Home Depot. Also the motor head on the 16 gallon detaches and can be used as a leaf blower. That has been invaluable when you don't want to crank up a gas powered leave blower in the shop!

Jim

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) · 2010-02-20 23:04

'Got one of the Ridgid units from Home Depot, along with a HEPA filter, and dumped the standard filter in the trash. It looks like a nice unit and is compatible with my old Sears attachments, which is good, since it didn't come with a duct tool. The cord is pretty stiff, but I clipped the Sears cord and may substitute it if it becomes an issue. I really don't have an issue with the handle, BTW. Along with the two large rear wheels, it's way better than the Sears unit, since I can wheel it around like a hand truck.

Thanks to all who pointed me this direction. So far, it looks like good advice!

-Phil

steve_b · 2010-02-23 13:31

Get a Rigid that will let you connect to the "blow" port.
We've had jams in our dust collection system and setting up a push/pull will usually dislodge it!

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<FONT>Steve

What's the best thing to do in a lightning storm? "take a one iron out the bag and hold it straight up above your head, even God cant hit a one iron!"
Lee Travino after the second time being hit by lightning!

Shop vac reommmendations?

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