My old Craftsman vac is starting to die. Smells hot when running and sounds like a dyeing whale when shutting off. Wouldn't mind spending a little extra to get something better like a commercial version that will last me a long time. Any recommendations?
Shop Vac Recommendation
- Thread starter fantic
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I would look at what kind of filters (incl how they fit, whether standard size, and how expensive they are) it takes and whether you can use the big inner dust bags with it.
I would also favor one with adjustable suction power, nice to have.
Some have a removable blower head that can be handy if you don't already have a blower, nice feature.
I would also favor one with adjustable suction power, nice to have.
Some have a removable blower head that can be handy if you don't already have a blower, nice feature.
I would only buy a vac that takes bags, especially if you are using it with dust material. It saves the expensive filter.
And never ever suck up drywall dust without the proper "fine dust" bag installed. That dust is very abrasive, very fine, it goes right through the big pleated filter, into the motor bearings (which ruins them), then it into the room where you breathe it in.
If you intend to use it connected to a tool like a sander or track saw, try to get one that has a function that turns the vac on when you turn on the tool plugged into it. I have a Festool extractor for this, but it's probably not what you're looking for. Other brands have this feature now.
That being said, I recently bought a Ridgid 14 gal vac that I am very happy with. It's less noisy than the Shop Vac and has a lot more suction. I keep it connected to my miter saw and router table with an automatic vacuum switch, and a dust deputy cyclone to catch the sawdust.
And never ever suck up drywall dust without the proper "fine dust" bag installed. That dust is very abrasive, very fine, it goes right through the big pleated filter, into the motor bearings (which ruins them), then it into the room where you breathe it in.
If you intend to use it connected to a tool like a sander or track saw, try to get one that has a function that turns the vac on when you turn on the tool plugged into it. I have a Festool extractor for this, but it's probably not what you're looking for. Other brands have this feature now.
That being said, I recently bought a Ridgid 14 gal vac that I am very happy with. It's less noisy than the Shop Vac and has a lot more suction. I keep it connected to my miter saw and router table with an automatic vacuum switch, and a dust deputy cyclone to catch the sawdust.
NCFJ
Supporting Vendor
I have a Rigid from Home Depot that is over 20 years old. It replaced a Craftsman that was about 15. Fine fiberglass dust is what took out the Craftsman. If you are using it for fine dust like mentioned above a dust cover for your pleated filter is a must. An intermediate 5 gallon bucket set up will help a great deal as well. Many places sell them already made up or you can make your own.
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks for the replies. I have never used a bag before. Maybe that's what helped kill my motor. The Rigid seems to rank high in all the test I see. I like the one that has a handle and the big wheels. That will make it easier to move between my two buildings and garage.
thorslc1977
SILVER Star
I have a vac with the extended handle and bigger wheels. Makes a big difference. Without the handle and little wheels they seem to go where they want to go not where you want them to go.
alia176
SILVER Star
have you thought about picking up a used whole house central vac that mounts to the wall and has a stupidt long hose? That's what I did when I was looking around for a shop vac and found a whole house vac on FB Marketplace. That house was "upgrading" to a larger version, and it has been awesome for me. Floor space is premium in my garage and this thing lives on the corner wall, and has a giganticus bottom catch canister thing that I emptied once in seven years! It has a 35 jigawatts motor and can stuck start a Harely on a cold winter morning. True story.
Anyway, just some food for thought.
Here's one for sale near me: Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/679107627934373/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A0c63af6f-f752-47d2-bf4b-8dff5000341a
Another one for $25. I might go get this one and use it for the sand blasting cabinet Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1046856814062774/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A0c63af6f-f752-47d2-bf4b-8dff5000341a
Anyway, just some food for thought.
Here's one for sale near me: Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/679107627934373/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A0c63af6f-f752-47d2-bf4b-8dff5000341a
Another one for $25. I might go get this one and use it for the sand blasting cabinet Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1046856814062774/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A0c63af6f-f752-47d2-bf4b-8dff5000341a
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NCFJ
Supporting Vendor
I have a Rigid that is over 20 years old, still kicking, original filter. It gets used good bit.
Great description.
Our house has a central vac. Bride does not like it (carrying the hose and overall performance) so it doesn't get used. Interesting that it could be option for the shop. Thanks for the info.
- Thread starter
- #10
I have two buildings. One 50x100 and another 30x50. They are about 100' from each other. So I don't think that would work. I'm planning on looking at the Rigid this weekend.
alia176
SILVER Star
Ahhh, that changes things
alia176
SILVER Star
I picked this one up on my home yesterday for $20. The young couple moved into a nice house that was using it but the previous family must've moved with the hoses and attachments and left this unit mounted to the wall. I'm surprised they opted to not buy items needed to utilize the Central vac!!
Mount the central vac to a cart!
