Best Shop Vac?

 
bustedwing
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Post by bustedwing » Sun. Dec. 21, 2008 11:29 pm

Use a cheapo shopvac,5 gal canister type,if I install the paper(cloth?) filter correctly there is no dust even when vacuuming fly ash.RichB

 
Oakback
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Post by Oakback » Fri. Jan. 02, 2009 8:06 am

thanks to all for the advice.
it appears that all things being equal with the machine, the filter is the critical component.

 
CapeCoaler
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Post by CapeCoaler » Fri. Jan. 02, 2009 10:33 am

They all 'suck' and it is also true that a good filter can make a 'cheap' vacuum better.
If you use the vacuum for other projects/shop/work investing in a 'better' brand, such as Fein, will have additional benefits.
The lowered sound levels and the built in auto-on switch of the Fein sold me on the 'better brand' but I picked mine up for $50!


 
wnyjim
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Post by wnyjim » Fri. Jan. 02, 2009 1:48 pm

I have a 5 gal shop vac brand right next to my coal furnace. First time I tried to suck up fly ash and cinders was a bad experience. Ash was coming out the back as fast as I could suck it up.

I took the cleaner apart and found the ring that holds the filter in place had slipped down letting dust pass by.

I cleaned it all up again and blew out the filter with an air hose.

I find the ring is a loose fit and slips down easily on my shop vac. I fixed it with good old zip ties to hold the filter tight no matter what the ring does. No dust anymore but it is very fine fly ash so it needs frequent cleaning. Just take it OUTDOORS unless you want a mess. Slip the zip ties down and blow out the filter.

 
Oakback
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Post by Oakback » Fri. Jan. 02, 2009 4:46 pm

No doubt the fein is impressive, but a little too much for my budget.
I ended up getting a small 5hp Rigid with a 3ply filter designed for fine dust.
So far, so good.

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