good shop-vac (wet/dry) recommendations? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 03:23:03 am
content: I don't see a shop-vac thread hereso let this be it, I guess.I never really had one for my workbench but I think its time I get a small one just to leave near the bench. it would be used to pick up resistor cutoff leads, excess solder, small filings or drill debris and stuff like that.what are some good (well built, will last) brands and models, as well as ones to avoid?also, how are the 12v based ones? I hear they are generally pretty weak. it would be nice to be able to use this in the car, from time to time. but if they are not worth it (assuming you only want to buy one that does both car and workbench) then I'll skip the 12v lighter plug powered idea.I'm also looking for ones that have available replacement parts (filters, hoses, etc) and that tend to be around for a while (so that I don't get stuck with a model that has no parts, a few years down the line).

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 03:30:03 am
content: This is similar to the one we use in our house, plenty of power.https://www.shopvac.com/wet-dry-vacs/vac-details.aspx?vacId=223&vacSKU=931-17-11

author: johansen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 04:37:19 am
content: i bought a "bucket head" vacuum at home depot for 20 bucks.I haven't taken it apart yet but i suspect it contains exactly the same motor as does the larger and more expensive machines.if you want a more permanent installation what i recommend doing is buying a replacement motor for whole house vacuum systems.they have a 3 or 4 stage fan blade system.but don't run them at 120vac, drop it down at least 20% with a small transformer. they will last probaby twice as many hours.I picked up a burned out 3 stage unit from a friend, shorted out 3 commutator bars and ran it at 80vac. it pulled about as much air as an average shopvac, but probably 10 Db less noise. and no arcing on the commutator, even with three rotor bars shorted out.

author: casinada
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 05:20:18 am
content: http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-12-Gal-5-PHP-Wet-Dry-Vac-WD1270/202554972?N=5yc1vZc2f8Z18gZ2bctrlI have one similar that has removable head and can be used as a blower as well. 15 years and refuses to die, just keep the filter clean.This will pick up construction materials such as drywall, nails, glass, etc. None of the home vacuum cleaners come even close. I use this vacuum to clean my house (no carpet, just tile). Be careful because it will vacuum more than you want.

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 11:09:40 am
content: If you just need a small one - check out DeWalt's - runs on A/C AND batteryBut a bit expensive.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 03:41:02 pm
content: i use a 16 gal Rigid shop vac. It will suck the chrome off of a trailer hitch.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 03:49:55 pm
content: do all of these have a reversal switch of some kind so that you can use it as a blower as well as a vacuum?one thing I've been reading (on amazon reviews, for example) is that some of the hose connections are simple press-fit (which can fall out during use) and some are screw/thread-on or some kind of locking mech. I would prefer a positive lock on the hose and not just some press fit friction method.some units have a stronger suction than the material make-up of the hose and I've read reports of some cheap hoses collapsing in-use. so I want to avoid the extreme low-end units.finally, the warranty varies a lot. I've seen 1year and up to 5yr for warranty. the longer the better, as it shows confidence on the part of the manuf.

author: Prime73
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 03:52:49 pm
content: I use "bucket head" as well. cheap and easyQuote from: johansen on March 13, 2014, 04:37:19 am

author: casinada
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 03:57:47 pm
content: The Ridgid @ HomeDepot have a lifetime warranty. The head has two holes one that sucks and other that blows.https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/wet-dry-vac

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 04:06:08 pm
content: lifetime warranty sounds good to me! its also locally available so I won't have to mailorder it. thanks. I'll make a drive to home depot later today to see what they have. if they also have a selection of replacement parts (hoses, etc) that will be even better.has anyone been pleased with the 12v-based ones, though? they sure sound convenient but my guess is that 12v is not enough to power a motor well enough compared to AC line current.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 04:58:53 pm
content: Craftsman 16 gallon wet-dry. I use it in my shop vacuuming up metal chips on a daily basis. I am on the 14th year of use on this one with no failure. Had the same thing before this one it still ran fine it was just so crusty I gave it away instead of trying to clean it.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 05:38:00 pm
content: ^, I've had the same one for many years, it really sucks.The only thing I don't like about it, the exhaust will blow saw dust around while sweeping, it needs a deflector to direct the air up a bit.

author: staxquad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 06:28:14 pm
content: I like my Rigid wet/dry blower/vac 16 gallon, works well, blows too, for those times you just need to blow something away. The filters last, you can keep cleaning them (did buy new filters last year).Didn't cost too much too at Home Depot, was on sale in Canada for $60 to $80 (can't remember exactly, it's been 6 years)the reviews are extremely positivehttp://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-16-Gal-Wet-Dry-Vac-with-Blower-WD1680/202554974

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 06:51:29 pm
content: I also have a "bucket head" from Home Depot.It's just the job for cleaning up around the garage and workbench. I have found little need for anything bigger or more expensive.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2014, 10:00:09 pm
content: I'd get a normal vacuum cleaner. I also have a wet/dry vacuum but it is very noisy and the filter ain't that good. If you have small kids the ability to suck water is handy to get rid of vomit stains & smell from carpets and (car) seats. Just apply lots of soap & water, suck dry and repeat.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2014, 12:18:16 am
content: I just got back from home depot. strange store: they put their shopvac's up so high you can't get to them or really examine them. I asked the sales guy if he could bring one down and he just opened a sealed box so that I could see. sheesh!they had a small, strong one for $79 but a larger one for $50 that took more choices of filters and was a round bucket style instead of the usual home oblong style.pretty much every one there was too large; but if I'm going to get one, I want to have a choice of filters and attachments.the bucket head looked good and I might actually change to that. they didn't have any in stock, just the demo; but it seemed small enough and certainly the right price (just over $20).only some of them allow for a rear filter, on the out-blow side. seems like a strange thing, to not have or offer a filter for that except on the larger models, only.

author: johansen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2014, 02:27:02 am
content: one thing i did with the bucket vac is seal off the suction port.I then hot glued the hose to the bucket, the two meshing at a tangent.the result is far fewer clogs at that sharp 90 degree turn.

author: aroby
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2014, 03:26:09 am
content: I have the Ridgid 4 gallon model. It's ok. The tools are bit flimsy and a little too short (and I'm only 5'7''). Power is not bad, but I only use it inside when I'm doing small jobs.I've also got a 5hp model, probably similar to the 16 gallon one on the HD web site. It's also a Ridgid but I bought it at least 10 years ago. It's a workhorse. Tools are solid, it has great suction (keep the filter clean). I've never replaced anything on it and it's had some pretty heavy wet and dry use. It's no noisier than the smaller version, just bulkier. I'd go with that one if you really need a wet and dry vacuum. The bloweing output is also decent - I used it at the end of last summer to blow all the pipes out for my pool before shutting it down. Worked great.Anthony

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2014, 07:28:18 pm
content: I have a really old Columbus at work. It is the "Dirty" vacuum cleaner, as I use it to clean up inside machinery and suck up any dropped stuff like oil, grease, general crud or any other dirty cleaning. It gets washes a lot. Spares are cheap, as I can get pattern parts like the filters, hoses, motors and pretty much the whole machine apart from the stainless steel drum and the plastic top. New motor is $30 or so last time I bought. $200 from the agents...... Only thing it really should have is a HEPA filter like the other office use one. If I fit it I lose the wet suction ability, or at least limit it to 5l when it will handle 30l at present. Probably over 30 years old.At home I use an old Hoover upright that was a street pick up. New belt and a new bottom cover made from plastic sheet and it works well as a home unit. Still has the original deodoriser pad in it that still has fragrance. Not bad for a 20 year old unit. Still can get a lot of spares for it.My dad had a Hoover upright that was made in Merthyr Tydfil the early 1930's, and until it was scrapped from broken castings there was little that could beat it, and you could buy from Hoover all of the parts aside from the castings which eventually cracked and scrapped it.

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2014, 09:58:53 pm
content: went back to HD and got the bucket-head insteadwhat a wacky name.but I like its utility. if you need to pick up a lot of water, you can have a bucket brigade and just keep swapping buckets. if you pick up really nasty stuff, just dump it and throw the bucket outit has enough suction for a work bench and light to medium drilling and cutting. I'm not looking for a woodshop shop vac, but more for cleaning up the bench after a project is done. (previously, I'd have debris from projects a year or more old still there since I never wanted to use the home vacuum on my bench.)this is a neat concept. better than a home vac since it has a blower feature and can be a wet-vac.this does it for me. thanks for the input, guys!

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2014, 12:13:10 am
content: I like my buckethead too!