Videos
How do I use a shop vac for water?
Vacuuming water is a strength of shop vacs, and it can often be cleaned up with other solid debris. However, most shop vacs require you to remove the filter when suctioning large amounts of liquid. If the filter does become wet, remove it when your job is complete to let it dry properly.
What's the difference between a shop vac and a vacuum cleaner?
Shop vacs provide more cleaning power and are often sturdier than typical vacuum cleaners. That’s because they’re typically used for bigger, more serious messes. A shop vac is great for cleaning up emergency leaks in your home or large quantities of dirt and debris.
What does CFM mean?
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It’s a measurement of airflow and one of the most important factors in how effectively a vacuum can clean — though it’s not the only factor. Our top pick, for example, measures at 144 CFM. That’s quite powerful. Our favorite cordless model doesn’t pack the same punch at 87 CPM.
I currently have the corded DeWalt Wet/Dry Vac in my garage and it's frustrating to use. It's always getting clogged and the suction power is not great.
I'm done with finicky vacuums and mediocre suck. Can anyone suggest me the best shop vac that they've used that just works reliably and has great suction? Price is not really an issue at this point as the time and money I will have saved will make it all worth it. Thanks in advance.
I'm in the market for a new shop vac. I have had a 9g Ridgid for a while, but it's... dead. It works ok, but the filter is clogged (beyond tapping and flicking the filter pleats), and it's half full of water after I forgot it, and also forgot the filter wasn't water rated LOL. It was never that good, and it's on the low side of what the 10g Dust Right dust separator recommends (4hp+)
So, through every fault of my own, I'm in the market for a new vacuum. I have a couple questions:
Are the vacuum motors the same between the 5g, 10, and 16g models of "6.5hp" models? Obviously that's a big question, but I'm wondering if it would be ok to get a 5g 6.5hp model, or if that's a fake ans I need to get the big one.
Is hp even a good thing to bother with? The companies are lying through their teeth with a lot of those numbers, since you can only get 2.3hp from 12v at 15 amps. Would something like cfm be better?
Is a shop vac or dust extractor better for woodworking stuff? Price is a concern, but I think that I'd be willing to spend quite a bit if it works for bigger stuff like a tablesaw and jointer in addition to the small sanders and stuff. I know dust collectors are a different beast, but I want something that can do more of the shop vac stuff, but can also handle the bigger stuff too.
My use for the vacuum is to plug into a dust separator and then to hold a dust bag and HEPA filter ans basically never need to have a new filter. Occasionally I'll actually use the wet feature, but mostly it's gonna be dust and junk on the floor. Definitely want a 2.5" hose. Smaller is better, but I need a 5hp+ model.