The two most important criteria for any shop vacuum destined for use in a woodshop are (1) plenty of power to suck up lots of sawdust and (2) efficient filters, so the collected sawdust does not escape into the shop air. Bosch has entered the shop-vacuum market with a machine that promises both.

On the new Bosch 3931, an 11.1-amp motor provides good suction. When used with the optional 2-1/4-in.-dia. hose, the Bosch did a good job collecting chips from a benchtop thickness planer.

The main filters are positioned above the sawdust in the upper housing. To ensure that the motor is cooled only by clean air, the filter system also includes a set of secondary filters behind the main filters. There’s also a clever feature called Pulse-Clean, which gives the filters a vigorous electronic shaking to help dislodge accumulated sawdust and restore suction power. In short, this product has a good filter system.

The Bosch also has an outlet with an auto-start feature. With a maximum rating of 7.2 amps, the outlet should be able to handle most sanders and smaller-horsepower routers. Bosch has eliminated the annoying blast of exhaust air by diffusing the air around the motor housing.

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