Self-Cleaning Vacuum is Quiet and Efficient

The new Bosch vacuum is a compact, efficient unit with airflow as good as the top-rated Bosch Airsweep from our most recent review (“Shop Vacuums,” FWW #223). We repeated the test used in the review, adding the optional HEPA filter ($106) and seasoning it before testing. The Auto Filter Clean feature activates automatically every 15 seconds and was very effective at keeping the airflow through the seasoned filter to about 70 cfm. This feature can be deactivated if the thumping noise bothers you, but don’t leave it off too long.

In Power Tool Activation mode, the vacuum runs for 7 seconds to clear the dust from the hose after the tool is turned off. The power draw was only 9.5 amps, leaving almost 5.5 amps for the onboard tool outlet, more than other units we have tested. A “power broker” feature allows you to dial back the vacuum power to 7.5 amps for use with a larger tool or if you don’t want to suck a sander down too tight.

The vacuum is quiet, too (77 db.), comparing favorably with other units we tested. Convenient features include a cord wrap, onboard storage for optional tools, and an effective hose wrap. The unit comes with a 15-ft., 1-1/4-in. inside-diameter hose but will also accept 2-1/2-in. and 1-1/2-in. hoses.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Rockler Dust Right 1250 CFM

You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you.

Buy at Rockler

Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM

While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test.

Buy at Amazon

Grizzly G0495X Industrial Helical Cutterhead 8-in. Jointer

Regardless of the board’s grain, this jointer produced excellent results. Its fence was totally flat, worked smoothly, and locked well, staying in place even after jointing multiple edges. Getting the fence to 90° was very easy, but the 90° stop was a little tricky to set and the fence did not go back to square when using it. For those who would use it, there is also a digital depth-of-cut scale.

Buy at Amazon