Replies

1. 
   MikeMD | Nov 18, 2008 04:44am | #1

   I just bought the commercial one (metal cannister) works ok.  OK suction, blower so/so.  For the price probably OK, but not great.

2. 
   kreuzie | Nov 18, 2008 05:46am | #2

   I've had the Shop Vac QSP Pro (yellow) 16 gallon wet/dry for over 10 years, and it has good suction. Had to replace the on/off switch, but that was a $4 fix at the local hardware store (perfect match). Other than that, no complaints.

   I also got an aftermarket filter that you can practically beat with a 2 x 4 to clean; you can also wash it.

   kreuzie

1. 
   Eef | Nov 20, 2008 12:13am | #8

   kreuzie,

   after-market filter?  beat with 2x4 to clean? i want one.  where to get?

   eef

1. 
   kreuzie | Nov 20, 2008 02:12am | #9

   I bought mine at Menard's, but where you are, try Lose or the orange place.

   It cost a few bucks more, but you can tap the  %&#@ out of it on the floor, hit it with compressed air (outdoors, with a following breeze), even wash it.

   I'll look at it tonight and try to get a brand name for you.

   kreuzie

3. 
   BrianDerr | Nov 18, 2008 09:16am | #3

   Love my 18 gal/6.5hp/'quiet' shop vac--it collects all the dust from my contractor saw, some smaller tools, sweeps the floors and is indeed very quiet. It does an OK job on the planer, depending on how much material I'm removing. I also like that it has the large handle and rear wheels. For best sucktion use a pleated filter and collection bag.

   Brian

1. 
   dovetail59 | Nov 20, 2008 02:34am | #10

   Brian , was this also a SHOP VAC brand ? I also am looking to up grade . Thanks Gary

1. 
   BrianDerr | Nov 20, 2008 07:14pm | #12

   yeah, mine's a SHOP VAC. If you can afford a more expensive brand, more power to you; I was looking for a large capacity and wasn't really seeing that in the more specialized vacuums, although relocation of the filter may make more efficient use of capacity in some of those.Brian

4. 
   yamslobber | Nov 18, 2008 10:39pm | #4

   I've had good daily service from my Ridgid 6.5 hp 14 gallon for two years now. (16 gallon also with the same motor)

   I highly recommend getting the pro hose. The stock hose is just flimsy thermo-plastic. I threw it away after two weeks.

1. 
   USANigel | Nov 19, 2008 06:05am | #5

   Check the drywall section for the hose for sanding. Green and yellow box. Hose is Gray in color and comes with a few size adaptors $15. Theres a drywall sanding plate but I never used it.

5. 
   Tinkerer3 | Nov 19, 2008 07:27am | #6

   My experience with Shop Vac is No, No.  On one the motor went bad in about a year.  The second one developed an air leak that I never go fixed.  They were cheap vacs but my experience with Wap and PC is so much better that I don't look a Shop Vac any more.

6. 
   bandit9497 | Nov 19, 2008 08:10am | #7

   I have a small shop and bought a 3 hp, 6 gal Shop Vac a few weeks ago.  This was an upgrade from my old 1.5 hp 8 gal craftsman.  The Shop Vac is much quieter and the 3 hp seems to be enough to handle most of my equipment.

   Easy to move around the shop.

   I am trying it with the filter bag in place.  Seems okay and keeps the filter clean.  You lose some suction.  Will try without the bag next.

7. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Nov 20, 2008 04:12am | #11

   Steve, forget brand names just pick a size & specs that you like, get a few model #s maybe and then shop the socks off it in all the stores, tool supply (on line also) Amazon etc. Most are probably made by Emerson Electric anyway. Try to avoid the "glitz" models with special attachments or stainless tubs that last longer than the motor and the obvious cheapo big tub with a 2 amp motor. Paddy