Replies

1. 
   zolton | Jul 22, 2008 03:17pm | #1

   I've got Cleanstreams in my two Shop Vacs. They work well, and don't exhaust many small particles into the air the way the original filters did. Probably not up to HEPA standards, but a good compromise upgrade for the relatively small price.

   I don't wash my filters. When one needs cleaning I use an old paintbrush to get the bulk of the dust from between the filter pleats, bang it on the shop floor, and then vacuum it with the other Shop Vac - although there may be something flawed in my thinking on this latter item. 

   My reluctance to wash the filters has to do with thinking that a liquid matrix of fine dust and water could clog up the filter's pores. Plus I don't want to wait for the filter to dry...

   Zolton

    

   If you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon

1. 
   Len | Jul 22, 2008 05:02pm | #3

   Zolton,

   I used to do the same thing to clean mine. Only I would blow out the dust with the air compressor. Yes, with mask on and outside. Then I noticed on it said do not clean with a brush. I sent Cleanstream a email asking why. Their response was a brush will push dust into the opening of the filter reducing the life of the filters. After eight years or so the filter clogged and I wasn't able to clean it. I did wash it out at that point since I figured I had nothing to loose. It worked for a short time and then clogged up again.

   BTW. I have a small Clearview cyclone rigged up and only the finest dust reaches the vac. (If any at all.) I bought a $20 "HEPA" filter from HD and it seems to have just as good performance. This filter has a wire cage around it and says to wash it.

   I attached some pics of the rig and the resulting dust catching in each can.Len

   "You cannot antagonize and influence at the same time. " J. S. Knox

   
1. 
   zolton | Jul 22, 2008 06:06pm | #4

   Len,

   Very interesting information about cleaning a Cleanstream with a brush. From now on I'll blow it out with compressed air or wash it. Thanks for that tip. The filters cost enough that you don't want to replace them that often.  

   I like your little cyclone. I invested in a big one last year, a Penn State, and have it hooked up to all my major chip-producing machines: tablesaw, bandsaw, jointer/planer. It's the greatest thing since sliced bread.

   As I get older I become increasingly concerned with stopping dust before it even gets airborne. It looks as though the cyclone is working well for you...

   ZoltonIf you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon

2. 
   mrbird90 | Jul 22, 2008 08:24pm | #5

   I have a washable filter in my Onieda and it works really great to just wash off all the dust. Much better than cleaning with a brush and vac. I think you will be surprised.

2. 
   jc21 | Jul 22, 2008 04:40pm | #2

   I run a Cleanstream in my 20 gal. Shop Vac and consider it well worth the money, enough so that I'm going to add one to my 6 gal. Shop Vac. The stock filter let fine dust through-  the Cleanstream doesn't. I've washed it several times with no problems. For dry pickup I started running filter bags in combination with the Cleanstream- very effective even with plaster and drywall dust provided you use the proper bag. It greatly reduces the time spent cleaning the filter and there's no plugging up of the filter. Cleanup is easy- pull the bag and toss it. There is the expense of the bags but there's no time lost on a jobsite unplugging a filter; to me it's well worth it. If you have a Shop Vac brand vac the Cleanstream is available through them.

   Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.
   P. J. O'Rourke

   
   

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   Edited 7/22/2008 9:41 am ET by jc21

3. 
   JamesS | Jul 24, 2008 01:00am | #6

   I  use drywall filters in my Shopvac. If I watch that they don't "overfill", I never have to clean the pleated filter. When about full, I just put tape on the opening & put in the trash. Drywall bags collect really fine dust. Drywall dust!!!!

   JamesS

4. 
   dloc | Jul 24, 2008 03:22am | #7

   They are HEPA. Std Gore filter fabric. You can improve performance  (longer times between clean out) if you put a cloth prefilter on. Available in standard sizes from Shop-vac.

5. 
   bd | Jul 26, 2008 03:41am | #8

   I've got 3 Shop Vacs w/ the Cleanstream filters. Would have one on my old Craftsman if I could get one to fit. We have used them heavily for dry wall dust & most everything else. I usually just knock them against a tree or hit the bottom of the filter w/ an extension wand to get most of the cake off. I do wash them, tho', when they get really bad. It's worthwhile I think to keep a spare filter so you are tempted to put a freshly washed one back in the vac before it's completely dry.