Hey everyone! I've been working on some home remodeling projects, like building pantry shelves and a microwave stand, and now I'm tackling larger tasks, including raised panel cabinet doors. I've upgraded my tools and have been producing a lot of dust. I recently picked up a shop vac and a few accessories, but my rigid shop vac burnt out during my latest project. I'm in the market for a new wet/dry vacuum for my shop but can't decide if I should go with another rigid or try another brand. I'm also wondering if I should stick with a shop vac for dust collection or invest in a dedicated dust collector. My main concerns are space, budget, and ease of moving it around between different tools. What do you all recommend?
3 Answers
I just saw Dewalt released a quiet shop vac with a collection bag that's supposed to work really well. It’s priced around $99 at Lowe’s. If quiet operation is a bonus for you, it might be worth checking out!
If you're looking at alternatives, check out Harbor Freight's 12-gallon HEPA dust extractor. It’s designed to handle woodworking dust better than a regular shop vac, which could be really helpful for your projects.
I've been using my Ridgid vac for about 15 years now, and I built a Thein baffle for a 5-gallon bucket to catch larger debris. I noticed that fine dust still made it to the vacuum and clogged the filter until I started using vacuum bags. They really help with fine dust and reduce the need for frequent cleaning. Just make sure you get one with 2.5" hoses; it makes a difference with larger tools. Ridgid vacs are solid options overall.
Yeah, this is my second Ridgid, but I think I was cutting a lot of MDF. Maybe that pushed it over the edge? The filter didn't seem too clogged when I checked.
Is that just the separator or the actual vacuum?