Going to need a new shop vacuum.

[Dik Harrison]

The old Craftsman vacuum I inherited from my dad is starting to make bearing noises when its turned off. I had a similar unit that did the same thing after many years of use. Started using this unit and then a friend gave me a shiny ShopVac. Unfortunately, it only lasted about 6 months or so. My vacuums are connected to Thein separator and are used for dust collection with routers, CS on the EZ-One, and mostly (hours) with sanders. I'm looking form something with a long life expectancy and power, capacity isn't a big deal with the Thein.

I would greatly appreciate any of your experiences (good or bad) with vacuums. I won't say price is no object (my honey might balk at some of the prices out there), but I do expect to pay for quality. Thank you all in advance.

[bumpnstump]

Originally Posted by Dik Harrison

The old Craftsman vacuum I inherited from my dad is starting to make bearing noises when its turned off. I had a similar unit that did the same thing after many years of use. Started using this unit and then a friend gave me a shiny ShopVac. Unfortunately, it only lasted about 6 months or so. My vacuums are connected to Thein separator and are used for dust collection with routers, CS on the EZ-One, and mostly (hours) with sanders. I'm looking form something with a long life expectancy and power, capacity isn't a big deal with the Thein.

I would greatly appreciate any of your experiences (good or bad) with vacuums. I won't say price is no object (my honey might balk at some of the prices out there), but I do expect to pay for quality. Thank you all in advance.

Dik,
I was fortunate years ago to upgrade to a Nilfisk Attix 50 (12 gal), w/the pulse-clean feature. I run it thru a Dust Deputy and it is awesome. Sometime afterwards, I also got a Nilfisk Attix 30 (8 gal). While it is also a good vac, the larger unit is noticeably better.

Pricey? Yes. I shopped for a long time on 'Advanced-Search-Craigslist' till I found these units at a price I could afford- well worth the search/wait. If you want quicker service:

http://www.globalindustrial.com/g/ja...et-dry-vacuums

(These folks have been very helpful) http://www.industrialvacs.com/

For bags (if you choose to use them), I haven't found anyone on the planet to rival this outfit:
http://www.dustdeal.com/

Even tho they ship from Europe, the service and pricing is superb.

HTH,
Rick

[Tracedfar]

If you're looking for a portable shop vac, I've had good experience with Rigid, a 6-hp machine is less than $100.

Their HEPA vac loses marks for lower power but price is good.

If you don't need portability, for the money - well under $200 with coupon, Harbor Freight has a very good basic system. Using 110 volts, it's easy to setup and modify into several configurations, it is one of their hidden treasures.

Also, one of the best things I did was get a vac switch box that automatically turns the vac on when the saw, router, etc. is turned on.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide.

[philb]

I have two Rigid 6.5 HP vac's both are now about three years old. I really like them and the accessories are nice. I have the garden hose, front mount water pump with 15 feet of lift, for the times I fill up the wet n' dry. The 16 gallon tank is over 100 lbs when full.

I have one attached to a small Cyclone unit and I switch between planer, router table, and table saw. I have a large central collection (Jet) and it isn't as good as the Rigid.

Not sure if that helps but the prices are good and in my opinion the performance exceeds the price range.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-16...1851/100638360

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Pump-VP2000/100496507

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Un...1407/100206293