View Full Version : Best Shop Vac`s
I am wondering what you guys feel are the best shop vacs that you have used or use. I have been using Rigid shop vacs for years and have a 6.5 hp and a 5.0 hp vac made by them. I am looking to purchase new vacs in the coming months as mine are getting pretty beat. Do any of you have suggestions for relatively small but have huge power shop vacs??? I would really appreciate any suggestions and website links that have the vacs you are refering to. Thank you!!!:idea
TSIBrian
11-15-2008, 12:18 AM
I`m in the same boat you are. I have a decent enough one right now but its just too big. I remember someone here suggested this one Craftsman 16-gal 6.5-peak hp Wet/Dry Vac with Detachable 265 mph Blower - Model 17066 at Sears.com (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917066000P?adCell=A3) and I think I am going to pick it up tomorrow before the sale ends. The nice thing about it is it has a detachable blower so I wont have to buy a leaf blower too.
Chris@Optimum
11-15-2008, 01:01 AM
Shop-Vac at Lowe`s: 5-Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Heavy-Duty Portable Shop Vac (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=127133-20097-5872411&lpage=none)
BigAl3
11-15-2008, 02:45 AM
lowes is going to have the shop-vac 14-Gallon 4.5-hp wet/dry vac for $29 on the black friday sale, and i`m sure home depot will have something similiar...
I would love to find a vac that is a powerhouse with a smaller size than the 16 gal.. have any of you seen or heard about one? I have a 5 that is a 5 gal, and the 6.5 is the big 16 gal setup. Thanks for the suggestions so far.. Guess Black friday will be the day to buy the VACS!!!
fbirdquik6
11-15-2008, 08:12 AM
i have a craftsman 20 gallon 6.5 hp i believe and its very very powerful
brwill2005
11-15-2008, 09:00 AM
The `best`, probably Alto`s Wap vacuum. A bit expensive, but far superior. They are very powerful, but extremely quiet. I have had mine for over five years and it has stood up to daily use since then, with no problems. They have several different sizes.
The `best`, probably Alto`s Wap vacuum. A bit expensive, but far superior. They are very powerful, but extremely quiet. I have had mine for over five years and it has stood up to daily use since then, with no problems. They have several different sizes.
Wow that looks impressive, but how are they with hose replacements? pricey but Im sure that the product is worth it.
Scottwax
11-15-2008, 11:12 PM
I`ve been very happy with my Rigid 4050. I`ve had Craftsman and Shop Vac brands before and neither was as good as the Rigid.
mixxer
11-16-2008, 07:52 AM
I have the shorter oval craftsman and its great.
brwill2005
11-16-2008, 09:08 AM
Wow that looks impressive, but how are they with hose replacements? pricey but Im sure that the product is worth it.
I just replaced the hose recently after five years of daily use. All the components are top notch.
how much was the hose? and what about the attachments? I typically get attachments from home depot and I know some of them dont hold up for more than 6 months or so. Thx for keeping me posted!
Costco had a sweet wall mount shop vac that would be great for a garage where your doing your own car or a few cars here and there a week, the hose is a good quality, similar to a rigid or shop-vac factory hose, but for me I think the hose would wear too quick with the abuse I would put it through on a daily basis..... Just figured I would suggest it for some of you who may be looking for a good quality vac.
Greg Nichols
11-16-2008, 10:30 PM
Its all about inches of lift (suction power). I like the amount of lift the altos have, but if I recall the shop vac 6.5hp generates 80" of lift.
Anyone have this data on inches of lift for various vacs?
Cheers,
kompressornsc
11-17-2008, 05:59 AM
Its all about inches of lift (suction power). I like the amount of lift the altos have, but if I recall the shop vac 6.5hp generates 80" of lift.
Anyone have this data on inches of lift for various vacs?
Cheers,
I know the VacMaster at Costco (mentioned above) has 88" of lift. From what I`ve read, 80" is the minimum you want. I`ve been eying it. Just waiting for a few more reviews to come in. $99 shipped right now. I will also say that I contacted VacMaster with some questions about it and their CS was excellent - quick, thorough and gave me all the answers I needed.
Costco also has the Hoover GUV in stores for $129.
I like that the VacMaster is a 1 7/8" hose - the smaller hose seems to clog too easy, and the big ones give up too much suction for most jobs (except like leaves).