Help me find a shop vac

[legion]

I already have a 16 gallon wet/dry shop vac in the garage for cleaning cars and other large jobs.

I need a second, much smaller shop vac for my reloading room to hook up to a brass trimmer. Having two boys, it will also need to vacuum up drywall dust when I patch and sand walls.

I want something that is 1-3 gallons in size and takes paper (not cloth) filters. Everything I can find that small takes crappy cloth filters, which are basically useless for drywall sanding.

[billybek]

I believe mine is about an 8 USG (ShopVac). Has a paper wrap over a foam filter on outlet of the filter section.
I am running paper HEPA filters in it right now. It was cheap on sale years ago and has been very durable and performs well. Little larger than your are looking for.
I think they make a wall mount and smaller vacs but don't know what they use for filters.

[javadog]

Most shop vacs have optional HEPA filters, some of which are washable. They work well on drywall. Just go down to the local store and have a look at the filters available and see what they fit.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by javadog

Most shop vacs have optional HEPA filters, some of which are washable. They work well on drywall. Just go down to the local store and have a look at the filters available and see what they fit.

Don’t have a suggestion for the actual vacuum, but I agree with using the HEPA filter.

I have had one of these for over 15 years and it works great, I use it for my wide belt sander, so lots of fine dust. Just bang it out in the trash when it looses suction and put it back on.

GORE CleanStream Wet/Dry Vacuum Filters

[OldSpool87]

I bought a RIGID vac about 10 years ago at HD on Labor Day for $19.00. It has never sucked so hard. One of my favorite tools.

[Danimal16]

I have this one for the upstairs:
https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=25_89&products_id=6540

The one I have in the Garage is a WAP ALTO ATTIX 12. I have had that beast for nearly 15 years. It was expensive as is the ATTIX 50 that replaces it in the product line. You purchase one of these it will be the best BIG wet dry you ever use.

For the reloading bench, the above linked AERO 21 is perfect.

EDIT: the big unit pulls 102 inches of vacuum, I think the AERO 21 pulls about 92??? They move a lot of air. And both are quiet, in the 57 to 62 decibel range.

[Danimal16]

This is a photo of the big ATTIX 12, the older model.

[billybek]

Originally Posted by Danimal16

EDIT: the big unit pulls 102 inches of vacuum, I think the AERO 21 pulls about 92??? They move a lot of air. And both are quiet, in the 57 to 62 decibel range.

I think they are using different units to express vacuum level since 29.92" HG (gauge) is a perfect vacuum.

That looks like a very well built vacuum compared to my old ShopVac....

[MBAtarga]

Chris,

Consider a dust cyclone as part of the final solution with a shop vac if you are planning to do some drywall repair sanding:

Oneida Air Dust Deputy Cyclone Separator Kit (AXD000004) at Ace Hardware

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Perfect small shop vac. LOVE IT.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-4-Gal-5-0-Peak-HP-Portable-Wet-Dry-Vac-WD4070/202077241

Get these

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-High-Efficiency-Dust-Bags-for-3-0-Gal-to-4-5-Gal-for-RIDGID-Wet-Dry-Vacs-2-Pack-VF3501/100520395

[speeder]

There are plenty of good shop vacs to buy but if you want it to last, don't vacuum up excessive amounts of plaster dust. I sweep it up first and use a dust pan, (works better anyways), then maybe use vacuum last. The fine powder will make it past the filter into the motor.