The other day we talked about new Dewalt wet/dry shop-style vacuums. The vacuums have not yet been officially announced, but several filter options just appeared on my radar. Some of you asked about this, and so here’s a quick look at the accessories.
I also wanted to address another question that came out. These vacs look more like cleanup vacs to me. For direct tool connections, Dewalt does offer dust extractors.
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For me, I consider dust extractors are better designed for direct tool connections, and wet/dry vacs for cleanup tasks. But I have also used dust extractors for cleanup, and wet/dry shop vacs directly connected to tools.
From left to right:
Fine Dust Cartridge Filter DXVC6912, $30 at Amazon
This filter is likely well-suited for use on tougher fine-dust materials, such as cement dust and drywall dust, but it can also handle general debris and cleanup tasks as well.
Standard Cartridge Filter DXVC6910, $20 at Amazon
This is the standard general cleanup filter. I assume this is what will be bundled with the new vacuums.
HEPA Material Cartridge Filter DXVC6914, $50 at Amazon
For highest efficiency filtration, the HEPA-rated cartridge filter can capture particles down to 0.3 microns at 99.7% efficiency.
All of the cartridge filters are said to be washable and reusable. They’re all designed for wet or dry pickup.
High Efficiency Filter Bag DXVA19-4111, $20 at Amazon (for the 3-pack)
The bags are designed for dry pickup and are (presumably) disposable and meant for single uses.
All of the options here are said to fit all Dewalt 6-16 gallon wet/dry vacuums.
skfarmer says
good to have options i guess.
my issue with my smaller dewalt vacs is the filter. i wish there was options there. you don’t always need a high dollar filter. i have had to replace more than one expensive filter because it was plugged with wet crappy stuff that i couldn’t clean off when all i needed was a simple filter to keep crap out of the actual vacuum mechanism.
maybe vacuums are only for cleaning up clean things.
pete says
“maybe vacuums are only for cleaning up clean things.” uh…. what are you using your vacuum for? I thought that was what vacuums are used for lol
Stuart says
The filters are rinsable and reusable. You can sometimes buy “once and done” with well-made filters.
Filters and bags are consumables. If you REALLY don’t want to go that path, maybe take the “probably not recommended and warranty-voiding” path of using a foam filter sleeve instead.
I hope the pricing is flexible; I’ve spent less on my Cleanstream HEPA-rated filters. Or maybe Cleanstream or another brand will come out with compatible filters for less money.
Nathan says
I get the whole you need a dust extractor for tools . . . . and should only use a shop vac to . . . . .
But – using a shop vac on your tools in your garage is better than nothing at all.
If I get a new shop I’m planning on getting a filter or 2 – and one of those after filter jobs you see on the market now. they plug into the outlet and are a washable secondary filter – I’m not so much getting it to filter as I’m getting it for noise.
pete says
The thing that goes on the back isn’t really a filter. Or atleast the one that i have. Its only a diffuser to reduce noise is mainly what it was designed for, i actually find it more useful to diffuse the air coming out the back so it doesn’t shoot a stream of air out which can blow up more dust and wood particles sometimes on a project that might not be completely dry.
Paul says
I only have a Rigid shopvac in my garage shop which I bought before I knew what a dust extractor was. I found that I kept clogging the filter and all of my tools are hooked up when possible. When I re-sanded my hardwood floors, I bought a mini clearvue cyclone which was and is a life saver. I cannot tell you how many filters and bags that has saved. When I get going, I can fill up the bucket fairly quickly. This is great for the [portable] table saw, miter saw, and [lunchbox] planner. I’d love to get a dust extractor for when I do projects out side of the house or dedicated for the sanders. Still the cyclone allows me to hook up a sander and keep the dust down and use the better filters.
pete says
I wonder what the distribution of these will be like? Will home depot stock dewalt shop vacs? Then they would have to stock their filters which would cut down on ridgid vacs shelf space. But at the same time if they don’t offer dewalt filters than customers with dewalt vac be forced to go to lowes to get the filters.
Michael Roach says
Distribution will be any DeWalt authorized retailer or reseller in USA and Canada.
Rick says
Still have yet to truly understand the difference between a shop vac and a dust extractor. Granted some have more features, but even the CT mini’s dont have any of the other features- such as beater bars, vibrators, etc.
Also, you’d have to be crazy to use a shop vac with a planer. My dewalt 735 kicks out enough to fill my 35 gallon “extractor” in short order.