don murtha

Hi guys need to purchace a new shop vac . I like the Ridgid @ HD 16 gal. 6.5 hp 12amp stainless steel vac model #WD1958 does anyone use this one and if so how do you rate it THANKS IN ADVANCE DON

woodnthings

I got some on sale closeout at Home Depot. I didn't realize it but they separate into a portable leaf blower. light weight and very powerful with a nice long cord. I used it on my gutters 3 times this year. The model is a WD1671, 16 Gal, 6.5 Hp ?? probably not, but great suction anyway. The 16 Gal capacity is never really used, since the filter will clog with fine dusty long before the tank fills up. A regular inspection and cleaning regimen will go a long way in efficiency. If you can buy several cheaper versions and leave them hooked up to dust makers like the router table and bandsaw or overarm table saw collector, you'll get more bang for your buck than a bright shiney stainless steel version that cost more. I even have two 3.5HP $40 Craftsman vacs hooked up permanently under my both router tables. They turn on with the on off switch that runs the router. The bigger ones 6.5 Hp are for the bandsaw and tablesaw. I date the last time I cleaned them with a piece of masking tape and the date. bill

__________________
If you're not making dust, you're gathering it. After I reread my own posts, I agree with myself even more.

firehawkmph

Hey Don,
Watch for the home depot ad for the day after Thanksgiving. The last few years they have been running the ridgid shop vacs on special. They normally are the 12 gallon size. The first year I paid $27, the next year $29, but that one came with an extra filter. Last year it was $29. I have four of them now, plus an older sears 16 gallon. The ridgids work fine, clean up easy enough. No problems.
Mike Hawkins

rrich

Personal experience on Ridgid vacs.

Be sure that all four wheels swivel. As you drag the thing around the shop you'll understand why.

Don't get one with a leaf blower. Eventually the seal between the blower part and the canister hardens and the vac loses suction. The only fix is to use caulking compound to seal the leak and then the leaf blower cant be used anyway.

Don't waste money on the stainless canister. The motor and other parts of the unit will wear out before the stainless.

My 4-1/4 HP, 12 Gallon could handle my Jet contractor saw. The 6+HP and 16 gallon could not.

I would suggest purchasing two. Each time that you empty them, use the second one to clean the filter. With a clean filter they work better than new.

When the filters finally need replacement DO NOT get the ones from HD. Go to Cleanstream
( http://www.cleanstream.com/products/...an_ridgid.html )
and order the filter. There is a HUGE difference in the dust in the exhaust air compared to an OEM filter. The cost is about double.

__________________
Use the right tool for the job.

Rich (Tilting right)
Huntington Beach, California
Remember that when we have the "BIG ONE" everything east of the Rockies falls into the ocean.

don murtha

Thanks guys for the imfo I will go to hd next Fri for the sale and buy two and order filters from cleanstream Don

GeorgeC

"Don't waste money on the stainless canister. The motor and other parts of the unit will wear out before the stainless."

Not necessarily true. Some years ago I purchased a 16 gal Shop Vac and it had a stainless canister. (I got that one just because it was on sale not that I wanted stainless) In less than 2 years that vac had a hole rusted completely through the bottom. When I vaccumed up liquid it left the tank just as fast as it entered. It was made of very poor stainless.

Shop Vac did the right thing and replaced the tank.

I have always felt that Craftsman vacs were more powerful for the rating, but I had to switch brands when Craftsman started making their vacs short and wide. Just did not fit the space I had to store it.

George

woodworks60

If you are looking for a vac that will be stationary look into the new unit at Home Depot that mounts onto a 5 gallon bucket. This "Bucket Head" sells for about $20.

firehawkmph

Hey Rich,
I clean my filters with a garden hose. I hold them inside a garbage can first and tap the sides to get rid of the heavy stuff. Then hose them off and let 'em dry. I have a few extra filters to switch out while the others are drying.
Mike Hawkins

GeorgeC

Ditto.

G

don murtha

Thanks , Bill for the advice on purchasing more than one shop vac for hooking up to shop machines. Went to hd fri morning and was able to buy 3 $99.95 Ridgid 5hp shop vacs for their black fri sale price of $19.95 ea. Iam in the process of hooking them up to my tools with Woodcraft vac attachments. Should be able to keep the dust & wood chips under control now. Don

rrich

Don,
I thought about doing the same, but I don't need another shop vac.

__________________
Use the right tool for the job.

Rich (Tilting right)
Huntington Beach, California
Remember that when we have the "BIG ONE" everything east of the Rockies falls into the ocean.

toddj99

I also picked up the 19.95 shop vac at HD today. can't believe i got there fast enough to get in line. i saw one guy load up four of them. seen many others looking around for more but once they were gone, they were gone.

rrbrown

$80.00 savings that's how I like to shop.

__________________
Semper Fi
Richard

Once A Marine Always A Marine.

Some choose to study history, but Marines choose to create history.

woodnthings

Shop Vacs, Table Saws, Planers, Bandsaws, Bullets, Guns or Horsepower....Did I leave anything out? bill

__________________
If you're not making dust, you're gathering it. After I reread my own posts, I agree with myself even more.

Gerry KIERNAN

Great deal on the shopvacs.

Gerry