Smaller Hepa Vac needed

[Mac McQuinn]

While a imminent move out of state is going to push my woodworking to the back burner for a while, I'm in need of a Hepa filtered Vac for general clean up and future woodworking. I'm looking for lightweight, quiet and durable construction. While I know Festool and Fein offer a quality unit, I'm not up on the market of what else might be available. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Mac

[Jim Neeley]

Those are the quiet units. I was given an old (5 gal) shop-vac brand that used the same filters as Craftsman vacuums so installed a HEPA replacement on it.

The down side of it (and most less-expensive vacs) is you'd really like to have a bag inside the vac, upstream of the filter. This is valuable even with a cyclone. Otherwise it clogs quickly when sanding.

Jim

[Mac McQuinn]

While the less expensive units occasionally have Hepa capabilities if a filter is available, I'm concerned about the possibilities of a built in by-pass in case the filter starts to clog up. It seems this would offset the benefits of Hepa filtration. I may have to go the more expensive route, not a bad decision if I add some dust creating power tools in the future.
Mac

[Mac McQuinn]

I went to HD and checked out the Ridgid #1451, same as #1450 although has a bonus Auto hose/cleaning kit included at $99.XX. According to the specs, it a "4" on the quiet scale and w/ 6hp it should do the job. Hard to beat the price.
Mac

[Paul Wunder]

Ridgid Model # RV2400HF Internet # 202507683
Ridgid makes an EPA certified HEPA vacuum. 14 gallon size. Steep price at $399.00.

Festool's version 26 is $595.00 I am not equating them; just referencing price points

I own both the Festool 26 HEPA and a Ridgid 12 gal. Pleased with both

[Mac McQuinn]

Paul, thanks for the info, apparently the Ridgid is a special order item as it wasn't stocked at my local HD, i'll look into it.
Mac



Ridgid Model # RV2400HF

Internet # 202507683


Ridgid makes an EPA certified HEPA vacuum. 14 gallon size. Steep price at $399.00.

Festool's version 26 is $595.00 I am not equating them; just referencing price points

I own both the Festool 26 HEPA and a Ridgid 12 gal. Pleased with both