Replies

1. 
   Jason | Oct 01, 2000 08:14pm | #1

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   I have found that ShopVac actually makes a disposable "drywall" (that's what it's called) bag for their models that are 14 gallons or more. I get them at Walmart. All I did was go to a computer store and got a powerstrip. When I want to use the mitersaw, I just use my foot to turn on the powerstrip, and the vacumn goes on, and then it supplies power to the mitersaw. Not great if you move the saw around a lot, but for doing trim where I keep the saw in one place, it works out fine. I've also found that you can get tons of different little plumbing connectors made out of rubber with two band clamps at my lumber yard--I can always find one that will fit my tools on one end and the ShopVac on the other. It's really not a problem, as long as you're not moving the tools around all the time.

1. 
   Joe_Fusco_ | Oct 01, 2000 11:38pm | #2

   *Allen,

   Yes, you can control most of the dust generated on site. I use a Porter Cable vacuum with a control switch that turns the vacuum on only when you operate the machine that's plugged in to it's switched receptacle. When you release the trigger of the machine you're using, the vacuum runs for about 15 seconds afterwards and then shuts off. You can use it on any machine that has a vacuum port and a plug.I use it most with my miter saws and sanders. You will need to. . . in some cases to "rig" the vacuum hose to the tools port, but it's not a real big problem.

   View Image © 1999-2000"The city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo." Charles Wadsworth

1. 
   Alan_Kim | Oct 02, 2000 03:18am | #3

   *Sears sells a $19 switching outlet that sends power to a device (such as a vaccuum) when another power tool is turned on.Only problem with the unit is it's rated for only 15-amps.If you already have a fairly powerful vaccuum this is worth considering.

1. 
   allen_schell | Oct 02, 2000 03:51am | #4

   *Joe, How is it dragging the hose around on your sander? Is it fairly easy to get used to? It seems like I'm already in a gaggle of hoses and cords.

1. 
   Jay_Flannery | Oct 03, 2000 09:53pm | #5

   *I bought a Fein vac from Woodcraft about six months ago, and have used it on the job on my router, orbital sander and dewalt table saw. Worked great on all of them. You get used to the extra hose, and it has been more than worth the extra hassle for the cleaner air. The Fein is also VERY quiet (56 db I think) compared to any other shop vac I've used, but it is relatively expensive ($200). It has a tool activated switch capable of taking up to 19 amps. It proved its worth the first time I used it - doing fluted columns in MDF - almost no dust at all. I highly recommend it.

2. 
   Joe_Fusco_ | Oct 03, 2000 11:16pm | #6

   *Allen,

   Like Jay said, you will get used to the hose, it's really no big deal. My PC does a great job too and is very quiet also. The vacuum is surprisingly strong too. I bought a second one because I liked the first one so much.

   View Image © 1999-2000"The first step towards vice is to shroud innocent actions in mystery, and whoever likes to conceal something sooner or later has reason to conceal it." Aristotle

3. 
   Gregory_Mills | Oct 12, 2000 10:34am | #7

   *Allen,I am allergic to wood dust and I refuse to wear a dust mask. I use 3 vacs, one that I keep attached to my chop saw, one for the table saw and one for portable power tools. I don't buy any power tool that will not hook up to a vac. The vac I use for my portable tools is a $50 shop vac. It is effective enough that I sit in the carpeted living room, without a dust mask and can sand for hours without any dust appearing on the furniture. By the way, I work in the living room because it is air conditioned and my shop is not. (I live in Florida) I would like to purchase the Porter Cable or Fein, but for now the cheap vacs will do as long as I use top quality filters and wear earplugs. One tip, take the cord to the sander (or what ever tool you are using) and wrap it in a spiral around the vac's hose. This way you only have one cord/hose to keep out of your way.

2. 
   allen_schell | Oct 12, 2000 10:36am | #8

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   I,m getting to the point where the dust from daily sanding and sawing is getting to me. I am wearing a dust mask more although it is just to uncomfortable to wear all day. Has anybody had any success with hooking up a small shop vac to sanders and miter saws on the job site or is this just one more cord/hose to trip over?
   Thanks, Al