Quiet Vacuum

[paulstenlund]

For the first time in memory I don't have a major tool on the Christmas list. I'm thinking of a GOOD shop vac. I saw some threads on a quiet, powerful, expensive unit but can't find the thread. Was it a Fein?? I built a CNC router and the shop vac needs to run for a long period, my Rigid is so load you can hardly think after a while.

Thanks
Paul

[dbhost]

If it is a shop vac type unit, and it's quiet, then you are talking something like a Fein, or Festool dust extractor.

Both are on the ouch list price wise...

Yeah the Ridgid vacs are plenty loud. But certainly quieter than say a planer...

[natausch]

I recently purchased a portable dust collector and since I live in a residential area "most quiet" was a high priority.

The version I got was the Craftsman 3/4hp based on a below $100 price (love searsoutlet.com). Rockler, Grizzly, Delta and Jet all sell higher quality units around the $200 price point.

Major Issues:
Comes with a 30m bag
Bag restraint very weak

Both issues were solved by purchasing a better bag and a quick release clamping ring

All come in around 60-65db. Not quite background noise but nothing like a shop vac without a muffler.

From playing around at the HF by me the ones were significantly louder, better suction but not what I was looking for on noise level.

They're not intended to serve as a full DC solution, but so far its working well on single tool, and more importantly can be wall mounted. A good thing since I'm very limited on space.

[twistsol]

I have a Festool CT33e. It is very quiet and more powerful than my Ridgid vac which I'm also very happy with. I always use it with a bag and never for anything wet. It's almost two years old and the Festool bags work so well the filters look brand new. It is normally attached to my miter saw but I use it whenever I'm sanding sheetrock or anytime I use the ROS. I end up with almost zero dust.

The price was painful but using is a pleasure. It also has an outlet on it that triggers the Vac when the tool starts when the switch is set to auto mode.

[Uncle Hook]

I second the Fein:

http://www.rockler.com/blog/index.cf...22C4E6F875DEC9

[gerti]

Due to the price I hesitated a long time, but I simply could not stand the noise of my old shop vac any longer, so I sprang for a Festool. Have not looked back, I consider it money well spent.

[Pappy]

No idea what the db rating is, but the Shop Vac Quiet Plus I just bought is quieter than either of my house vacuums. (Kirby and Hoover canister)

[LinuxRandal]

I have the Fein Turbo II, the older non variable speed series and I love it. I am tempted to buy another, of the larger, variable speed ones. These are bypass style vacs, like the old Ryobi vac, that doesn't cool the motor through the vacuum hose. (also less chance that a clogged filter is going to start throwing out dust through the motor)

My father has the recent True Value Quiet shop vac. It is more of a different pitch (still a HUGE improvement over the old ones).
The Ridgid carries both, look for SNR (only on the higher models).
I would also look (even if you go for one that is just a different pitch) online at shop vac enclosures. But remember, you might quiet the vac, but what about the tool your using it with?

[Hoover]

The advice leads to a Festool. Buy it now!!!!

[cobob]

Consumer Reports a few years ago rated the Craftsman as exceptionally quiet, good power, & lg diameter hose.

[Tom Slick]

My ridgid wd1680 is less loud than any of the tools I plug it into, roughly the same loudness as a carpet vacuum. It air flowing through the tube is louder than the motor.

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardw...atalogId=10053