Shop vacuum

The problem with air powered vacuums is the compressed air, very expensive.
 
I've been running a Rigid 12 gal 5 peak HP vac in the shop for machine clean up for about 8 years now (WD1640?). The 2.5" diameter hose is getting very heavy from the build up of oil and chips that have filled the grooves inside the hose. The hose cracked open near the hand piece a few years ago so I sealed it with Vinyl tape and never looked back. I don't think I've ever changed the filter, just brush it off when I dump the canister. I bought a new Rigid Vac a few years ago (just in case) at a black Friday sale but have never needed it. It came with a smaller diameter hose so I'm not sure if it's the same model.

OTOH, every "Shop Vac" brand vacuum I've ever bought in the last 25 years has had the motor burn up at just about the 1 year mark. The only good thing I can say about them is that the wheeled canisters make good trash cans. I have 3 of them in the shop.
 
I have a Vacumaid wall mount it is not for picking up liquid spills, but has a 50' hose. It has a HEPA bag, and I haven't stuck anything in the hose yet. Just an option.

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OK, I really like the idea of wall mount. I am about to pull the trigger on one of these. Which might be better? or is there an even more commercial one. I am just the opposite of most, I'm going to assume the higher price one is my first choice. Sometimes you waste your money but seldom is it the inferior quality.


Vacumaid
https://www.amazon.com/VacuMaid-GV30PRO-Professional-Mounted-Utility/dp/B0085ZZY5S - $300

Bissel
https://www.amazon.com/gp/huc/view.html?ie=UTF8&newItems=Ccf2b998a-6689-4b8f-b14c-2d22f4bc06ef,1 - $160


<EDIT> Just changed my mind again. Read the top critical reviews of these two offers. Lack of suction is top issue, I need one that will suck the ball off a trailer hitch. Back to the drawing board. Sure wish they still made one like my 50 year old unit.
 
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The expensive one is a dry vac only. I have no experience with the Bissel.
 
That old beast is certainly worth fixing. Chances are it is using a Lamb Electric motor. Almost all NA built vacuums of that period used them. If you go to the MasterCraft site you can find the parts manual. They probably want an arm and a leg for the motor but if you figure out what motor they are using, you should be able to replace it for under $150. The parts manual lists a 1 1/4 hp motor, and from the diagram in the parts book, it looks like a bypass motor.

This one is probably close to what you need: https://www.amazon.com/Ametek-Vacuu...ords=lamb+electric+vacuum+motor&tag=pda0ea-20

Or you can look through the e-catalog to find a match and then search on the number. http://www.ametekdfs.com/dfsbrands/lambelectric

bob
 
For the woodworking side, I have a big Oneida Dust Gorilla. Then, I have 5 or 6 Craftsman, etc., shop vacs for the small stuff and the corners. They’re disposables, as far as I’m concerned.
 
Karl, sorry to hear about the loss of your old 'friend'. Sounds to me like looking into a proper motor replacement might be very worthwhile.

By the way, what are doing at home? I thought you make like a snow bird and head south most winters.
 
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