If you’ve never used an air filter these are great. th-cam.com/users/postUgkx_dppjvjF8BYEmPSDTcgCUdRsgWYLXNHN I ended up with three after starting out with one. The noise level depends on the 1-3 settings with how hard you want the machine to work. You can also upgrade the filters and get one better for pet hair and smells which is a must have in my home. I noticed the air seemed lighter and easier to breathe when running the machine for the first time. Works great every time. Highly recommended!
The way I tackled this when dealing with drywall dust was to attach a 15 foot hose to the exhaust port and stick that out the window so no air or dust was recirculating In the house
Your neighbors must love you. A water vault works better so does using a fine particular dust bag. That added hose reduces you vacuums power and runs the fine dust through the vacuums impeller, wears it out much faster.
I'm 40 now but when I was in my 20s learning my trades working for other people the man I learned drywall/painting from wasn't big on masks and shop vacs. My lungs ache constantly due to how much crap I breathed in. Take care of your lungs. I can't stress this enough.
You are so Right. Sorry to hear about your condition, have you ever been screened for lung cancer? Also, the No 1 cancer is....... 1. Lung (1.8 million) 2. Colorectal (0.9 Million) 3. Liver (0.8 Million) Lung Cancer is 2x the second most deadly
@@onenikkione Nope. Never been checked. I have so many health problems as it is and most of them are from work with the exception of Lyme disease/ fibromyalgia. For that one, I’m still not entirely sure which it is. I tested positive for Lyme years back but a tested negative the second time a few years back and fibromyalgia runs in my family but the only way to confirm it is to run several tests to rule everything else out which I can’t afford.
This was a great video - keeping our lungs safe is often overlooked by DIYers. Please do more videos like this - for healthy lungs, but also knees, and lower back.
I call these people morons. This is the reason why they are blue collar workers in the first place. Many years later they can't figure out why they have so many health issues. 🙄 Not all blue collar workers are this way. Some are really intelligent people. However, it has been my experience that the dumb ones outnumber the intelligent ones.
Yes, a healthy person usually feels that they can shake off and recover from these lung, eye and hearing threats without issue.....until you reach 65 or 70 years old and find out your functioning at a 90 year old level.
I never even knew these bags existed for the shop vac. This will be a great edition to my diy dust collector. Thanks for the heads up and another great vid.
I learned to add 2 pieces of duct tape onto the outside of filter bag to reinforce it where the debris hits the bag as it enters it. This keeps the sharp objects from tearing the bag and defeating its purpose.
Another thing I’d recommend is using a broom and dust pan for big loads of easy to get crud. It will save your bags and filters and the fine particles will not be essentially throwing a ton of particles into the air like the blower on your vacuum would.
I made my own system where everything goes into a large 50 gallon barrel and then goes to the shop vac. Basically a diy and larger version of the dust rite system by rockler. Works great and don't have to worry about filling up my shop vac. Getting the hepa upgrade for my ridgid is a no brainer. And the money pit continues...
Cyclone traps are great, they catch 90% of the crap that fills your vacuum. But the fine dust that’s filling into you lungs, is still going through into the air. Pair it up with a filter bag your golden.
@The Honest Carpenter Ethan, I utilize a wet towel over my exhaust on my shopvac to catch any fine particulates that happen to pass through my HEPA filter cartridge. I just strape it down with some bungees and make sure to keep it damp. Great for working in an occupied residence.
Get a 25 foot pool hose, put your vac out side, hook up the pool hose to your vac leave vac out side, bring pool hose inside. Cheap, easy, no dust in the house.
Doing it this way, The dust ends up in your homes vents and finds it way back into your house and then your $10,000 air conditioning system is affected.
Always used a nutone hepa vac since I got my lead safety certifications 20 years ago! They are expensive and impractical but didn't have any other options for a long time! Since then I have come up with a few different options water filtration being the best! Used a two stage separation chamber to catch the bigger stuff, then water filtration for the third chamber! Keep s the dust from getting to the final filter and the weight from being to much for the main bulk of the material! Its kind of cumbersome and awkward but keeps my "Older" homes I work in more safe , and easier to clean up at the end of the project! Got the idea from the rainbow vacuum cleaner! Basically a cyclone system co.bined with a rainbow vac!
Many years ago I think I read in Consumer Reports or some other publication that rainbow vacs did not filter out particles even though rainbow claimed it worked. Of course maybe your system is effective, but I remember thinking how much work vacuuming had been for someone I had known in the late 80's who had purchased the expensive rainbow vac and hauled the heavy machine around her house vacuuming daily to improve conditions for her young children who suffered from asthma.
I have never heard of the filter bag before. Thank you. I have a dust cyclone but don’t use that all the time for other uses. I notice my machine gets covered with particles. Can’t wait to try this!
Hi, the inside bag option is not bad but I would think it reduces suction a lot. What I do... is use an old T-shirt and a couple elastic bands to cover the pleated filter. This extends its life and I tap the filter out periodically. children's T-shirts are a bit better because they fit better but not necessary. one large band at the top and a small band to tie off the neck and sleeve openings. or you can sew that shut, you get the idea 😁
Im glad that someone is going to make it big by being honest at something. Too many people getting their success from corruption and taking advantage. Never lose this honesty from your endeavors.
Awesome advise. Thanks for the scientific info. I have been using this for years and they’re excellent and A MUST HAVE. Keep up the great channel my friend!
I use a “Herky Filters” reusable felt bag in my 14 gallon Ridgid and a CleanStream Hepa filter. Both are reusable and washable and have lasted me two years of moderate use and still going strong. I even tested it a while back by vacuuming up some fine powder that reacts to UV light and room stayed clean. Herky filters bags cost like $32 and are reusable and washable. I think the cleanstream reusable and washable filter costs like $35 or so. Much better deal than using those green hepa bags and filters.
Too bad shop back doesn't make the cord horns long enough to actually hold all of the cord. Too bad shop vac doesn't make a switch that isn't the same body color so you can actually see where it is on the unit. Too bad shop vac doesn't make markings on the top so that you put the lid on the correct way instead of the incorrect weigh 180° off. Too bad shop vac doesn't make a cord that attaches to the unit that doesn't end up breaking way too soon. I took my cord and wrapped it along the handle with electric tape so that I didn't put strain on the stupid joint they built that doesn't last. Too bad the plastic yolk that's meant to hold the vacuum hose doesn't work. buy the biggest dia hose - thats what's matters, filter washes just fine - over and over -saves $20.00 each time - yes better filtration is good
Another great video. I did hear about this before but just never bought the filter bags. I like the idea of the HEPA filter. I'll be looking into those.
I purchased a pleated HEPA filter many years ago and it clogged up really quick. I didn't know about cyclonic gizmos back then so I wrapped it in a t shirt which helped immensely.
I never considered using both the pleated filter AND the bag. I always thought it would inhibit suction too much but I really appreciate you pointing this out!
I also added a poor mans dust cyclone before my shop vac that I got from woodcraft. (Supply your own 5 gal bucket). Works great. Less replacement bags to buy.
I'm using the small, 3HP Bauer unit from Harbor Freight....with shoulder strap, the small one. Are there any bags like this available for small/square models like this?
The bags are cheaper than the filter, but not much I’ve reused the bags by cutting it open and reseal it I rely on an N95 mask and use a spare hose connected to the exhaust port to blow dust outside, not in the room you’re working in
Everybody probably already knows this, but adding a cyclonic separator inline before the shop vac will greatly extend the life of your shop vac and its filters. I use Rockler's and it makes a huge difference (probably would not use it for cement, I use it for wood chips and sawdust).
Amen 🙏🏼!!! If you only use a 5 gallon bucket and have it connected to your planer , keep an eye on it cuZ the bucket fills up really quick & then gets into vacuum & clogs filter
@@frankking1466 Frank, I had this EXACT scenario happen to me when I was helping my friend plane a bunch of reclaimed oak. Luckily I had an extra shop vac filter bag on hand.
@@Grauenwolf I actually bought a HEPA filter for the shop vac just recently. I haven't noticed any huge difference in performance for the price, honestly, but I felt like it was the right way to go.
You need a specialist! I've known guys/contractors who removed asbestos, etc from jobs and it's the customer who is then subjected to any micro particles. People reading this must get in the right people with the right equipment to remove any of these toxic materials. Don't fool around with this stuff.
It’s really important to take these dusts seriously. I’m glad this was covered. One can only tell how much of this dust enters our bodies when you blow your nose and see all of the dark dust there. Proof that face masks also work.
Yes, this is a surprisingly little-known truth. I went through same learning frustration. Another revelation to me was when I added a dust deputy cyclone to that setup. Now my bags/filters last waaaaay longer.
Not only do I always use a filter bag, but also use a Rockler Dust Right dust separator that significantly prolongs the longevity of each $6 fillet bag that would otherwise get clogged and filled up very quickly.
I have used HEPA canister filter from Rigid for few years to pickup drywall and ciment dust. I highly recommend the 20~30$ investment in such filter. And I regularly clean the filter with compressed air to restore the sucking power.
I've read that (per a doctor) the interior of your lungs has the consistency of ... whipped cream! If that doesn't motivate you to protect yourself against dust, say hello to emphysema!
Wow, thanks...great info! For some reason I've always thought the filters in these shop vacs (all brands) are HEPA compliant. In addition, I've never thought about where the exhaust air comes out of it until this video. Since the air has to go through the cylindrical filter...that means it exhausts thru the grillworks on the center top cover. No wonder that there always seems to be very fine dust particles on the top cover. Hey, I love my shop vacs in the garage for quick clean ups instead of having to use a broom. I'm sure they're very much appreciated in a shop as well, but they sure give a false sense of security for your lungs!
I dont own a shop vac. I poured a 20X20 concrete pad next to my garage workshop. Then, I erected a metal roof over it. THEN, I put wheels under my tablesaw, redial arm saw, Sliding mitre saw,, wood lath, & chop saw I do ALL wood milling under the roof on my pad. When I am done, I simply sweep all the sawdust & shavings off into my yard keeping my workshop clean. !
For drywall I use the dust deputy, then a drywall filter bag, then a HEPA filter. Without the drywall filter bag, the HEPA filter would still fill up after a while, even though the Dust Deputy would take about 95% of the sanded compound. With the bag, it's a lot longer between having to swap out or clean the HEPA filter for a fresh one.
Honest Carpenter, thank you thank you thank you 🙏🏾 you are educating the people about harmful vacuum exhaust products 🕊 the SAME thing happen with non-HEPA home vacuums, too 😵
Bought a 16 gal. Rigid at a Black Friday sale. Will get the bag set too. Catching fits cleaning drywall dust at a rehab vacation home. This is exactly what I need. I'm frugal, but this is a convenience I'm willing to pay for because I do not use it routinely. The slide to cover the opening is a good feature. I have 2 older model canister vacuum cleaners in which I use HEPAs. They make a world of difference for allergies. TKS!!!
I have about 50' of hose. Depending on the job I either keep the base close to a window or door and have an exhaust hose made up of one or two segments, and a long vacuum hose for the work. The alternative is a short vacuum hose and drag the base around with a longer exhaust hose. I like this guy's idea but it still doesn't catch everything. We have a dog that sheds a lot and you can smell the dander through any filter, those oils become vapor in the vacuum process. Test it with a few drops of perfume and a brand new hepa filter. It will instantly fill the house (for better or worse.) With an exhaust hose there's no smell.
@@soritessoreites1207 I can't hit you on the head with the math but it is. Resistance in the path from atmosphere in to out, the motor is in the middle instead of at the end. Normally vacs are run with no resistance on the exhaust, but here is the exception. Total resistance throttles the airflow and dirt as well.
Other options, get more hose, put it on the exhaust port and stick exhaust hose out a window. Or, put the entire vac out side, use extra hose to reach where needed, quieter too. Also, after cleaning filter and changing bag (do this outside), start the vacuum once while outside. It will emit a puff of dust, only then take inside to use.
Wish I could do that with my dust collector but it would pull all the conditioned air out of my shop in about two minutes. I am building a closet around it to block noise and force the expelled air to pass through hi merv HVAC filters before coming back into the shop
My shop vac has noticably MORE suction when I don't use filters. So, I do what you suggest, and use a long suction hose with the vac outside. The larger waste is still collected inside the vac.
One thing to keep in mind is that your body also filters the air you breathe. The reason small particles are so bad is that they can get very far into your lungs and get stuck. In the case of exhaust from vehicles, this means carrying carcinogens deep into your lungs. Obviously what you are vacuuming important to how dangerous the dust is.
Always good to control and limit the bad stuff going into your body as best you can, but also remember that your body is incredibly efficient at expelling toxins and foreign objects. Lungs are pretty incredible. Again best to limit and avoid, but in most cases limited exposure is nothing to lose sleep over.
Wow I really appreciate the advice! It's crazy how you cover the most basic concepts which people like myself, who have been in the trades for a few years now, didn't know. Thanks again!
I just the same shop vac and use a filter and bag, plus a special filter for fine dust. Plus I wear a mask when dealing with drywall dust. But then again I read the instructions lol
In my experience, using a cyclone dust separator hooked up to a shop vac is by far the best way. Even the bag stays cleaner so just imagine the vacuum’s filters. Dust disposal is also way more manageable and practical.
The issue I see so often, to include multiple units in my work's shop, is they change out models annually, making finding bags/filters more challenging. I am sure this is not done on purpose.
The bags are universal. I use the same one he is for his Rigid and I own a Craftsman. The bag just wraps around the inside and sticks onto the intake port. And I do believe his filters will work on mine too.
I made a homemade "cyclonic" separator with two 5 gallon buckets and a "thien" baffle. Shoddily assembled with orange buckets, hot glue, tuck tape, flexible vac hose and 2 in pvc piping and the bottom of one of the buckets cut into a baffle. I connected it to my 12 Gal Ridgid that has a bag and the 3 layer blue filter Only the finest even makes it into the bag. Contrary to fearmongers, plenty of ultra fines get trapped in the separator, not just big chips.
I made a cyclone dust separator too & didn’t even have to go buy anything for it!! Had pvc kickin around, had a 5 gallon bucket, some hot glue and even had some caster’s thanks to my hoarding/collection techniques!!!😊…I Frankenstein’d it & it works amazingly. Everyone says the bucket tips over & yes it did. So why not screw bucket to a piece of plywood/melamine/osb that’s a cpl inches bigger all the way around and throw some casters on it, mine hasn’t tipped yet!!! 👌🏼
@@donbushek Considering the types of dust I vacuum, I should clog my filter AND have stuff ejected in the back after the vacuum IF the assumption that these separators only collect chips and large particle sizes. The fact that the bucket is caked with extremely fine powder below the baffle, that my vacuum inside is not, and the filter remains clean tells me I do trap a lot of very fine particles BEFORE the vaccum. Without the separator, the filter gets caked very fast even through a bag.
It it just me or have shop vacs upped their creativity these last few years? Also, is it a good idea to vacuum shop vac filters with a house vac? That's what kinda been doing, but me my guest since I am new to owning a shop vac.
I'd be interested to know as well. I got a RIGID to use as my house vac because I got tired of the ones I had breaking and getting clogged. It's annoying to fish a Hot Wheels out of the vacuum, but was easier than digging one out of the guts of a Dyson. I dunno if the filters would hold up to getting hit by a toy that's getting sucked up, but if they can take the hit, I might grab the HEPA kit
@@MorgenPeschke 1st and foremost, I believe this video's way too detailed and more tailored towards a jobsite use of a shop vac, 2nd. The beauty of a shop vac is that the inner workings of it allow it for better straight up suction than a traditional household vac. What I mean by this is that since a shop vac has less external components they can trap the stuff better than household vacs. See household vacs make sense more for a light or quick n easy cleanup of a surface. That's why people prefer to use them to more occasionally. If you prefer a more deep and tough cleanup of any home surface than a shop vac makes more sense. Also I think fine dust of any kind can be trapped with a general purpose filter so as long it doesn't make more than 50% of its composotion. Makes no sense to waste more money on a HEPA filter if you're not on the jobsite or don't even at least frequently use the vacuum, not only are you wasting money, you're also wasting the material matter of the filter itself. However I could be wrong and still would consider purchasing one if they last longer than standard filters that is. As for the filters taking a hit, I wouldn't worry to much about it, just make sure to inspect after each vacuuming session, that's what I always do anyway.
This is an excellent video, Ethan! I was wondering if you'd cover HEPA filters and you did!! A lot of people don't get to that. Be aware that your Ridgid shop vac HEPA set-up can leak and the only way to verify it is not leaking due to a breach in the filter or incorrect seating of the filter is to conduct a challenge test. This is normally done with vac's that are used to vacuum asbestos and lead containing dust to ensure that the HEPA filtration is working properly. As someone who has worked in the Haz Mat field, I've seen HEPA equipped systems fail the challenge test. Another good thing to do is to wet dusty materials to keep the dust levels down. 👍👍👍
Seems like adding a seal to the motor enclosure and where the top of canister fits would add to the bag and Hepa filter improvements. I moved from a "improved" Craftsman Vac to a Festool Vac years ago and feel the difference is worth the $.
Save your money and get hose extensions instead of expensive disposable filter bags for most jobs. Hose extensions allow you to eject the dirty, smelly, hot air outside and pulls in an equal amount of fresh clean air. It also allows you to put the noisy base unit where it won't make you deaf. Extra points for fabricating a window insert and parking the vac outside. Then crack a window on the opposite side of the house.
The utility of a filter bag is clear, I don't use mine because it strikes me as unsustainable. I hate the prospect of creating even more waste, a trash bag within a trash bag. Currently I empty my sawdust in the back yard. Do you happen to know of a reusable alternative to the bags you featured? I have the same model Ridgid as you. (Also if you're looking for a new angle/niche for your videos, sustainable carpentry/woodworking appeals to this regular viewer!)
Here's a better plan, you can buy a six-pack of 24 in Merv 13 cheap on eBay, remove their cardboard casings, cut the filters into quadrants or how you see fit and do a good job taking them on to your exhaust of your vacuums! 👍 and screw the bags that are pain in the ass
I see many alternatives listed here to your solution. I believe they do not take into account the average homeowner wants an effective solution that is easy to install. The price of the filter and bags is around $50. That's an excellent cost for a highly effective system in an average household. Thanks again for your advice HC.
It looks like the bags you show are not available anymore. Can you please confirm this is the case? I have searched all over Amazon trying to find them. Thank you
Cyclones don't trap the small particles, and also kill your suction by upwards of 50%. They're useful for not having to empty the vacuum nearly as often but not for getting the really small stuff.
Bagless vacuum cleaners are actually pretty disgusting. They force the users to be in direct contact with the dirt, something that we did not have to do with old bag vacuum cleaner. That said, I found that the best way to clean the filter of bagless vacuum cleaner is actually to suck up the dirt using another vacuum cleaner. A simple stick vacuum cleaner will do. If you wash the filter, it will wear down the filter and the dirt is trapped further inside the filter. Of course you will have to wait for it to dry and eventually you feel the need to buy more filters .... :-)
Thing you seem to overlook is that a clogging filter is actually better at capturing smaller and smaller particles. And this miracle .3 micron story is certainly myth. You talk about filters capturing larger particles - and filters for finer particles - you don't think a filter that captures .1 and .2 will also capture .3 etc. Sorry - guess that's why I am in the filter industry and not a carpenter giving advice!!
Dust cyclones are for larger particles, not smaller. They keep less particles from reaching the filter, so the filter doesn't get clogged as fast. The issue we have here is small particles tho
I've been preaching the use of barrel liners AND use of pleated filters at the same time for yrs. I've even figured out methods to retrofit barrel liners in older shop vacs that weren't designed for them. Thanks for explaining HEPA bags and their purpose.
Are you saying the barrel liners are better than non-barrel liners? My vacuum only has non-barrel liners available. Have you by chance figured out how to use a barrel one on a small 4 gallon vac?
@@themikeroberts Are you talking about the paper filter that goes over your pleated filter and is usually held in place by a friction ring? Yes, that's better than just using the pleated filter. What I was talking about is converting older shop vacs that didn't come with barrel liners, to barrel liners. Most times it can be done. No way I can tell you without yours in front of me.
I am so bad with this, most of the time I don’t even use a bag. They’re not cheap, but it’s more out of laziness and convenience than cost. I’m going to order filter bags. I’m not in the business, just a weekend warrior but I really should do better at this. Glad I watched!
Attic dust is a whole different beast, Michael. Especially with the blow-in insulation used over the years. Next time the bag+filter (and a good mask) will work wonders for you! 😄
Just a correction: HEPA filters will prevent passage of particles .3 microns and larger. Particles of .2 and .1 microns are smaller than .3 microns, and will not be blocked by a HEPA filter.
Smaller particles can be filtered by HEPA, 0.3 microns are the hardest to filter, hence why it's used to grade filtration efficacy (i.e. N95 is 95% of 0.3 micron particles filtered, N99 is 99% etc. HEPA is usually equivalent to N95) Smaller particles are actually easier to "catch" in a HEPA filter due to brownian motion. Particles that small can't travel staight, they're looping and zig zagging all over the place so there's a higher chance they hit the fibres in the filter. Kind of like a fly trying to get out through a window, it's pretty likely to hit the wrong spot, over and over again. And that's a living creature with a brain, not an aimless particle. 3blue1brown has a good video on brownian motion, it's much easier to understand with visuals
Good point about using a pre-filter to preserve the main one, but even using bags as designed, a cyclonic dust separator is a better pre-filter than a bag, or any pre-filter that uses a fibrous or physical filtering medium. All physical filtering media block the air flow to some extent, by sticking obstructions (the filter media fibers) in the way of the air flow to catch the particles. This does filter out particles, but it also slows the air flow, causing the motor to have to compensate by speeding up (if it can, and losing 'suck' if it cannot) and potentially burning out early. A cyclonic dust separator also pre-filters, but without using obstructive filter media. It causes the airflow to make a cyclonic turn on the way to the filter, which the air molecules can follow a lot easier than the dust particles can, causing them to drop out into the bucket, and sending on much cleaner air for the main filter to screen. And it does this pre-filtering without hindering the air flow (well, perhaps imperceptibly, but a lot less than physical media does).
If only Miele would make a Shop-Vac their vacuums are divine meaning before they went and made that ridiculous thing called a non-bag vacuum of the bane of existence.
For someone who already has a shop-vac, adding a filter bag is a cheap and easy hack that will save cleanup time and remove a percentage of particulates. If upgrading to a cyclonic separator was as cheap as a filter bag, it would make a great option.
its not imperceptible , i measured a loss of 7 inches water lift and about 25 cfm using a dust cyclone, i tried this with several different brands and several different wet dry vacs, still its worth it usually , but i like my miter saw dust chute to have the most suction possible
@@mainsource8030 What about with the extra filtering as described? I'm curious if you also tested that, and if so, whether it caused a greater loss than the cyclonic action did?
I do it just as recommended here in your video. But I also added the Home Depot Duststopper for about $60 including pail (cyclone lid for 5 gallan pail) By adding the duststopper it takes forever to fill my Hepa rated bag. I am talking year plus. An in that time I will dump about 20 full five gallon pails of wood chips and fine saw dust. Cyclones are supposed to act as a first stage filter for large particles and wood chips from say a planer, but I find it collects 99% of everything, only 1% (and it is all fine dust) gets to the bag. I also saw some other comments about reduces suction. Not if you buy the right vaccum. I have the Ridgid 16 gallon and it is a beast. With hepa bag and filter, plus the Duststopper in play, I have plenty of suction for my table top planer and jointer, as well as jobsite table saw, bandsaw, and tracksaw, sander, etc. Zero complaints. Not as convenient as a ducted, blast gated, dust collector, but not nearly as expensive either:)! And I will agree that it reduces measured suction, but what counts is does it collect the debris, and the answer is yes. It is like saying, well if you turn on the AC your going to use more gas when driving your car, that's true, but you will be a lot cooler:)!
Very well put, Garry! 😁 I got the dust stopper too, as opposed to a larger cyclone. It’s already doing it’s job, I just left it for the dust collection video. Great to hear yours is working so well! Home Depot really has a killer line of vacs and dust management tools.
@@TheHonestCarpenter I just went through a very dusty basement remodel with my Ridgid shop vac + a dust deputy. I also had a bag + HEPA filter on most of the time. I did try the dust stopper early on and it was great for pulling up gravel when laying pipe under the concrete floor but wasn't quite as good as the dust deputy for fine dust. I really do not like how tall the dust deputy is but still use it regularly. I'd probably be happier if I stayed with the dust stopper. Even with these 3 layers of defense I'd get fine dust all over inside the vac which is quite frustrating. They don't design these to be very easy to clean - its just a maze of plastic support structures. If you vacuum up something that doesn't smell great (burned sawdust from a router) you will saturate the bag and filter and will smell it for days. I wish there was a better solution but for the price it is hard to beat what Ridgid has to offer. Pair that with a single-button wireless remote and it's a pretty sweet setup.
I added an old sock over the exhaust pipe on our ShopVac. Amazing how much particulate matter/dust just blows out the exhaust. Those specialty dust bags are pretty expensive @ $18.00 for just two bags.
@@meabobthanks! that brought a smile to my face ...I hope that was a spell check insertion of the word "pantyhose" when typing or dictating the word "hose" as I'm trying to picture myself with the stockings coming to my knees and then the panties (with no thighs or hips) I would look really funny & I expect you'd be laughing at me too
I always put a bit of 🌊 water in the bottom of my shop vac. Water seems to help collect the dust and keep the dust inside of the vac instead of having it blasted all around the room.
How often is it washed and sanitized? A recipe for musty stinky germy moldy ..... Try to convince someone that wants the convenience of a wet vac to pick up a pet mess and think the job is done when they move the wet vac back to wherever it was stored and let it get rancid. I'd just use a rag and go to the sink.
Another excellent video, Ethan. You scored on two critical points… One, I use that exact same rigid shop vac., and two, I am a lifelong Asthmatic and this will make my time in the shop much more enjoyable! Thank you.
I guess I never thought of having things “sucked up” and seeing the collection inside but never thought of particles that get let out.. The shop vac I have gave alike a fabric bag to put over for dry vac use but now wondering what is being de,eased that is not visible. Thanks for the tip and I will look into mine since I do plan on using it for new build when ready hopefully by mid to late December. Thanks as always.....
This is a great idea, but not all the shop vacs have the intake on the base part of the vacuum. Mine has it on the removable motor part. Any thoughts on how to hook up a bag with this style of shop vac?
This was EXTREMELY useful information. I was in the process of trying to vacuum up cement dust and was hesitant and not sure to rely on the filter that came with it, as it blows dust from the exhaust side of the vacuum. Thank you very much!
Just remember, the finer the filter, the more resistance it adds if not compensate with major additional surface area. If you always pick up a lot of hair that makes it harder to clean your filter, you can wrap one layer of a fine netting (Walmart sells it as “Thule” In the wedding decorations area) … It adds virtually no resistance, but will trap the pet and human hair before it enters the filter, and is easily peeled off prior to cleaning and takes all the hair with it and it’s super cheap.
Bit late for this, but I believe you mean "tulle." There's a company called Thule which sells roof racks and such for cars. And if you really want to get esoteric, thule has a metaphorical meaning of any distant place located beyond the "borders of the known world". The guys that might be watching you and reading this tip may feel that way about the wedding decorations department. Wives will probably know what tulle is, and would be happy to get some for you. They do sell it places other than Walmart.
If you’ve never used an air filter these are great. th-cam.com/users/postUgkx_dppjvjF8BYEmPSDTcgCUdRsgWYLXNHN I ended up with three after starting out with one. The noise level depends on the 1-3 settings with how hard you want the machine to work. You can also upgrade the filters and get one better for pet hair and smells which is a must have in my home. I noticed the air seemed lighter and easier to breathe when running the machine for the first time. Works great every time. Highly recommended!
The way I tackled this when dealing with drywall dust was to attach a 15 foot hose to the exhaust port and stick that out the window so no air or dust was recirculating In the house
Life hacks
Thank you for being my neighbor, jerk.
I use the rigid muffler, works like a charm
Yeah, me too, with the long exhaust hose outside
Your neighbors must love you. A water vault works better so does using a fine particular dust bag. That added hose reduces you vacuums power and runs the fine dust through the vacuums impeller, wears it out much faster.
I'm 40 now but when I was in my 20s learning my trades working for other people the man I learned drywall/painting from wasn't big on masks and shop vacs. My lungs ache constantly due to how much crap I breathed in. Take care of your lungs. I can't stress this enough.
You are so Right. Sorry to hear about your condition, have you ever been screened for lung cancer?
Also, the No 1 cancer is.......
1. Lung (1.8 million)
2. Colorectal (0.9 Million)
3. Liver (0.8 Million)
Lung Cancer is 2x the second most deadly
I agree completely
I had to quit carpentry at 25 from developing asthma
@@onenikkione Nope. Never been checked. I have so many health problems as it is and most of them are from work with the exception of Lyme disease/ fibromyalgia. For that one, I’m still not entirely sure which it is. I tested positive for Lyme years back but a tested negative the second time a few years back and fibromyalgia runs in my family but the only way to confirm it is to run several tests to rule everything else out which I can’t afford.
@@MotherAlgorithm I’m sorry to hear that. I had asthma as a child. It sucked and still bothers me sometimes.
This was a great video - keeping our lungs safe is often overlooked by DIYers. Please do more videos like this - for healthy lungs, but also knees, and lower back.
You can also knock off the dust from your filter using an orbital sander (without any sanding pads). The vibration will get most of the fine dust off
Spreading safety knowledge is commendable, although most mechanics I know laugh at my concern for lungs, eyes, and ears.
I call these people morons. This is the reason why they are blue collar workers in the first place. Many years later they can't figure out why they have so many health issues. 🙄 Not all blue collar workers are this way. Some are really intelligent people. However, it has been my experience that the dumb ones outnumber the intelligent ones.
Yes, a healthy person usually feels that they can shake off and recover from these lung, eye and hearing threats without issue.....until you reach 65 or 70 years old and find out your functioning at a 90 year old level.
I never even knew these bags existed for the shop vac. This will be a great edition to my diy dust collector. Thanks for the heads up and another great vid.
Its worth its value in gold. I won't even use my vac without one now, thats how much easier clean up and safety has become
? I dont know how u cant know about a bag. Its the cost that discourages people
I learned to add 2 pieces of duct tape onto the outside of filter bag to reinforce it where the debris hits the bag as it enters it. This keeps the sharp objects from tearing the bag and defeating its purpose.
Another thing I’d recommend is using a broom and dust pan for big loads of easy to get crud. It will save your bags and filters and the fine particles will not be essentially throwing a ton of particles into the air like the blower on your vacuum would.
I made my own system where everything goes into a large 50 gallon barrel and then goes to the shop vac. Basically a diy and larger version of the dust rite system by rockler. Works great and don't have to worry about filling up my shop vac. Getting the hepa upgrade for my ridgid is a no brainer.
And the money pit continues...
Greg you can tell who is too lazy to use a broom.🤣
@@thomashajicek2747 Aha, so that's what the shop vac "muffler" is for, TIL.
If I am using a broom I first throw down some damp sawdust or failing that lightly spray the floor with water from a spray bottle
@@duster. | Smart!
The best thing I ever did was to put a cyclone before the vac.
Cyclone traps are great, they catch 90% of the crap that fills your vacuum. But the fine dust that’s filling into you lungs, is still going through into the air. Pair it up with a filter bag your golden.
@The Honest Carpenter Ethan, I utilize a wet towel over my exhaust on my shopvac to catch any fine particulates that happen to pass through my HEPA filter cartridge. I just strape it down with some bungees and make sure to keep it damp. Great for working in an occupied residence.
Great idea. Thank you
Thank you! So many smart people out there …
Nice,,, a reverse swamp cooler :D
I used this method as a stop gap but the rag dried out almost instantly. Works well for a quick vacuum
Great idea, what kind of towel did you use?
Get a 25 foot pool hose, put your vac out side, hook up the pool hose to your vac leave vac out side, bring pool hose inside. Cheap, easy, no dust in the house.
Doing it this way, The dust ends up in your homes vents and finds it way back into your house and then your $10,000 air conditioning system is affected.
Wow!!!
This may be the most useful video I have seen on TH-cam since the last century.
Always used a nutone hepa vac since I got my lead safety certifications 20 years ago! They are expensive and impractical but didn't have any other options for a long time! Since then I have come up with a few different options water filtration being the best! Used a two stage separation chamber to catch the bigger stuff, then water filtration for the third chamber! Keep s the dust from getting to the final filter and the weight from being to much for the main bulk of the material! Its kind of cumbersome and awkward but keeps my "Older" homes I work in more safe , and easier to clean up at the end of the project! Got the idea from the rainbow vacuum cleaner! Basically a cyclone system co.bined with a rainbow vac!
Many years ago I think I read in Consumer Reports or some other publication that rainbow vacs did not filter out particles even though rainbow claimed it worked. Of course maybe your system is effective, but I remember thinking how much work vacuuming had been for someone I had known in the late 80's who had purchased the expensive rainbow vac and hauled the heavy machine around her house vacuuming daily to improve conditions for her young children who suffered from asthma.
I have never heard of the filter bag before. Thank you. I have a dust cyclone but don’t use that all the time for other uses. I notice my machine gets covered with particles. Can’t wait to try this!
I wondered if someone was going to mention the Cyclone... love those things!
Hi, the inside bag option is not bad but I would think it reduces suction a lot. What I do... is use an old T-shirt and a couple elastic bands to cover the pleated filter. This extends its life and I tap the filter out periodically. children's T-shirts are a bit better because they fit better but not necessary. one large band at the top and a small band to tie off the neck and sleeve openings. or you can sew that shut, you get the idea 😁
Im glad that someone is going to make it big by being honest at something. Too many people getting their success from corruption and taking advantage. Never lose this honesty from your endeavors.
Awesome advise. Thanks for the scientific info. I have been using this for years and they’re excellent and A MUST HAVE. Keep up the great channel my friend!
Thank you, zawsas!
My issue is, I can hardly afford a filter, let alone a hepa and a bag. So, my vac sits in the garage unused😶😒
Carpentry is a scary job besides injured backs and knees increased exposure to cancer causing dust. No wonder there's a carpenter shortage.
One has to be mindful and use all possible precautions available. Most carpenters ignore it in the interest of time.
I use a “Herky Filters” reusable felt bag in my 14 gallon Ridgid and a CleanStream Hepa filter. Both are reusable and washable and have lasted me two years of moderate use and still going strong. I even tested it a while back by vacuuming up some fine powder that reacts to UV light and room stayed clean.
Herky filters bags cost like $32 and are reusable and washable. I think the cleanstream reusable and washable filter costs like $35 or so.
Much better deal than using those green hepa bags and filters.
Just got a new Shop Vac brand 4 gal 5.5 HP vac at Lowe's. Are the Herky Filters compatible with my model? Thanks.
Your the best! Thanks for the kick ass tips.
Too bad shop back doesn't make the cord horns long enough to actually hold all of the cord. Too bad shop vac doesn't make a switch that isn't the same body color so you can actually see where it is on the unit. Too bad shop vac doesn't make markings on the top so that you put the lid on the correct way instead of the incorrect weigh 180° off. Too bad shop vac doesn't make a cord that attaches to the unit that doesn't end up breaking way too soon. I took my cord and wrapped it along the handle with electric tape so that I didn't put strain on the stupid joint they built that doesn't last. Too bad the plastic yolk that's meant to hold the vacuum hose doesn't work. buy the biggest dia hose - thats what's matters, filter washes just fine - over and over -saves $20.00 each time - yes better filtration is good
Another great video. I did hear about this before but just never bought the filter bags. I like the idea of the HEPA filter. I'll be looking into those.
I purchased a pleated HEPA filter many years ago and it clogged up really quick. I didn't know about cyclonic gizmos back then so I wrapped it in a t shirt which helped immensely.
I never considered using both the pleated filter AND the bag. I always thought it would inhibit suction too much but I really appreciate you pointing this out!
Use a sock works fantastic
@@MG-cd9ek Expand please,so you mean a pre filter?
@@wolfgangzrx nope just a sock. Works perfectly fine nothing else is required
@@MG-cd9ek Do you mean use a sock over the filter , in place of the filter or something else? Thanks
@@wolfgangzrx over top where the filter would go
I also added a poor mans dust cyclone before my shop vac that I got from woodcraft. (Supply your own 5 gal bucket). Works great. Less replacement bags to buy.
I'm using the small, 3HP Bauer unit from Harbor Freight....with shoulder strap, the small one. Are there any bags like this available for small/square models like this?
Oh dang turns out I have been doing it all along but I did learn about pulling up the tab to stop dust when taking bag out.
Thank you, Edie! You were on top of safety long before I was by the sounds of it 😅 Those tabs are a great addition though!
I just found out I was doing the same thing, using the shop vac all wrong.
Tell this to my employer that doesn't want to spend $15 on filters and bags
The bags are cheaper than the filter, but not much
I’ve reused the bags by cutting it open and reseal it
I rely on an N95 mask and use a spare hose connected to the exhaust port to blow dust outside, not in the room you’re working in
Everybody probably already knows this, but adding a cyclonic separator inline before the shop vac will greatly extend the life of your shop vac and its filters. I use Rockler's and it makes a huge difference (probably would not use it for cement, I use it for wood chips and sawdust).
Amen 🙏🏼!!! If you only use a 5 gallon bucket and have it connected to your planer , keep an eye on it cuZ the bucket fills up really quick & then gets into vacuum & clogs filter
@@frankking1466 Frank, I had this EXACT scenario happen to me when I was helping my friend plane a bunch of reclaimed oak. Luckily I had an extra shop vac filter bag on hand.
@@Grauenwolf I actually bought a HEPA filter for the shop vac just recently. I haven't noticed any huge difference in performance for the price, honestly, but I felt like it was the right way to go.
46yr old. Finally learned how to properly use a shopvac. Thank you.
However, this is not good enough for lead, asbestos, etc. You need a *sealed* HEPA vacuum for that work.
You need a specialist! I've known guys/contractors who removed asbestos, etc from jobs and it's the customer who is then subjected to any micro particles. People reading this must get in the right people with the right equipment to remove any of these toxic materials. Don't fool around with this stuff.
thats right. for lead dust vacuuming you need a Certified EPA RRP HEPA Vac, not just a Shop Vac fitted with a HEPA filter.
It’s really important to take these dusts seriously. I’m glad this was covered. One can only tell how much of this dust enters our bodies when you blow your nose and see all of the dark dust there. Proof that face masks also work.
Yes, this is a surprisingly little-known truth. I went through same learning frustration. Another revelation to me was when I added a dust deputy cyclone to that setup. Now my bags/filters last waaaaay longer.
Dust deputy is a game changer. I tell everyone about this thing
Not only do I always use a filter bag, but also use a Rockler Dust Right dust separator that significantly prolongs the longevity of each $6 fillet bag that would otherwise get clogged and filled up very quickly.
I haven't tried the bag but I always use the HEPA filter for my shop vac(rigid ). I use it as my home vacuum and it works great.
I have used HEPA canister filter from Rigid for few years to pickup drywall and ciment dust.
I highly recommend the 20~30$ investment in such filter.
And I regularly clean the filter with compressed air to restore the sucking power.
I have that vacuum and am preparing to set up my first home shop, so this was very timely. I'll check it out!
I've read that (per a doctor) the interior of your lungs has the consistency of ... whipped cream!
If that doesn't motivate you to protect yourself against dust, say hello to emphysema!
My baby brother, passed away 8mo ago, at age 50, from COPD. It's a horrible way to die. Lungs are something you don't want to take for granted.
@@chachadodds5860 Did he have alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency?
Or bronchitis
Wow, thanks...great info! For some reason I've always thought the filters in these shop vacs (all brands) are HEPA compliant. In addition, I've never thought about where the exhaust air comes out of it until this video. Since the air has to go through the cylindrical filter...that means it exhausts thru the grillworks on the center top cover. No wonder that there always seems to be very fine dust particles on the top cover.
Hey, I love my shop vacs in the garage for quick clean ups instead of having to use a broom. I'm sure they're very much appreciated in a shop as well, but they sure give a false sense of security for your lungs!
I dont own a shop vac. I poured a 20X20 concrete pad
next to my garage workshop. Then, I erected a metal
roof over it. THEN, I put wheels under my tablesaw,
redial arm saw, Sliding mitre saw,, wood lath, & chop saw
I do ALL wood milling under the roof on my pad.
When I am done, I simply sweep all the sawdust &
shavings off into my yard keeping my workshop clean.
!
I have added the “Dust Deputy” to my Rigid shop vac and has kept most of the dust in the 5 gallon bucket.....
For drywall I use the dust deputy, then a drywall filter bag, then a HEPA filter. Without the drywall filter bag, the HEPA filter would still fill up after a while, even though the Dust Deputy would take about 95% of the sanded compound. With the bag, it's a lot longer between having to swap out or clean the HEPA filter for a fresh one.
What is this Dust Deputy you mentioned?
@@angellas.1314 An add on cyclone dust separator. Dust Deputy was the first major make to the consumer market.
ShopVac also has a filter that filters the ehaust externally. Not HEPA though.
Honest Carpenter, thank you thank you thank you 🙏🏾 you are educating the people about harmful vacuum exhaust products 🕊 the SAME thing happen with non-HEPA home vacuums, too 😵
Bought a 16 gal. Rigid at a Black Friday sale. Will get the bag set too. Catching fits cleaning drywall dust at a rehab vacation home. This is exactly what I need. I'm frugal, but this is a convenience I'm willing to pay for because I do not use it routinely. The slide to cover the opening is a good feature. I have 2 older model canister vacuum cleaners in which I use HEPAs. They make a world of difference for allergies. TKS!!!
Vacuums don't bog down when the filter plugs, the motor speeds up.
I have about 50' of hose. Depending on the job I either keep the base close to a window or door and have an exhaust hose made up of one or two segments, and a long vacuum hose for the work. The alternative is a short vacuum hose and drag the base around with a longer exhaust hose. I like this guy's idea but it still doesn't catch everything. We have a dog that sheds a lot and you can smell the dander through any filter, those oils become vapor in the vacuum process. Test it with a few drops of perfume and a brand new hepa filter. It will instantly fill the house (for better or worse.) With an exhaust hose there's no smell.
Thanks
That's because HEPA isn't designed to capture smells. Use an activated carbon filter if you want to rid of organic compounds.
longer hoses are nice but there are flow losses and you wont have as much suction.
@@Kurt1968 Flow loss is not an issue when the hose is on the exhaust side.
@@soritessoreites1207 I can't hit you on the head with the math but it is. Resistance in the path from atmosphere in to out, the motor is in the middle instead of at the end. Normally vacs are run with no resistance on the exhaust, but here is the exception. Total resistance throttles the airflow and dirt as well.
Other options, get more hose, put it on the exhaust port and stick exhaust hose out a window. Or, put the entire vac out side, use extra hose to reach where needed, quieter too. Also, after cleaning filter and changing bag (do this outside), start the vacuum once while outside. It will emit a puff of dust, only then take inside to use.
Wish I could do that with my dust collector but it would pull all the conditioned air out of my shop in about two minutes. I am building a closet around it to block noise and force the expelled air to pass through hi merv HVAC filters before coming back into the shop
My shop vac has noticably MORE suction when I don't use filters. So, I do what you suggest, and use a long suction hose with the vac outside. The larger waste is still collected inside the vac.
@@padraics Possibly pass the air thru a heat exchanger and out?
this is a way better solution and one people could actually use... no one is going to stick with those bags past 1 or 2 uses, too much inconvenience
What about filling the shopvac partway with water and directing the intake downward?
...and fitting a fireproof hemispherical reservoir to the hose and another hose on the opposite side of the shopvac that...umm...never mind
I think that's messy
One thing to keep in mind is that your body also filters the air you breathe. The reason small particles are so bad is that they can get very far into your lungs and get stuck. In the case of exhaust from vehicles, this means carrying carcinogens deep into your lungs. Obviously what you are vacuuming important to how dangerous the dust is.
Yes, but you don’t want you “built in filters”, Aka lungs to be filed with this stuff. Can’t shake those out 😆
Always good to control and limit the bad stuff going into your body as best you can, but also remember that your body is incredibly efficient at expelling toxins and foreign objects. Lungs are pretty incredible. Again best to limit and avoid, but in most cases limited exposure is nothing to lose sleep over.
Wow I really appreciate the advice! It's crazy how you cover the most basic concepts which people like myself, who have been in the trades for a few years now, didn't know. Thanks again!
I just the same shop vac and use a filter and bag, plus a special filter for fine dust. Plus I wear a mask when dealing with drywall dust. But then again I read the instructions lol
Well that just makes a whole lotta sense 😆. Finally.
Can't believe people even consider using vacuums without bags, I thought this was common sense
In my experience, using a cyclone dust separator hooked up to a shop vac is by far the best way. Even the bag stays cleaner so just imagine the vacuum’s filters. Dust disposal is also way more manageable and practical.
I installed a separator almost a year ago and can easily say it was one of the best thing I've done to the shop all categories.
Does using a dust separator reduce the cfm of the vacuum.
@@pck9465 In my honest experience, it actually increases the suction. No data though, and maybe it’s because of my hose setup.
The issue I see so often, to include multiple units in my work's shop, is they change out models annually, making finding bags/filters more challenging. I am sure this is not done on purpose.
The bags are universal. I use the same one he is for his Rigid and I own a Craftsman. The bag just wraps around the inside and sticks onto the intake port. And I do believe his filters will work on mine too.
No I'M Sure it's done on purpose!
Oh hell yeah!!! I just posted a comment related to that! It’s infuriating!!!
I made a homemade "cyclonic" separator with two 5 gallon buckets and a "thien" baffle. Shoddily assembled with orange buckets, hot glue, tuck tape, flexible vac hose and 2 in pvc piping and the bottom of one of the buckets cut into a baffle. I connected it to my 12 Gal Ridgid that has a bag and the 3 layer blue filter Only the finest even makes it into the bag. Contrary to fearmongers, plenty of ultra fines get trapped in the separator, not just big chips.
I made a cyclone dust separator too & didn’t even have to go buy anything for it!! Had pvc kickin around, had a 5 gallon bucket, some hot glue and even had some caster’s thanks to my hoarding/collection techniques!!!😊…I Frankenstein’d it & it works amazingly. Everyone says the bucket tips over & yes it did. So why not screw bucket to a piece of plywood/melamine/osb that’s a cpl inches bigger all the way around and throw some casters on it, mine hasn’t tipped yet!!! 👌🏼
I should patent the idea!!! 🤣 no joke, try it and see.
You claim that “plenty of ultrafines get trapped in the separator”. How do you know that?
@@donbushek Considering the types of dust I vacuum, I should clog my filter AND have stuff ejected in the back after the vacuum IF the assumption that these separators only collect chips and large particle sizes.
The fact that the bucket is caked with extremely fine powder below the baffle, that my vacuum inside is not, and the filter remains clean tells me I do trap a lot of very fine particles BEFORE the vaccum. Without the separator, the filter gets caked very fast even through a bag.
It it just me or have shop vacs upped their creativity these last few years? Also, is it a good idea to vacuum shop vac filters with a house vac? That's what kinda been doing, but me my guest since I am new to owning a shop vac.
I'd be interested to know as well. I got a RIGID to use as my house vac because I got tired of the ones I had breaking and getting clogged.
It's annoying to fish a Hot Wheels out of the vacuum, but was easier than digging one out of the guts of a Dyson.
I dunno if the filters would hold up to getting hit by a toy that's getting sucked up, but if they can take the hit, I might grab the HEPA kit
@@MorgenPeschke 1st and foremost, I believe this video's way too detailed and more tailored towards a jobsite use of a shop vac, 2nd. The beauty of a shop vac is that the inner workings of it allow it for better straight up suction than a traditional household vac. What I mean by this is that since a shop vac has less external components they can trap the stuff better than household vacs. See household vacs make sense more for a light or quick n easy cleanup of a surface. That's why people prefer to use them to more occasionally. If you prefer a more deep and tough cleanup of any home surface than a shop vac makes more sense. Also I think fine dust of any kind can be trapped with a general purpose filter so as long it doesn't make more than 50% of its composotion. Makes no sense to waste more money on a HEPA filter if you're not on the jobsite or don't even at least frequently use the vacuum, not only are you wasting money, you're also wasting the material matter of the filter itself. However I could be wrong and still would consider purchasing one if they last longer than standard filters that is.
As for the filters taking a hit, I wouldn't worry to much about it, just make sure to inspect after each vacuuming session, that's what I always do anyway.
This is an excellent video, Ethan! I was wondering if you'd cover HEPA filters and you did!! A lot of people don't get to that. Be aware that your Ridgid shop vac HEPA set-up can leak and the only way to verify it is not leaking due to a breach in the filter or incorrect seating of the filter is to conduct a challenge test. This is normally done with vac's that are used to vacuum asbestos and lead containing dust to ensure that the HEPA filtration is working properly. As someone who has worked in the Haz Mat field, I've seen HEPA equipped systems fail the challenge test. Another good thing to do is to wet dusty materials to keep the dust levels down. 👍👍👍
Seems like adding a seal to the motor enclosure and where the top of canister fits would add to the bag and Hepa filter improvements. I moved from a "improved" Craftsman Vac to a Festool Vac years ago and feel the difference is worth the $.
speaking of filters… could add reminder how to use shop vacs for liquid clean up.
Save your money and get hose extensions instead of expensive disposable filter bags for most jobs. Hose extensions allow you to eject the dirty, smelly, hot air outside and pulls in an equal amount of fresh clean air. It also allows you to put the noisy base unit where it won't make you deaf. Extra points for fabricating a window insert and parking the vac outside. Then crack a window on the opposite side of the house.
Never realized they make bags for the shop vac. Learning something new
The utility of a filter bag is clear, I don't use mine because it strikes me as unsustainable. I hate the prospect of creating even more waste, a trash bag within a trash bag. Currently I empty my sawdust in the back yard.
Do you happen to know of a reusable alternative to the bags you featured? I have the same model Ridgid as you.
(Also if you're looking for a new angle/niche for your videos, sustainable carpentry/woodworking appeals to this regular viewer!)
I bought a house that happened to have central vac that exhausts outside. I used that as my shop vac for this very reason, no dust inside the house.
Here's a better plan, you can buy a six-pack of 24 in Merv 13 cheap on eBay, remove their cardboard casings, cut the filters into quadrants or how you see fit and do a good job taking them on to your exhaust of your vacuums! 👍 and screw the bags that are pain in the ass
I see many alternatives listed here to your solution. I believe they do not take into account the average homeowner wants an effective solution that is easy to install. The price of the filter and bags is around $50. That's an excellent cost for a highly effective system in an average household. Thanks again for your advice HC.
It looks like the bags you show are not available anymore. Can you please confirm this is the case? I have searched all over Amazon trying to find them. Thank you
External cyclone is must have, exactly this should be discovered in this video
Cyclones don't trap the small particles, and also kill your suction by upwards of 50%. They're useful for not having to empty the vacuum nearly as often but not for getting the really small stuff.
Bagless vacuum cleaners are actually pretty disgusting. They force the users to be in direct contact with the dirt, something that we did not have to do with old bag vacuum cleaner. That said, I found that the best way to clean the filter of bagless vacuum cleaner is actually to suck up the dirt using another vacuum cleaner. A simple stick vacuum cleaner will do. If you wash the filter, it will wear down the filter and the dirt is trapped further inside the filter. Of course you will have to wait for it to dry and eventually you feel the need to buy more filters .... :-)
This was what I needed to know a year ago when I got my first shop vac lol
Thing you seem to overlook is that a clogging filter is actually better at capturing smaller and smaller particles. And this miracle .3 micron story is certainly myth. You talk about filters capturing larger particles - and filters for finer particles - you don't think a filter that captures .1 and .2 will also capture .3 etc. Sorry - guess that's why I am in the filter industry and not a carpenter giving advice!!
I have been using an old pillow case for years, works even with drywall dust.
So you use the pillow case instead of a bag? Or instead of the filter?
@@angellas.1314 Instead of the filter. I use large elastic band to hold in place
This will not filter out fine particles. You can't see them.
@@danielwilliams3332 You are correct Daniel, but I do not need to worry about fine particles, it is good enough for what I do.
i buy the hepa bags and filter every time....more $$$$ but safer air
Another fine, informative video. Another job well done.
Shouldn't you mention some dust cyclon system so people wouldn't have to buy all those bags...?
Dust cyclones are for larger particles, not smaller. They keep less particles from reaching the filter, so the filter doesn't get clogged as fast. The issue we have here is small particles tho
I've been preaching the use of barrel liners AND use of pleated filters at the same time for yrs. I've even figured out methods to retrofit barrel liners in older shop vacs that weren't designed for them. Thanks for explaining HEPA bags and their purpose.
Are you saying the barrel liners are better than non-barrel liners? My vacuum only has non-barrel liners available.
Have you by chance figured out how to use a barrel one on a small 4 gallon vac?
@@themikeroberts Are you talking about the paper filter that goes over your pleated filter and is usually held in place by a friction ring? Yes, that's better than just using the pleated filter. What I was talking about is converting older shop vacs that didn't come with barrel liners, to barrel liners. Most times it can be done. No way I can tell you without yours in front of me.
@@TheReal1953I wish you’d make a video just to explain the details.
@@gedionsamuel2256 Love to, but vids aren't in my bag of tricks.
WOW 🥺
I Never think of it...👍👍
a double filter; bag and filter; reduces suctions.
Not much.
I am so bad with this, most of the time I don’t even use a bag. They’re not cheap, but it’s more out of laziness and convenience than cost. I’m going to order filter bags. I’m not in the business, just a weekend warrior but I really should do better at this. Glad I watched!
Great info. Cleaning the attic, the dust from the exhaust was miserable . Wish I had seen your video first. Thank-you.
Attic dust is a whole different beast, Michael. Especially with the blow-in insulation used over the years. Next time the bag+filter (and a good mask) will work wonders for you! 😄
Do they sell the hepa bags for smaller ridgid units?
Odd, my owners manual doesn't talk about needing a filter bag. Maybe my owners manual doesn't know how to use a shop vac correctly.
You legitimately saved someone or someone’s family from getting cancer! EVERYONE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS MAN!!!!!
I feel like most people buy vacuums with filters to avoid having to buy bags.
It’s true, repapeti 😆
Just a correction: HEPA filters will prevent passage of particles .3 microns and larger. Particles of .2 and .1 microns are smaller than .3 microns, and will not be blocked by a HEPA filter.
Smaller particles can be filtered by HEPA, 0.3 microns are the hardest to filter, hence why it's used to grade filtration efficacy (i.e. N95 is 95% of 0.3 micron particles filtered, N99 is 99% etc. HEPA is usually equivalent to N95) Smaller particles are actually easier to "catch" in a HEPA filter due to brownian motion. Particles that small can't travel staight, they're looping and zig zagging all over the place so there's a higher chance they hit the fibres in the filter. Kind of like a fly trying to get out through a window, it's pretty likely to hit the wrong spot, over and over again. And that's a living creature with a brain, not an aimless particle. 3blue1brown has a good video on brownian motion, it's much easier to understand with visuals
Good point about using a pre-filter to preserve the main one, but even using bags as designed, a cyclonic dust separator is a better pre-filter than a bag, or any pre-filter that uses a fibrous or physical filtering medium. All physical filtering media block the air flow to some extent, by sticking obstructions (the filter media fibers) in the way of the air flow to catch the particles. This does filter out particles, but it also slows the air flow, causing the motor to have to compensate by speeding up (if it can, and losing 'suck' if it cannot) and potentially burning out early. A cyclonic dust separator also pre-filters, but without using obstructive filter media. It causes the airflow to make a cyclonic turn on the way to the filter, which the air molecules can follow a lot easier than the dust particles can, causing them to drop out into the bucket, and sending on much cleaner air for the main filter to screen. And it does this pre-filtering without hindering the air flow (well, perhaps imperceptibly, but a lot less than physical media does).
If only Miele would make a Shop-Vac their vacuums are divine meaning before they went and made that ridiculous thing called a non-bag vacuum of the bane of existence.
For someone who already has a shop-vac, adding a filter bag is a cheap and easy hack that will save cleanup time and remove a percentage of particulates. If upgrading to a cyclonic separator was as cheap as a filter bag, it would make a great option.
What if you were to use both the bag and cyclo filter? Less suction but absolutely cleaner exhaust?
its not imperceptible , i measured a loss of 7 inches water lift and about 25 cfm using a dust cyclone, i tried this with several different brands and several different wet dry vacs, still its worth it usually , but i like my miter saw dust chute to have the most suction possible
@@mainsource8030 What about with the extra filtering as described? I'm curious if you also tested that, and if so, whether it caused a greater loss than the cyclonic action did?
Very important video. Thanks!🙏
Good video, although the dude shown at 4:20 in a video on the dangers of dust isn’t wearing a mask, or even safety glasses while he’s grinding stone.
His life
They cost a fortune where I live!!!
I do it just as recommended here in your video. But I also added the Home Depot Duststopper for about $60 including pail (cyclone lid for 5 gallan pail) By adding the duststopper it takes forever to fill my Hepa rated bag. I am talking year plus. An in that time I will dump about 20 full five gallon pails of wood chips and fine saw dust. Cyclones are supposed to act as a first stage filter for large particles and wood chips from say a planer, but I find it collects 99% of everything, only 1% (and it is all fine dust) gets to the bag. I also saw some other comments about reduces suction. Not if you buy the right vaccum. I have the Ridgid 16 gallon and it is a beast. With hepa bag and filter, plus the Duststopper in play, I have plenty of suction for my table top planer and jointer, as well as jobsite table saw, bandsaw, and tracksaw, sander, etc. Zero complaints. Not as convenient as a ducted, blast gated, dust collector, but not nearly as expensive either:)! And I will agree that it reduces measured suction, but what counts is does it collect the debris, and the answer is yes. It is like saying, well if you turn on the AC your going to use more gas when driving your car, that's true, but you will be a lot cooler:)!
Very well put, Garry! 😁 I got the dust stopper too, as opposed to a larger cyclone. It’s already doing it’s job, I just left it for the dust collection video. Great to hear yours is working so well! Home Depot really has a killer line of vacs and dust management tools.
This conversation answered my question related to the HD dust stopper. Thanks!
@@TheHonestCarpenter I just went through a very dusty basement remodel with my Ridgid shop vac + a dust deputy. I also had a bag + HEPA filter on most of the time. I did try the dust stopper early on and it was great for pulling up gravel when laying pipe under the concrete floor but wasn't quite as good as the dust deputy for fine dust. I really do not like how tall the dust deputy is but still use it regularly. I'd probably be happier if I stayed with the dust stopper.
Even with these 3 layers of defense I'd get fine dust all over inside the vac which is quite frustrating. They don't design these to be very easy to clean - its just a maze of plastic support structures. If you vacuum up something that doesn't smell great (burned sawdust from a router) you will saturate the bag and filter and will smell it for days. I wish there was a better solution but for the price it is hard to beat what Ridgid has to offer. Pair that with a single-button wireless remote and it's a pretty sweet setup.
How about cyclone dust collector kits?
Don't just tap the filter out, get your airline on the job!
It damages the filter as well as the soaking, unless recommend by manufacturer.
@@andriyshapovalov8886 it's common practice on machine air filters so how is this filter any different?
@@andriyshapovalov8886 I suspect most of the damage is jamming the nozzel into the pleats. Give the damned thig some room.
I love watching your videos. I purchased a fine dust bag with my shop vac but I always learn something new watching your videos. Thank you.
Thank you, TJ! I appreciate you watching. That fine dust bag will cut down on your air contaminants drastically 🙂
I added an old sock over the exhaust pipe on our ShopVac. Amazing how much particulate matter/dust just blows out the exhaust. Those specialty dust bags are pretty expensive @ $18.00 for just two bags.
knee high panty hose work good, too.
@@meabobthanks! that brought a smile to my face ...I hope that was a spell check insertion of the word "pantyhose" when typing or dictating the word "hose" as I'm trying to picture myself with the stockings coming to my knees and then the panties (with no thighs or hips) I would look really funny & I expect you'd be laughing at me too
Buy a duststopper and 5 gallon pail at Home Depot and you'll never fill a bag, of if you do, it will be in a different income tax year.
I always put a bit of 🌊 water in the bottom of my shop vac. Water seems to help collect the dust and keep the dust inside of the vac instead of having it blasted all around the room.
How often is it washed and sanitized? A recipe for musty stinky germy moldy ..... Try to convince someone that wants the convenience of a wet vac to pick up a pet mess and think the job is done when they move the wet vac back to wherever it was stored and let it get rancid. I'd just use a rag and go to the sink.
Another excellent video, Ethan. You scored on two critical points… One, I use that exact same rigid shop vac., and two, I am a lifelong Asthmatic and this will make my time in the shop much more enjoyable! Thank you.
And longer.
@@angellas.1314 heh….. get it?
4:04. How do you know when to throw the Ridgid HEPA filter and bag away? When the bag is full? Can you reuse or clean the bag and filter?
I guess I never thought of having things “sucked up” and seeing the collection inside but never thought of particles that get let out.. The shop vac I have gave alike a fabric bag to put over for dry vac use but now wondering what is being de,eased that is not visible. Thanks for the tip and I will look into mine since I do plan on using it for new build when ready hopefully by mid to late December. Thanks as always.....
This is a great idea, but not all the shop vacs have the intake on the base part of the vacuum. Mine has it on the removable motor part. Any thoughts on how to hook up a bag with this style of shop vac?
This was EXTREMELY useful information. I was in the process of trying to vacuum up cement dust and was hesitant and not sure to rely on
the filter that came with it, as it blows dust from the exhaust side of the vacuum. Thank you very much!
You’re welcome! Be especially careful with that cement dust-definitely want to use a good mask too no matter what!
@@TheHonestCarpenter Eh .. nothing better better than some rock solid lungs!
good information
Thank you, Jim!
Just remember, the finer the filter, the more resistance it adds if not compensate with major additional surface area. If you always pick up a lot of hair that makes it harder to clean your filter, you can wrap one layer of a fine netting (Walmart sells it as “Thule” In the wedding decorations area) … It adds virtually no resistance, but will trap the pet and human hair before it enters the filter, and is easily peeled off prior to cleaning and takes all the hair with it and it’s super cheap.
Nice tip! Thanks!
Bit late for this, but I believe you mean "tulle." There's a company called Thule which sells roof racks and such for cars. And if you really want to get esoteric, thule has a metaphorical meaning of any distant place located beyond the "borders of the known world". The guys that might be watching you and reading this tip may feel that way about the wedding decorations department. Wives will probably know what tulle is, and would be happy to get some for you. They do sell it places other than Walmart.