While it is possible to have a system to help with dust extraction within a workshop, these units are not always easily within the price range of the average woodworker, although free-standing extractors which do not depend upon ductwork are a real possibility to avoid too much dust within the workshop area. These are used for localized dust extraction and can be used in conjunction with traditional woodwork vacuums to help keep the level of dust acceptable within the woodworking environment. The types of vacuums which can be considered for the workshop vary in price and also in function, and to choose the best kind for your needs, the specifications listed below need to be check-listed in order of priority:
*Wet/Dry
*Power
*Vacuum and blow options.
*Portability.
*Available tools.
*Canister capacity.
*Filtering and sound.
*Price limitations.
Wet/Dry.
Ideally in a workshop and wet and dry vacuum is the best option. You never know when you will need the wet option and this gives you more flexibility. Wet and dry vacuums usually have a large capacity and can be used in emergency situations to clean up water. In an environment where the integrity of machinery depends upon dryness, this is essential to consider if there is any risk of flooding, or spillage. Shop vacuums with the wet and dry facility help you to keep the floor area of the workshop clean.
Power.
The different power settings should also be considered as the higher the power, the more useful the tool will be in efficient cleaning. Typically, a 1300 watt appliance offers sufficient cleaning power, though do not dismiss those workshop hand held vacuums for worktop cleaning, as these can be great for localized vacuuming after work is performed. The power cord should be sufficiently long to fit your workshop. This is vital as many cheaper brands pay little attention to lead length. Some workshop vacuums have their power measured in HP, and this gives a great indication of whether the vacuum can handle the high volume work required of it in a workshop situation.
Vacuum and blow options.
Those tools with vacuum and blow options are super for working with power machinery. What these give you is the availability of a dual purpose tool, since all dust and dirt can be blown from all the small places on a machine to the floor area, to be cleaned up thoroughly. This beats having to vacuum machinery where the nozzles have difficulty reaching areas which are obscured.
Portability.
A workshop vacuum must be portable. Look at the wheel systems of a vacuum. Check for sturdy construction, since the vacuum will be put to the test during normal workshop activity. The workshop vacuum cleaner is not treated with the same respect as a household vacuum and should be strong enough to withstand the work it is intended for. Check for balance. Machines which are top heavy can become unstable when filled.
For those who wish to have extra portability, the workshop robot vacuums seem like a fun idea, although you do need to establish whether these are suited to the layout of your workshop, since their efficiency depends upon having the space to move around. These also have limited storage and are more suited to last minute cleaning up.
Available tools.
Look at the range of tools available for each of your choices. The length of the hose is extremely important. If it cannot pass easily over your machinery or benches, they are of little use. Look too at the range of nozzles to see if these suit workshop use. Often many of the workshop vacuums offer items which are of little use within the workshop to justify expensive prices. The principal items you will need are these:
*A long flexible hose.
*An all purpose nozzle.
*A fine nozzle for difficult places.
*Wide liquid nozzle for vacuuming liquids.
Canister capacity.
The canister capacity counts, because this also determines how often you will need to empty the vacuum. A 20 gallon tank is ideal for the workshop, though smaller options are useful if the amount of vacuuming you will be doing is minimal. Look also at what filters are used and if bags are readily available for the model of your choice. Bag-less options may be the way to go, since these mean less expense, though if you choose a bag-less option, check that the filtering system is efficient and has a HEPA quality filter.
Filtering and sound.
Many vacuums have filters which are ineffective and which do not protect the workshop from dust particles being blown back into the environment. Do check to see if HEPA filters are fitted, since these will not only help efficiency, but will make the environment relatively easy to keep dust free.
The sound of a vacuum of this quality and size is often extremely loud. Ensure before buying that you have the necessary ear protection, or that your choice is not too loud to use.
Price limitations.
Woodworkers may be trying to find a vacuum on a budget. Price comparison sites such as Next Tag allow you to compare prices and to choose the range which suits your budget the best.
EW56Bhttp://www.nextag.com/workshop-vacuum/products- htmlWH6PDZ6EFP
Vacuum alternatives.
Wall hung vacuums can be extremely useful. These take up less space and can be a great option to look into for the workshop. Another thing worth thinking about when thinking of cleaning options for the workshop environment is a free-standing dust extraction system which is on wheels and can be moved to areas of need. These are relatively inexpensive and help to localize the dust collection in areas of machine use. Small vacuums for worktops are also worth considering if you are a fastidious worker, though often woodworkers find that a simple brush does the same thing.
The cleaning tools which are bought for a workshop environment should be those which tick all of your boxes. Each workshop is different and will have a different amount of waste to cope with, and also space considerations. The details outlined in this article are as a guide to what you should look for when choosing a vacuum for the woodworking workshop, and with the use of this criteria, the choice will be much easier.