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.

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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.

Learn more about this author, Rachelle de Bretagne.
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