OT: Shop Vacs
 

I'm doing drywall work at home in an addition, and realizing my Ridgid shop vac doesn't generate much suction when I use the filter bag. It won't pick up much at all unless I hold the bare nozel right on the floor. It is a 4.5-5 gallon that supposedly generates 5 peak hp, but it's not cutting it. I'm thinking it may be time for an upgrade. I'm not sure I want to spend Festool prices, but if it gets me the filtration and suction I'm after, I could pry the dollars from my miserly fingers.
Any suggestions? Bigger model, different brand?What's everyone happy with for fine particulates/Hepa level filtration?

Proper filter would help. Thy are not created equal.

Clean it and get a proper filter.

Filter is new, as is the dust bag.

Filter is new, as is the dust bag. Both from Ridgid. Open to suggestions for other filters if you have one

If you're doing a lot of drywall or sanding work, a drywall sander with vacuum attachment might catch a lot of dust at the source. A shop vac (with HEPA filter) could act as the vacuum, and then do the clean up you asked about.

Take the filter out and bang it in the garbage can. Be prepared for a lot of dust. Sanding dry mud generates a fine dust the clogs the pleats. By new filter do you mean you bought a new one and it didn’t work right away? Also try the brush attachment instead. You can also take the bag out, but clean the filter often.

I haven't started doing the tape and mud yet, just trying to clean up the dust from cutting the drywall itself right now. There is a dust layer on the subfloor I'm trying to get up before I continue.
Yes, the filter is new/clean, as is the filter bag. I would usually blow out the dirty filters using my compressor when it was clogged before this project, so I am familiar with dirty filters.

There are a lot better shop vac than your ridgid.

Look at Fein, Nilfisk, and Festool.

Much quieter, HEPA, and better airflow.

I remember hearing good things about Ridgid vacs - maybe there's an issue with yours that isn't obvious?

I have a craftsman that does reasonably well. Along with a drywall sanding attachment it does a pretty good job capturing the bulk of the dust. I do notice a drop in performance when using drywall (or better) rated bags. Seems part for the course with the extra filtration level on the big box brands.

https://www.harborfreight.com/5-amp-...der-59166.html

Worth it for a few cheap jobs paired with a different filter for your vac.

There is nothing wrong with your shop vac.
You need one of these:

https://www.oneida-air.com/dust-depu...SAAEgIeTfD_BwE

No dust will go into the shop vac filter, it all goes in the bucket.
This is what woodworkers use.

I know I am not answering your question but offering a suggestion - I have had luck doing the following - prior to sanding the taped areas I would wipe them down and smooth the area with a damp sponge. Really reduces the amount of sanding needed.

My house vac is actually a shop-ish vac meant for remediating asbestos. It's a European model - Nilfisk. It's quiet, suction is amazing. Just a little small, but I'd sell that as portable. $400ish but I'd buy again in a heartbeat.

5 hp = 56 amps on 110v. Ain't no way.

Drywall kills vacuums. The Festool stuff is worth it. I have one of the less expensive models, but the more expensive ones have a special bag cleaning system meant for drywall. I use mine all the time, it becomes my Shop-Vac in the garage. It works very well, and I would buy it again. Check out the Festool "AC" (auto clean) models.

- damp sponge as suggested above and then just sand down any remaining rough areas.
- also “Clean Sweep” works really, really, really well to mingle with the dust and basically nullify it. HIGHLY recommended. Basically you can just gently sweep it with a broom, or vacuum if a lot of it, with zero flying dust.
https://www.acehardware.com/departme...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[edti] I also have a similar “dust” trap device that i have used in the past between the vacuum inlet and the shop vac to help the machine cope. But since I started using the clean sweep, I have had any need for it