Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a hobbyist, a clean woodshop is always a must. In my experience, having a reliable woodshop vacuum is essential for keeping the workspace tidy and free from debris. It’s worth noting that not all vacuums are created equal, and some may not have the necessary power to effectively remove all the clutter from your shop. That’s why I’m here to guide you through a selection of the best shop vacs for woodworking, helping you make an informed choice.
Reviews of the Top Shop Vacs for Woodworking
1. Vacmaster VBV1210
Vacmaster sits conveniently on any list of the greatest shop vacs for woodworking. It has an impressive 19-foot cleaning reach with its long and convenient hose. It is also great for cleaning both wet and dry surfaces. This is besides its peculiar detachable blower for increased functionality, along with its drain port.
One of the things that makes this particularly enticing is its construction. The polypropylene material with which it was made enables it to work efficiently for your workshop. I believe that these qualities make the Vacmaster VBV1210 12-gallon wet/dry vacuum incredibly useful for woodworkers.
What I Like
- The detachable blower feature allows you to switch between vacuuming and blowing tasks effortlessly.
- With a remarkable blowing speed of up to 210 miles per hour, this blower function can handle various outdoor tasks with ease.
- The vacuum's robust construction ensures it can withstand rigorous use and tackle tough jobs.
- The generously sized drain port simplifies the process of emptying the tank.
- The included crevice tool is a valuable accessory for reaching into narrow and hard-to-reach spaces.
- The presence of multiple storage ports ensures that all your vacuum accessories have a designated place.
What I Don't Like
- Some users have reported less-than-ideal customer support experiences when seeking assistance with troubleshooting.
- Some users have noted that the attachments do not securely lock in place.
2. Stanley SL18116 Wet/Dry Vacuum
Searching for the most reliable shop vac for woodworking would consistently bring back Stanley. Given the features of this Stanley SL18116 vacuum, it’s not hard to see why.
One aspect I find particularly valuable is its reach. The vacuum boasts a 10-foot power cord and a 16-foot long hose, which, in my experience, offers an impressive level of convenience. With this setup, you can cover a significant distance without the need to constantly unplug and reposition your unit.
Additionally, the vacuum cleaner comes with a 4.0 horsepower that provides optimal suction for different woodworking tasks. Its six-gallon storage isn’t quite as large as some others. But, it does help you to get the job done in your woodshop.
What I Like
- The standard 6-gallon storage capacity provides ample room for collecting debris and materials.
- It offers an extended reach, allowing you to clean a larger area without constantly relocating the vacuum.
- With the capability to operate for up to 300 continuous hours, this vacuum can handle prolonged tasks.
- The durable stainless steel construction ensures the vacuum can withstand the rigors of demanding work environments.
- Its ease of use and portability make it a practical choice for various applications.
- The product comes with a 12-month warranty, providing peace of mind in case of any unexpected issues.
What I Don't Like
- It lacks a HEPA filter, which may affect its ability to capture fine particles and allergens in the air.
- The vacuum hose diameter is relatively small, which might limit its effectiveness in handling larger debris and clogs.
3. Vacmaster Wet/Dry Vac (VFB511B0201)
This vacuum is part of a series of vacuum cleaners known as the Beast Series. Given its features, it’s really no surprise that the Vacmaster VFB511B0201 earned that title for itself.
To put things in perspective, you should know that the Vacmaster has a 5-gallon Polypropylene tank for tough jobs. Additionally, it has 5.5 HP, providing excellent suction. It also comes with storage areas for ease of use and tidiness. Finally, has an 18-feet cord that gives you as much mobility as you might need to complete different tasks.
What I Like
- The extensive mobility it offers makes it easy to move around and reach different areas in a workspace or home.
- The provision of storage areas is a practical feature that helps keep accessories and tools organized.
- Its tough construction enhances durability, ensuring that it can withstand the demands of various applications.
- The vacuum's efficiency in cleaning up debris and messes is a standout feature, making it a reliable choice for both professional and DIY use.
- Onboard storage is a convenient addition, allowing you to keep essential accessories close at hand.
- Its multifunctional capabilities mean you can use it for various tasks, adding versatility to your cleaning and maintenance toolkit.
What I Don't Like
- The hose provided is relatively short, which may limit its reach and require you to move the vacuum more frequently during tasks.
- Caster wheels for enhanced mobility are not included, which might make maneuvering the vacuum a bit more challenging.
4. STANLEY Wet/Dry Vacuum SL18115
The Stanley SL18115 sports several useful features for hobbyist woodworkers and professionals alike.
For starters, I want to highlight the versatility of this vacuum cleaner. In our assessment, I discovered that despite its powerful HP motor, it’s suitable for both household and woodshop use. What’s even more intriguing is its ability to be reversed and utilized as a blower, which can come in handy for drying your pet’s fur when needed.
Beyond that, it has a convenient storage space of up to five gallons. All these features come at a comfortable 14.02 pounds. Above all these, it has a solid 12-month warranty.
What I Like
- The powerful 4-HP motor packs a punch, providing robust suction and efficient cleaning performance.
- Its lightweight design and user-friendly features make it a breeze to operate and handle during tasks.
- This vacuum is well-suited for use in various spaces, adding to its versatility and practicality.
- The inclusion of a 1-year warranty offers assurance and peace of mind in case of any unexpected issues.
- Cleaning and maintaining the vacuum is a straightforward process, reducing downtime.
- Its wet/dry cleaning capabilities make it suitable for handling a wide range of cleaning tasks.
What I Don't Like
- The storage space provided is comparatively small, which may require more frequent emptying during larger cleaning jobs.
- The hose length is fairly short, which could limit its reach.
5. DEWALT DCV580H 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum
Unlike some others here, this shop vacuum doesn’t need a constant supply of electricity. Instead, it functions on a battery. I believe that this is an excellent advantage for professional and hobbyist woodworkers.
The most notable feature of the Dewalt DCV580H is its portability in virtually every way. This includes its 2-gallon storage tank and 5 feet hose. However, while you might think the hose length is too short, I believe otherwise. The reason is that it is light enough to carry around and functions on a battery. So, if you need to cover more ground, you can simply walk there.
Overall, I deem this Dewalt model as one of the best shop vacs for woodworking.
What I Like
- Its lightweight and compact design makes it highly portable and easy to maneuver.
- The HEPA-rated wet/dry filter is a notable feature, ensuring efficient filtration.
- A generous 3-year warranty provides added assurance of the product's quality and durability.
- The filter is easily accessible and reusable, reducing maintenance costs and hassle.
- The crush-resistant, heavy-duty hose is a practical addition, capable of withstanding demanding use without damage.
- The long-lasting battery ensures extended runtimes, allowing you to tackle cleaning tasks without frequent recharging.
What I Don't Like
- The air outlet position may not be perfectly optimized, potentially leading to some inconvenience during use.
- Due to its compact size, the storage capacity may be limited.
6. Vacmaster VQ607SFD Wet/ Dry Shop Vacuum
At 3HP, it’s clear that the Vacmaster VQ607SFD doesn’t have as much horsepower as some others in the market. However, what it lacks in a good horsepower motor, it makes up for in other features.
For example, its nozzle can cater to different floor types. Besides that, its stainless steel design will come in handy for durability when you’re setting it hard at work on various surfaces.
I’d like to point out that this model happens to be quite lightweight, and there’s another feature our experts appreciate: the large drain port. This feature, in our experience, makes cleaning out the 6-gallon wet/dry vac tank a quick and efficient task.
What I Like
- It's impressively ultra-lightweight, making it easy to handle and move around during various cleaning tasks.
- The standard storage capacity strikes a balance between collecting debris efficiently and minimizing the need for frequent emptying.
- Its durability ensures a longer lifespan and dependable performance, even in demanding environments.
- The presence of a large drain port simplifies the process of emptying the tank.
- The versatile nozzle allows for effective cleaning in various spaces and crevices.
- This vacuum's multifunctional capabilities make it a valuable tool for handling a range of cleaning needs.
What I Don't Like
- It's important to note that poor maintenance may pose a risk of rust over time.
- While generally well-designed, there may be some slight flaws in its design that could be improved for an even better user experience.
7. Shop-Vac 2036000 Wet Dry Vacuum
Shop-Vac is an American original. The brand has numerous impressive shop vacuums, including the Shop-Vac 2036000. I should mention that this vacuum includes several handy accessories, and one that I find particularly useful is the crevice tool. It excels at reaching those elusive bits of sawdust tucked away in corners. What I appreciate even more is the option to conveniently mount it on the wall for easy access.
But, then again, that doesn’t come as much of a surprise as the Shop-Vac is very portable and easy to carry around. Finally, this model comes with a rear blower port.
What I Like
- Its lightweight and compact design make it highly portable and easy to store in tight spaces.
- The collapsible carry handle on top adds to its portability, allowing for comfortable transport between cleaning tasks.
- The wall-mount capability is a practical feature, saving valuable floor space in your workspace or storage area.
- The inclusion of a blower port adds versatility, making this vacuum suitable for various tasks beyond standard vacuuming.
- The crevice tool is a valuable accessory for reaching into narrow and hard-to-reach spaces.
- A 3-year motor warranty provides peace of mind regarding the product's durability and performance.
What I Don't Like
- The storage capacity is comparatively low, which may require more frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions.
- The power cord is relatively short, which could limit your reach and necessitate changing outlets more frequently when working in larger areas.
8. Makita XCV11Z Wet/Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum
This incredible shop vacuum by Makita is battery-powered. Despite that, it can deliver an impressive 57 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) and a laudable 27 inches of water lift suction. By extension, I believe it will be excellent for your shop vacuuming needs.
Asides from its highly-efficient HEPA filter mechanism, the Makita XCV11Z comes with a filter cleaning system. This helps to maintain efficiency during its 1 hour of continuous use. To help monitor its battery life, there’s an LED indicator on the machine.
The Makita vacuum only weighs 10.1 pounds, making it very convenient to carry around.
What I Like
- The compact and portable design makes it easy to transport and store, suitable for various cleaning tasks.
- The inclusion of a HEPA filter mechanism ensures effective air filtration, improving indoor air quality during vacuuming.
- The filter cleaning system adds to its efficiency, reducing maintenance efforts and extending the filter's lifespan.
- Its multifunctional capabilities make it a versatile cleaning tool, adapting to different cleaning needs.
- The 2-speed push-button feature provides increased control, allowing you to adjust the vacuum's power according to the task at hand.
- Onboard accessory storage keeps essential tools and attachments conveniently within reach.
What I Don't Like
- The battery life is fairly short, so it may require more frequent recharging or battery replacements.
- The tank size is relatively small, which may limit its capacity for collecting debris.
9. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 Wet/Dry Vac
The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is another good dust extractor for woodworking that you can use in your shop. This model is very portable and allows you to carry it easily.
Granted, others in the industry offer more mobility. However, the 10-foot long cord of this dust extractor still allows you a significant amount of freedom. Its tank can hold two and a half gallons of vacuumed dirt.
There’s also ample space for tool storage. This will help you to neatly organize your things on the vacuum. Finally, it has a convenient crevice tool.
What I Like
- The inclusion of a crevice tool is valuable for tackling those hard-to-reach spots during cleaning.
- Its portability and lightweight design make it easy to move around and transport to different areas as needed.
- The multifunctional capabilities add versatility to your cleaning toolkit.
- The 3-year warranty provides reassurance about the product's quality and durability.
- Its ease of storage ensures that it won't take up too much space in your workshop or storage area.
What I Don't Like
- The mobility of this vacuum is relatively limited, which may require you to reposition it more frequently when working in larger spaces.
- The horsepower of this model is comparatively lower, which might affect its performance with certain tasks that demand higher suction power.
10. CRAFTSMAN 17612 Wet/Dry Vac
Craftsman 17612 is another excellent shop vacuum for woodworking. While it is a small and portable type, it offers quite a few powerful features. One of those features is a 5.0 HP engine. This rivals even some of the strongest corded shop vacuum cleaners.
Besides that, this model has a 4-gallon storage tank. I find this very convenient for vacuuming without necessarily needing to empty out your tank too frequently.
Finally, its 20-foot cord makes it very easy for you to get a lot of work done without having to unplug and re-plug.
What I Like
- Its compact and portable design makes it a handy tool for various cleaning tasks.
- The powerful engine ensures efficient suction, making quick work of debris and messes.
- The easy-to-use power switch provides increased control during operation.
- With a 20-foot power cord, you have ample reach, reducing the need for frequent outlet changes.
- Accessible and convenient accessory storage keeps all your tools and attachments organized and within reach.
- Its multifunctional capabilities make it versatile, suitable for a range of cleaning tasks.
What I Don't Like
- The hose is relatively narrow, which may affect its ability to handle larger debris and clogs effectively.
- The wet suction capacity is somewhat limited, so it may not be the best choice for heavy-duty wet cleaning tasks.
Shop Vacs for Woodworking Buyer’s Guide
Regrettably, not everyone dedicates the time to ensure their vacuum cleaner can efficiently and effectively handle the job. Therefore, I recommend taking a moment to review the essential qualities listed below before you embark on your search for a shop vacuum tailored to woodworking needs. This will save you potential headaches down the road when making your purchase.
Power and Efficiency
Regardless of the work you do on your shop, the truth is that you’ll generate a lot of dirt. This dirt could come in the form of splinters, but most of it will come in the form of sawdust.
The only way to get things done efficiently is with a heavy-duty shop vac that has a reasonable amount of suction power in it. This is because woodshop dirt is usually reasonably tougher, and sawdust and wood splinters aren’t easily picked up by other regular vacuums.
So, before you choose your wet/dry vacuum cleaner, make sure it has the suction power to handle your task. You should pay close attention to the horsepower here. In that regard, you can aim for something with a peak HP of 5.5 for these power tools.
Capacity
Earlier, I established that you’ll generate dirt as a woodsman, even with a dust collection system. However, if you’re a professional woodworker who gets jobs often, you’ll likely generate more.
If you’ve taken my recommendations to heart and opted for a shop vac with sufficient power for woodworking, collecting dust particles should be a relatively smooth process. Yet, in addition to considering horsepower, it’s essential to pay attention to the shop vac’s tank capacity.
If your tank capacity is too small, you’ll have to stop in the middle of cleaning every time. This is so that you can empty out the tank to accommodate more dirt, which would slow down your work considerably. If you’re a professional woodsman with a lot of work to do, it’s safe to say that you really don’t have that much time.
Hence, I strongly advise that you check the capacity before you buy your next woodworking vacuum. If you have to do a lot of cleaning, you can go for a wet/dry vacuum that has up to 5 or 6 gallons of storage space. If you really want to be ambitious, you can go for a 16-gallon tank.
On the other hand, you can go for a wet/dry vacuum with about two gallons if you’re a hobbyist. Just make sure that you choose something that works for you. That way, your tasks wouldn’t get unnecessarily slowed down because you’re constantly emptying the shop vac tank.
Material and Durability
When purchasing a shop vac for woodworking, you’ll likely use it frequently. This is understandable, as regular shop cleaning is necessary during woodworking projects. However, with frequent use, the shop vac is more susceptible to wear and tear.
In that regard, two things are likely to happen. The vacuum could pack up and stop working, leaving you frustrated. Alternately, it could stand the test of time and help you get things done. In the case of the former, you would’ve lost the value for your money. This might be covered by the warranty or not.
To prevent all the heartache that comes with broken machines, choose something that’s very durable. You can go for a shop vac that is made of stainless steel. The stainless steel automatically guarantees a fair amount of strength. As an alternative, you can go for a kind of vac that has propylene.
Attachments
Vacuums are usually made up of several different parts[1]. These parts perform different functions and enable you to do different things. An example of one such part is the crevice tool that helps you to get deeper into crevices and clean them out.
Now, some companies will sell their vacuum attachments separately. This could include everything from the crevice tool to a simple battery that you’ll need to operate the device. Other companies would be slightly more generous. It is important to go for the latter.
When the tool comes with all the attachments you need to clean your woodshop, it helps you to save money. This is because you wouldn’t have to buy all of them separately. So you should definitely consider attachments before buying.
Among other things, you should look for a crevice tool for hard-to-reach particles, car nozzle, extension wands, utility nozzle, cartridge filter, etc. These, especially the extension wands, will make your work significantly easier.
However, you should still be careful. The reason is that some brands put tools with subpar quality as attachments just to make more sales. So, as you look for attachments, make sure you can vouch for the brand’s durability.
Additional Features
You should look for additional features so that you can get certain things done easily. One example of an additional feature is the auto-shut-off function. This comes with many vacuums It gives your heavy-duty woodworking shop vac the ability to go off by itself when the need arises. That way, it can protect itself from leakages and motor damage.
Another added function is the drain valve. This feature saves you a lot of time, stress, and energy. You wouldn’t have to drain the dirt out of your shop vac manually. All you need to do is to open or close it and it would get rid of everything for you.
One more thing you can look out for is a shop vac with onboard storage compartments. These storage compartments will function as storage areas for the attachments I mentioned earlier. This helps to make workflow much smoother.
Size and Portability
Shop vacs come in different shapes and sizes. If you have a ton of work to do, you might want something large with huge engines. You might also want something with a huge 16-gallon tank that can get a lot of cleaning done in one go. But if you want a space-saving tool, opt for high-quality small shop vacs for added portability.
Alternately, you might simply require something compact that’ll get you the bare minimum in terms of cleaning. The truth is that this part is entirely up to you and your specific requirements as a furniture maker. However, make sure you have a proper understanding of your needs before you make a purchase.
Versatility
When choosing a shop vac, there’s a very small chance that you’ll only need it for your woodshop. This is even more likely to be true if your woodshop is in the garage of your house or something of that sort. For this reason, you’ll need something versatile.
I recommend ensuring that your shop vac has poly wet/dry capabilities – a feature that our team finds incredibly valuable. This versatility allows it to handle both wet and dry messes effectively, whether in the shop or at home. Moreover, the ability to double as a blower is a notable advantage. It transforms your vacuum into a handy power tool for yard work when the occasion calls for it.
Price
Finally, when you want to buy your shop vac, like any other power tool, make sure you’re getting it at a good price/value. Some of them can be really cheap. You should be careful with those because cheapness might also mean that their value isn’t so great.
The best way to determine what direction to follow in terms of cost is by creating a budget beforehand. Afterwards, you should note the specific features like extension wands that you want.
How to Use a Shop Vac?
Using a shop vac is quite easy. The very first step is to assemble it after purchase. Most producers will provide a detailed manual for you to follow in this regard. It’s advisable that you follow the assembly manual to the letter. Veering from it might cause you to make mistakes that’ll affect your tool’s performance.
Having concluded that part, you’ll need to plug in the vacuum cleaner. This is important even if it’s battery-powered because you’ll need to charge the battery. Once plugged in with sufficient power, turn on the machine, set it to suck, not blow. Then, point the hose and voila, you got a working shop vac on your hands!
FAQ
Can you use a shop vac for sawdust?
Yes, you can use a shop vac for sawdust. Most shop vacs are specifically designed to help you get dry sawdust out of your workshop.
What Shop Vac has the best suction?
The shop-vac with the best suction is the Vacmaster VFB511B0201. The horsepower on this machine can go as high as 5.5HP.
How much horsepower do I need in a shop vac?
The amount of horsepower you need in a shop vac depends on how much cleaning you have to deal with. For a simple woodshop, you can make do with just 3HP. For one with a lot of work and dirt, you might need 5HP.
My Top Pick For a Shop Vac for Woodworking: Vacmaster VBV1210
I deem the Vacmaster VBV1210 as my top pick in this shop vac reviews. The product is an excellent machine that provides a lot of cleaning reach with its 19-foot hose. Also, it has 12 gallons of storage space and 5HP for excellent suction. Considering all these, it wasn’t hard for me to decide that this is the best shop vac for woodworking.
Want a better working environment? Well, you can consider these three methods to upgrade your own garage workshop.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
