Customer Reviews

Shop-Vac 301-01-00 5-Gallon 1.5 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a terrific little shop-vac. For the price, you won't find another vac that has this much power. If you want to hook your vacuum up to woodworking machines for dust-extraction, then you need to get one of the more expensive models with the larger hoses. But if you need a vacuum to wheel around your shop, picking up sawdust and bits of wood and metal, and water once in a while, this is a great choice. Shop-vac has been around for a while, and they have obviously been working out any kinks in their design and they have kept the price down at the same time.

I had a previous shop-vac model from 10 years ago -- the motor was still running, but it finally rusted through the metal canister from water clean-ups. I replaced it, and I am very happy to say that the power in the new model is even better, and it is even easier to use than the old one. The wheels are attached in a more secure fashion on the new model, and the wheels operate very smoothly, making quick turns as I pull it along through the shop. This new model also has better balance -- my old one used to tip over now and then because it was just a bit too high. But this new model never tips because it is designed to be closer to the ground. The vacuum hose is attached in a very logical position. The power switch is easy to see and to reach. The shop-vac comes with a full array of attachments. Finally, this new machine -- even though it is more powerful -- makes a lot less noise than the old one.

The use of a plastic canister is actually better in my view. I do occasional water clean ups, and with the metal, you do eventually rust through the canister (even if you try to avoid it). With the plastic canister, you don't have to worry about rust.

A great, reliable little machine.

We have had this product since Christmas 2001 and have used it to clean our fireplace, vacuum our van, soak up water in a flooded bathroom, and clean up after sawing wood in the garage. It is light and easy to maneuver but with plenty of power for around the house jobs.

Assembly is simple and clean up is a snap. The filter will get full of ash if you use it for your fireplace but a quick rinsing will alleviate that problem.

This baby follows me around the shop from tool to tool and cleans up anything I leave behind. My wife loves it.

This little guy is somewhat quieter than my old one - which was a welcome feature. Although it's a little quieter, it is still a powerful vac.

This is a pretty good shop vac. For its price, it's a great value. However, given the choice, I might have gotten a more powerful model (~3hp) with more accessories.

The floor attachment works well for liquid, but is mediocre for dry pickup (with or without the squeegee). The hose is of decent length, but could be about 2 feet longer. It's a bit too short to reach a ceiling or to reach the passenger side of a car from the driver side.
I generally use this with my Bosch Miter Saw 3912. It's strong enough to pick up at least 75% of the saw dust, but is small enough to run the saw and vacuum on a 20 amp circuit. Anything larger would definitely blow the circuit.

Pros:
* Fairly stable. Tips over occasionally, but not a big problem.
* Decent power (for the price).
* Compact and light weight.
* Standard size hose so common accessories work with it (even from my Hoover).

Cons:
* A little on the weak side.
* No tool, hose, or cord storage on the vacuum.
* Few accessories.
* Small wheels get caught on debris easily (and then can tip over).

If you have an old vacuum cleaner you're ready to toss, save the tools and use it for this shop-vac. If you can live with 1.5hp, get this vacuum. If you think you might need more, get a more expensive vac (and get some extras while you're at it).

This small size shop vac works well, but is prone to tip over. I didn't like the fact that you had to modify the filter if you want to clean up wet or dry items. It also seemed to get clogged on some
items which I tried vaccuuming - I think I tried to use the product
beyond what was intended.