Looking for a decent Class M Vacuum

[StevieW]

Hi

Never had to post here before, usually managed to find what I need just searching, so Hi, and apologies if this has already been asked!

We have been "advised" to get a class M vacuum for cleaning the workshop, and to also provide better extraction for some of the power tools we use, like the routers.

I've looked around, and in all honesty, I'm confused as hell. I was hoping someone could recommend something for us based on own experience?

It has to be Class M, 110v, be able to work with power tools also, so ideally auto on/off etc. Only other thing is bag price, because I originally found this, a Draper WDV35LMC110V (I'd post a link, but it says I'm not allowed?!) which seemed ok, but the bag prices are around £6 each, and I can't seem to find cheaper? Is that normal?

Price wise, don't want to spend loads, but do need it to do the job, and last, so I suppose it costs what it costs!

So yeah, any help will be most gratefully received please.

 

[Roughcut]

Festool

 

[sploo]

You should be fine with a Festool CTL model (unless you have a legal requirement for an 'M' rated product).

The CTL and CTM actually have the same filtration, but the 'M' will warn you when the airflow drops below a level considered too low to capture dust (i.e. bag/filter clogged).

I discussed this at some length with a Festool guy a couple of years ago. He obviously couldn't legally tell me that the L was otherwise the same as the M, but (subtly) made it clear that the cost difference was the airflow monitoring and certification expenses required to legally rate the 'M' models as such.

I went for the CTL, and added the Oneida Ultimate Dust Deputy (http://www.oneida-air.com/inventoryD.as ... 009&CatId={6EE79B16-EB63-43E7-8F30-1E06240A24A4}) and also a HEPA filter. My understanding is that the HEPA filter has a slightly better quality of filtration than the standard filter, but is more delicate.

Almost nothing ends up in the bag (due to the cyclone) so the suction level stays really high all the time.

 

[StevieW]

Thanks for the info sploo

I've also read on here that the CTL/M are identical with regards to filtration, my concern would be if I were to get a visit from the HSE (Not expecting them, but you never know....) where would I stand? I know they "recommend" M Class, so don't want to spend on this, to be told to buy again! It looks a good setup, would / will probably go for that, but worried I'd end up wasting money long term if I had to get an M class down the line.

I've been looking at Nilfisk, specifically the Attix 33-2M and also the 44-2M, not sure if they come recommended or not? My worry with those 2 is powering power tools? I know very little on this subject, but get the impression that as this is a 110v unit with a 16a plug, I'm quite limited., or am I way off the mark?

Thanks, SW

 

[sploo]

In terms of M vs L it should only matter if you have a legal requirement. If you were providing equipment for an employee then you may well be bound to provide M class kit. If you're a one man band then I don't know how the law works. I'm just a home hobbyist so obviously there's no legal restrictions for personal tinkering.

If you're after 110v I'm assuming you're working on site so there may well be legal requirements.

 

[StevieW]

We're in a factory, with around 10 guys working on the floor so I think we should be using M or H, so M it is. Appreciate the advice, thank you.

 

[sploo]

We're in a factory, with around 10 guys working on the floor so I think we should be using M or H, so M it is. Appreciate the advice, thank you.

Yea, that sounds like you may have to pay for the M. It's annoying as the L, plus a bit of common sense in not letting the bag fill up completely, would give you the same results as the M, but it's not legally certified as such.

Note that I'm talking about the Festool only - I don't know how other brands' L and M class models differ.