@jonathan-m - Thanks for that link! Definitely another one for consideration. Canadian Amazon has it for $545 which is more than Fein but "in the ballpark" (apparently down from the ludicrous MSRP for $1,210 LOL). What impressed me at first glance in the link you sent me is that it seemed to be the first vac (sorry - I just can't bring myself to call them "dust extractors" LOL) that seemed to have better suction specs then Fein! 74 l/s would make it 157 CFM to Fein's 151 CFM and 254 mbar of pressure to Fein's 245 mbar.
Then I realized that the link you sent is for the UK model so the specs don't necessarily apply (as the 220V models often have better performance). I found that out looking at the Stihl's specs where their UK site for the SE 122 had their specs as 131 CFM (when converted) and 250 mbar which was quite respectable but the US website (presumably for a 110V model) dropped that down to 113 CFM and 23o mbar (which is considerably lower than Fein). Canadian Stihl website didn't show any such specs for some strange reason.
I think the equivalent North American model of Bosch vac is:
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=VAC090A#specs
And, of course, those specs for a 120V unit are lower than the UK model - but not by much - as they are virtually identical to Fein specs (assuming that, in practice difference between 150 and 151 CFM or 245 and 242 mbar are indistinguishable LOL). In fact, I would be not at all surprised if that was a Fein vac engine on it (?). The only thing that bugs me about the Bosch specs is that I can't find their noise specs anywhere (if they WERE using a Fein engine, I imagine this would not be an issue but I don't know if that's the case). Quiet operation is a big feature for me which is why Makita looked appealing though at 113 CFM and no flat top (which is another thing I think would be a good feature) it's not in the running...
@jkuisma - Yes, I'm in GTA (Mississauga) and Atlas was the first website I checked and was surprised that they are only showing old models. I figured that meant they are no longer carrying Fein vacuums and they are just unloading the old inventory but I'm glad to know that that's not the case. Fein corporate offices are nearby in Mississauga too so I figured I'd just knock on the door and say "hey, can you show me this vacuum please?" LOL... I can't remember exactly where they are any more but remember going there once to pick something up I bought at a dealer (so as not to have to wait 4 days for them to deliver it to the dealer and come back to pick it up from them). I vaguely remember them having some of their products in the "showroom"...
As far as Karcher - yes, I am also intrigued by it. One thing I especially like about it is the fact that the vac detaches itself from the wheel/handle base - which I think is clever and could be useful... Noise-wise it is also comparable to Fein (66db for Fein vs 68db for Karcher). Suction wise it is a bit behind at 129 CFM and 72" waterlift (I reckon that would be 180 mbar) - but still better than my current Fein. What turns me off is the lack of tool receptacle (though that's not necessarily a deal breaker - since, as I said, I still have my old Fein vacuum for that - but I would like to have one anyway) and, I guess, the fact that my past experience with Karcher electric (consumer-level) equipment has been, how shall I put it, less than stellar... I have their gas pressure washer which is working quite well so far (though I haven't put it through a lot of strain either) but several of their electric pressure washers I owned have been "disposable equipment" by and large. So, although, they are certainly capable of making a good, lasting product (otherwise, I don't think they'd be able to sell commercial equipment), I am not sure that the same level of engineering and quality is there in their consumer devices (though, I could be wrong about non-pressure-washer products - as I've never had anything other than pressure washers from them). Still, looking at that all plastic base and long (plastic) handle - it seems it would be just a matter of time before they are history. There's a Karcher shop out in west end of Mississauga and I might swing by to see if they have one on display. Based on previous experience, Fein product I MIGHT be willing to purchase without seeing first (though I'd prefer to see it, of course) but a Karcher (electric) product - I would definitely need to see and touch before parting with money...
Many of these including Karcher, Makita, Bosch - feature things they call "pulse", "semi-automatic" or "automatic" filter cleaning - and as far as I can see Fein (even newest models) have nothing like that... Has anyone used any vac with some kind of filter cleaning built into it? In theory, something that will be of at least SOME assistance in cleaning off the gunky, disgusting filter full of sanding dust before I take it out for full cleaning is DEFINITELY a welcome thing (surprised Fein hadn't done at least something about that) - but I was wondering if any of it REALLY works or is it all just a "marketing feature"? Any experiences?
Guess, Fein is still at the top of the pile but now I'm seriously leaning towards at least checking out some of the other units...
Marko
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