Vac question

[Muttley000]

In doing some reading it seems the auto clean function may not be for me due to sawdust clogging. In my woodshop I will be using with the track saw, and sanding equipment, and some day the domino, as well as cleaning my bench, etc.  What else should I consider in picking out a model?

 

[_Ben_]

Auto clean as far as I know is for dry wall sanding where the vac is used without a traditional bag fitted. Auto clean pops the air filter to shake off the fine filler dust into the bottom of the vac.

I've done some dry wall sanding but have never been brave enough to follow the instructions and use without the traditional bag. Luckily each time I've done it, the bag was pretty full anyway.

Auto clean can be switched off and therefore won't affect its performance on regular wood application.

Only things to mention when choosing a vac- bag size, hose size, and CFM.

My CT36 E AC HD is perfect for everything from wood to dry wall, but is a big vac. I also have a CT Mini I for smaller jobs around the house. I think a CT36 would be ideal for you, make sure it has a 36 hose (you might need an adapter for the domino if it's the smaller one).

 

[Coen]

With wood maybe not. But drywall and concrete / stone dust... it makes a difference. Well, I don't own one with AC, but the Midi with manual C is still pretty nice for that. Except that the Midi in how it's designed will not fill it's bag when sucking up larger chunks of heavy debris.

 

[Peter_C]

No need for an AC in a woodshop. The AC is good for drywall dust, and concrete dust. I would highly recommend Bluetooth, along with a 5 meter D36 hose and cleaning kit. Size of unit desired is up to you. Small and portable has it's place, although a CT36 isn't massive but has a larger bag. The Midi is often the "just right" size for many.

 

[nvalinski]

The AC filter with plastic liner bags will clog with wood dust, but you can put in the fleece bags without issue which will prevent the clogging. However, no need to spend the extra money on the AC if you don't see yourself doing drywall or concrete. 

 

[mino]

The AC filter with plastic liner bags will clog with wood dust, but you can put in the fleece bags without issue which will prevent the clogging. However, no need to spend the extra money on the AC if you don't see yourself doing drywall or concrete.

Just to add, if you have an AC vac you should NEVER use the AC mode when there is a bag in the machine.

The bag is not designed to handle the stresses AC puts on it and after a short time (15 minutes was enough in my case) the bag will be damaged enough to be worthless - it will start leaking small dust from micro-damage.

A smart friend did this once with mine. The bag was ruined before I had the chance to stop him ... I have taped over the AC and flow sensor knobs after that.

 

[tomktest]

I have a MIDI-I and every time I have looked at the filter there is no dust at all on it. These bags are so good at catching all of the wood dust that I can't imagine ever needing auto clean. I do sometimes press the manual clean button just because it's there. The capacity is pretty good as the bag gets packed full however I always use a dust deputy with the table saw and planer.

 

[Coen]

I have a MIDI-I and every time I have looked at the filter there is no dust at all on it. These bags are so good at catching all of the wood dust that I can't imagine ever needing auto clean. I do sometimes press the manual clean button just because it's there. The capacity is pretty good as the bag gets packed full however I always use a dust deputy with the table saw and planer.

Now try again with concrete dust.

 

[tomktest]

I have a MIDI-I and every time I have looked at the filter there is no dust at all on it. These bags are so good at catching all of the wood dust that I can't imagine ever needing auto clean. I do sometimes press the manual clean button just because it's there. The capacity is pretty good as the bag gets packed full however I always use a dust deputy with the table saw and planer.

Now try again with concrete dust.

OP mentioned wood dust so I was just giving my experience with that. I did a ton of concrete grinding with my last shop vac and you are correct - the dust would still get in the HEPA filter even with a dust deputy and filter bag. I was able to get my job done without an autoclean dust extractor but it was so messy when I had to tap the filter out manually. For a DIY'er like me I think the MIDI-I is a great compromise because of the manual auto clean.

 

[Muttley000]

Guys, I really appreciate all the insight.  I will update with which way I went!