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One of the first things I learned as a machinist was how to clean up after myself. Before the days of giant machining centers, which keep everything neatly contained, running a mill and lathe was a storm of cutting fluid and swarf. I probably ran big, industrial-sized shop vacuums more hours than I did the machining equipment. A good workshop and car vacuum is an investment you will appreciate every time you use it. They can be expensive, but I’ve found some great workshop vacuum deals from Amazon, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware.
The biggest name in workshop vacuums is, without question, Shop-Vac. It definitely feels like a rite of passage to not just buy one, but to have a genuine need of one, and these days, to be able to afford a place with enough room to store one. Amazon has several Shop-Vacs on sale. And if this is your first, you can do worse than starting with the 14-gallon 6.5hp Classic Wet/Dry Vacuum for $183.99 with a bunch of accessories. If you’re looking for something that is a bit more of a trophy, there’s a Shop-Vac 12-Gallon 6-HP Corded Wet/Dry Stainless Shop Vacuum for $119.00 from Lowe’s. It’s a little smaller, a little less powerful, and while it is full-bling, it probably isn’t quite as utilitarian.
If you don’t have the storage space and are looking to clean up smaller messes like just a bench-top or even vacuum out the inside of your car, the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1.6 gal Cordless Shop Vacuum 12V for $99.00 from Ace is a great option. When I was living in tiny California apartments, my first cordless shop vacuum was a real shift. You can store this in a closet or under the sink. But you have real vacuum performance that doesn’t need to be plugged in. There are a couple of industrial units at the bottom, including a floor sweeper that I own—in my fantasy where I own an airplane hangar where I store my collection of cars and have a complete machine shop. Anyway, take advantage of the deals and clean up after yourself.
More Workshop Vacuum Deals
Shop-Vac 14 Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum for $183.99
Shop-Vac 5 Gallon Stainless Steel 4.5 Peak HPWet Dry Vacuum for $79.98
CRAFTSMAN Heavy-Duty 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum for $139.99
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1.6 gal Cordless Shop Vacuum 12V for $99.00 from Ace
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 9 gal Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum 18 V 4.25 HP for $299.00 get a free 8ah battery from Ace
DEWALT Stealthsonic Quiet 9-Gallon 5-HP Corded Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum for $89.00 at Lowe's
Koblenz 16-Gallon 6.5-HP Corded Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum for $179.97 from Lowe's
Shop-Vac 12-Gallon 6-HP Corded Wet/Dry Stainless Shop Vacuum for $119.00 from Lowe's
FEIN Turbo II 8.5-Gallon 1.5-HP Corded Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum for $399.95 from Lowe's
Kärcher S6 Twin, Walk-Behind Outdoor Hand Push Floor Sweeper, 10 Gallon for $299.99
