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Can someone tell me which of three vacuums are better?

4564 Views 21 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  cairnstone
I need to bury 3/4 conduit in a concrete slab in an occupied gym approx 15 feet of.

2) 2nd App. need to remove about 1/4" of concrete on Approx 10. sq.ft of area.

Both are in occupied gyms, so dustless cutting and grinding is a must!

i have $1200 to spend on the vac alone.




Model 550H
http://www.cdclarue.com/cms/?p=36

Model PB-550 is a HEPA vacuum with a filter fractional efficiency rating of 98.00% @ .3 micron at a CFM flow rate up to 140. The PB-550 model comes standard with Pulse-Bac® Technology, our Cyclonic Debris Management System, a tank inspection window, HEPA H-13 filters and a 15’ x 1 ½” crush proof self locking vacuum hose.

Hiliti VC 20
https://www.hilti.com/holcom/page/module/product/prca_rangedetail.jsf?lang=en&nodeId=-11991
Rated voltage 120 V
Suction capacity 129 ft³ / min
Dust capacity 51 lb.
Water capacity 3.6 gallon (US)
A-weighted emission sound pressure level acc. EN 60745 71 dB (A)
Hose diameter 1.4 in
Hose length 16 ft
Max. vacuum pressure 3.2 lb/in²
Dimensions (LxWxH) 19.9 x 15 x 19.7 in


Makita

http://www.makitausa.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?Name=VC4710

Powerful 12 AMP motor generates 135 CFM of suction power and 92" of water lift to take on the most challenging applications
Motor chamber constructed of quality sound-absorbing materials resulting in a quiet operating sound level of 59 dB(A)
Utilizes precision lightweight motor components and efficient air ducting to produce a vacuum weight of only 27 lbs.
Automatic Filter Cleaning System with blow-back feature is timed at set intervals to maintain filter performance for longer filter life
Rocker valve isolates reverse air flow through each filter separately to not interrupt suction
Onboard tool-activated outlet starts and stops vacuum with power tool usage
10 second delay after power tool shut off to clear hose of remaining debris
Soft start function for lower amp-draw at start-up
Integrated cord reel and hose brackets for operator convenience
Variable speed control dial for a variety of applications
Large, wide-set, urethane rear wheels create a lower center of gravity for better stability
Enlarged steel caster front wheels are engineered for easy movement over rough surfaces
Equipped with 24.6' cord and 16' anti-static hose, for better reach and suction performance
Removable accessory storage tray for optional accessories and parts
Quick-release latches for easy removal and disposal of collected materials from canister
Lower profile flat filter design maximizes the container volume and improves efficiency
ETL certified to ANSI 1017 standard for vacuums with onboard power outlet
Meets the EPA (RRP) rule for HEPA vacuums only with the optional main HEPA filter installed
Included: Efficient main nano filter set (captures 99.95% particles 2 microns and larger)
Optional: HEPA filter set is Certified to meet or exceed the efficiency standard (captures 99.97% of particulates .3 microns and larger) - certificate included
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Use water to control the dust.
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I know this isnt what you asked, but why not hire out such a small amount of work?
How many days do you need it for? You can rent an EDCO vac instead of buying a vac for the job.
I know this isnt what you asked, but why not hire out such a small amount of work?
Probably ending up costing me more if i did. Plus i get an opportunity to own the tools, and i do anticipate future similar projects. The areas are just to small to justify calling a company. Large areas, yes, definitely.
How many days do you need it for? You can rent an EDCO vac instead of buying a vac for the job.
2 separate projects, 1 night each.

Rental fees, plus blade, plus pick up and drop off 2x.

Might as well make the investment now.
2 separate projects, 1 night each.

Rental fees, plus blade, plus pick up and drop off 2x.

Might as well make the investment now.
The EDCO is a little out of the price range, then.
The crews resurfacing floors at Nordstrom this week are using pulsebacs with heavy trash bags to catch the dust. They are big and noisy but seem to work well.
Working with a co. Looking for a vac for concrete grinding I read a bunch and the pulsebacs are great except they are known for failing solenoids and electronics. This is not my opinion but many of the guys in the industry chiming in on concrete forums. Just my 2 cents.
I would get the 550

Or take a look at the Onida dust cobra
What/how are you going to bury the conduit? For cutting I've used vacs and for grinding, used water.
What/how are you going to bury the conduit? For cutting I've used vacs and for grinding, used water.

The electrician had to run a few extra circuits for treadmills in a gym. The only real clean way was to pick up the floor, cut the concrete, embed the conduit in the slab, and fill with concrete. So we made a small containment area, protected our surroundings, picked up the floor, and began cutting the slab. used a 4" grinder with a 6" turbo disc. with the vac setup. works beautiful.


We used the dust director, but quickly had to take it off, it lets too much dust out. maybe we were using it wrong, i'll have to give it another try sometime, no time on this job to learn about. I had another guy hold the vacuum behind the grinder. With this method, i would say its about 95-96% dust collection. Then we tried laying some wet towels behind the grinders cutting path, and for some reason, it work. i gained about 2-2.5% more efficiency .Overall, i would say 98% dust collection. Our containment would add 1% to the overall.

The Vacuum

I highly recommend ICS vacuum DC-2S. Sucks up all the dust, with no loss of suction. I really do see the difference in this vacuum vs. my regular rigid shop vac. Filter does not clog! The sales man suggested i went with the model below this one, but i still went ahead and purchased this model. No regrets here.
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I would suggest get a concrete saw you can hook a water line and vacuum up to, will keep down almost all the dust, I have found just a vacuum alone will catch about 90% of the dust.

Are you using a grinder or an actual concrete saw?
I would suggest get a concrete saw you can hook a water line and vacuum up to, will keep down almost all the dust, I have found just a vacuum alone will catch about 90% of the dust.

Are you using a grinder or an actual concrete saw?

its a commercial building on the 2nd floor, can't really use a gas saw. unless i got an electric saw.

it worked out great with the 6" grinder blade. perfect perfect dept. we then used the bosch chipping happier and removed the concrete easily.
its a commercial building on the 2nd floor, can't really use a gas saw. unless i got an electric saw.

it worked out great with the 6" grinder blade. perfect perfect dept. we then used the bosch chipping happier and removed the concrete easily.
Husquvarna k3000.
Works nice with the water hook up. They also make a cordless water hopper for it.
I've done a bunch of Macy's remodels where we have an electrician come in and cut the floor to run new lines. Small job you can get a nice husquavarna electric concrete saw and hook water up to it and run your vacuum. He just used a standard ridgid wet dry vac and it worked fine.
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