Can there be only one? In truth, no … but, apart from a compact model for quick work or a HEPA-certified one for RRP use, I think I have proven a very workable solution for most applications. It consists of three components:

1) The basic vacuum;

2) The optional HEPA filter bag; and,

3) A cyclone “pre” filter.

For a basic vacuum, I use the Shop-Vac 962-58-10. By itself, it’s rated for drywall dust. http://www.shopvac.com/wet-dry-vacs/vac-details.aspx?vacId=123&vacSKU=962-58-10  It has an attached bin for accessory storage (not great, but better than nothing) and a very good means to store your cord. The supplied cord is quite long. Downside? The hose is an offbeat 1-1/2″ size, so accessories are limited. The vacuum is also very quiet – remember when the “Shop-Vac” brand sounded like jet engines? Well, no more. Again, this comes with a drawback: there is no simple exhaust port, so you can’t use this vac as a blower. Finally, the provided HEPA filter cartridge can get wet, even be hoed off when it gets filled with crud.

I add a HEPA filter bag, simply to make it easier to empty the vacuum. Please note that this is NOT a rated combination if you’re doing RRP work. Whether I like that situation is a topic for another day!

The real icing on the cake is adding a cyclone pre-separator to the hose. This lets you catch the vast bulk of your stuff before it ever gets to the vacuum. I am quite happy with the DustRight Vortex: http://www.rockler.com/dust-right-dust-separator . You will want to order the accessory hose with it (the Rockler site is not clear on this point), and get some hose clamps. It’s really surprising just how much of what you vacuum up gets separated into this drum. You can easily line the drum with a trash bag for easier clean-up, but then you won’t be able to see how much dirt is inside. That drum holds quite a bit more than any filter bag.

Using the combination is a bit awkward if you’re moving the unit around a lot. Still, since the vacuum comes with quite a long hose, you can reach quite a bit before that becomes an issue.