I just replaced my old shop vac with a DeWALT STEALTH SONIC 6-gallon, 4 HP vac. My old one was a RIDGID 12-gallon, 4¼ HP model, and it was incredibly loud. I hated turning it on. I’m completely deaf in my left ear, and I wear a hearing aid in my right ear that I turn off when I’m in the shop. This new vac is so much quieter that I can barely hear it with my earmuffs on. Replacement hoses alone cost around $35, so buying the whole unit for under $80 felt like a no-brainer.
The vac was $79 at The Home Depot, and I also ordered a remote switch so I don’t have to walk over to the machine to turn it on. I can just leave the remote attached right to the bandsaw.
My wife and son don't have any hearing problems, and they confirm the difference is remarkable, you really have to hear it to believe it’s not BS. Finally, somebody figured out how to make one that doesn't hurt!
I just got the same vac at Costco for the same price....I needed another vac like I needed a hole in my head....but the wife was always complaining she had nothing to vac out the cars with. So this one I blame on her!
i havn't used bags ever but i may start myself. much easier to pull out a bag than having to take all the tools out and dump the thing upside down to unload it.
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
I had to do a review, I still can't believe how quiet it is compared to the others on the market. I've never used bags, and I don't with this new one either. I don't store the accessories on the machine because it's dedicated to my bandsaw.
I have plenty of shop vacs but my quiet one isn't so quiet anymore after trying to ignite the sound deadening foam under the hood. I pulled the melted mess out and it's now quietish, but not like before. It's been my go-to when sanding for half of forever and one that's super quiet again would be very welcome.
That's basically what I saw advertised at HD (on line). No "stealth" identification. I wonder if there are two levels of build for that vac, one standard and one with the extra sound insulation?
You're right, Bruce. Sorry about that. I just noticed what you were talking about when I compared the pictures. The one on the right is from Lowes, and it does not say Stealth Sonic near the handle like mine does. Maybe Home Depot screwed up and I just happened to catch it before they did.
You may have made a great score with their screw up! Can you see what the model number is on your vac? There may be a different number or just a "-xxx" difference from the one at Lowes (Model #DXV09P)
