Where to get a true HEPA vacuum?

We did some demo and realize it may have had lead paint. I’d like to get a vacuum to do a full cleaning after I wet it all down.
Lots of vacuums say they are HEPA but aren’t really true HEPA level.
Can anyone recommend where I could buy or rent one? Home Depot has air scrubbers to rent but no HEPA vacuums.

Any ideas? I just want to get something that I’m sure will do the job right.
Thanks

stickerhappy

in General Discussion 4 years and 10 months ago

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stevecym | 4 years and 10 months ago

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well, i just took a glance at the Nilfisk and it looks like their line is pretty pricey as well.

when i did the search for the Nilfisk, other, lower priced brands came up. as a contractor who has spent a lot of money on tools over the years and has seen a lot of garbage that claims to be something it is not, i would be careful about going with something cheap in this case. especially if you will be picking up dangerous kinds of dust. i would read about these machines first. an in this case, i think you will get what you pay for-

stevecym | 4 years and 10 months ago

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Festool. a customer on here graciously split the cost of one of these with me as she was concerned about the dust in the house. the unit we purchased was “EPA” certified. that is like 10 years ago and we are happy with it and when i use it sanding, i don’t end up with the dust on my face and in other places (i do not even wear a dust mask when i am using it and i use some serious epoxies which i do not want in my lungs).

The festool has two filters – a hepa bag and then an automotive like air filter. these have to be maintained.

we have since acquired a used Fein. it was older and they still make it and it is pricey but they simply have a HEPA kind of catch bag in it that one empties. so it does not have the expense of the Festool where you have to buy vacuum like bags.

Both are from Germany or at least German designed. so the quality is better than the stuff in the big box stores but you will pay for it. Gleason Paints in woodside and Abbot in Greenpoint both carry the festool as well as that woodworkers supply off third ave in brooklyn, by the elevated BQU.

unless you are really concerned about something in the dust, i would check out the Nilfisk that Adam mentions above. the fien and festool are too pricey to use as everyday vacuums and really, in order to pick up dry wall dust or something like that, you need something better than a shop vac as they just spread it around.

greysquirrel | 4 years and 10 months ago

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What you are looking for is a HEPA dust extractor. It takes a decent sized motor and high pressure turbine to move the air in sufficient quantity and pressure past the filter to be effective on a job site. Almost every major power tool brand has their own line of dust extractors now because of a recent OSHA ruling about limiting exposure to silica dust from concrete and masonry. I have several of the very pricey Festool vacuums and a much more economical Nilfisk and they all work great, we usually keep them running with the end of the hose right in the middle of the action or connected to the tools dust port anytime we are making dust indoors. You always want to use a bag in addition to the HEPA filter to protect the expensive filter from the bulk waste. Using a cyclone separator like the Dust Deputy in line with the vacuum will help keep the filter media clean which helps to maintain suction. If you are vacuuming up lots of fine dust it will tend to cake up on the filters and significantly affect the suction. Some models even come with various “autoclean” mechanisms that will agitate the filters and shake off the caked up dust. You will also want to invest in a 4-5 meter long 35mm hose and a cleaning attachment set to get the most use out of the machine.

greysquirrel | 4 years and 10 months ago

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What you are looking for is a HEPA dust extractor. It takes a decent sized motor and high pressure turbine to move the air in sufficient quantity and pressure past the filter to be effective on a job site. Almost every major power tool brand has their own line of dust extractors now because of a recent OSHA ruling about limiting exposure to silica dust from concrete and masonry. I have several of the very pricey Festool vacuums and a much more economical Nilfisk and they all work great, we usually keep them running with the end of the hose right in the middle of the action or connected to the tools dust port anytime we are making dust indoors. You always want to use a bag in addition to the HEPA filter to protect the expensive filter from the bulk waste. Using a cyclone separator like the Dust Deputy in line with the vacuum will help keep the filter media clean which helps to maintain suction. If you are vacuuming up lots of fine dust it will tend to cake up on the filters and significantly affect the suction. Some models even come with various “autoclean” mechanisms that will agitate the filters and shake off the caked up dust. You will also want to invest in a 4-5 meter long 35mm hose and a cleaning attachment set to get the most use out of the machine.

stickerhappy | 4 years and 10 months ago

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If you read enough reviews and articles, it seems like HEPA is almost a buzzword at this point and lots of standard vacuums claim it.
True HEPA is capable of catching very small particles like lead etc so I just want to be sure whatever I get will do the job and not blow it all over and make it worse.

Guest User | 4 years and 10 months ago

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How you determine what is true HEPA or not?