Bosch has recently announced a new line of dust extraction vacuums with 9- and 14-gallon capacities. The new vacs are designed to increase dust extraction performance and offer best-in-class air suction speed and power.
Bosch’s new dust extraction vacuums will be suitable for collecting dust (and debris) that is generated during concrete and masonry work, woodworking, and general workshop and construction activities.
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Models
- VAC090S
- VAC090A
- VAC140S
- VAC140A
A-series vacs feature automatic filter cleaning, while S-series vacs have manually-activated filter cleaning mechanisms. Both series of vacuums have power ports for synced activation by an attached power tool, but only the A-series vacs have a power broker feature that Bosch says prevents blown circuits.
The A stands for automatic filter cleaning, the S stands for semi-automatic filter cleaning.
All models feature:
- 9.5A motors
- 150 CFM airflow
- Suction rated at 97″ static water lift
- 70 dB noise level
- 9.2 or 14.5 gallon capacities
- Weighs 28 lbs (9-gal model), or 37 lbs (14-gal model)
- Synced power tool activation (when plugged into the vacuum)
Filter Features
VAC090A and VAC140A vacuums feature built-in automatic filter cleaning, where their pleated filters are subjected to reverse airflow every 15 seconds during operation. Bosch says that this intermittent filter cleaning does not compromise vacuum suction or performance, and reduces filter clogging for greater dust extraction efficiency.
VAC090S and VAC140S can self-clean their filters in a similar way, but require user activation to do so.
Bosch recommends that users should use a fleeced or paper bag as a pre-filter when using a HEPA filter instead of self-cleaning, as HEPA filters are delicate and presumably potentially damaged by the self-cleaning process.
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All of the new vacs are EPA-compliant when paired with Bosch’s VF120H HEPA filter.
Power Tool Activation
Plug a power tool into any of the new vacs, turn the switch to automatic, and the extractor will turn on when the attached corded tool is in use.
All Models
All of the new dust extractor models have built-in L-Boxx docks, integrated cord and hose storage, wet vacuuming water level sensor that shuts down the motor when maximum water capacity is reached, rubber wheels, and locking casters.
MSRP: $549 to $669
ETA: Feb 2014
Buy Now: VAC090A, VAC090S, VAC140A, VAC140S
The “A” models look to cost about $50-55 more than the “S” models of the same size.
First Impression
I like the idea of the larger rear wheels, the transporting handles, and the on-board hose management. I don’t see the vacs’ power cords anywhere, so I assume they’re wound up nice and tidy at the rear of the vacuums.
Actually, I REALLY like the idea of the built-in bungee cord vacuum hose storage system.
Overall, I am optimistic, but I’m not sure why Bosch developed a semi-automatic filter cleaning system. To activate it you have to cut off suction to the hose and then press a button at the rear of the vacuum. I’m guessing the button reverses airflow momentarily but just long enough to blow a gust of air to clear dust off the filter.
If you have the budget for a $545 9-gallon dust extractor, why not just spend $600 for the fully-featured model? The same goes for the 14-gallon vac. Instead of $577, just spend the $625 for the fully-featured one. These street prices might change, but the logic doesn’t. Granted $55 is still $55, but after using my Festool CT26 HEPA dust extractor ($595 via Amazon) for over 2 years now, I would NEVER use another dust extractor that didn’t turn on and off with an attached corded tool.
Update: ALL of the new vacs can turn on and off with power tools, but the A-series vacs have an added power broker feature that prevents blown circuits.
I am very fond of my Festool dust extractor, but the new Bosch vacs have a few features that might make them better for on-the-go dust extraction applications.
mnoswad1
“built-in L-Boxx docks”
nuff said.
John S
I am glad you mentioned that the ‘cheaper’ model doesn’t have the auto on/off feature for tools – I hadn’t realized…. I thought the only difference was the manual vs. auto start for the filter cleaning…
Josh
I’m hoping that after retailer discounts these wind up a little (or a lot) cheaper than Festool. I’d love a good quality dust extractor for $300-$400, and the lboxx mount is a huge plus.
Ryan
Stuart, I checked out the specs for these at Bosch Tools and according to them, ALL of them have the power tool activation feature. Really, it appears the only difference is the semi-cleaning vs. auto-cleaning of the filter. I’d be inclined to NOT pay the extra money for the auto feature. Then again, I always use filter bags, so I certainly wouldn’t need the filter try to clean itself every 15 seconds.
Stuart
Oops, it looks like you’re right! I added clarification in the post. Thanks!
Bosch’s release says: A power tool activation feature with power broker is also present to minimize blown circuits (power broker is only available in automatic filter cleaning models).
I assume this means the A-series vacs are less likely to trip circuit breakers than S-series models when total load exceeds 15A on a household circuit.
Ryan
Yes, I didn’t read the press release, but that was a confusing way they presented the information. So I guess in addition to automatic filter cleaning, you’re getting the power broker feature. Im not sure how important that is to me either. Though maybe that’s their objective, having TWO features I’m not sure about might entice me to spend the extra $55 :
But I’m with you, I would never go back to one that didn’t have power tool activation.
Ryan
I just realized I’m probably confused on what the power broker is. If it also functions as the same thing as being able to dial down the suction power like on my CT48, that IS important, especially for sanding applications.
Stuart
I thought the same, that the black dial on A-series vacs was related to suction power. But, given how Bosch describes the power broker feature, I’m thinking this is more of an adjustable circuit breaker.
The motors are said to draw 9.5A of power. This means that, on a 15A circuit, an attached power tool will trip the circuit breaker if it draws more than 5.5A of power.
Some workshops might have 20A breakers. I’m guessing that the power broker allows for power allocation based on circuit breaker. If someone is at a job or working at their workshop and trips the breaker, they can then dial down the maximum allowable power drawer via the power breaker to prevent it from happening repeatedly. The alternative would be disconnecting the tool from the vac and plugging it into an outlet that’s connected to and protected by a different breaker.
Ryan
Looking at the dial on the “S” models, it appears adjustable from 7A up to 10A. I assume that’s the amount available to a connected power tool? I’m confused about whether the vac itself draws less power. It would have to, no? If it uses 9.5A, then obviously on a 20A circuit you should be able to make 10A available to a power tool (in theory). On a 15A circuit, even on the lowest (7A) setting you could still trip the breaker if the vac is using 9.5A. It would seem that if the vac is using 9.5A regardless, they would have made the dial start at 4.5 or 5 to account for 15A circuits. Given that, it seems like the vac must reduce the amount of amps available to suction power. Now, how that correlates to being able to adjust suction power is unknown. Am I missing something?
Stuart
Going by the Amazon images for the A-series vacs, the dial has markings from 7.5A to 9.5A, and maybe a little beyond that.
Power Broker Dial: Optimizes usage of the available power and helps avoid blown circuits.
Bosch makes no mention of variable suction power or suction control at all. They only describe how power can be allocated between tool and vacuum.
Even so, I think you might be right, and that the dial lowers suction – and vacuum current draw – so as to allow for greater tool power draw.
If so, then it doesn’t make sense why Bosch doesn’t mention this. There are times when lower suction power is actually preferred, such as when sanding.
Ryan
Yes, I used 7.0 and 10.0A bc it looks like theres a setting before and after their numerical markings. Who knows.
It’ll be interesting to find out. I have a CT48 and the Festool Workcenter, but I don’t find the Workcenter as beneficial as I thought. And while I love the CT48, I’d like to downgrade in size to increase mobility. Since I’m all in on L-boxxes, stacking a couple of L-Racks on the smaller 9 gallon and adding the LED lid on top of the stack would be my ultimate workcenter, I think.
BUT, the lack of suction control for finish sanding might be a deal breaker. We’ll see. Good discussion, Stuart!
But its me!
I like the L-Boxx integration with these, but the lack of a HEPA filter installed (if I read right, the HEPA filters are extra), coupled with the high price, leave me inclined to pass. Especially when compared to a CT26, which I believe includes the HEPA filter. I suppose if I did not already have a Fein Turbo II, I would consider the Bosch unit. I do like the auto power outlet of the Fein, however (and went the Goretex filter route for HEPA on it). My lungs sure appreciate it.
Matt
I believe that on the semi-automatic cleaning version that you can clear the filter through pushing a button on the handle at the end of the hose, that cuts off suction temporarily to clean the filter. I’m assuming it works the same as the UK version – see 1:30 in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4BkP9Oey8Y
Stuart
Ah, so the switch at the base of the vac is just an on/off button.
Some of the EU/UK models have min-to-max dials on the A-series-equivalent vacs, which does suggest suction control.
I previewed those models a few months back at https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/bosch-click-clean-dust-extractors/%3C/a%3E , and there are a few differences between EU/UK and USA models. Most differences are subtle but substantial enough that I tried to avoid direct comparison.
fred
I’ve had a Festool or newer Fein vacuum on my wish list for some time to work with my Domino jointer and other portable “debris-makers”. One of these Bosch machines will now certainly be in the hunt when I get around to buying. I see the comments about the Bosch having a power management option – that’s nice. Shop wiring is one thing and jobsite wiring often something very different. In remodeling work were sometimes confronted with very inadequate wiring. Sometimes that was all or part of the reason for the remodel. So confronted with a 60 Amp fuse panel – we sometimes resorted to other strategies like bringing an engine-driven hotdog compressor – and foregoing the vacuum on our jobsite table saw and miter saw – setting up under a portable canopy on a lawn or driveway. My basement shop mercifully has a dust collection system. But my garage shop- which has 110/208 circuits (20Amp minimum) – I think if I plugged in my Fein vacuum and miter saw – starting them both together (motor inrush) – they might trip a breaker. Since my garage has six 110 wall circuits, 1 lighting circuit, and three 208 (one for HVAC) – I typically plug things into different circuits
John
This would be a great compromise if you can’t afford a festool vac or if you don’t want HEPA filtration, anti static hose and hose garage. The big plus about the CT vacs is they will run a kapex on full suction on a 15a circuit.
John M
Will these fit onto the vac outlets on Festool sanders, saws, Dominos ect?