Over at Acme Tools, their Flex HEPA dust vac deal continues (VCE 33 L AC). Here are the full details of the 9-gallon dust vac deal.
When checking on the ordering status today, I saw that there is also a 12-gallon dust vac on sale (VCE 44 L AC), for $400. The two dust extractor vacs seem to have the same features and power specs, and so the main difference only looks to be the holding capacity.
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As a reminder, these vacs are usually used for dust extraction purposes, but can also be used for wet/dry cleanup tasks. (However, the size of the included hose is much more ideal for connecting to tools. I use a slightly smaller hose size – 27mm vs. the 32mm included with the Flex – on my Festool vac with sanders, plunge-cutting saws, routers, miter saws, and for quick cleanup of sawdust and smaller wood chips.)
- 11A motor
- HEPA filtration (class L)
- Dry and wet pickup
- Manual on/off and “automatic” mode switch
- Automatic filter cleaning system
- Adjustable suction flow rate
- Electronic liquid level control (for wet pickup)
- Soft start
- 15 second overrun/run-on feature empties dust and debris from vacuum hose prior to shutdown
- Dust-protected anti-static finish prevents electric charging of the suction hose
- Large rear wheels and swivel casters in front
- 158 CFM max
- 25 ft power cord
- 1.25″ x 13′ hose
Buy Now(9 Gallon Dust Vac via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(12 Gallon Dust Vac via Acme Tools)
(Reminder: Acme Tools is an affiliate partner of ours, and as such we earn referral commissions from purchases made through our links.)
At the time of this posting, the 9-gallon vac is said to be a preorder/backorder item with a July 10th expected ship date (if you order now), and the 12-gallon vac is said to be in stock.
We’re told that due to high demand, initial inventory was sold out, but a resupply is on the way to fulfill backorders. Additional resupply orders will be determined based on backorder numbers.
Flex’s website has a PDF user manual for the VCE 33 L AC and VCE 44 L AC. The Acme Tools product images show a third control dial, but the product manuals don’t seem to mention it at all. The VCE 33 L AC and VCE 44 L AC are shown to have on/off/automatic operation dial, and a speed control dial.
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Update: It seems that the product photos are of the VCE 33 M AC and VCE 44 M AC. The deal is for the L-class HEPA vacuums. The M-class version is a different HEPA class and that third hose size selection dial seems related to: switchFlow sensor technology monitors the flow rate and emits a visual and audible signal to indicate any drop below the statutory minimum value of ≤ 20m/s. Most HEPA-rated dust vacs that we talk about are L-class, which must trap over 99% of dust with grain size under 2µm, and M-class must trap over 99.9% of particles under 2µm. My understanding is that M-class vacs need to signal the user when filtration efficiency is reduced and action (such as filter cleaning or filter bag replacement) is required. In other words, the L class vacs on sale only have two dials – one for on/off/auto and one for variable suction.
There is also a bundle deal, where you can save 20% off a Giraffe drywall sander if you buy either Flex vacuum.
The Flex drywall sander, priced at $650 before discount, features a 12ft anti-static hose, variable speed adjustment, balanced and vibration-reducing design, and 4.2A motor.
Buy Now(Giraffe Sander)
Julian Tracy
Damn! $100 for a 4” taller bucket?!?
Stuart
Shrug, what can you do?
It’s $540 at Amazon.
I thought it’s a big difference too, at least compared to the step-up price differences of Festool vacs. But, consider there’s probably lower demand, slightly higher production costs, and higher shipping costs, and the fact that with tools like this brands can charge whatever they want.
Comparatively, the 12-gallon Flex is still less expensive than Dewalt’s 10 gallon extractor or Makita’s 12 gallon model.
Travis
You also get larger casters which make it easier to roll over cords and other things.
alex
Too bad they don’t ship to Canada 🙁 It’s a really great deal.
Jared
Depending on how keen you are, there are services that with accept packages in the States and re-ship to you or, at least for me here in Alberta, there’s a warehouse on the border (US side) that accepts parcels for a small fee ($6-8 I think) which you can then pick up yourself and bring home.
Bruce Hand
I’m located in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada and just purchased the Flex Vac. Just sign up for a free US address for pickup($5.00 upon pickup) and used PayPal. Added the Niagara Fall US address. to my PayPal account and is being delivered there for pickup
dean
only three questions, how much are replacement bags, where do you find them and how would one connect a festool domino and sander to the larger diameter hose
Stuart
I believe it’s FS-F VCE L/M VE5 ($30 via Acme Tools) for a 5-pack. There’s another style for “coarse dirt” pickup that’s also moisture-resistant.
I *believe* that Nilfisk 107413547 is the same thing, but have not confirmed it.
I’ve seen user reviews and forum posts that discuss ways to attach shop vacuums to the Domino and other tools, and so there should be accessories or improvisations for using this vac with that tool. But, I’m not having luck finding much about adapters for making Flex or Nilfisk hoses work with Festool dust ports. They *should* be compatible with other tools from what I’ve read.
There’s an accessory that *might* work, model no. 461628, which is a 32mm hose to 27mm adapter, priced at $13 to $17 online, but I don’t know for sure if that’s needed. There’s also 445029, which is their “universal adapter” for “connection of machines with 25-32mm extraction connection” and can be trimmed to 3 different diameters.
dean
Thanks for this. I cant see where the bags are 5 packs though. if it truly is a 5 pack, I’ll invest in the vac. From what I see, it looks like its $29.99 for a single polypropylene bag (course dirt) and the same $29.99 for their single fleece bag. Do you have other information that these are indeed 5 packs? Another thing to consider is the hepa filter replacement which looks to be about $90.00 but this should last a long time especially with auto filter cleaning.
Stuart
While not 100% convincing, Flex says the model number corresponds to a 5-pack, which is common for disposable filter bags.
https://www.flex-tools.com/en/products/s/fs-f-vce-lm-ve5-2/
I can’t imagine that the price is for individual bags.
SKU is the same, 455088.
dean
I called ACME and asked them about both sets of bags FLEX-445061 & FLEX-445088 which are both listed for $29.99. The gentleman I spoke with at ACME agreed with me that both of their listings were confusing in that they used both singular and plural descriptors and that under unit amount in specifications it was listed as one. I told him that if you go the FLEX website and search for 445.088 (almost identical part number) it comes up as a 5 pack. The guy I spoke with put me on hold and actually called FLEX to confirm that the item they were advertising was indeed actually a 5 pack. Apparently, Acme takes the order and FLEX dropships everything for them. (nice cheap way of making a dime, eh? no inventory to control!) Anyway, long story short, they are indeed 5 packs. TOOLGUYD just made a small commission on my purchase! thank you as always for doing what you do!
Stuart
With SKU 445061, it says “Improved filling for coarse dirt. Durable and moisture-resistant,” and the “features” say it’s made of polypropylene.
Flex’s website for “ES-PP VCE L/M VE5” also says “Sealable waste bag made of PP, ideal for coarse dirt. For VCE 33/44 L/M AC.”
So, let’s say that you have to pickup gravel or damp cheerios. The polypropylene bag, ES-PP VCE L/M VE5, would work better than the fleece bag. For sawdust or drywall, the regular bag should work better.
I’m glad I could help! I’m particularly sensitive to this kind of question because I know how frustrating it can be to have a vacuum or air cleaning product and not be able to get the proper filters or bags for it.
Bruce Hand
If you go to the Acme tools web site and then to the Flex vac page you will see Recommended accessories. 5 bags for $30
Dean
Yep, they fixed thier web site descriptors after my phone call and the bags are now shown as 5 packs
Julian Tracy
I’m pretty sure I saw 5-packs of the filter bags for around $25-30 too somewhere.
That was a surprise on previous Metabo hepa vac deal ($550 for two units). The bags for that vac range from $55-85 for a 5 pack. I think I’ve even seen that sku break $100!
I finally found a deal if I bought two 5 packs I’d get them for I think $75-80 shipped; so not too unreasonable.
John
Buyers should do due diligence on cost of ownership, price of bags, filters and whether anything is non standard etc. It matters. The flashy sale price can grab people easily but then you find out long term you’re spending a lot on extras.
I’ve bought 8-10 year old Fein vacs from ebay because I can have continuity with the same filters and bags for multiple vacs in my workspaces.
A lot of the newer vacs are using expensive rectangular filters which is just silly.
Rman
Does anyone know how noisy this hepa vacuum is in DB and is the frequency of the unit a high pitch sound or tolerable to be used in a one car garage? I have tinitius and the perceived pitch bothers me a lot.
Stuart
The online user manual for the VCE 33/44 L AC says that the sound pressure level is 68 ± 2 dB(A) and the working sound level is 60 ± 2 dB(A).
Bruce Hand
Hello Flex vac is is exactly the same as the new Mirka Hepa vac so check out the Mirka bag replacement
Brian
Any idea if Festool hoses are compatible with this unit
dean
dont think so.. think you need an adapter such as the one stuart linked above when answering my questions
Julian Tracy
Most of these vac’s have the exact same 2 1/4” input port. Festool vac’s accept the same hoses as cheap craftsman and Ridgid shop vac’s.
Stuart
That has been my experience as well.
Dean
i read your question wrong! my bad. yes, a Festool hose should work. I thought you were asking if the FLEX hose would fit a Festool tool which is no, not without an adapter 🙂
Al
Actually, almost all of festool’s tool except the sanders will accept both a 27mm or a 32mm hose, such as routers and track saws and the Domino. For those that don’t, festool sells (and so do others) an adaptor for the 32mm hose to fit a 27mm tool.
Another option is to simply replace the end of the hose on the vac with a festool hose end. Almost all of the hose ends are easily replaced and attach in an almost identical manner to the hose.
Alick
Yes. I own the attix 44 which this is identical to except colour. My festool tracksaw hose fits perfectly into the vac. It is a simple taper socket at the vac end nearly 2 inches in diameter for good airflow with fat hoses right down to thin ones.
Kizzle
I thought dust collectors had to have a much higher cfm than this? Seems quite low compared to a standard wet/dry vac.
John
Two terms easily confusing that the industry now uses, dust collectors are the larger units using induction motors with the low end being around 500CFM on 4 inch hoses on up to several thousand CFM for the higher voltage options. Dust extractors is the silly term that I blame Festool (right or wrong?) for using as a fancier term than shop vac/wet dry vac. Dust extractors/shop vacs on AC power are then somewhere commonly in the 125-160CFM range on 2-1/4″ and smaller hoses. Bosch now has a 300CFM shop vac.
Kizzle
Thanks for explaining. So this is essentially a premium shop vac, correct?
Stuart
I went into the differences here too: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/flex-9-gallon-hepa-vacuum-deal-062019/#comment-1241071%3C/a%3E
Basically, kind of…
Think of it like a steak knife vs. a paring knife. Both kind of do the same thing, but they have different design focus.
Kizzle
You’re awesome Stuart….as usual. So if my primary want is a quieter shop vac, would this be a good buy? I have a rigid, but it’s way too loud.
Stuart
Yes, I think so, although there are also some quieter shop vacuums. (However, compared to say a Fein Turbo I or II, the Flex discussed here is much better featured for around the same money.) And if you don’t need max suction power, you can dial down the power to make it even quieter.
But it also depends on your needs. If you primarily want a cleanup tool, a traditional shop vacuum might serve you better. Let’s say you need to quickly clean a bathroom after an overflow incident. This might not be the best tool for the job.
Dust extractors are versatile, but sometimes to get maximum usability you need to invest in additional hoses, filters, or accessories. But if you already have a shop vacuum, something like this will be a great complement, and you can choose among the two depending on what a tool or task needs.
Kizzle
I’m actually replying to your comment further down in this thread as the ‘reply’ button is absent below your most recent post…
You make good points. I’m looking at getting into woodworking so I suppose it would compliment my regular wet/dry vac. I ordered it to grab the sale price while I do some more research on quiet vacs and consider its use for me; if I decide it wouldn’t add anything, I can cancel the order prior to shipping. What are your thoughts on this versus a cordless dust extractor like the DeWalt?
Stuart
Sorry, the comments only allow x-number of “replies” before stopping. I can’t really increase the number because the section gets very narrow as it is on mobile devices.
Cordless vacuums and dust extractors typically have shorter hoses, limited capacity, lower specs, and some of your investment goes towards portability and cordless operation.
It’s like buying a laptop computer to be used as a desktop computer. If you intend to use it on-the-go or in different places at least occasionally or part of the time, it makes more sense. But if that laptop will spend its entire life plugged into an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and wall outlet, you’ve spent resources on an LCD screen, keyboard, touchpad, and lower-powered (in most cases) and battery-efficient parts that you cannot fully exploit.
I use cordless vacs on occasion, but as complements to my Festool dust vac.
Cordless vacs do take up less space, but there are too many reasons why they’re ideal as the primary vac for a workshop setting, at least in my generalizing opinion.
Gary Greene
Does anyone know if this vac meets the EPA requirements for HEPA?
Scottthetech
Back when I was in contracting I spent a hell of allot of money to comply with the Renovate Right lead based paint rules that came into effect on 2010. We were surviving on renovation work, mostly in older homes – so it seemed to make sense at the time. One thing that came out of that was that the HEPA requirements from the EPA are specific regarding the filter in the vacuum, not the vacuum itself. Not to say that these vacuum cleaners don’t have features that make them a better choice than a basic Shop Vac, but the claims from manufacturers about their products being EPA and HEPA compliant or “certified” is all advertising, as the EPA does not evaluation it set standards for vacuum cleaners.
Gordon
I hope someone more knowledgeable can help me understand this. What is the difference between an L-class vac and a normal shop-vac with HEPA filters and bags? Both seem to claim to filter to the same level. I know there are more regulatory issues for professionals. But for a homeowner, is there any difference?
Scottthetech
From direct experience, it’s all in the filter. Not to say that a basic Shop Vac will perform as well as a better, more expensive vacuum.
Alternately, either buy or build a water trap and place in front of the shop vac. Save your filters and provide superior filtration.
Dean
Here is a video that explains all the features between all the different models. For $300 this is really a great deal especially when considering this is the auto cleaning model. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNVEC-RCMDg
Frank D
Flex with L-boxx storage container platform …
Maybe something for my dream garage some day.
Brian
I have old second hand CT26. Should I consider selling it and purchasing this model? Would it be a worthwhile upgrade for auto clean? I’m a DIY woodworker.
Stuart
Do you find that your CT26 loses suction power as the bag fills up? If the vac is in great condition, you could spend a lot less on a dust separator.
I can see why you’re on the fence – I’m not sure which direction to steer you in.
I can’t advise you about what to do, but I can try to answer specific questions that might help you with your decision.
Brian
Hi Stuart – I should have mentioned that I do have the ultimate dust deputy for the machine. So far it’s been a great combo and the bag has next nothing in it. The auto clean, extra CFM and warranty are the appealing features. The previous owner beat the CT up and ran it without a filter while vacuuming metal shavings. I had to send it for repair. Love the site and feedback. Thanks so much.
Stuart
It’s tough. Looking at the specs, the Flex does move a little more airflow than the Festool. The autoclean is a nice feature to have.
I believe there are Systainer adapter (I only saw the L-Boxx adapter in a hasty search of accessories the other day), and so you might even be able to keep your Ultimate Dust Deputy.
The hard part is that, from what I’m told, this isn’t a long-term deal. Knowing how many can be ordered from the brand’s warehouse, it could go on for some time, or it could end in a couple of days if demand slows down. It’s not a decision you could probably take a month to think about.
You *should* be able to use Festool hoses with this vac, in case you have more than just the one for your CT26.
If you can sell your CT26, it could go towards partially funding the new Flex. Or, if you keep your CT26, it can be used as a beater or be dedicated to a single tool or workstation placement.
If your CT has been repaired, it should be in tip-top shape.
I’d be hesitant to replace my CT26 with this Flex vac, because I really like its wireless remote activation feature for use with cordless power tools of any brand.
I think that the Flex could give you an upgraded user experience compared to your older CT26. But is it enough of a difference to warrant the hassle and expenditure?
If the price of the Flex vacuum just got bumped back up to $649 (or around there), how upset would you be? If I told you that the deal ends at 11:59pm today, would you race to order one?
I’d say trust your gut instinct.
If you order one and it turns out that you don’t like it, or it doesn’t perform to your satisfaction, you *should* be able to return it, although you’ll likely be stuck paying the return shipping fee if the return is for personal reasons and not a defect or similar. Acme also mentions a restocking fee of “up to 15%” for “I don’t like it” returns.
Julian Tracy
Auto clean would be the last reason I’d buy this vac. I only use the high quality vac’s (Festool/Metabo/Makita with bags as the bags are pretty cheap and it keeps the vac and filter in perfect shape, and – more importantly – the dust gets thrown out no muss no fuss.
Brian
It’s worth mentioning the head-to-head comparison Tool Box Buzz did awhile back. The testing included the Nilfisk/Milwaukee dust extractor that looks pretty close to this model.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3OTFdvp000
Travis
Coincidentally, all the models at the top in the test were not running HEPA filters from the factory which restricts airflow over standard filters.
Kizzle
Ahhhh, interesting point. I wonder what the rankings would look like with HEPA? Do you know if this vac was tested with the HEPA filter? If it was, it held its own.
Frank D
Thank you for sharing.
Bonson
Received this unit yesterday. Haven’t put it through heavy use yet. Substantial quality, from the hose, the motor, the controls, to the design.
Comes with one of each bag : disposable and fleece. Includes a reducer attachment to connect smaller power tools like handheld sanders, jigsaws etc.
Overall much quieter than Ridgid 6.0hp but the automatic filter cleaner makes loud pops, enough to shake the unit visibly. I’m so tired of opening the shop vac and banging the filter on a table to clear saw dust. Just a clumsy process. This thing is luxury.
Love this deal, thanks for the post.
Erik
The lack of useful comparison points between the standard “cheap” wet/dry shop vacuums and dust extractors like this Flex unit has been gnawing at me for some time. Today I had the opportunity to investigate the Bosch VAC090 model and compare it against the Ridgid WD1450 I’ve been using for at least half a dozen years. Figured that I’d share my findings in case it’ll help some make the decision on this Flex one way or the other.
To actually compare the Bosch and Ridgid vacuums I made use of an inexpensive fan-type anemometer and a simple jig in order to measure air flow through orifices 0.25″-1.25″ in diameter in quarter inch increments. Note that these CFM numbers could easily be off by 10 or 20% as I’m by no means using a precision calibrated instrument. But the relative comparison should be accurate. Numbers for the Ridgid were 10, 25, 51, 89, 100. Meanwhile the Bosch measured 12, 30, 57, 94, 100.
Of course I wasn’t satisfied with just data measurements, so out came the screwdriver! As is likely expected, there was very little comparison in build quality between the Ridgid and Bosch. The Ridgid is literally a universal motor connected to a switch with an aluminum blower wheel in an appropriately molded chamber to create the vacuum. Cheap, but effective. In particular the fact that the motor itself is completely separate from the primary air stream. (Most cheap vacuums are thru flow, aka send the primary air stream through the motor for cooling purposes.) Anyway, the Bosch by comparison was certainly justifying its price in construction, which to be fair is really required in order to earn its HEPA label. Proper seals between the power unit and tank, the separate little servo for the auto filter clean, the motor control board, and then a precision made Domel vacuum motor. Now granted I can’t say for certain that the Flow model is going to be of comparable construction to the Bosch I investigated, but I expect it would be.
So, all that said, my conclusion is that I’m not going to go for one of these Flex units personally as I doubt it’d be much different in performance to the Bosch… instead there’s an Ametek 119896
Kizzle
Awesome information! Thanks!
Nic
Note that there is a promo code available for Independence Day – JULY4 – at Acme tools. This gives an additional 10% off your order. The Flex vacuums are excluded from this promo, but the accessories are not.
I purchased the vacuum, a 5-pack of bags (445088), and the L-Boxx adapter plate (445169). The promo code gave me 10% off the bags and adapter plate.
I see a different part number for a Nilfisk adapter plate (107413551). The photos look different from the Flex L-Boxx adapter plate (445169). I’m not sure what the difference between the two is. They both appear to be used to connect L-Boxxes and Systainers to the top of the vacuum. I went for the Flex part number because I’m sure it is compatible, and the extra hooks shown on the ends of the adapter plates must surely be useful for something! Suit jacket hanger?!
Thanks for posting the deal Stuart! I’m a bit of a vacuum nut and this is the best vacuum deal I’ve come across in several years of searching for something cheaper than a Festool. I consider a high-quality vacuum (dust extractor) a primary tool just as essential as a drill driver for any garage or workshop. Taking care of dust AT THE TOOL via dust attachments simply cannot be beat for preventing “divorce dust” from ruining your home and marriage during a renovation. Not to mention saving your lungs from future disease/problems. Personally, I think a good filtering question to ask any potential contractor doing work at your home is: what kind of dust extractor do you use? If they mumble something about a shop-vac, I’d keep looking because to me a proper dust extractor is an important indicator of a professional rather than a handyman.
Bruce Hand
Just for everyone’s info the Acme tool 10% off works for the Flex vacuum. $299-30= A great deal at $269!
Dean
grats if you got it to work. i couldnt..
Nic
Have you actually applied the JULY4 promo code to the vacuum? The vacuum SKU appears in the exclusion list for the promo code, and the discount does not apply to the cart for me.
Bruce Hand
What happened was that I purchased before the 10% sale then I sent a message about the the discount and they sent me $30 Pay Pal
Dean
sounds like someone in the back office slipped up and gave you a great deal. shhh keep it to yourself!
Dean
I would love someone that has recently recieved one of these to give us a thorough review and if possible a comparison to Festool. I dislike that I can’t find any reviews on this vac!
Bruce Hand
Hello this is the same Vac that Mirka sells
This is a super great Vac at $299
Dan
I just received this vac and it’s too early for a full review, but I’ll post a few general comments. It is clearly high quality and well packaged and thought out. Seems like a great bargain. It has a 32mm hose as mentioned. It takes standard hoses however and I had a 36mm hose already which is more useful to me. The vacuum is very quiet compared to standard Shop Vacs. According to my Kill A Watt it draws 8.2 amps on “high” and 6.3 on “low” through the stock hose. It has a 16 gauge power cord. Based on this, the 550 Watt maximum for the accessory plug seems reasonable. Which is enough for a sander, clearly the intended use. When the auto filter clean activates, it is startling and there is a very brief interruption to the suction but it doesn’t seem to affect sanding negatively. It comes with two bags, one fleece and one which is basically a plastic trash bag with some holes in it so air can flow, intended for course material. Given that they are close in price, I can’t see much use for the plastic bag. Order the fleece ones IMHO. They will better protect the upstream filters. If you use it as a wet vac (a bit slumming it) the instructions appear to indicate you should remove the fleece bag. However the instructions for the identical Milwaukee version indicate you should leave the bag and then, after draining, run the vac for 5 minutes to dry the bag. Both seem reasonable options.
Matt F
This extractor is made by Nilfisk (Attix 33 or 44) and sold under a few brands: Flex VCE 33 or 44, Milwaukee 8960-20, and Mirka 1230 or 1242. I ran through the options for the different brands/models and put together a summary. Please provide corrections if I messed up.
Primary Options:
1) Filtration: Class L 99.9% @ 2 micron, Class M 99.9% @ 2 micron with filter clog sensor, Class H 99.97% @ .3 micron with filter clog sensor (*Milwaukee has the same filter as the class H, but no clog sensor)*
*Note that these are the ratings for these extractors, the minimum requirements for Class L, M, H are a bit different https://www.nilfisk.com/en/industrial-vacuums/safety/Pages/hazardous-dust.aspx
2) Filter auto clean or no autoclean
3) 33L (8 gallons) or 44L
Cross reference for accessories:
Disposable Fleece Bag 5/pk:
Milwaukee 49-90-1955 $49.00 (Acme)
Flex 445.088 $29.99 (Acme)
Nilfisk 107413547 $34.95 (Sylvane.com)
Disposable Course Dirt Bag/5pk:
Flex 445.061 $29.99 (Acme)
Disposable Plastic Filter Bag (For hazardous use) 5/pk:
Milwaukee 49-90-1954 $35.00 (Acme)
Flex 445.096 (No US Dealer)
Nilfisk 107417821 $24.95 (Sylvane.com)
Reusable Bag 1/pk:
Flex 445.517 $139.99 (Acme)
Nilfisk 107413556 $202.44 (Sylvane.com)
Main Flat Filter (Used in all versions)
Milwaukee 49-90-195 $59.00 (Acme)
Flex 445-118 $59.99 (Acme)
Nilfisk 107413540 $62.50 (Sylvane.com)
The class H and Milwaukee versions have an additional round final filter and a required cover that goes over it to get 99.97%@ .3 micron. You likely want this if you are doing silca work.
HEPA Cover
Milwaukee 49-92-0306 No price found
Nilfisk 107413542 $21.95 (Sylvane.com)
HEPA Filter
Milwaukee 49-90-1952 $79.00 (Acme)
Flex 445.126 $89.99 (Acme)
Nilfisk 107413547 $129.95 (Sylvane.com)
I don’t think the Flex vac from Acme comes with a cleaning kit, but I need to check
Cleaning Kit (Extensions, floor brush, small brush):
Milwaukee 49-90-1962 $69.90 (Acme) -Has metal bent piece
Flex 445.053 $89.90 (Acme) -Plastic bent piece
Flex 451.703 Kit w/ L box – No US Dealer
Matt F
Turns out the Milwaukee uses a 36mm hose and the Flex uses a 32mm hose, so the Milwaukee cleaning kit won’t work. I wish the Flex used a 36mm hose, as I think have a 27mm for low flow application and a 36mm for everything else makes more sense than a 32mm.
Dan
I received this “class L” vac and it has the round “class H” final filter and filter cover. Not sure if this was a mistake on their part or not but it’s clearly there and I’m not complaining.
Matt F
Mine should be showing up this week. I came to the conclusion that it was actually shipping with the second 99.97% @ .3 micron HEPA filter after Cody mentioned it above. They may have needed to do this for HEPA label marketing in the US. EU has a multiple HEPA classes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HEPA. This is in addition to the L, M, H vacuum classes.
The Flex NA site has a listing with several mistakes, but shows the correct P/N for the round filter:
http://flexnorthamerica.com/products/VCE33.php
I believe the EU requirements for M and H class require a flow rate alarm, so this vac is still technically an L, despite the higher efficiency filter.
I actually ordered the round Milwaukee, thinking I was going to need to upgrade it and it shipped before I could cancel. I may go ahead and return it as i think that filter should last a long time given it mostly only sees 2 micron and smaller particulate.
Overall this makes the vac an even better deal. It is essentially the same as the Milwaukee except with a 32mm hose instead of 36mm.
Did yours come with the L-Boxx adapter included?
Dan
Did not come with the L-Boxx adapter, but it’s only a $30 add-on.
Matt F
Thanks, I was hoping it did because the Flex N/A listing shows it and the EU versions seem to come with it. I’ll take the filter over the adapter though.
Matt F
Correction: The difference between the disposal course dirt plastic bag and the safety plastic bag is a bit confusing.
This part seems to actually a plastic Disposable Course Dirt Bag
Nilfisk 107417821 $24.95 (Sylvane.com)
The safety bag is Nilfisk 107413549
https://www.voussert.com/security-bag-nilfisk-alto-attix-33-and-44-by-5-fp-182438.html
Not clear what version the Milwaukee plastic bag is.
I’ve only used fleece bags. I don’t deal with asbestos. For silica, I go outside, wear a respirator, and unload the fleece bag into a heavy duty trash bag. I don’t know if that is best practice, but seems to work.
Bruce Hand
Great write up
Art
I’ll post here as well in case this thread gets more views.
I received my unit, hooked it all up (properly, so I think) and there is a god-awful “chuck-chunk” sound when I start it up. It emanates from the lid of the hepa filter until “lid”. There is a piece inside that slides back and forth and it’s so violent, that it shakes the whole unit. It doen’t just happen at start up either. It is intermittent and was wondering if this is normal or do we think it’s a defective unit? Ugh.
Art
Video that I took.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/aaGYnvLpp2TDzcEd6
Bruce Hand
Please relax the auto clean is loud lol
Art
Thanks.
Bryan
I just received this vacuum from Acme (drop shipped from Flex USA) yesterday. Super happy with the quality of this unit. I used metal-bodied Nilfisks at a previous job that dealt with fine mesh alumina hydrates. The plastic-bodied Flex is just as sturdy and has more suction and I think will work very well as a dust collector in my shop. I plan on using it with a small cyclone separator directly with the power tools (router table, bench grinder) in conjunction with a larger dust collector/cyclone system to deal with the ambient shop dust. It is still on sale at acmetools.com and, I think, is quite a good deal.
Matt F
If you have a dust collector, you should use that for anything you can get a 2″+ collection port on. The router table and bench grinder both need a lot of CFM for good collection, more than a dust extractor can provide.
Basic thinking is maximize cfm at the tool. Use a dust extractor for hand held tools with small ports that need the higher vacuum to maximize cfm. Use the dust extractor for anything with bigger ports to maximize cfm. This assumes the dust collector has a high efficiency filter (1 micron 99.9% or preferably better.)
Now the mention of ambient dust has me thinking maybe you have an air filter.
Matt F
“Use the dust extractor for anything with bigger ports to maximize cfm.”
should read “use dust collector”