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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Michael Massey on March 02, 2012, 11:35:28 PM

Title: Do You Use a Shopvac?
Post by: Michael Massey on March 02, 2012, 11:35:28 PM
I normally would not put this in these forums except that I am sure that all of us use some kind of vacuum or air filtration system where we do our building.

I use a Shopvac Pro vacuum cleaner in my shop.  About 6 months ago, I began to have a problem with the switch.  I could not turn off the vacuum.  I read on some "fixit" forums that this is a somewhat common problem with the Shopvac vacuums.  I called the Shopvac company for a new switch and I was told they do not sell the switch but they would kindly sell me a new "power head" to the tune of nearly a hundred bucks.

Got checking around on those same "fixit" forums and found a company called Digikey (www.digikey.com) sells a replacement switch for the shopvac for $ 1.89 plus actual shipping costs.  Got it today and put it in.  The only issue is that the spade lugs were slightly smaller on the replacement switch.  A little "crimping" of the spade connectors on the vacuum fixed that problem and all is now functioning again.

I know some of you will have a Shopvac and you do, or will, have a switch problem.  At Digi-Key, the switch part number is EG1505-ND.
Title: Re: Do You Use a Shopvac?
Post by: Steve Helmick on March 03, 2012, 12:10:01 AM
Good job, Mike!  y1 H^^ Steve
Title: Re: Do You Use a Shopvac?
Post by: john e. holliday on March 03, 2012, 07:49:22 AM
So far mine is still working great.     H^^
Title: Re: Do You Use a Shopvac?
Post by: Brad Jungheim on March 03, 2012, 11:34:37 AM
Mine did the same thing so I took it apart to find that there is a single throw double pole switch in there. Only one side was bad, so after removing the bad parts of the switch I hooked the neutral wires together and only switch the power. Works as good as new. I thought about putting a toggle switch instead but this worked out. I also use one of the bag filters for drywall in mine to keep even more dust out of the air.
Title: Re: Do You Use a Shopvac?
Post by: John Fitzgerald on March 03, 2012, 01:18:51 PM
I have had three of them over the years.  Never a problem, except they were/are too loud.
Title: Re: Do You Use a Shopvac?
Post by: Rafael Gonzalez on March 03, 2012, 01:25:41 PM
I have had three of them over the years.  Never a problem, except they were/are too loud.
They sell a silencer. It is a chamber that plugs at the outlet. Lowers it about 10-30db!!! Stops that aggravating whistle.
The switch got replaced by a DPDT toggle and I always can find it now. It used to be on the handle...

 H^^
Title: Re: Do You Use a Shopvac?
Post by: Andrew Borgogna on March 03, 2012, 02:27:20 PM
Never had that problem on my Craftsman shopvac, I have had it for years.
Andy
Title: Re: Do You Use a Shopvac?
Post by: Rafael Gonzalez on March 03, 2012, 04:40:43 PM
I do use mine every day at work. Is about 15 yrs old...
Title: Re: Do You Use a Shopvac?
Post by: proparc on March 03, 2012, 04:48:57 PM
Mine is a 5hp heavy duty. Essential piece of equipment.