Review - The New Evolution Wet & Dry Shop Vac R15VAC - A Great Addition to my Workshop!

[@Rooster---ooo]

Great review. Concise & covering everything I needed to know. I think I'm going to pick one up for working in customers' homes & as a general workshop hoover for cleaning up. I have a Stanley Fatmax shop vac hooked up to a cyclone/sawdust bucket which then runs through 40mm waste pipes around my workshop to blast gates at each tool (table saw, belt sander, mitre saw etc...). With all the tools going to a power strip that then plugs in to the take-off plug, it's a very easy system to use. However, the hose which I use for things like the tracksaw & orbital sander also acts as my shop cleanup hose & it regularly blocks up. Having a separate vac dedicated to cleanup will eliminate that issue & I can leave the main system exclusively for the tools. Also, the small size makes it easy to tuck away when not in use as my workshop is not massive. This seams ideal & at a decent price.

[@richardstewart6900]

Interesting! Aside from all the general workshop uses (saw, sander etc.) we have a stone flagged patio next to our back lawn. Along the edge of the stone are several large plant pots and it can be a pain brushing bits of grass out from between them or under the table & chairs after mowing. We do have a blower but it's usually buried in the shed whereas this would be handy in the workshop. I'm currently leaning towards a couple of the Evo saws anyway, so could argue a pretty strong case for this as well.

[@daves4026]

Great video. I can see you have a cyclone seperator in the background. Would be better if there was a vac combined cyclone seperator then I’d get it. Save the filter and allow use of bin bags to collect sawdust

[@The.Pickle]

I just purchased one myself and was looking for a "how to" video because I couldn't figure out how to use the foam sleeve for the wet function, the instructions are terrible. I'll be honest and say I didn't realise it had that extra storage compartment and the blower function lol. I don't know anything about tools, never know what's good or not, but after watching this I'm really happy and impressed with this purchase. Great video, you covered everything I wanted to know.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help! :-)

[@nigelcalvert536]

Good review - thanks. I took your advice and bought one of these last week. It's been very useful for clearing up loads of sawdust and general debris from the workshop floor. I have an Evolution 210mm mitre saw (I think it's the smaller version of yours) and it works well with this. I had to buy a set of adapters to connect it to the dust port but these will be handy for other tools as well (I've got an 18V Dewalt planer that throws out some serious amount of sawdust etc!). Power takeoff is, as you say, a great feature.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad you like it Nigel. I have a tip for you. If you can find a couple of large elastic bands, wrap three sheets of kitchen paper around the filter (two are not long enough) and secure them top and bottom with the elastic bands. When the vacuum is full or the suction drops off, empty the bin and replace the kitchen roll. The filter will not need cleaning. :-)

[@nigelcalvert536]

@@RussellPlatten great idea - thanks!

[@Cradley684]

Just ordered one Mate off Amazon, very impressed with your video, Thank's for the share & have a nice day Mate !!!.

[@RussellPlatten]

Cheers Brian. Glad I could help! :-)

[@usmanalinotlate]

I'm very very impressed with this video. Have subscribed. I was looking to buy a shop vac, and this specific one came up as a just-out-of-budget option. I'm now going to buy this tomorrow!! Thank you for the amazing review.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help. Thanks for subscribing! :-)

[@scootyman2974]

Brilliant video. Informative and exactly what I needed to make a decision. Thank you

[@krsmanac]

That vacuum cleaner was delivered to me yesterday. I am really positively impressed with the features of the device. Honestly, I needed a slightly longer hose, but I bypassed that with a homemade connector and a hose from a previous vacuum cleaner. Nice review btw :)

[@RussellPlatten]

I like the shop vac too. Nice to have a vacuum that is actually designed to run without a bag. The hose is OK for my needs, but it could probably do have another metre added. :-)

[@tizianoevolution8157]

Thanks for the video ! I wanted to know how to clean the filter thank you !

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help! :-)

[@WiggyB]

Thanks for the review. The inclusion of the blower function is really good to know about. This might be perfect as a shop vac and CNC chip extractor / aluminium chip blower.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it was helpful! :-)

[@grahamellis8206]

Excellent review very detailed and well presented.

[@mikethompson9849]

Good review mate . Gonna buy one today

[@phil_law]

Nice. Looks awesome. Definitely on my list of things I need to purchase. Cheers

[@RussellPlatten]

I like it Phil. It is the first bagless shop vac I have looked at and the only one so far I would use without a bag! :-)

[@newcastleboilermaintenance4956]

Thank you Russell

[@RussellPlatten]

You're welcome! :-)

[@hoovermaster]

A 3m cable is minuscule looks ok otherwise, bagless bit looks messy as well. For a basic wet sand dry you can’t beat the karcher mv2 or a numatic Henry type

[@RussellPlatten]

I really like it. The 'carry about' design is a real joy when you are using it around a congested workshop. :-)

[@AnchorDesigns]

Brilliant review thanks Russell. This is a well needed product for the every day maker!

[@RussellPlatten]

I use mine a lot! A tip I picked up on YT is to wrap 3 sheets of kitchen paper around the cartridge filter. I use elastic bands, top and bottom, to hold them in place. The vacuum will work as normal. As soon as you think the suction is dropping off, remove the kitchen roll, empty the dust container and replace the kitchen roll with new. You do not need to clean the cartridge filter. It makes life way easier! :-)

[@NotaBene1210]

I've been considering buying one of these. My only concern is it doesn't appear to come with any hose adapters for different power tools. How well does this attach to different power tools?

[@UTtiger]

Nice vac but as a plumber I would like to see it with a bigger storage capacity for wet suction and I’ll buy it straight away! Good review thanks

[@RussellPlatten]

I agree, a larger capacity would be better! :-)

[@tribalm0nkey]

So does this only fit evolution tools or does it fit most makes and models with an extraction exhaust.

[@Fr4p4d1ngu3]

Great review, thanks, very clear. Now, I need to order one 🙂

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help! :-)

[@paulhughes9332]

Will it fit on erbauer tools to keep dust down

[@philharris9631]

Hmmm ... been thinking about one of these for a while but didn't have the killer feature required to get it past "change control" ... however if I tell her it can be used for blowing myself off I suspect that she'll be quite keen for me to get it! :-D

[@RussellPlatten]

LOL - I thought it would attract a few funny comments Phil. Thanks for making us all laugh over here! :-)

[@philharris9631]

@@RussellPlatten - fellow northerner. ;-)

[@eamonrodgers4751]

Great review just purchased

[@ezekielgskeen8607]

would you still guarantee this vac, would love to hear from you one this one, awesome info video sir! 👍👍👍👍

[@anthonydavid1965]

Hi. A bit late to this video, but just wondering if you think this could be used as a garden vacuum, particularly for hoovering up leaves? Thanks if you can answer👍

[@RussellPlatten]

It would work Anthony, but the hose and tool diameter will make it block regularly if the leaves and bits of twig are reasonably large. I used the cordless Evolution vacuum: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHzOpHadp9R4Z8U to clear my gutters early this year and it was so much easier than clearing them by hand. It did block the suction tool regularly, but it was easy to clear it and the whole process was a joy. I have purchased a way more expensive vacuum for the task to make it even easier: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHa1lHqDhratb5o so it is a case of deciding what you want and how much to spend. Cordless is great for access and ease of use, but big and powerful gets the job done with lass aggro. This vacuum was great at picking up leaves from the driveway too. :-)

[@philpowell6915]

Brilliant that Russ, love your reviews mate 👍 👌 👏

[@RussellPlatten]

Cheers Phil! :-)

[@stevel6117]

Just bought one due to your excellent video, you should be on commision.

[@RussellPlatten]

Thank you Steve! :-)

[@adrianbarrett7207]

Very good and informative review, thank you.

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help Adrian! :-)

[@g4egk]

If you leave it in position one, does the vac power on if you toggle the mains socket? Wondering if this could be used with a smart plug and button to power it on from distance when using cordless tools that can't utilise the pick up.

[@RussellPlatten]

That should work Greg. :-)

[@bertfairbrother7745]

Hi Russel another brilliant demo, thanks for sharing mate. Ordered one because of this demo, Amazon delivery lost it, so i'm having to find another supplier. I like the rubber mat on your bench, be nice if you could tell us where go it. Keep up the videos, 5*

[@RussellPlatten]

Cheers Bert. I got the rubber flooring on eBay a few years ago. Unfortunately, the order is no longer in my purchase history which only goes back to 2019. Search for rubber flooring. It is available on Amazon too. Mind you, it can leave a mark on wood if it is pushed down onto it. I occasionally have to sand marks off work peices. :-)

[@andykg73]

I recently got one and love it for my diy jobs. Only niggle is the hose which I find far too short. Anyone know of a decent length replacement? I rang Evolution and they dont do one or know of any.

[@RussellPlatten]

There will be one out there somewhere Andy! :-)

[@andykg73]

@@RussellPlatten I got one from amazon in the end, a 3m long from cen-tec systems which comes with a few different sized adapters. Will be much better for all the sanding I will be doing

[@RussellPlatten]

@@andykg73 Glad you managed to find something! :-)

[@PalfreymanNeil]

@@andykg73 how are you finding the cen-tec hose? Does it fit the R15 well? I'm assuming it's this one? www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07PBL38QQ/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

[@andykg73]

@@PalfreymanNeil yes that's the one. It's great due to the extra length, no more needing to move the vac sound so much. Suction feels as good as before. Only downside is the accessories don't fit. Luckily I already had a stepped plastic adapter for my other power tools so they now fit OK.

[@customboatscreensolutions5893]

Wounder if theres enough blow power to link up a spray gun / paint

[@RussellPlatten]

It has 42.5L/S air flow. :-)

[@customboatscreensolutions5893]

@@RussellPlatten i have just bought 1 for £ 85..

[@nikonneil]

Great video just ordered one... I recognise that accent got to be from Hull 👍

[@RussellPlatten]

It is Neil! :-)

[@johnny2hats329]

Thanks for the review. Whats the inner and outer diameter at the end of the hose? I'm thinking of getting one of these and extending the hose so I have it coming down from above the workbench, with the end held by a boom arm

[@RussellPlatten]

I checked the fitting with my vernier calipers Johnny and the ID is 26mm, the OD has a slight taper along it's length and is 31 - 32mm. :-)

[@johnny2hats329]

@@RussellPlatten Thanks a lot

[@rillsleather]

My biggest question would be....is it worth getting this to replace the Henry Hoover I'm currently abusing? The Henry is attached to a diy cyclone collector, but would the suction of the Evolution vacuum be as good or better than the Henry?

[@RussellPlatten]

Difficult to say Rilla. The power take off may prove useful depending on your situation with sockets in your workshop. :-)

[@eynshamyman3403]

Hi Russell, just bought one of these vacs myself based off your review, however i think you may have the class of filters mixed up I think , the vac comes with L class filter which is for general use, the class M filter which is for hazardous materials, isn't available yet on Evolution website yet, amazon have an TBA message, so im guessing its something that will be available in the future. Please correct me if i'm wrong, I enjoyed the review, and thanks for making this.

[@RussellPlatten]

Thanks for pointing out my mistake! I have edited the video to remove it. I hope you like your new shop vac. :-)

[@g4egk]

What are the dimensions of the filter? Have you found any 3 (blue) or 5 layer (blue) filters that fit?

[@eynshamyman3403]

@@g4egk I never found an actual class M filter for this vac, however I did find some 3rd party hepa vacuum bags that fit inside, plus I connected a short hose to the extract and put the end into a henry hepa bag. I use this vac in my tiny workshop in a under bench cupboard, with an dust separator cyclone, as without this the filter bags would clog up very quickly.

[@g4egk]

@@eynshamyman3403 Thanks, I have a cyclone to use with a vac as I figured I'd race through bags without it. Do you use the henry HEPA bag on the inside as well, or another brand?

[@eynshamyman3403]

@@g4egk The henry hepa dont fit on the internal pipe connection. I searched on ebay and brought some M class bags which fit the R15vac. I used the henry hepa bags as an backup, incase the M class bags weren't genuine hepa. The cyclone was an game changer for me, hardly anything, but the very fine dust get through into the vac, which I hope the vac bag collects. I'll inspect both bags tonight, as its been awhile, since I last checked.

[@darrelwood294]

I'm getting 1, the bucket test done it for me

[@RussellPlatten]

I used mine a couple of weeks ago to unblock the bathroom sink. Was very glad that I had it! :-)

[@rustyrob]

Can you purchase spare filters ?

[@RussellPlatten]

Yes Rob - shop.evolutionpowertools.com/products/r15-standardcartfilter :-)

[@irwinmcevoy]

Great review and looks like a good vac, had to chuckle when you called it a Hoover lol

[@RussellPlatten]

I know Irwin, I tried really hard not to call it a hoover and failed miserably! :-)

[@irwinmcevoy]

@@RussellPlatten we all do it lol, after watching your review i have one of these comming on monday so thanks for a great review

[@RussellPlatten]

@@irwinmcevoy I used mine today after some chain saw work in the driveway. Used it to blow all of the wood chips off myself and my equipment. I love how portable it is! :-)

[@PalfreymanNeil]

Thanks for the review, Russell. Concise and very useful. However, I'm surprised you didn't try it out attached to your Evolution saws, as I have heard that it needs an adapter for this? I need a replacement vac, but would be using it with a Rage5-S and a R255SMS so it would be good to know what adapter(s) I need also.

[@RussellPlatten]

Hi Neil, I never tried the shop vac with the R255SMS because any dust collector is virtually useless with a mitre saw and it would not be possible to see any real benefit. Unfortunately, the Rage 5-S was in the barn and I could not face bringing it over to my workshop and setting it up when I made the video. I just tried the vac with the Rage 5-S and R255SMS. It does not fit either machine, but it slots all the way inside the Rage 5-S and although it is too small, it would be workable as it is. The R255SMS would need an adapter and the one that was supplied with the R185CCSL worked. At least I think it is that adapter. Contact Evolution, they will advise you if you need assistance. :-)

[@PalfreymanNeil]

@@RussellPlatten - thanks! I have just realised that I have the adapter that came with the R255SMS accessory kit, which fits both machines. Could you possibly do me a great favour and tell me what the internal diameter of the R15 connector is, please?

[@RussellPlatten]

@@PalfreymanNeil No problem Neil. The internal diameter is 26mm according to my digital calipers. The weird thing is, I had not used my digital calipers in a very long time and only 2 days ago I dragged them out of the tool box to measure an internal diameter. The battery needed replacing as it was dead and it took me a good while and much searching to find a replacement! :-)

[@PalfreymanNeil]

@@RussellPlatten many thanks once again. That is indeed compatible with the smallest diameter tube on the adapter in the R255SMS accessory kit, so I've ordered the R15 VAC. :) I should add that I bought both the Rage5-s and the R255SMS based (at least partly) on the strength of the info in your videos on them, too. So far I'm really pleased with both, particularly the R255SMS. So thanks you for those too! ...btw I'm still using "analogue" calipers. A very nice vintage BW set that I inherited from my father in law. It's nice to think of him every time I use them. :)

[@RussellPlatten]

@@PalfreymanNeil Yes Neil, I have tools that have been handed down, they are treasured possesions! :-)

[@MrFoxLogan]

ive been looking to bbuy a shop vac for a while but being just a DIY'r i couldnt justify the price, this one is cheap compared to many and 50% of my wor ktools are evolution as ivve loved them since my first chop saw 10 years ago, since then ie always gone with evolution tools over other brands,

[@RussellPlatten]

It is a good shop vac! :-)

[@5e34nut]

Fantastic and no frills review Shame it's not a stackable unit

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad it was helpful Mohammed :-)

[@fxpeter22]

Hi Russell, I posted a comment on this video but it is not showing, do you have any spam filters enabled that might have rejected it

[@RussellPlatten]

No Peter, I saw your message in notifications and when I went to answer it on here, it was not there. I do not know why it was missing, there was nothing wrong with it, I could not read it all because the notification cut it off before the end. It is still in my notifications. Try again, cutting and pasting it. :-)

[@RussellPlatten]

I got your comment Peter, an email with the full comment and a notification too, but it has not appeared on the comments page. There is nothing there when I look. I have no idea why it does not appear. I will paste it here and answer it. :-) Great review Russell, straight to the point. Looks like something I could do with to replace my 35 year old Aqua Vac which has a metal container and is starting to rust through in places. Looks like it will have a low center of gravity which makes it stable and less likely to fall over, the old Aqua Vac is easy to topple over if you pull it a little as it has a high CG. Would of liked some caster system to pull it around the workshop rather than having keep picking it up. The power take-off is a great idea so you don't forget to switch it on when you are working. Thanks again:-) I used mine today and I love it. I find the portability, low centre of gravity and the lack of casters an advantage as I can place it anywhere without worrying about pulling it and having it fall over or drop off the work surface. I used it on a wide shelf today and just moved it along as and when needed. The power take off is a great feature, but one of the best features for me is the clip that stops the hose from pulling out. I have two other shop vacs and the hoses on them regularly pull out in use. It has a real quality feel to it too. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you enjoy your new shop vac! :-)

[@fxpeter22]

@@RussellPlatten Thanks Russell and thanks for the reply. KZbin gremlins at work. will see what happens nxt time :-)

[@RussellPlatten]

@@fxpeter22 This one has made it through Peter! Take care and stay safe! :-)

[@ricorico669]

Excellent merci

[@RussellPlatten]

Glad I could help! :-)

[@tombennett1673]

excellent video

[@RussellPlatten]

Thank you Tom! :-)

[@carter83419]

Nice review fella. 👍🏻

[@RussellPlatten]

Thanks 👍

[@The_Unobtainium]

So 1700W take off socket is actually stupid as you can't use it with evolution R255SMS DB mitre saw...

[@RussellPlatten]

The vacuum has a 1000W motor and the saw has a 2000w motor. 3000W is 12.5 amps. so I suspect that Evolution to not want to run the risk of blowing the fuse on the vacuum on start up. There is a much larger current draw when a motor starts up. :-)

[@timstinson1]

Again, wasps everywhere will be nervous although you didn’t say how many wasps nest capacity it has! 🐝

[@RussellPlatten]

LOL, the wasp season has started Tim! :-)

[@muttyhc]

Russ, this or the titan you reviewed?

[@RussellPlatten]

This is a much nicer shop vac, but does not have the capacity of the Titan. I use the Titan for removing a lot of water from my pool cover and the extra capacity is an advantage. I would choose the Evolution for dust collection and workshop use. A tip I came across online is to wrap kitchen roll around the cartridge filter and change it every now and then. I hold it on with two large rubber bands. It reduces the need to clean the filter and makes things way easier. I still haven't made up my mind about bagless vacuuming, but I do like this shop vac. Sorry I have rambled on! :-)

[@muttyhc]

@@RussellPlatten I am slightly concerned by bagless, as what if I am hoovering up pretty bad dust?

[@RussellPlatten]

@@muttyhc I had the same concerns. I have emptied mine twice and it is a bit messy. The kitchen roll trick has made everything much easier. It looses suction gradually and you realise that the paper needs changing, but the filter underneath (which is the messy bit of the clean up) does not need cleaning. I reckon I am using this vacuum 50% of the time and my Nilfisk 50%. The Evolution for dust collection and my work bench. The Nilfisk for general cleaning up afterwards. :-)

[@muttyhc]

@@RussellPlatten thanks, what do you empty the dust into? Thinking I may give this a pass due to bagless

[@RussellPlatten]

@@muttyhc I completely understand how you feel about going bagless. I have always used a bag too. I like the Evolution and will continue to use it, but I will be using the kitchen roll hack as well. I just empty the vacuum into my bin, it has a black bin bag so I will just pop it into the trash when I change it. :-)

[@customboatscreensolutions5893]

Thanks for vid

[@RussellPlatten]

You're welcome! :-)

[@grahamallen1970]

Thanks for review....Good to see a uk review ! Unlike a US review all yea har and music....and look how good my 'shop' is! I got more tools than you....just ordered one.

[@RussellPlatten]

Cheers Graham. I am very happy with my new shop vac! :-)

[@grahamallen1970]

@@RussellPlatten oops comment was the yanks say I got more tools than you....not me! Slip of finger....should read and read again!

[@RussellPlatten]

@@grahamallen1970 LOL - I read it the way you meant it Graham! :-)

[@BuzzyRR]

Seems like you're reluctant to say anything negative for fear of not being sent anymore free tools. Important criticisms that you should have highlighted: The vacuum is only supplied with a class L filter, a class M is available for another £25. There are no castors on the vacuum, which is pretty poor for a shop vac. Only 1.8m of hose supplied.

[@RussellPlatten]

:-)