Shop vac for ash

[Richard Chrz]

I feel like I had read I could get maybe a 1 or 2 gallon shop vac that I could use to clean out ash in my 22 wsm. Does this really exist, and any recommendations on one?

[MBMorgan]

This one serves me well … as long as the ashes are cold.

[jfmorris]

Do you have to wash the filter after? Do the ashes clog it much? Just wondering, as I've been having to wash the filters on my Rigid shop vac a lot during the current home renovation project.

[MBMorgan]

jfmorris - Yeah ... keeping the cloth filter bag clean is definitely a PITA. After "several" (maybe 4-5?) cleanouts of my OG, the filter will clog suddenly and completely and then it's time to go stand in the yard with it and the garden hose so that I can liberally coat my lawn, myself, and everything else within range with ash.

[jfmorris]

MBMorgan yeah I've been doing a lot of drywall work, and have a cyclonic separator inline in the hose before my shop vac, and opted for using bags in the shop vac plus a fine dust filter to catch all the sanding dust. I tried without the bags and the cyclonic separator and my filter would clog in like 15 minutes, and once you hose it down, gotta wait for it to dry completely. Otherwise all the dust sticks to it immediately. Kinda a pain in the rear really.

[rickd972]

Something like this? Not ash specific, but a small shop vac fine if cooled.

"real" ash vacs seem to be 4+ gals as they tend to be for fire place/pit. If looking for metal, then I don’t know.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-1-5-Gallon-2-0-Peak-HP-Utility-Wet-Dry-Vacuum/255414349?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=2649&adid=22222222277255414349_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-293946777986&wl5=9026833&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=255414349&wl13=2649&veh=sem_LIA&gclid=CjwKCAjw9-KTBhBcEiwAr19ig50QPcXv8zxxcV7MiH_N9GG5-molZny9eZcR_OShk_0GzijZr6xSGhoC_HQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[bbqLuv]

I got mine at Walgreens. It works but that is all I can say. Just works.

[bbqLuv]

The best vacuum cleaners really suck. If that helps

[bmillin]

I have a lot of Dewalt 20V products so this fit right in - love being cordless.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-20-Volt-Max-2-Gallon-1-85-HP-Cordless-Portable-Wet-Dry-Shop-Vacuum-Battery-Not-Included/1000318555?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-vf-_-tol-_-ggl-_-SS_Dewalt-_-1000318555-_-local-_-0-_-0&&ds_a_cid=279391351&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_rCTtOPT9wIVvBatBh1m_g8eEAQYAiABEgKXP_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Steve R.]

Yes, I need one of those to go with my other Dewalt stuff. They're sold out at Lowes, but Amazon has them.

[STEbbq]

I’ve looked into this and I have never been able to find a consistent solution that everyone agrees works.

[Donw]

I’ve used this one for years and since you can change buckets easily I also use it to vacuum unused pellets back into a storage bucket. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bucket-H...0100/202017218

[Dewesq55]

I have the same one and it works fine.

[mrteddyprincess]

I haven't done the science on this, but I have tried using the shop vac on my PK360 a few times and I generate enough static electricity to draw blue sparks. Shocks the crap outa me through the plastic shop vac hose. I stopped using the vac to clean out ashes on that SOB.

[John Henry]

Hi Richard, I enjoy your posts. Suggest you check local used ads such as "Offerup" or Craigslist on line for a used shop vacuum. I buy my shop vacs to clean my cookers of bbq ash and can usually find dependable used 5-6 gal. models for $25-$45. One or two gallon models not very common, but 5-6 gallon, quality used units are usually easy to find and in my experience, just the right size for ash cleanup.

Shop Vac and other major brands are all quite well made, imho. Listen to the motor to see how it sounds, then see if there is acceptable suck from the hose. If the "pickup power" is not strong, don't buy it. However, these are usually very high quality units that last for years (if not abused by first owner) and I have had great luck with buying them used.

Would also suggest when you buy bags for it, ask at your local ACE hardware store to see if they stock a heavy duty bag for drywall dust. (My ACE hardware stocks them regularly.) Sorry, I can't locate the online listing for these right now, but a store near you should carry these--just ask for them. These heavy duty bags help collect the ash and contain the dust much better than the regular bags. The heavy duty "drywall dust" bag will also prolong the life of your vacuum. Finally, when you do use the unit for ash pickup, just keep an eye out for smaller, irregular-sized, partially-burned or deformed charcoal chunks---they can get lodged in your hose or main unit and is a pain to work around them once that happens. See if you can spot those in your ashes before you run the Shop Vac and toss them out first. Hope this helps. Thank you again for all your very impressive posts and pics.

[Andrrr]

I graduated from a kettle to a WSM once upon a time and while I loved it, I always found removing the ash to be cumbersome without the sweeps. Not a deal breaker but still, I always consider ash cleaning when evaluating my next MCS purchase and that was a main selling point for me when going after the WSCG.

[Richard Chrz]

Andrrr, yes, still on radar, had a few cocktails a few days ago, and almost bought one. This summer would be great, if I have to wait one more that would hurt, but doable. Depends on my sales of bread, pizza doughs, seasoning’s, Bbq rib offerings, etc.. if it stays fairly ok, then maybe still this year. Would love to find a used and pay to have it delivered.

[Andrrr]

I’ll keep my eye out. Table or no?

[Richard Chrz]

If all things considered, I would consider either,

[texastweeter]

Have a small kobalt one that i use for everything from ash to sawdust to that one time my brass polisher tipped over and threw walnut shell sand all over the floor...I blame the bourbon. Its about 7 years old and going strong.

[Timbo54]

This one I've had good luck with this one and several of my neighbors also like it. My only complaint is the hose is a little short.

PowerSmith PAVC101 10 Amp Ash Vacuum

[WildBill]

I have the same and like it very much. Just go online and order the longer hose.

[DavidNorcross]

I also use the bucket head from Home Depot. I would like to get a cordless model though. Takes longer to get the cords out then it does to vacuum.

[Dewesq55]

I originally wanted a cordless vac, but I put an in deck outlet right near my smoker so it's not necessary for me to drag extension cords out.

[Skip]

I use my Shop Vac for "Cold" ashes all the time. I like the fact that it has a "Bag" to help protect the motor.