In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Ash vac or Shop vac?

Discussion in 'Pellet Stoves, Pellet Fireplaces, Pellet Furnaces' started by countryliving, May 13, 2014.

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  1. countryliving

    countryliving

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    Hi all! First post...we are going to be the proud owners of a Harman Accentra 52i fireplace insert on 5/30. This will supplement heat in our living room with the main household heat coming from our Woodmaster 4400 outdoor stove. (Oil backup boo!) I notice that the Harman cleanings require vacuuming via a shop or ash vac. I was curious what people recommend for this. I have an older Sears shop vac but I am thinking the filter would need to be changed to catch a finer particulate. Any suggestions?
     
    countryliving, May 13, 2014
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  2. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    If there is a HEPA filter? Then that vac will suffice.

    But a cheaper Shop vac/Rigid /etc will do..

    Once you get the new 52i, you must post pics. You will be the first member with one :)

    Congrats on your purchase. That is one heck of a stove. :thumbs:
     
    DexterDay, May 13, 2014
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  3. smoke show

    smoke show

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    Welcome.

    I have both an ash vac and shop vac.

    I prefer the shop vac with a filter bag installed.

    images.jpg
     
    smoke show, May 14, 2014
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  4. badbob

    badbob

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    Shop vac with drywall/hepa bag,good paper filter,old sock over exhaust.Lots of people have had good luck with the cheap china powersmith vac.A lot of unhappy people with the real expensive ash vac's!Welcome new member! Now watch what happens when I mention one word---BEER:drunk:
     
    badbob, May 14, 2014
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  5. smoke show

    smoke show

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    Makes me a jolly good fellow. :drunk:
     
    smoke show, May 14, 2014
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  6. eatonpcat

    eatonpcat

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    Welcome!
     
    eatonpcat, May 14, 2014
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  7. nate

    nate Banned

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    I just put the vacuum outside if I do a full clean out my wood stove.
    I have 10ft of hose and a window nearby.
    Could do the same with a hose on the exhaust if needed.
     
    nate, May 14, 2014
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  8. jtakeman

    jtakeman Moderator

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    Welcome!

    I had my shop vac/hepa filter and a dust filter bag for decades. No issues with either pellet or wood stove clean outs once properly cooled.

    Did some one say BEER? Woot woot. Pass one me my way please! :D

    :drunk:
     
    jtakeman, May 14, 2014
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  9. will711

    will711

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    X2 on the shop vac and filter bag
    I like Beer:drunk:
    Welcome to the show my friend:)
     
    will711, May 14, 2014
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  10. Stinny

    Stinny

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    Country Living… you've come to the right place. Welcome!
     
    Stinny, May 14, 2014
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  11. countryliving

    countryliving

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    Thanks for the good suggestions and all of the welcomes! Happy to join the group. I look forward to good conversations and ice cold BEER! :)
     
    countryliving, May 14, 2014
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  12. will711

    will711

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    We. Love ice cold Beer:drunk: Glad that you are here, :D
     
    will711, May 14, 2014
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  13. mithesaint

    mithesaint

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    Same here.
     
    mithesaint, May 14, 2014
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  14. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    We live beer... And Pellets... :)

    Welcome again. . .

    :drunk:
     
    DexterDay, May 14, 2014
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  15. RockyMtnHigh

    RockyMtnHigh

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    I fix/clean pellet stoves on a daily basis for a living and I use a shop vac with a bag and a drywall filter. No issues. Ash vacs are... neat, but outdated. They lack the power needed and come on, how often are you going to vacuum up hot embers?

    Welcome to the forum and yes, you will like the beer :D
     
    RockyMtnHigh, May 15, 2014
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  16. schoondog

    schoondog

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    Shop vac and hepa filter. And a couple of custom hose adapters to get to those special places. :D

    Doggy
     
    schoondog, May 15, 2014
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  17. 343amc

    343amc

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    I've got one of those small Cleva ash vacs. It was a gift, so I couldn't complain. But it doesn't suck that good after the first 30 seconds.

    Welcome by the way.
     
    343amc, May 20, 2014
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  18. RockyMtnHigh

    RockyMtnHigh

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    vacuums are supposed to suck lol, the only tool you should EVER say sucks
     
    RockyMtnHigh, May 21, 2014
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  19. 343amc

    343amc

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    Based off that statement, the Cleva doesn't suck. :(

    It's good for quick clean outs, but that's about it.
     
    343amc, May 22, 2014
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  20. RockyMtnHigh

    RockyMtnHigh

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    I use a shop-vac at home even, with out a drywall filter and I have no issues. For working in the field cleaning them though a drywall filter is needed. Sorry the vacuum doesn't suck lol
     
    RockyMtnHigh, May 22, 2014
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