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Harbor Freight is really focusing on woodworking lately with the Hercules planer (DeWALT 734 clone), the Bauer segmented cutter head jointer, and now this dust extractor. Great to see them showing woodworkers some love!
Yeah I saw that new jointer. I need one and it seems to be just a wen, craftsman, porter cable, grizzly bench top jointers clone. I wanted at least an 8in jointer but I'm considering it
@@JWill6969 I don’t think a bench top compares at all with a cast iron floor model, but still, it’s cool to see them give woodworking some attention again. I was sad to see them abandon the larger woodworking tools.
Harbor Freight has stepped up! Hired engineers from the Name brand companies and results are obvious. Have chicago electric tools still working. Made my own dust extractor by adding a ground attachment on body of smaller shop vac. and adding a ground wire from tool to vac. Wish Id known where I could get serious hose adaption. Appreciate your in depth assessment.
I just picked up the Hercules yesterday. HF had a coupon for 20% off of Hercules corded tools. $240 was a steal. I Work mostly in my driveway, but even outside I don’t want to be breathing that dust or be covered in it either.
A trick that I found to help prevent your hose from zapping you is to take a piece of wire about 3 feet long, I just used some speaker wire, and strip about 6 inches of insulation off of both ends. Then wrap one end around your vac hose, and tie the wire in a knot so it doesn't fall off. The other end of the wire makes contact with your shop floor and acts as a grounding wire for the hose. It aint perfect but it sure makes a positive difference to those negative discharges.
I paid $210 for the Hercules w/ a 30% discount coupon. I love it. Works on all my tools. No problems w/ connectors. Planer, jointer, sanders, routers, etc.
I used my 30% coupon for this also. It was a "we miss you" coupon that came in my email. My store did not have it on display and they had to hunt in the backroom to find it. It is a fantastic tool.
Thank you again! Hercules still comes out on top for the price! I plugged my Dewalt DWS779 12 in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw @ 15 amps to the Hercules and ran it without any problem. Great suction from the Hercules too!
Maybe it's just me, but every time you say Hercules, I can't help but see that image of Mama Klump from the Nutty Professor. When she claps and says "Hercules, Hercules, Hercules!"
I got the Rockler a few months ago. I don't use the hose often. I have the Rockler small hose and an adapter to standard shop vac hose mountedtomybench. I use a Dustopper between sander and vac to get most of my dust and just use the hose from that kit between Dustopper and vacuum. I like the quiet operation, especially compared to my old shop vac.
Rockler has some really great products, it kind of surprises me that they missed the mark with this one. No anti-static hose is a deal breaker for me, even if it were at a cheaper price point. And you're right about those bigger wheels and longer handle as well. I just got a new DeWalt shop vac with those features and I don't think I'd ever buy another vac without them.
Thanks for this review - I'm sure lots of folks will be cross-shopping these units. I actually assumed that the Hercules was going to be a 'clone' of the Rockler when I first saw it, but clearly they are rather different designs.
The Hercules is a wonderful machine for dust extractor activities. I still use a 12 gal. Craftsman with a Hepa filter for general shop clean up. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, wai, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia
I think the Centec hose and fittings is a way better system than Rocklers. They fit more tools and the connections seem to be deeper than Rocklers and at a better price. I have their regular version, not the anti static, and I’ve never had a problem with getting shocked, ever. More often than not, that’s what’s on my festool just due to switching from tool to tool and the fact that it’s longer. And I threw away the hose to my shop vac because the center had rendered the stock hose useless for the most part. Powertec has just released a hose with more fittings that I’m interested to try, mainly for the fact that the ID is 1/4 in wider, which I wish, Centec and other companies would do. There’s not much out there for larger diameter hoses as far as tool adapters go. Just my thoughts. Great review
I bought one and overall it does the job but you are correct about the things the Rockler is missing. If I could go back and not have wasted my money and went with a Hercules or another Festool I would have. For now it will just be a standalone hooked to my miter station as I am just out the window with to return it.
Nice review Matt. Yea, I love that festool hose! No ribs makes it not catch on anything. It is the only like that. It reminds me of the old Electrolux canister vacuum. Not sure why no one else makes them anymore.
The 2 biggest factors for me is most of my tools are Hercules brand, and there isn't a rockler store anywhere near me but there is a harbor freight less than 15 mins from my house. So I'll be going with the Hercules.
I recently bought the Rockler. I’m not disappointed. I use it for the sanders, miter and table saws. Also to vac the floor. I haven’t noticed any static at all. I should say it was on sale ($60 off) and I already have a ton of Rockler dust right accessories. On a personal note, my Rockler in Brandon, Florida makes shopping a pure joy.
Harbor Freight also has a new 1.5 HP Bauer dust collector with a pleated filter and rotating cleaning wands. Can't recall exact price but roughly $450 ish.
I picked this dust extractor today, Harbor Freight had a 15% discount on any item in the store from Friday untill today Nov. 3-2024. So $254.99 of course you have to add tax. ours is 9.05% so add another $23.076 so out the door for $278.07, I thought for a hobbist as I am this is a great alternative. I have been using a normal 12gal shop vac with the bag and a filter. That does well, but this is just a really great option and I think I made a good purchase today. Just thought I would let you know it was on sale. Like a lot of items at Harbor Freight, if you wait and watch, you can usually get a discount or sale pricing. Liked your review and gave me enough insight that I thought it was a great fit for what I do. Thanks again. David
I know this is coming late, but I just saw this video. A positive take on the HF one taking longer to shut off. I don't have it yet, but plan on getting it, in part for my miter saw. With a longer shut down time, I'm hoping that I can readjust for multiple cuts before it shuts off. The hope is that fewer on and off cycles will be easier on the motor, hopefully extending the life. But we'll see. The bigger thing I need is the quick turn on time. I have a shopvac with a separate tool activated switch that takes a couple seconds to turn on. It's fine for my router table, but I don't use it on the miter saw because it's not on quick enough. Hopefully this will solve that problem for me. Fast on is more important for me and a slow turn off might actually be an advantage in my situation
Both were on sale this week. 15% off any item at HF and I forget what the special was at Rockler. I’m still leaning towards the Hurc after watching both videos. Thank you for doing the side by sides in these two.
Great side by side comparison. You are a great presenter and I think HF should look for you as a spokesman. Thanks to your previous video, I ordered the HF unit. Can't wait until it comes in...After watching this video, I'm sure I made the right choice...Thank you!
Remember, dust capacity really doesn’t matter. If you attach a cyclone separator, that’s where the capacity comes into play since so little dust makes it to the main unit. If you care about your filters and bags and costs-per-bag, then a pre-separator (cyclone) really makes sense. ---- Overall, I found this video interesting as I’m currently using an expensive option (Festool CT36 + Oneida separator on top). Perhaps I’ll look at the Hercules when purchasing my next extractor for a sanding station.
Second the cyclone addition to any vac setup in a shop setting. I have the Dewalt stealth sonic and the matching Dewalt cyclone. Filled it 3 times and the vacuum canister and filter look next to new still.
I am a fan of harbor freight tools. Mainly because they are in my price range...store is near me..and most there tools are enough for me. Def would love one of those dust extractors. My asthma lungs would looovvee it lol
Your videos are always so timely, I was wondering which one would be the one to get. I’ll probably just end up getting another festool anyway but ya never know
I just bought the Hercules, based on your video last week. I would have been upset if you changed your mind a week later. I had a coupon this week and I'm happy with the product so far.
I like the stuff rockler makes mostly. Especially the niche products but usually for what you get they really think highly of their stuff and this is shown by the price which is why I have yet to by any of their products but I look at them all the time. Kinda like oskool stuff. Great video HF is really stepping up their game recently in my opinion. I been there a lot recently and have been extremely pleased with price to quality for what I have bought. Keep up the great work.
Im seriously thinking about the Hercules. Ive had a 3M Xtract sander sitting in the box because im worried my Rigid shop vac wont pull enough air to keep the 3M sander from over heating. I cant afford a Festool dust collector right now so the Hercules is the next best thing. You get alot for $299 and looks like it'll keep my sander safe from the heat issue they seem to have.
I use a separate cannister collector rather than depending on the bags. I still have the filter and bag in place but not as a collector. All the dust goes in the separate cannister and is visually easy to see when to empty. I have a Fein collector and the large suction hose attaches to the cannister with the foot tool hose then to the other cannister attachment. Very little material goes into the actual Fein.
Matt I know the dust collector is great for sanding and such but what about jobsite table saws, planers and jointers where you get some chunks and splinters of wood. What's your opinion
I primarily use mine for cleaning up tile dust and then as a shop vac/ dust collector for a router table. But ive got a 12 gallon Ridgid shop vac with the HEPA filters and HEPA bags. its less than $150 at HD. The HEPA filters claim to be OSHA approved for silica dust
How about doing a comparison with the either the Hercules or Rocker against a 5 gallon bucket dust extractor. The dust extractor and shop vac would have to be in a all in one cart to compete with movement. Just an idea (also trying to budget for a dust extractor).
The Hercules is my pick for sure if I was buying one. The Rockler one looks exactly like my Ridgid shop vac. I love rockler but I agree, they really dropped the ball on this one. One of the great things about the Hervules and Harbor Freight is the sales.. I can guarantee the filters and bags will totally go on sale from time to time so you'll definitely save on them more frequently than the rockler or other brand variants.
Just bought the last one of those Hercules dust collectors in all of Tulsa yesterday . Took advantage of that 20% off coupon on one Hercules or Bauer power tool they have going on through the weekend .. Haven’t ran it through the paces yet but it seems nice, definitely powerful though
I would buy the hercules one. True rockler is a well-known name brand, but harbor freight is coming out with some pretty good quality products. Ty for sharing this info
Some differences from my Dewalt, longer cord, tool power port, but the shell looks exactly the same. Tools for mine go into a bag on the back of the vac vs over the wheels. Love the Dewalt, BTW. Worlds quieter than my Ridgid screamer.
I’d say the Rockler is a utility shop vac, not a wood shop dust collector. The Rockler one has no business around sawdust and woodworking tools. Great review as usual. Thanks.
Just a couple of additional performance related comments from a mechanical engineer/HVAC designer…. Even though the HF has 2 HEPA filters that take up additional space in the bin and costs a bit more, you are getting much better HEPA performance and also airflow performance, especially on the lower CFM setting because the airflow is split across two filters. So from a health & safety standpoint, that is a plus for HF. Also on the HF, or any dust collector for that matter, while a 12 foot hose is nice for stretching across the room to more tools, it does hurt you on actual performance at the tool connect point due to more friction losses in the hose. Effective material handling (i.e dust collection) requires both CFM and air velocity to keep the chips/dust suspended in the air stream and moving to the bin. The ribbed flex hose friction losses can affect the velocity and the suction capability at the business end of the hose, so if you were to experience lower effectiveness at the tool, try a shorter anti-static hose and you will find better dust collection performance.
I would be interested in knowing how a Oneida Low Profile Dust Deputy works with the various dust extractors. If the Dust Deputy works as advertised it would save on bags and filters.
Matt, I just got the Hercules, and I'm loving it, but to drive an hour to get it. They are not in every store yet, and the three stores close to me didn't have one and won't have them until about Christmas. I think it's worth the hour drive, but damn, have your new product in stock pleae
I tried to buy one today and none of the HF stores within 50 miles of Atlanta had them in stock. Heck, almost no HF in Georgia had them in stock. The first store I called said they had 10 and they sold out in 2 days. I called a store 100 miles away because the HF website said they had them in stock, but the only one they had was the display model. The clerck told me it didn't work and was just a display.
Great review thanks for sharing. I do have one question for you or anyone else with hands on experience with this dust vac. Why is the 3.5A limit with the onboard tool plug not a deal breaker? That seems really low, perhaps lower than most tools you'd want to use this with, especially a 12 to 15A compound miter saw?
@731Woodworks Can you do a test on the Herc if you turn down the cfm can you use a higher amp tool? In theory its a 14am circuit protection on the whole tool so I think its worth a shot
Id like to see a review on the fein turbo 2 which commonly hits that 300ish range on sale. Ive seen the fein turbo go under 300 but without self cleaning like the turbo 2 that's a non starter for me. Ace tool acme many places sell the fein and you'd be doing me a service. I really in the market for a dust extracter that can be around the jobsite and not cost festool prices.
This Christmas (black Friday/cyber-Monday etc.) we are very much in the market for a dust extractor. With our budget they were out of reach previously. So, a couple 20x20 box fans with our older house filters along with a shop vac were what we used. Curious how these compare just putting a Hepa filter and a bag on a high hp shop vac, as well as using one of the cyclone/5-gallon bucket deals compare. Both in value and effectiveness. Especially using ones of those cyclone/buckets WITH an actual dust extractor.
You need to talk about how long the extension cords are. I purchased one that has a 6 ft extension cord versus another shop that I have with a 15-ft extension cord.
Yes. Saw dust and wood flour are highly combustible. An ESD could cause and explosion and 🔥! Rockier should seriously consider changing the hose to anti-static!
The Hercules looks like it has licensed (or 'borrowed') some of the old-gen Bosch extractor tech. It looks very similar to my Bosch 9 Gal BOSCH VAC090AH (which is a great extractor).
Questions! Is Rockler’s OSHA compliant? That should be an important to businesses. Does the volume control on the harbor freight actually work?? And does replacing the hose with something like festool ,which is a smaller diameter, add more cfm??
The volume control on the Hercules works great, I love being able to change it based on what tool I'm using it for. It was one of the deciding factors for me and it did not disappoint.
Thanks for sharing this video. I was searching this comparison earlier this week and I’m so glad you are the first to publish. You’re confirming what I suspected. Have you done comparisons on the next level up dust collectors? I’m wondering if anything competes with the Hercules at the $500-700 range.
@@angiegallegos1478 In the $500-$700 range definitely go with the Festool CT36. Can add the bluetooth module on that, has CFM volume control, good CFM. I use one on my miter saw. Great machine.
Not that long ago I bought the rockler extractor. I didn't even know HF had one. I see your points on both but in my situation your issues with the rockler do not matter. I do not roll mine around. It is tucked away underneath my miter station which is something the Hercules wouldn't be able to do. Capacity is irrelevant because most people use a separator. Mine is hooked up to piping that goes overhead before dropping down with the hose so I do not have the static issue with the stock hose. Also will never use the tool plug in because most tools are too much for that to handle. I use a remote control that i typically keep attached to the end of the hose or clip it to my belt loop. The real reason the rockler is better was the most important thing to me of all, THE NOISE! Or lack there of. The number one reason I ditched my shop vac for an extractor was because I wanted it to be as quiet as possible. The rockler is significantly quieter than the Hercules just listening to it in your video. 75% of the noise you will hear with the rockler is just the air being sucked in to the end of the hose. The extractor is sooo quite. The videos I've seen with the rockler do not do it justice on how quiet it is because you cant tell that its just coming from the hose by watching a video.
And Rockler does not increase the price then they are equals with the Harbor Freight dust extractor and which to purchase becomes a coin flip. Nice well thought narrative with this video, Great review!
Just bought one (the last one in my HF store) and I can confirm it is an outstanding performer. No assembly, by the way. The anti-static hose is - shockingly - a very nice feature! 🫣
I was just in the Rockler store on Orange CA. I looked at the dust right model in this video. It reminded me of a fancy shop vac with a hepa canister filter and the tool turn on shut off feature. Not 8 pressed by it at all.
Awesome video as always. Can the Hercules be attach to the dewalt table saw and dewalt planer. I don’t understand about the amps. Thank you and advance.
Have you ever done a video on the power/electrical set up in your garage? I’m getting to the point where the single 15A circuit in my garage is tripping with the introduction of some new equipment. How many circuits are you running in your garage workshop? 20 amp? Higher?
I wish there were a way to quantify quality/longevity. Is the Rockler likely to last twice as long? It'd be very nice to know and it's completely impractical to try to figure it out.
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DeWALT Sander - amzn.to/4eIJcri
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Harbor Freight is really focusing on woodworking lately with the Hercules planer (DeWALT 734 clone), the Bauer segmented cutter head jointer, and now this dust extractor. Great to see them showing woodworkers some love!
Yeah I saw that new jointer. I need one and it seems to be just a wen, craftsman, porter cable, grizzly bench top jointers clone. I wanted at least an 8in jointer but I'm considering it
@@JWill6969 I don’t think a bench top compares at all with a cast iron floor model, but still, it’s cool to see them give woodworking some attention again. I was sad to see them abandon the larger woodworking tools.
@@JWill6969 I bought one. I love it. Works great!
Yes indeed. I bought the Hercules bench top planer. Identical to the DeWalt DW734 12/12".
There’s a Bauer dust collector coming soon too. $449 with the 3 micron pleated filter.
Harbor Freight has stepped up! Hired engineers from the Name brand companies and results are obvious. Have chicago electric tools still working. Made my own dust extractor by adding a ground attachment on body of smaller shop vac. and adding a ground wire from tool to vac. Wish Id known where I could get serious hose adaption. Appreciate your in depth assessment.
I just picked up the Hercules yesterday. HF had a coupon for 20% off of Hercules corded tools. $240 was a steal. I Work mostly in my driveway, but even outside I don’t want to be breathing that dust or be covered in it either.
I did the same. Though my store didn't have it in stock so I had to order it and wait for it to get delivered to the store.
A trick that I found to help prevent your hose from zapping you is to take a piece of wire about 3 feet long, I just used some speaker wire, and strip about 6 inches of insulation off of both ends.
Then wrap one end around your vac hose, and tie the wire in a knot so it doesn't fall off.
The other end of the wire makes contact with your shop floor and acts as a grounding wire for the hose.
It aint perfect but it sure makes a positive difference to those negative discharges.
I paid $210 for the Hercules w/ a 30% discount coupon.
I love it. Works on all my tools. No problems w/ connectors.
Planer, jointer, sanders, routers, etc.
How’s you get that discount?
where the heck did you get a 30% discount in the month this was out?
I used my 30% coupon for this also. It was a "we miss you" coupon that came in my email. My store did not have it on display and they had to hunt in the backroom to find it. It is a fantastic tool.
My we miss you coupon was 25% which I used for this as well.
Thank you again! Hercules still comes out on top for the price! I plugged my Dewalt DWS779 12 in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw @ 15 amps to the Hercules and ran it without any problem. Great suction from the Hercules too!
Thank you for this comment because I was worried I couldn’t run my machines
Maybe it's just me, but every time you say Hercules, I can't help but see that image of Mama Klump from the Nutty Professor. When she claps and says "Hercules, Hercules, Hercules!"
Hercules! Hercules!
@@jpy74 Is it just 2 "Hercules?" I thought it was 3. Gives me a good excuse to go back and watch it again. I just remember it being pretty hilarious.
@@gregghernandez2714 You can see it in the video at time 18:23
@@TacticalTightwad Thanks!
I got the Rockler a few months ago. I don't use the hose often. I have the Rockler small hose and an adapter to standard shop vac hose mountedtomybench. I use a Dustopper between sander and vac to get most of my dust and just use the hose from that kit between Dustopper and vacuum. I like the quiet operation, especially compared to my old shop vac.
Rockler has some really great products, it kind of surprises me that they missed the mark with this one. No anti-static hose is a deal breaker for me, even if it were at a cheaper price point. And you're right about those bigger wheels and longer handle as well. I just got a new DeWalt shop vac with those features and I don't think I'd ever buy another vac without them.
Thanks for this review - I'm sure lots of folks will be cross-shopping these units. I actually assumed that the Hercules was going to be a 'clone' of the Rockler when I first saw it, but clearly they are rather different designs.
The Hercules is a wonderful machine for dust extractor activities. I still use a 12 gal. Craftsman with a Hepa filter for general shop clean up. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, wai, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia
I think the Centec hose and fittings is a way better system than Rocklers. They fit more tools and the connections seem to be deeper than Rocklers and at a better price. I have their regular version, not the anti static, and I’ve never had a problem with getting shocked, ever. More often than not, that’s what’s on my festool just due to switching from tool to tool and the fact that it’s longer. And I threw away the hose to my shop vac because the center had rendered the stock hose useless for the most part. Powertec has just released a hose with more fittings that I’m interested to try, mainly for the fact that the ID is 1/4 in wider, which I wish, Centec and other companies would do. There’s not much out there for larger diameter hoses as far as tool adapters go. Just my thoughts. Great review
Matt really appreciate the comparison on these 2. Definitely going to lean towards the Hercules.
I bought one and overall it does the job but you are correct about the things the Rockler is missing. If I could go back and not have wasted my money and went with a Hercules or another Festool I would have. For now it will just be a standalone hooked to my miter station as I am just out the window with to return it.
Nice review Matt. Yea, I love that festool hose! No ribs makes it not catch on anything. It is the only like that. It reminds me of the old Electrolux canister vacuum. Not sure why no one else makes them anymore.
The 2 biggest factors for me is most of my tools are Hercules brand, and there isn't a rockler store anywhere near me but there is a harbor freight less than 15 mins from my house. So I'll be going with the Hercules.
Thanks for this review. This is EXACTLY what I wanted to find when I discovered the Rockler dust collector.
I recently bought the Rockler. I’m not disappointed. I use it for the sanders, miter and table saws. Also to vac the floor. I haven’t noticed any static at all. I should say it was on sale ($60 off) and I already have a ton of Rockler dust right accessories. On a personal note, my Rockler in Brandon, Florida makes shopping a pure joy.
Got the Hercules on your recommendation and had a 25% off coupon so, it was even a better deal. Happy with it. Your opinions are always helpful.
That's awesome! Glad you got a good deal on it.
Same here! Just waiting on it to arrive to start playing with it.
@@JoshuaRoslansky I also am waiting. Ordered in-store on 10/25. Was supposed to arrive 12/27, now expected 01/22/25
@@johnprince4024 I ordered mine the day before that, and it just came in this Friday. Hopefully not too much longer for you!
Harbor Freight also has a new 1.5 HP Bauer dust collector with a pleated filter and rotating cleaning wands. Can't recall exact price but roughly $450 ish.
I picked this dust extractor today, Harbor Freight had a 15% discount on any item in the store from Friday untill today Nov. 3-2024. So $254.99 of course you have to add tax. ours is 9.05% so add another $23.076 so out the door for $278.07, I thought for a hobbist as I am this is a great alternative. I have been using a normal 12gal shop vac with the bag and a filter. That does well, but this is just a really great option and I think I made a good purchase today. Just thought I would let you know it was on sale. Like a lot of items at Harbor Freight, if you wait and watch, you can usually get a discount or sale pricing. Liked your review and gave me enough insight that I thought it was a great fit for what I do. Thanks again. David
I have been looking for a better dust collection on A budget. So YES the hose is a big issue and you helped me to decide which new one to get !
I purchased the Hercules two weeks ago. I got exactly what I was looking for. Awesome Vac for the price. 👍💯
Glad it’s working out for you!
@@731Woodworks Like you explain in the video. It works great when you have control of the air volume. It makes it much easier to use a Palm Sander 👍
I know this is coming late, but I just saw this video. A positive take on the HF one taking longer to shut off. I don't have it yet, but plan on getting it, in part for my miter saw. With a longer shut down time, I'm hoping that I can readjust for multiple cuts before it shuts off. The hope is that fewer on and off cycles will be easier on the motor, hopefully extending the life. But we'll see. The bigger thing I need is the quick turn on time. I have a shopvac with a separate tool activated switch that takes a couple seconds to turn on. It's fine for my router table, but I don't use it on the miter saw because it's not on quick enough. Hopefully this will solve that problem for me. Fast on is more important for me and a slow turn off might actually be an advantage in my situation
Both were on sale this week. 15% off any item at HF and I forget what the special was at Rockler. I’m still leaning towards the Hurc after watching both videos. Thank you for doing the side by sides in these two.
Great side by side comparison. You are a great presenter and I think HF should look for you as a spokesman. Thanks to your previous video, I ordered the HF unit. Can't wait until it comes in...After watching this video, I'm sure I made the right choice...Thank you!
I have a Festool in Australia and its the best indeed by far.
Fully agree, it’s a brilliant piece of kit. Having said that, the price point in Canada sends you to the ER.
@@etienneprinsloo6799 indeed but worth it
Remember, dust capacity really doesn’t matter. If you attach a cyclone separator, that’s where the capacity comes into play since so little dust makes it to the main unit. If you care about your filters and bags and costs-per-bag, then a pre-separator (cyclone) really makes sense.
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Overall, I found this video interesting as I’m currently using an expensive option (Festool CT36 + Oneida separator on top). Perhaps I’ll look at the Hercules when purchasing my next extractor for a sanding station.
Second the cyclone addition to any vac setup in a shop setting. I have the Dewalt stealth sonic and the matching Dewalt cyclone. Filled it 3 times and the vacuum canister and filter look next to new still.
You should do a review on the Bauer segmented cutter head jointer.
Solid comparison review. HF is following the advice that Money May gives to everyone, “step your game up”!
You can’t beat Ridgid. My 16 gallon 6.0hp sucks at 168 cfm and is perfect for my bandsaw, scroll saw, router table and downdraft table. Less than $150
731 Woodworks... Being fairly new to woodworking I definitely want the new Hercules dust extractor.. When the budget allows.. LOL
I am a fan of harbor freight tools. Mainly because they are in my price range...store is near me..and most there tools are enough for me. Def would love one of those dust extractors. My asthma lungs would looovvee it lol
Your videos are always so timely, I was wondering which one would be the one to get. I’ll probably just end up getting another festool anyway but ya never know
With the awesome and truthful shirts you wear, I would never second guess your honesty. Great video sir.
I just bought the Hercules, based on your video last week. I would have been upset if you changed your mind a week later. I had a coupon this week and I'm happy with the product so far.
Very good comparison presentation! Thank you! 😀
Vote is for the Hercules. The suction control feature sound great, my current Ridgid shop vac pulls the sander down to the wood.
I like the stuff rockler makes mostly. Especially the niche products but usually for what you get they really think highly of their stuff and this is shown by the price which is why I have yet to by any of their products but I look at them all the time. Kinda like oskool stuff. Great video HF is really stepping up their game recently in my opinion. I been there a lot recently and have been extremely pleased with price to quality for what I have bought. Keep up the great work.
Im seriously thinking about the Hercules. Ive had a 3M Xtract sander sitting in the box because im worried my Rigid shop vac wont pull enough air to keep the 3M sander from over heating. I cant afford a Festool dust collector right now so the Hercules is the next best thing. You get alot for $299 and looks like it'll keep my sander safe from the heat issue they seem to have.
I use a separate cannister collector rather than depending on the bags. I still have the filter and bag in place but not as a collector. All the dust goes in the separate cannister and is visually easy to see when to empty. I have a Fein collector and the large suction hose attaches to the cannister with the foot tool hose then to the other cannister attachment. Very little material goes into the actual Fein.
Matt I know the dust collector is great for sanding and such but what about jobsite table saws, planers and jointers where you get some chunks and splinters of wood. What's your opinion
Cyclone separator
The Rigid RV2400HF dust extractor with HEPA filtration originally cost around $300, but it’s now priced at $350 and has been out since 2019.
How does the BAUER VAC compare to the Hercules vac....
I remember when your channel first started, and now you have 692K subscribers! I am very happy for you!
thank you
I primarily use mine for cleaning up tile dust and then as a shop vac/ dust collector for a router table. But ive got a 12 gallon Ridgid shop vac with the HEPA filters and HEPA bags. its less than $150 at HD. The HEPA filters claim to be OSHA approved for silica dust
I wanted to like the Rockler extractor too. I shop at Rockler often. But after watching this, I may be heading over to HF. Thank you for your review.
How about doing a comparison with the either the Hercules or Rocker against a 5 gallon bucket dust extractor. The dust extractor and shop vac would have to be in a all in one cart to compete with movement. Just an idea (also trying to budget for a dust extractor).
Will buy the Hercules will be a great addition for my small shop
The Hercules is my pick for sure if I was buying one. The Rockler one looks exactly like my Ridgid shop vac. I love rockler but I agree, they really dropped the ball on this one. One of the great things about the Hervules and Harbor Freight is the sales.. I can guarantee the filters and bags will totally go on sale from time to time so you'll definitely save on them more frequently than the rockler or other brand variants.
Just bought the last one of those Hercules dust collectors in all of Tulsa yesterday . Took advantage of that 20% off coupon on one Hercules or Bauer power tool they have going on through the weekend ..
Haven’t ran it through the paces yet but it seems nice, definitely powerful though
I would buy the hercules one. True rockler is a well-known name brand, but harbor freight is coming out with some pretty good quality products. Ty for sharing this info
Some differences from my Dewalt, longer cord, tool power port, but the shell looks exactly the same. Tools for mine go into a bag on the back of the vac vs over the wheels.
Love the Dewalt, BTW. Worlds quieter than my Ridgid screamer.
Can you test the new Bauer 35 gallon dust collector?
I’d say the Rockler is a utility shop vac, not a wood shop dust collector. The Rockler one has no business around sawdust and woodworking tools. Great review as usual. Thanks.
Give me the quietest one that works well and I'm sold. Dewalt stealthsonic would hit an absolute home run with thisssss!
Are either of the filters washable? That can be a consideration since you do not need to replace them as often.
Just a couple of additional performance related comments from a mechanical engineer/HVAC designer…. Even though the HF has 2 HEPA filters that take up additional space in the bin and costs a bit more, you are getting much better HEPA performance and also airflow performance, especially on the lower CFM setting because the airflow is split across two filters. So from a health & safety standpoint, that is a plus for HF.
Also on the HF, or any dust collector for that matter, while a 12 foot hose is nice for stretching across the room to more tools, it does hurt you on actual performance at the tool connect point due to more friction losses in the hose. Effective material handling (i.e dust collection) requires both CFM and air velocity to keep the chips/dust suspended in the air stream and moving to the bin. The ribbed flex hose friction losses can affect the velocity and the suction capability at the business end of the hose, so if you were to experience lower effectiveness at the tool, try a shorter anti-static hose and you will find better dust collection performance.
I would be interested in knowing how a Oneida Low Profile Dust Deputy works with the various dust extractors. If the Dust Deputy works as advertised it would save on bags and filters.
I have a Mullet Cyclone in front of my extractor and it does save bags for sure.
Matt, I just got the Hercules, and I'm loving it, but to drive an hour to get it. They are not in every store yet, and the three stores close to me didn't have one and won't have them until about Christmas. I think it's worth the hour drive, but damn, have your new product in stock pleae
I tried to buy one today and none of the HF stores within 50 miles of Atlanta had them in stock. Heck, almost no HF in Georgia had them in stock. The first store I called said they had 10 and they sold out in 2 days. I called a store 100 miles away because the HF website said they had them in stock, but the only one they had was the display model. The clerck told me it didn't work and was just a display.
Great review thanks for sharing. I do have one question for you or anyone else with hands on experience with this dust vac. Why is the 3.5A limit with the onboard tool plug not a deal breaker? That seems really low, perhaps lower than most tools you'd want to use this with, especially a 12 to 15A compound miter saw?
Very good review. Thank you.
Great review Matt!
@731Woodworks Can you do a test on the Herc if you turn down the cfm can you use a higher amp tool?
In theory its a 14am circuit protection on the whole tool so I think its worth a shot
I am still loving my Hercules on my miter saw
A lot of HF prices are adjusted for coupons. So sometimes if you need something right away it's not as good of a deal for the HF store brand.
Id like to see a review on the fein turbo 2 which commonly hits that 300ish range on sale. Ive seen the fein turbo go under 300 but without self cleaning like the turbo 2 that's a non starter for me. Ace tool acme many places sell the fein and you'd be doing me a service. I really in the market for a dust extracter that can be around the jobsite and not cost festool prices.
Thanks for doing the comparison. Have to agree that the Rockler appears to be less powerful than Hercules.
This Christmas (black Friday/cyber-Monday etc.) we are very much in the market for a dust extractor. With our budget they were out of reach previously. So, a couple 20x20 box fans with our older house filters along with a shop vac were what we used. Curious how these compare just putting a Hepa filter and a bag on a high hp shop vac, as well as using one of the cyclone/5-gallon bucket deals compare. Both in value and effectiveness. Especially using ones of those cyclone/buckets WITH an actual dust extractor.
Great question.
(Good commercial idea to Steely Dan ) HF not static at allllll 😎😎
Can you throw the Milwaukee dust extractor in the ring? It’s twice the cost but I’d like to see where it falls between festool and Hercules
You need to talk about how long the extension cords are. I purchased one that has a 6 ft extension cord versus another shop that I have with a 15-ft extension cord.
The rockler with the static hose, would that be a fire hazzard? With the wood dust or other flammable material? Just wondering.
Yes. Saw dust and wood flour are highly combustible. An ESD could cause and explosion and 🔥!
Rockier should seriously consider changing the hose to anti-static!
The Hercules looks like it has licensed (or 'borrowed') some of the old-gen Bosch extractor tech. It looks very similar to my Bosch 9 Gal BOSCH VAC090AH (which is a great extractor).
The firm that develop many of the Harbor Freights power tools is also the same firm that Bosch uses.
When it comes to the volume what if you put a cyclone separator in line?
thanks for this video, this helped a lot!!
Glad it helped!
Can you use a 2 1/2” hose dust separator on the Harbor Freight dust extractor?
Would you Please review router tables??? Please!!❤
Questions! Is Rockler’s OSHA compliant? That should be an important to businesses. Does the volume control on the harbor freight actually work?? And does replacing the hose with something like festool ,which is a smaller diameter, add more cfm??
Rumor is Rockler is. Hercules is NOT OSHA approved
@@DSGLABEL on the video Hercules showed it saying OSHA compliant on the vacuum. As why I asked about Rockler!
The volume control on the Hercules works great, I love being able to change it based on what tool I'm using it for. It was one of the deciding factors for me and it did not disappoint.
Is the Hercules suitable for chip extraction from a bench planer and 6” floor jointer at all?
Well done!
Thanks for sharing this video. I was searching this comparison earlier this week and I’m so glad you are the first to publish. You’re confirming what I suspected. Have you done comparisons on the next level up dust collectors? I’m wondering if anything competes with the Hercules at the $500-700 range.
Glad it was helpful! I haven't done a video on collectors in that price range.
@@731Woodworks I imagine that would be getting pretty expensive to budget for!
@@angiegallegos1478 In the $500-$700 range definitely go with the Festool CT36. Can add the bluetooth module on that, has CFM volume control, good CFM. I use one on my miter saw. Great machine.
Not that long ago I bought the rockler extractor. I didn't even know HF had one. I see your points on both but in my situation your issues with the rockler do not matter. I do not roll mine around. It is tucked away underneath my miter station which is something the Hercules wouldn't be able to do. Capacity is irrelevant because most people use a separator. Mine is hooked up to piping that goes overhead before dropping down with the hose so I do not have the static issue with the stock hose. Also will never use the tool plug in because most tools are too much for that to handle. I use a remote control that i typically keep attached to the end of the hose or clip it to my belt loop. The real reason the rockler is better was the most important thing to me of all, THE NOISE! Or lack there of. The number one reason I ditched my shop vac for an extractor was because I wanted it to be as quiet as possible. The rockler is significantly quieter than the Hercules just listening to it in your video. 75% of the noise you will hear with the rockler is just the air being sucked in to the end of the hose. The extractor is sooo quite. The videos I've seen with the rockler do not do it justice on how quiet it is because you cant tell that its just coming from the hose by watching a video.
And Rockler does not increase the price then they are equals with the Harbor Freight dust extractor and which to purchase becomes a coin flip. Nice well thought narrative with this video, Great review!
I have the 18/36 volt Makita cordless track saw. There has to be a way to remote turn this vac on.
Just bought one (the last one in my HF store) and I can confirm it is an outstanding performer. No assembly, by the way. The anti-static hose is - shockingly - a very nice feature! 🫣
Will the Hecules dust extractor be enough to suck the dust and chippings from a dewalt 734 planer?
Do the Karcher dust extractor next!
Very helpful review
Great review, thanks
You're welcome!
I agree with you, HF is the better option..
I was just in the Rockler store on Orange CA. I looked at the dust right model in this video. It reminded me of a fancy shop vac with a hepa canister filter and the tool turn on shut off feature. Not 8 pressed by it at all.
Thank you!
A you do a comparison between the dewalt and Bosch brand?
Awesome video as always. Can the Hercules be attach to the dewalt table saw and dewalt planer. I don’t understand about the amps. Thank you and advance.
Have you ever done a video on the power/electrical set up in your garage? I’m getting to the point where the single 15A circuit in my garage is tripping with the introduction of some new equipment. How many circuits are you running in your garage workshop? 20 amp? Higher?
I haven't done a video on it. I have 3 outlets at 20amp each if I'm not mistaken and one 220v outlet for the table saw.
I wish there were a way to quantify quality/longevity. Is the Rockler likely to last twice as long? It'd be very nice to know and it's completely impractical to try to figure it out.
Was waiting for this one. FYI
Rocklers came first.