best vacumm to start out with?

cougar2588

New member
well i've slowly been purchasing the material i'll need to start a small mobile detailing business on the side just as a hobby and a way to make a little bit of extra cash. i really only plan on doing 1-2 cars a week when i start since im already working 35+ hours a week and going to school full time. and depending on things go, ill build up from there.



but on to the point of this thread, im at that point where its time to buy a nice vacuum and i have no clue what i should be looking for. i've looked at a couple in autopia's store as well as the one detailers domain has.



https://www.detailersdomain.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=351



if i were to buy that vacuum would that be ok to use if i were to shampoo someones interior or would i have to buy an actual water vac? sorry if this was a stupid question but im new to intense interior detailing and dont plan on immediately offering it as a service to any customers i get until i can practice on a few cars.



any other suggestions/links you guys know of, please post them up so that i have more than just that one option to choose from. thanks.
 
wow i never even thought of that bookeem, i just went on sears.com and was shocked at the prices/products offered. thanks a lot, first reply of this thread proved to be usefull haha.



any reccomended ones, which ones do you pro's use or which would you buy if you were in my position?
 
If you can, get Ridgid!



I use it, my friends use it, shops near me use it, and I've never seen one break.



I've been using mine for over 5 years now, still works as good as new, hell I think I MIGHT have replaced the filter once.



I also spent the money at Lee Valley Tools - Woodworking Tools, Gardening Tools, Hardware for a 20' long pool vacuum hose, that way I never have to move the vaccuum.



Wet/Dry Vacuum Accessory Kit - Lee Valley Tools



I've heard of many Shopvacs crapping out, but NEVER a Ridgid.



I think I like Ridgid :)
 
I'd defaintly stay in the 5hp and above range. Especially if you're going to be getting the carpets wet at all and need to suck the moisture back out. I personally only use 6.5 hp ones. Anything below 5 and you loose effectiveness to suck the water out of the carpet, which is defiantly not ideal.
 
thanks for all the help guys. ill definately look into a RIGID. im so glad i posted and asked this question instead of just ordering the one i first posted earlier. for $100, i dont think i can go wrong.
 
This is what I started with.



Craftsman Clean N Carry



It's one drawback is that it doesn't have a blower but in past experiences the two in one things blew a lot of dust.



Plus' are that it's a large motor in a small package. 5 h.p. peak in a 4 gallon package.

it's hose is smaller than normal shop vacs so it's been much easier to get into tight places. lightweight and portable.



And at $70 it's a lot cheaper than $200. However I've never owned one of the expensive ones so they may be worlds better than my craftsman.
 
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