Another set of ears saved from vacuum noise

CNC Machines
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I experienced my first session with a 6 gal Dewalt stealthsonic vacuum.
Life changing.

I had bought a 9 gal Dewalt FXV09P for my dust collection. The noise was bothersome at least.
I had routed the exhaust hose under the table, changed to a deep Sweepy, but it was not fun.

Now I can hear the cutter removing material.

This is as important as dust removal.

It’s fun again !

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If mine is advertised 139cfm and barely feels like enough I hope yours performs decently at 85cfm. (Have a CT26E with a 36mm hose)

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I couldn’t agree more! Here’s a related thread: Dewalt Stealthsonic Shop Vac

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I asked chatgpt to compare, that is the response:

" When comparing the DeWalt 12 Gallon Stealthsonic Shop Vac with a Festool Dust Extractor in terms of noise level, the key factors to consider are the decibel ratings and the technology used to minimize noise in each machine.

1. DeWalt 12 Gallon Stealthsonic Shop Vac:

  • Noise level: DeWalt’s Stealthsonic line is designed to be quieter than typical shop vacs. The noise rating is usually around 60-70 dB, which is considerably quieter than many other shop vacs in the same class, which can easily reach 80-90 dB.
  • Design focus: The “Stealthsonic” branding emphasizes noise reduction, aiming to maintain power without the loud operating sounds traditionally associated with shop vacs.

2. Festool Dust Extractor (e.g., CT MIDI, CT 26, CT 36 models):

  • Noise level: Festool dust extractors are also known for being very quiet, with decibel ratings around 62-72 dB depending on the model and suction settings.
  • Design focus: Festool is renowned for its precision and quiet operation, often being quieter than even high-end shop vacs. The variable speed control on many models allows users to adjust suction, which can further lower noise levels when not at full power.

Key Differences:

  • Noise Output: Both are comparable in the range of 60-70 dB, which is quieter than standard shop vacs. Festool models tend to offer slightly more flexibility with noise due to variable suction settings.
  • Build and Intended Use: Festool extractors are more targeted at professional woodworking, fine dust extraction, and work with tools like sanders, while the DeWalt Stealthsonic is more of a general-purpose shop vac with some noise-reduction features.
  • Dust Collection: Festool dust extractors usually come with HEPA filters and a more advanced self-cleaning mechanism, which is designed for more continuous and precise use, while the DeWalt is more focused on heavy-duty cleanup in a shop or construction setting.

In conclusion, while both are quieter than typical shop vacs, Festool’s variable speed control and high-end engineering might offer slightly better noise control, but the DeWalt Stealthsonic is still impressively quiet for a shop vac."

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And significantly cheaper.

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100% agree - The stealthsonic vacuum range is surprisingly quiet.
My Stealthsonic running six feet away is quieter than a large Rigid Vacuum 20ft across the shop.

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yep, and absolutely ok for me. A friend of mine runs an excellent carpenter shop, all hand tools Festool: a fortune, and he is very happy with those, even after years service fast, available etc. And the Festool dust control unit family has a lot of options like master-slave-switch, bluetooth, power control: I do not need all of that, therefore the DeWalt piece is a real game changer in the shop, together with the spindle noise is extremly much less of a problem, now the only noise is the one of the bit. That thing is really a breeze.

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The sound of the suction out of the hose is louder than the motor on my Stealthsonic.

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Lowes has 6 gal for $79 and 9 gal for $89 right now. I couldn’t resist. Thankfully.

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To clarify I’m saying I am unsatisfied with the suction of mine even at this level. Not saying anyone should get one. Very few use cases that justify the price!

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I will note that my Festool CT Midi (I have an older model, pre-Bluetooth) got much quieter when I switched to a 2.5" straight hose — the tapered hose had a distinct whistle character to its noise.

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Keep an eye on the hose size. The smaller steathsonic vacs have a smaller hose or at least used to. I have the 12 gallon which has a 2.5”.

I use the supplied hose to connect to a Harbor Freight cyclone separator and then to a pipe running vertical about 3 feet and horizontal about 2 and then typical 2.5” clear dust collection hose.

I find the suction at the bit to be very good and in fact prefer it to my original setup which leveraged a large ClearVue cyclone with 8” pipe transitioning to 2.5 at the router. I didn’t like leaving my big cyclone on for long cuts as it was noisy. I use that only for the more traditional tools now.

I use the deep sweepy as much as possible. The hard angle on the regular sweepy causes too much noise with this vac.

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The Lowes website does provide performance numbers.
I can not find a DeWalt webpage with the same information.

The DXV09 the 5 HP (10 amp) with maximum 90 CFM with 70" of water lift and 90db noise

The DXV06P-QT is 4 HP (8 amp) with max 85 CFM with 68" of water lift and 65db noise.

My setup is a Deep Sweepy to a 1 7/8 upright, to a transition to a 4" hose hung from the ceiling, then over and down to another transition to a Mullet cyclone. In the past year I have emptied the Mullet at least 6 times and the vacuum bag is less than 25% full.

Works for me

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Heads up horse power is a non factor on vacuums theyve been out of controll with the way theyre running the tests even for a lab environment its just rediculous.

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You can get a diffuser for the back of most shop vacs and it cuts up to 10db off the noise!

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I never thought of that.
Dewalt DXVA22-2520 is now on the shopping list !

Thank you !!!

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Been using the dewalt sonic since day 1. It’s been fantastic.

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Can you put a bag in those? I have a bag in my shop vacs to keep the filter from getting clogged.

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It has the normal bag and cylindrical filter.
The StealthSonic vacuum does NOT have a blower capability.

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It is amazing how much nicer they are to use indoors - have a buddy that got one for renovation work.
But the lack of a blower port is a reason I have not purchased one. I like to send the exhaust air outdoors(if possible) after it runs thru a cyclonic sieve & bag filter. And using Rockwool Comfortboard to make even a partial enclosure around a shopvac cuts down the noise considerably.

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