FoxAlien Vacuum HFS-800

[ivanpedruzzi]

Does anyone use the FoxAlien Vacuum HFS-800?

Any alternative in the same class (small bench vacuum with multi stage filter HEPA+ carbon)?

Looking for feedback
Thanks

[robgrz (Rob Grzesek (Carbide 3D))]

We always recommend the DeWalt Stealthsonic now. It’s relatively cheap and very quiet for a shop vac.

[ivanpedruzzi]

Thanks Rob, this seems a standard shop vac, I was looking for something else that can sit on the bench, also the DeWalt is not a multi stage filter, and does not feature a carbon stage.

[Brew (Steven Middleton)]

I’m not sure how much the two stage system would be of benefit over a well operating shop vac like the the dewalt stealth. The only benefit I see for the fox alien is its size if you are cramped for size.

[ivanpedruzzi]

my workspace is very small, two stages with carbon filter traps more particles that single stage.
I am looking for something as silent as possible and with very effective filtration, but I appreciate your feedback.

[wmoy (Winston)]

Carbon filters are for odor. They don’t do squat for particulates. All that matters is that you have a HEPA rating. There are quieter, HEPA rated vacuums like the Fein Turbo, or cheaper shop vacs that can be made HEPA compliant with the right bag + filter combo. Depending on what exactly you get, it could net out to a comparable price.

Also, looking at review videos of the FoxAlien vac box (the few that don’t throw music over action shots), it’s really not that much quieter than a shop vac at full power. If you run it at lower power, you lose suction. It sounds like you care about sound AND air quality, IMO you would be better served by a different vacuum.

[ivanpedruzzi]

Winston, you are entitled to your opinions but not to your own facts. Carbon filter traps smaller particles including chemicals, for example when running a tool under critical condition high temperature can produce smoke or spraying lubricant which can be vaporized by the tool spinning.
I specifically asked if someone is using a two stage filter system if you are not using such system I am not sure how you are contributing to the discussion.

[wmoy (Winston)]

I am using a 2-stage filter system. And I’m telling you that the 80-ish DB I’ve seen in videos is unimpressive compared to something like the Fein or Stealthsonic. Just trying to help you based on your stated priorities…

Also, I am aware that carbon filters trap VOCs, they are not considered particulates. If you are using lubricants, you are probably not using a vacuum and probably machining metals. If you are concerned about VOC’s though, then by all means, make carbon filtration a priority. It’s not a popular feature in woodworking dust management systems though. And yeah, you might scorch wood once or twice in your CNC adventures and release some VOCs, but if you relax that requirement, you’ll have a bunch more options on the market. HEPA is generally the gold standard people care about.