Makita XCV11Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2 Gallon HEPA Filter Portable Wet/Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum, Tool Only at Amazon.com - $134.84 after coupon

Anyone use this? I've got several large wet/dry vacuums that work well but looking to buy something specifically for drywall dust that would pair well with a dedicated drywall sander like that made by Makita or Porter Cable

This is TERRIBLE for drywall dust! HEPA filter clogs immediately and if you don't stop quick , you'll have dust everywhere.

I left mine on location where I was doing some finish carpentry at an art gallery. Came back after lunch and one of the junior art-techs was using this with my Festool ETS125 to sand a 12" patch of drywall overhead. It didn't even get through that one task. The sander was fine, but the vac had zero airflow. I spent 20 minutes trying to knock as much drywall dust as I could out of the filter to get it running again so I could finish my work. It did ok, but that filter was DONE, and I spent more time than I wanted later on trying to get all the gypsum out of the canister as well. The filters are not cheap -- about $30 shipped ($33 right now on amazon). The sander and vacuum otherwise were fine.

CFM's on this Makita are adequate (but not amazing) for a palm sander and small detail trim routing. You can even get away with a couple small track saw cuts (It won't catch everything, but maybe 90% there). I enjoy it for what it is - something I can sling over my shoulder to go do some small work on location without wheeling out larger mobile dust extractors.

If you're doing drywall, I highly recommend the Metabo ASR-35 (which I have used extensively) or the Festool CT36-E -- the E denotes that it's the version with the self-thumping filter. Or really any of the many 9 gallon/ 36 liter vacs that have a self-thumping HEPA filter, allowing it to keep from choking in drywall dust. FLEX manufactures them in different colors for a lot of companies.

However, DO NOT spring for the Makita VC4710. I got burned on that unit. I can confirm the poorer reviews - it seems a lot of those units have something wrong with the air-flow sensor/ controller chip where they get stuck on the filter thumping. I got burned $80 on return shipping for a new unit that thought it was was always clogged even with new filters and nothing attached.

Cheers.

Agree with everything blocky said about the XCV11 for the use case you're describing. I'll add on that the hose length on this is only about 2 feet. The only way it even seems possible to use this with a drywall sander is if you get a shoulder strap. And that setup (weight of the vacuum + battery on one shoulder while using both hands to sand drywall) seems destined to absolutely destroy your neck and shoulders -- and once you've done that, whatever money a proper corded vacuum would have cost will feel like nothing.

Beyond that, we have battery life... you'd be stopping to change batteries, running through them hot and fast in an extremely dusty environment. Makita builds good stuff, but that usage will not be good for the batteries long term. Lastly, this has a HEPA filter, but does not bag the dust in any sort of secure way... so when you empty it, you'll get re-exposed to it. The Flex is a good choice here -- it's not as expensive as others, it is less likely to get stolen on a jobsite than something with a Milwaukee or Festool badge on it.

These little vacs are very versatile for small messes in several locations... I have the XCV11 and it's great for that -- I use it much more than I thought I would. But do not mistake it for a dust extractor designed for sustained usage of power tools. For that, you really need a dedicated dust extractor with an automatic or manual filter cleaner (thunker) AND bags if you're doing drywall. A cheaper option is a normal shop-vac with a Dust Deputy cyclone... which does surprisingly well with drywall, but would be very clunky to deal with on a job site IMO. This setup is good enough for a homeowner who wants the cyclone for woodworking and only does occasional drywall work (me)... but not ideal for a professional where time is money.

This is TERRIBLE for drywall dust! HEPA filter clogs immediately and if you don't stop quick , you'll have dust everywhere.

I left mine on location where I was doing some finish carpentry at an art gallery. Came back after lunch and one of the junior art-techs was using this with my Festool ETS125 to sand a 12" patch of drywall overhead. It didn't even get through that one task. The sander was fine, but the vac had zero airflow. I spent 20 minutes trying to knock as much drywall dust as I could out of the filter to get it running again so I could finish my work. It did ok, but that filter was DONE, and I spent more time than I wanted later on trying to get all the gypsum out of the canister as well. The filters are not cheap -- about $30 shipped ($33 right now on amazon). The sander and vacuum otherwise were fine.

CFM's on this Makita are adequate (but not amazing) for a palm sander and small detail trim routing. You can even get away with a couple small track saw cuts (It won't catch everything, but maybe 90% there). I enjoy it for what it is - something I can sling over my shoulder to go do some small work on location without wheeling out larger mobile dust extractors.

If you're doing drywall, I highly recommend the Metabo ASR-35 (which I have used extensively) or the Festool CT36-E -- the E denotes that it's the version with the self-thumping filter. Or really any of the many 9 gallon/ 36 liter vacs that have a self-thumping HEPA filter, allowing it to keep from choking in drywall dust. FLEX manufactures them in different colors for a lot of companies.

However, DO NOT spring for the Makita VC4710. I got burned on that unit. I can confirm the poorer reviews - it seems a lot of those units have something wrong with the air-flow sensor/ controller chip where they get stuck on the filter thumping. I got burned $80 on return shipping for a new unit that thought it was was always clogged even with new filters and nothing attached.

Cheers.

I know either device (sander/vac) will absolutely eat batteries but the only downside of my experience with the porter cable setup was the cords between the devices and outlets constantly getting snagged.

That's the second biggest reason (despite being invested in their line) I was looking at Makita 18/36V vacuums, although I'm always hesitant based on reviews

I appreciate both of your responses; I started out as a handyman, light framing, trim, flooring, kitchen/bathroom remodels so I was only doing drywall work if it was patch in or a few sheets or less, otherwise I'd contract it out to save time and money

For what I was doing I could get by just sanding with a sponge or pole sander (broom handle style).

I've done some bigger projects lately on my own that have required I hang and finish entire areas (basements, attics, etc.).

I quickly learned that wasn't feasible using a sponge even if I got good at not needing to sand until after the second coat.

My only experience with a pole sander is the porter cable version which I know is highly reviewed. I have a lot of respect for festool products (their track saw has saved me many times when needed to cut panels and fillers or trim off extra length on expensive doors) but I cant justify spending Festool type money at the moment.

I was just trying to find a good pole saw and vacuum combination, where the vacuum would be used for drywall dust and only drywall dust.

Looking to spend $300-$600 on the sander and $200-$400 on the vacuum.

I know either device (sander/vac) will absolutely eat batteries but the only downside of my experience with the porter cable setup was the cords between the devices and outlets constantly getting snagged.

That's the second biggest reason (despite being invested in their line) I was looking at Makita 18/36V vacuums, although I'm always hesitant based on reviews

This is TERRIBLE for drywall dust! HEPA filter clogs immediately and if you don't stop quick , you'll have dust everywhere.

I left mine on location where I was doing some finish carpentry at an art gallery. Came back after lunch and one of the junior art-techs was using this with my Festool ETS125 to sand a 12" patch of drywall overhead. It didn't even get through that one task. The sander was fine, but the vac had zero airflow. I spent 20 minutes trying to knock as much drywall dust as I could out of the filter to get it running again so I could finish my work. It did ok, but that filter was DONE, and I spent more time than I wanted later on trying to get all the gypsum out of the canister as well. The filters are not cheap -- about $30 shipped ($33 right now on amazon). The sander and vacuum otherwise were fine.

CFM's on this Makita are adequate (but not amazing) for a palm sander and small detail trim routing. You can even get away with a couple small track saw cuts (It won't catch everything, but maybe 90% there). I enjoy it for what it is - something I can sling over my shoulder to go do some small work on location without wheeling out larger mobile dust extractors.

If you're doing drywall, I highly recommend the Metabo ASR-35 (which I have used extensively) or the Festool CT36-E -- the E denotes that it's the version with the self-thumping filter. Or really any of the many 9 gallon/ 36 liter vacs that have a self-thumping HEPA filter, allowing it to keep from choking in drywall dust. FLEX manufactures them in different colors for a lot of companies.

However, DO NOT spring for the Makita VC4710. I got burned on that unit. I can confirm the poorer reviews - it seems a lot of those units have something wrong with the air-flow sensor/ controller chip where they get stuck on the filter thumping. I got burned $80 on return shipping for a new unit that thought it was was always clogged even with new filters and nothing attached.

Cheers.

How does this compare to this:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGI.../206094592

Has different filter replacement options as well.