RIGID 14 Gal. 6.0HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac

This is the kind of shop vacuum I consider an essential. The RIDGID 14-gallon NXT has a ton of suction, a large capacity, and a big 2-1/2" hose that can handle much larger debris without constantly worrying about something getting lodged in the hose. Sawdust, wood chips, dirt, hardware, water, and all the random debris that ends up on a shop floor—this is the vacuum I want when I need to actually clean up a mess.
 
The 6.0 peak HP motor gives you plenty of power for heavier cleanup, and because it's a wet/dry vac, it's useful for everything from normal shop cleanup to spills and messes you wouldn't want anywhere near a regular household vacuum.
 
I also have the Giraffe Tools retractable vacuum in my shop, which I love for a completely different reason. The retractable hose makes it incredibly convenient for quick everyday cleanup and keeping the shop tidy. But if you're looking for maximum suction, a larger hose, and something that can suck up bigger debris, this RIDGID is the more heavy-duty option.
 
Ideally, I like having both styles in a shop: the Giraffe for convenience and quick cleanup, and a big RIDGID like this for the jobs where you just want to suck up pretty much everything in your path.