Tool Box Buzz

MAKITA VC4710 12-Gallon Xtract Vac Wet/Dry Vacuum

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Makita
Model number: VC4710
Price: $ 530
Power source: 110
Motor size: 12 amp motor
Weight: 27 lbs

MAKITA XTRACT VAC JOB SITE VACUUM VC4710 Review

The ToolBoxBuzz crew loves vacuums, almost as much as we love lumen!  Dust control is an integral part of our professional image and health and we consider it important enough to incorporate it into our remodeling company philosophy.   This is why we use tool-triggered auto start functionality, so when you plug your tool into the vacuums outlet socket, the vacuum cycles with the tool.  Tool activated dust extraction offers us greater efficiency in dust extraction, less clean up and increased noise reduction.

We recently took a close look at the Makita VC4710 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum.   We were interested in seeing if the claims of low noise, light weight, compact stature, long hose/cord length, and 12-gallon debris storage capacity were up to the job site chatter and hype.

The Makita VC4710 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is a 27-pound, tool actuated, variable suction vacuum which allows you to regulate the suction based on your task. Reducing suction also means reduced noise and using a small sander may not require the full CFMs such as a router or concrete grinding.

Using the Makita VC4710

We found the Makita VC4710 to suck great!   It’s 12 amp motor is powerful, generates 135 CFM and is capable of 92” of water lift.   It has a soft start function for lower amp-draw at start-up and operates fairly quiet at 59 decibels, and has both the HEPA and standard filter capability.

In our shop and on the job site it collected dust efficiently at the tool source, and additionally works great with an optional floor sweep kit to clean the job site or shop floor.

The compact footprint is fantastic when storing or transporting in our trailer and we found the 24-foot cord and 16′ anti-static hose to be absolutely diesel!   This unit has wide-set urethane rear wheels and enlarged steel caster front wheels giving it a lower center of gravity, improved stability and allowing easy movement. We notice that it easily deployed across the job site floor even when covered with dust and debris.

According to Makita, they designed the vacuum motor chamber with sound-absorbing materials, which helped them obtain an operating sound level of only 59 decibels.  In addition, they used precision lightweight motor components and more efficient air ducting to reduce the weight to 27 pounds.

When we plugged larger tools like our Makita HR4013C Rotary Hammer, into the 110v vacuum outlet, we tripped 15amp breakers.  A grinder will do the same.  To avoid this from happening, we recommend using a 20-amp or greater circuit.

Efficient Main Filters with Optional HEPA Capability

The Makita VC4710 vacuum has two flat main Nano filters engineered to capture 99.95% of particles down to 2 microns.

Makita offers an optional HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns and larger, making it EPA compliant for their RRP rule.

Self-Cleaning Capability

One outstanding feature, that not only ensures constant and reliable suction, but filter longevity is the “Automatic Filter Cleaning System.”   The Automatic Filter Cleaning System has a blow-back feature that blows air through the filters to remove caked dust. The blow-back is timed at set intervals and reduces this caking effect which maintains efficient suction.

It’s worth noting that filter replacement is the most expensive part of owning a commercial vacuum. With this “blow back” system, filter life is extended.  Most other manufacturers have shaker or electromagnetic pulse filter cleaning systems, which have been shown to be less efficient at cleaning the filter during operation.

Additionally the MAKITA VC4710 12-Gallon Xtract Vac Wet/Dry Vacuum has a 10-second delay after power tool shuts off to clear hose of remaining dust and debris.

Includes

• Main Flat Filters, 2/pk (P-79843)
• 1-3/8″ X 16′ Anti-Static Hose (P-79865)
• Crevice Nozzle (W6084)
• Replacement Cuf (P-70421)
• Fleece Nano Filter Bag (P-78293)
• Disposable Bag (P-70297

Connecting To Tools

The Makita VC4710 has a 1-3/8 hose that does not automatically attach to all tools directly.   For most tools you will need a connector adapter and sometimes, if not built in, a special tool mounted accessory to attach to the tool to collect the dust. We find that this is very common with all of the major manufacturers that make dust extractors.

The Makita tools that are capable of direct connection are:

• Miter saws
• Track Saw
• Several grinders
• Planers

Room For Improvement?

There are a three areas where I think the Makita VC4710 could improve, they are:

• Add locking casters
• Design a better tool caddy  /cord wrap
• Supply a universal dust connector and floor sweep

Adding locking casters would prevent the tool from creeping when the hose is tugged, or keep it from rolling on an uneven work surface.    The tool caddy is an add on, and snaps onto the tool and sometimes disconnects if the vacuum tips over or is bumped when storing.   I’d like to see a better more solid cord wrap, tool caddy storage designed onto the vacuum housing.   Lastly its incredibly annoying to purchase a dust extractor only to find that the hose does not fit your tools.   Most guys who work in shops are aware of this common theme among manufacturers and will order the necessary dust connectors, but boy wouldn’t it be a hell of a lot easier if a universal connector were supplied.  Better yet, add a floor sweep so we can use this tool on clean up as well.  I’d bet most folks would pay $50 more for these two additions and it would differentiate Makita fro the competition..

Overall Impression

This vacuum performed exceptionally well in almost all the challenging applications we put it through, was a favorite among the crew, and at the end of the day makes our jobs healthier and clean up a lot easier.  We were impressed.

A good dust control strategy that follows best practices is essential to being a professional contractor and keeping your customer happy throughout a construction project.

With some clients cleanliness is more important than the actual quality of your work.   I’ve learned early on that learning how to control remodeling dust by keeping it out of the air and non-remodeled portions of your clients home.  There is nothing worse than having to spend an hour or more cleaning the job site after a sanding, cutting or drilling application.

If your serious about what you do, proud of your work, and a professional contractor, then you need to take a serious look at collecting dust at its source.  The Makita VC4710 is a tool that certainly accomplishes just that!

How Much and where To Buy?

The Makita VC4710 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum sells online for approximately $ 530.00 here: Makita-VC4710-12-Gallon-Wet-Vacuum

Makita VC4710 Vacuum Video Review

1 Comment

1. Bill Ryan

   December 24, 2014 at 2:41 am

   Good review. Good point about the casters needing a lock.

   Reply

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