Today, we’re diving deep into the world of cordless convenience with an extensive review of the Porter-Cable 20V MAX Wet-Dry Vac. Having thoroughly put this versatile machine through its paces, both in the bustling environment of a workshop and during the demanding “Demo Days” at Calderwood Cottage, I’m ready to share a comprehensive breakdown of its capabilities and limitations. The Porter-Cable PCC795B is currently available for less than $60, a price point that makes it highly attractive. It’s crucial to note that this cost is for the tool itself, with the battery not included. For those already invested in Porter-Cable’s 20V MAX lineup, this isn’t a hurdle but rather an opportunity to expand their tool arsenal cost-effectively. New users, however, might consider purchasing a kit that includes a battery and charger, often available at a competitive bundle price. This strategic pricing allows you to pick and choose when and how you add an additional battery to your power tool ecosystem.
Porter-Cable 20V MAX Wet-Dry Vac Review: The Ultimate Cordless Companion
The standout feature of the Porter-Cable 20V MAX wet/dry cordless shop vac is undeniably its battery-powered operation. The absence of a power cord is nothing short of revolutionary for anyone who frequently grapples with cleaning tasks in various locations. For me, cords and hoses have always been a source of frustration, tripping hazards, and restricted movement. The simple word “Cordless” resonates like music to my ears, promising unparalleled freedom and convenience in tackling messes both big and small, without the constant search for an available outlet or the tangle of wires.
The Freedom of Cordless: Mobility Redefined
The Porter-Cable PCC795B is built around the robust 20V MAX battery platform, a system celebrated for its versatility across a wide range of Porter-Cable tools. This means if you already own other tools from this line, you can seamlessly swap batteries, optimizing your workflow and reducing the need for multiple battery types. With a 4AH/20V MAX* battery, this vacuum delivers impressive runtime, operating for up to 28 minutes. This duration is ample for most quick clean-up jobs around the workshop, garage, or even inside your vehicle. Beyond its power, the vacuum, even with a battery attached, remains remarkably lightweight and ergonomically designed. Its manageable weight makes it incredibly easy to carry from one task to another, up and down stairs, or across different job sites, transforming what could be a cumbersome chore into a swift and effortless process. The absence of a cord not only enhances mobility but also significantly improves safety, eliminating tripping hazards and the risk of accidental unplugging.
Thoughtful Design: Features for Practicality
On-Board Attachment Storage
One of the most appreciated aspects of this wet-dry vac is its intelligent, integrated storage solution for attachments. I’m a firm believer in smart storage, and the PCC795B doesn’t disappoint. It neatly stores two essential attachments: a crevice tool and a wide nozzle tool, directly on the unit. This design ensures that your accessories are always within reach, preventing them from getting lost or requiring a separate carrying case. The crevice tool is invaluable for reaching into tight corners, between car seats, or along baseboards, while the wide nozzle tool is perfect for quickly clearing larger surfaces of debris. This practical feature significantly enhances the vacuum’s usability and convenience.
Vacuum or Blower Functionality
The Porter-Cable PCC795B offers versatile dual functionality, capable of acting as both a vacuum and a blower. Switching between modes is incredibly simple: just move the hose from the vacuum port (in) to the blower port (out). This feature adds another layer of utility, allowing you to not only clean up messes but also clear debris from surfaces. However, it’s worth noting my experience with the blower function. While it effectively moves light debris, it’s not designed to be a heavy-duty air mover. When I need a powerful, concentrated stream of air, such as for clearing a large area or inflating items, I typically reach for a dedicated leaf blower or an air compressor. The PCC795B’s blower is more suited for tasks like clearing dust from a workbench or blowing away light sawdust from a tight spot rather than serious air-moving jobs. Despite this, its 34 CFM of airflow provides decent vacuuming power, which is quite respectable for a compact, cordless unit of this size.
The 34 CFM of airflow ensures sufficient vacuuming power for a wide range of tasks, particularly for a small, portable vacuum. This metric signifies its capability to move a decent volume of air, translating directly into effective suction for both dry debris and liquids.
Performance Deep Dive: Dry Cleaning Challenges and Triumphs
Filter
Initially, the vacuum demonstrated ample suction power, effortlessly cleaning sawdust from my shop floor. It made quick work of general debris, wood chips, and the dust generated from drilling. However, a specific scenario revealed a limitation: when pulling the wide nozzle tool across a shop mat laden with fine sawdust, the motor experienced a noticeable lag, almost as if the battery was about to die. It would then return to normal, only to lag again repeatedly. This cycle occurred persistently while attempting to clean up a significant amount of fine sawdust.
My immediate assumption was that the cartridge filter was becoming saturated with fine sawdust, thereby inhibiting airflow and straining the motor. To test this theory, I first vacuumed only larger bits of wood scraps, which the unit handled without any issues. Next, I deliberately directed the hose into my shop dust extractor bucket, which contained an abundance of super fine sawdust. Predictably, the motor problems resurfaced, confirming my hypothesis. Upon opening the tank, the sight of the filter, heavily caked with fine dust, validated my observations.
Emptying the tank and cleaning the filter is straightforward. Simply release the two side locks on the unit to open the top. This simple design makes maintenance hassle-free.
The included cartridge filter is also designed for easy removal. A quick twist of the end cap detaches the filter, allowing for effortless cleaning. I found that tapping the filter over a garbage can effectively dislodged most of the sawdust. However, be prepared for a substantial dust cloud during this process, so cleaning it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area is highly recommended. This experience highlights that while the vacuum performs admirably for general dry debris and smaller dust quantities, it may require more frequent filter cleaning when dealing with large volumes of very fine particles, common in woodworking environments.
Porter-Cable PCC795B – Wet Vac Testing: Conquering Liquids with Ease
Next, I subjected the Porter-Cable PCC795B to its wet vac capabilities. I started by pouring a bucket of water directly onto my garage floor. Utilizing the wide nozzle tool, the vacuum effortlessly sucked up the water with remarkable speed and, crucially, with no motor lag whatsoever. This immediate efficiency left a strong impression.
Eager to push its limits further, I wanted to truly understand the Porter-Cable PCC795B’s performance in a more challenging wet situation (imagine having this during my infamous Sewer Saga!). I filled a bucket halfway with water and plunged the nozzle directly into it. The vacuum cleared the entire bucket in no time, demonstrating powerful and consistent suction without any hitches. This direct-suction test truly showcased its prowess.
Oh, yes! Sewer lines, be warned – this powerful little unit is coming for you! Seriously, I was genuinely impressed by the sheer volume of liquid the vacuum consumed in what felt like mere seconds. The exact time flew by as I was utterly captivated watching the miniature tidal waves form and disappear within my water bucket. This tool is a true champion for liquid cleanups.
During these wet tests, I didn’t even come close to filling the 2-gallon tank, and notably, my filter remained completely dry. I anticipate that once the tank fills sufficiently and water begins to penetrate the filter, you would likely experience a similar “motor lag” as observed during fine dust extraction. This would serve as a clear indicator that it’s time to empty the tank. After use, I made sure to place all the vacuum’s components – tank, hose, and attachments – in an open space to thoroughly dry before storing. This crucial step prevents the suction of fine dust into a damp hose, which could create a muddy, difficult-to-clean “muck” within the vacuum – something no one wants in their cleaning tool. Proper drying ensures the unit is ready for its next task, whether wet or dry.
Once everything is completely dry, the tool attachments neatly return to their integrated on-board storage. The 7-foot hose also features a clever wraparound storage solution, ensuring the Porter-Cable 20V MAX Wet-Dry Vac can be stored away in a remarkably compact and organized bundle, always ready for its next use. This attention to compact design and integrated storage makes it an exceptionally convenient tool to own and use.
Conclusion from my Porter-Cable PCC795B Test: A Handy Companion
After thorough testing, here’s a summary of the Porter-Cable PCC795B’s performance and my overall conclusions:
- **Excellent for Small Particle Clean-ups:** This vacuum works great for small particle clean-ups, such as the debris generated after drilling holes, quick sawdust spills, or general workshop dust accumulation in small areas. Its precise suction and crevice tool are perfect for these tasks.
- **Outstanding for Liquid Spills:** It’s great for cleaning up small liquid spills, handling volumes up to its 2-gallon tank capacity with impressive efficiency and no motor lag. From spilled drinks to minor plumbing leaks, it handles liquids like a champ.
- **Limitations with Fine Dry Dust:** The unit could not handle vacuuming large amounts of fine sawdust off my workshop floor without significant motor lag due to filter clogging.
- While I did not test it hooked up to any tools, I anticipate it would work adequately for applications like finish sanding, where only small, intermittent amounts of fine sawdust are produced. However, over time, sawdust would inevitably build up and restrict the filter, leading to reduced suction and motor strain (which I’ve dubbed “motor lag”). This feedback is a clear signal that the filter requires cleaning to restore optimal performance.
- **Modest Blower Function:** The blower function was not overly impressive. While it can move light debris, if I need a “blower”, I need a leaf blower or an air compressor for more substantial tasks. This unit primarily served to blow a little sawdust around, offering a “woh-woh” rather than a powerful blast.
Overall, I found the Porter-Cable 20V MAX Wet-Dry Vac to be an incredibly handy, small, and portable shop vac. In the past couple of months, it has consistently been my go-to choice over my larger, more expensive shop vacuums due to its sheer convenience. Its portability truly shines, especially when I need to clean up a spill situated up or down a flight of stairs, or in hard-to-reach areas. For this same reason, I might also grab it for certain finish sanding applications, where its compact size and cordless freedom outweigh the need for the continuous, non-clogging performance of my larger, dedicated dust extractors. Those dedicated units were purchased solely for heavy-duty dust extraction while operating power tools and don’t suffer from filter blockages. However, for liquid messes, this bad boy is unparalleled. I will definitely reach for the PCC795B any time I have a small liquid spill to clean up. It performed exceptionally for that job, and frankly, there was a strangely satisfying feeling in sucking up the dirty water from that bucket! It felt like I was truly “sticking it to that dirty water” with efficient and powerful clean-up!