Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC

*Est. $850

Automatic filter cleaning
Quiet, averaging 60 decibels
Variable suction
Comes with cleaning tools

Expensive
Auto-start is limited to 500 watts
Overkill for general cleanup use

Our Analysis

The 12-gallon Nilfisk-Alto Attix 12 RDF XC shop vac offers automatic filter cleaning that uses a blast of air to clean the filter every 30 seconds. It's slightly louder than the less expensive Nilfisk-Alto Attix 8 AS/E (*est. $550) that uses manual push-button filter cleaning, but it's quieter than other pro-level shop vacs. This 15-amp shop vac is more powerful than the discontinued 13-amp Alto Wap SQ 10 that several reviews recommend as the best shop vac for vacuuming extra-fine dust. However, other shop vacs, such as the 13-gallon Bosch AirSweep 3931A (*est. $400), also perform well and cost far less. Reviews also report that the Nilfisk-Alto Attix 12 RDF XC shop vac's auto-start circuitry is limited to 500 watts, limiting it to use with light-duty tools.

The most recent professional review of tool-triggered shop vacs at Fine Homebuilding compares the Nilfisk-Alto Attix 12 RDF XC with five less expensive models, to evaluate whether or not its features and performance justify its higher price. Earlier reviews in Taunton's 2005 Tool Guide and in Fine Woodworking evaluate the overall quality and design of Alto shop vacs, though they test the older, now-discontinued Alto Wap SQ. For the most detailed review of the Attix 12 RDF XC, we turned to the in-depth review at UltimateGarage.com.

Our Sources

1. UltimateGarage.com

This auto-garage designer compares several high-end shop vacs. This is one of the few reviews we found that specifically tests the Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC, which D'Gerolamo says is a low-maintenance vacuum with great suction. This is an excellent review of high-end shop vacs.

Review: Testing the Alto / Wap Vacuums, Steve D'Gerolamo, Feb. 2005

2. UltimateGarage.com

Written by an auto-garage designer, this review compares several high-end shop vacs. This is one of the few reviews we found that specifically tests the Nilfisk Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC. D'Gerolamo says this is a low-maintenance vacuum with great suction.

Review: Shop Vac Comparisons: Fein Turbo II, Ghibili, Alto models, Steve D'Gerolamo, Feb. 2005

3. Fine HomebuildingDetails/Subscribe

Carpenter Rob Wotzak compares the Alto Wap Attix RDFD XC with five tool-triggered shop vacs. He praises the automatic filter-cleaning system, and finds the Alto Wap well designed. However, two other shop vacs retain their standing as better buys for the same performance, at least for standard carpentry work.

Review: Tool-Triggered Shop Vacs, Rob Wotzak, June/July 2007

4. Fine HomebuildingDetails/Subscribe

In a sidebar to a comparison review of wet/dry vacuums, carpenter Rob Wotzak compares the Alto Attix 12 RDF XC with five tool-triggered shop vacs. He praises the automatic filter-cleaning system, and finds the Alto Attix 12 shop vac well designed on all counts. However, two other shop vacs retain their standing as better buys.

Review: Tool-Triggered Shop Vacs, Rob Wotzak, June/July 2007

5. Taunton's 2005 Tool GuideDetails/Subscribe

This review tests two Alto Wap shop vacs that lack automatic filter cleaning but are otherwise similar to the Attix 12 RDF XC, comparing both to nine other models. Editors give the 13-amp Alto Wap SQ 10 top marks for vacuuming sheetrock dust, but a reader survey places it in the middle of the pack.

Review: Shop Vacuums, Editors of Taunton's 2005 Tool Guide, Jan. 2005

6. Taunton's 2005 Tool Guide

This review tests two other Alto Wap shop vacs that lack automatic filter-cleaning but are otherwise similar to the Attix 12 RDF XC, comparing both to nine other models. Editors give the 13-amp Alto Wap SQ 10 top marks for vacuuming sheetrock dust, but a survey of readers places it in the middle of the pack.

Review: Shop Vacuums, Roland Johnson and the editors at Taunton Press, Jan. 2005

7. Fine WoodworkingDetails/Subscribe

The Alto Wap SQ 10, predecessor of the current model, gets second ranking here in tests that compare 13 shop vacs for endurance, adaptability and ergonomics. The review praises the build quality, but finds it inadequate for heavy-duty use. (The newer Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC has more capacity.)

Review: Tool Test: Shop Vacuums, Roland Johnson, May/June 2003

8. Fine WoodworkingDetails/Subscribe

The Alto Wap SQ 10, predecessor of the current Nilfisk-Alto shop vacs, gets second ranking here in tests comparing 13 shop vacs. The review praises the Alto Wap build quality, but finds the small hose and tank drawbacks for heavy-duty dust collection. (The newer Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC has more capacity.)

Review: Shop Vacuums, Roland Johnson, May/June 2003

9. ToolMonger.com

Toolmonger editor Chuck Cage recommends using the Craftsman Auto Switch with a budget shop vac as an alternative to a more expensive tool-triggered shop vac like the Nilfisk/Alto. Two readers prefer the Nilfisk/Alto shop vacs, saying they're even better than the Festool for vacuuming fine dust.

Review: $20 Auto Switch + $50 Shop Vacuum = $400 Festool Dust Collection Vac, Chuck Cage and Contributors to Toolmonger.com, April 2007