Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC Review

What reviewers like:
Reviews praise the build quality of the expensive Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC, and say its automatic filter cleaning works so well that no filter bag is needed (though they recommend a plastic liner for extremely fine dust). It's quiet, averaging 60 decibels, occasionally peaking at 72. Reviews also like the auto-start feature, and say the variable suction has plenty of power. Large wheels make this shop vac easy to pull around. The 1.25-inch hose connects with most small power tools, and unlike most pro-level shop vacs, this one comes with a set of cleaning tools.

What reviewers don't like:
The price of the Nilfisk Alto-Wap Attix 12 RDF XC is its biggest drawback, but this shop vac is meant for professional workshop use, especially for extra-fine dust. Reviews say it's overkill for general cleanup. If you want to use it with power tools, reviews note that the auto-start feature is limited to 500 watts, so to collect dust from more powerful tools requires plugging them into a separate circuit, then turning tool and shop vac on and off separately.

Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC review highlights

The 12-gallon Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC (Extreme Clean) 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 Attix 12 RDF 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 10-amp Festool CT 33 HEPA (*est. $500), also perform well and cost far less.

The most recent professional review of tool-triggered shop vacs, at Fine Homebuilding, compares the Nilfisk-Alto Wap 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 Wap 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. Here an auto-garage design consultant compares it with Fein and Festool shop vacs as well as other Alto Wap models, based on precise instrument tests as well as workshop use.

Also see full report: Shop Vacs

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

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

Written by an auto-garage designer, this review compares several high-end shop vacs in workshop use, along with elaborate instrument tests of noise levels, air flow and vacuum pressure. 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. This is an excellent review, if you're looking for a high-end shop vac.

2. Fine Homebuilding
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Rob Wotzak
June-July 2007

In a sidebar to a comparison review of wet/dry vacuums, Carpenter Rob Wotzak compares the Alto Wap Attix RDFD XC with five tool-triggered shop vacs tested on a 2,000-square-foot remodeling job by the author and his crew. The author’s main question is whether or not the features and performance of this Alto Wap wet/dry vacuum justifies extra price for jobsite cleanup. Although noise level on the other shop vacs is tested with a decibel meter, this review doesn’t include that measurement for the Alto Wap; nor is it rated, as the others are, for suction power, filter performance and convenience, ease of emptying, mobility and overall design. He does praise the automatic filter-cleaning system, and finds the Alto Wap well designed on all counts. However, two other shop vacs retain their standing as better buys for the same performance, at least for standard carpentry work.

3. Taunton's 2005 Tool Guide
Shop Vacuums
Roland Johnson and the editors at Taunton Press
Jan. 2005

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 Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding readers places it in the middle of the pack.

4. Fine Woodworking
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Shop Vacuums
Roland Johnson
May / June 2003

The Alto Wap SQ 10, predecessor of the current Alto Wap shop vacs, gets second ranking here in tests comparing 13 shop vacs for endurance, adaptability and ergonomics. 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.)

Also see full report: Shop Vacs