Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E Review

What reviewers like:
Tests show the Alto Wap 8 shop vac has plenty of suction, and unlike most high-end shop vacs, comes with some tools and attachments. Reviews praise the build quality, variable suction and the way the soft-start motor helps prevent circuit-tripping. The 1.25-inch anti-static hose fits most dust ports on sanders without an adapter, and the included filter captures very fine dust. An alarm alerts the user to the need to use the internal filter-cleaning system.

What reviewers don't like:
Price is the biggest drawback in reviews of the Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E. It costs $200 more than some competitive models. Furthermore, one review says it draws too much power to make the auto-start feature usable only with very light-duty sanders. Sound level gets mixed reviews, and one review finds the filter-cleaning alarm annoying, as it can be triggered during ordinary use when the filter doesn’t really need cleaning.

Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E review highlights

The high-end Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E shop vac is one of the few tool-triggered shop vacs with variable suction. An anti-static hose provides extra protection from shocks. Other top-rated features include an internal filter-cleaner and soft-start motor. Tests show that the Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E has better suction than the top-rated Fein 9-55-13 Turbo II (*est. $300), but the Fein auto-start feature works with more tools that draw more power. Overall, reviews say the Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E is an excellent shop vac, especially for use with extra-fine dust, but costs far more than the competition.

We found the most credible review of the Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E shop vac in the Taunton Press 2005 Tool Guide, where editors compare it with nine other models. A shop-vac review in Fine Woodworking tests 13 models, including the similar but discontinued Alto Wap SQ. For more detailed information on the Attix 8 shop vac we turned to an in-depth review by auto-garage design consultant Steve D'Gerolamo at UndergroundGarage.com, where ratings are based on tests with precision instruments as well as long-term use.

Also see full report: Shop Vacs

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

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

This excellent, detailed review compares ten shop vacs, including the Nilfisk Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E. Reviews are based on a battery of hands-on tests and measurements for cleaning ability and sound level. Recommendations are made in more than one price range, and readers' ratings are also summarized. Tests show that the Alto Wap Attix 8 is about 10 decibels louder than the manufacturer claims, but it gets top marks for cleaning up sheetrock dust. At the time, the Nilfisk Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E was too new to be included in the survey of readers of Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking, which places the earlier Alto Wap SQ 10 shop vac in the middle of the pack.

2. 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 based on workshop usage plus elaborate instrument tests of noise levels, air flow and vacuum pressure. Based on these tests, the review reports that the Alto Wap Attix 8 performs better than the Fein 9-55-13 Turbo II – but not quite as well as the Alto Wap Attix 12. Although the review praises the soft-start motor for the way it avoids tripping circuit breakers, the author concludes that the auto-start feature is useless for all but very light-duty sanders. The shop vac itself draws so much power from the circuit that it’s not possible to use the auto-start with most power tools.

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

This older review tests 13 shop vacs for endurance, adaptability and ergonomics, including the Alto Wap SQ, an older version of the Nilfisk Alto Wap Attix 8. The review praises the Alto Wap SQ for build quality, quiet, variable speed and auto-start, but it loses points for its small hose and capacity.

Also see full report: Shop Vacs