Porter-Cable 7812 10-Gallon 1-1/2-Horsepower Wet/Dry Vacuum Review
Last updated: February 2017
Introduction
The Porter-Cable 7812 Wet/Dry vacuum is a fantastic all-around shop cleaning tool. Whether you have a large, multi-man operation or a small one-man operation, this vacuum can more than handle all your vacuuming needs. With a powerful 9 amp, 1-1/2 horsepower motor and a 10-gallon capacity, this vacuum can handle just about anything you throw at it.
How does the Porter-Cable wet/dry vacuum compare to other vacuums on the market? Let’s take a look.
Related: For dedicated dust extraction, see our DEWALT DWV012 review.
Porter-Cable 7812 Key Features
Exceptional Filtration: 4.5/5
The Porter-Cable Wet/Dry vacuum boasts a 99.85% filtration rate. That’s an incredibly high rate by anyone’s standards.
A lot of people don’t realize just how much dust actually leaves a run-of-the-mill Shop-Vac. Most Shop-Vacs are only efficient at filtering out dust particles larger than 1 micron. That sounds very small, but if you’ve run a shop for any amount of time, you’ll know it’s not.
A lot of dust that’s smaller than 1 micron gets blown right back out of most Shop-Vacs. With the Porter-Cable Wet/Dry vacuum, that doesn’t happen. All that dust is sucked right in and filtered into the bag, never to see the light again.
The Porter-Cable Wet/Dry Vacuum is great for trickier pickups, like solid-surface dust or drywall.
Versatility: 5/5
The Porter-Cable Wet/Dry vacuum can be used in conjunction with just about any kind of power tool, in just about any situation. You can use it with table saws, miter saws, belt sanders, orbit sanders, chop saws, or just about any other kind of tool you can think of.
You can also use the Porter-Cable Wet/Dry vacuum in a lot of different places. Of course, you can use it in your shop. You can also use it in your car, your garage, your boat, or any other workspace.
Ease of Use: 5/5
There’s a built-in outlet on the vacuum for power tools to plug into. This is how the automatic on/off feature works. Just plug your power tool into the vacuum and turn it on. The vacuum will automatically turn on as well, sucking up any dust generated from your work.
Once you’re done, just turn off your power tool. The vacuum will continue to suck in air for another 15 seconds to clear out its hoses, then it’ll automatically shut off.
There are a lot of attachments you can use with the Porter-Cable vacuum. These attachments allow you to extend the functionality of the vacuum for all kinds of other purposes. The attachments fit snugly and easily — no shoving or pressing needed.
If you don’t already have the attachments, it might be a good idea to pick up an accessory kit.
Easy to Clean: 4.5/5
This vacuum really went full tilt on its filtration system. Dirt, dust, and debris are collected in a paper bag. On top of the bag is a pleated filter that’s very easy to change. There’s even a built-in switch you can hit to dust off the filter. On top of the main filter, you also have a foam filter for catching finer particles. You can simply rinse the filter with water if dust builds up.
Changing the bag is very simple. The latch system is easy to operate and the bag comes right out. Keeping your filters clean and your bags changed takes less than 3 minutes.
Pro Tip: For comprehensive workshop cleaning, pair this with a dust collection system.
Porter-Cable 7812 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | 7812 |
| Brand | Porter-Cable |
| Capacity | 10 Gallons |
| Motor | 9 Amp, 1-1/2 HP |
| Filtration Rate | 99.85% |
| Features | Auto on/off, built-in power outlet, pleated filter, foam filter |
| Includes | Paper bag, pleated filter, foam filter |
| Uses | Wet/dry pickup, power tool dust collection |
Performance & User Experience
What Users Are Saying
Users consistently praise the Porter-Cable 7812 for its performance:
Pros:
✅ 99.85% filtration rate captures even the finest dust particles
✅ Powerful 1-1/2 HP motor handles heavy-duty cleanup
✅ 10-gallon capacity for long sessions without emptying
✅ Auto on/off feature with power tool outlet
✅ Continues running for 15 seconds after tool shutoff to clear hoses
✅ Easy to change filters and bags
✅ Versatile — works with table saws, miter saws, sanders, chop saws
✅ Works in shop, car, garage, boat — any workspace
✅ Pleated filter is easy to change
✅ Foam filter catches finer particles and rinses clean with water
Is the Porter-Cable 7812 Worth It?
Absolutely. If you want a powerful, versatile shop vacuum with exceptional filtration, this unit delivers:
✅ 99.85% filtration rate — captures even particles under 1 micron
✅ Powerful 1-1/2 HP motor
✅ 10-gallon capacity
✅ Auto on/off with built-in power tool outlet
✅ Easy filter and bag changes — under 3 minutes
✅ Works with virtually any power tool
✅ Multiple workplace uses — shop, car, garage, boat
✅ Pleated and foam filters for comprehensive filtration
✅ 15-second hose clearance after shutoff
In summary, if you want a shop vacuum that delivers exceptional filtration, versatility, and ease of use, the Porter-Cable 7812 is a smart investment for your workshop.
Conclusion
As far as wet/dry vacuums go, the Porter-Cable 7812 really takes the cake. It’s easy to clean, it’s easy to use, it has a ton of time-saving features, it’s versatile, and most importantly, it has an incredibly high filtration rate.
The auto on/off feature alone makes it worth the investment — simply plug in your power tool and the vacuum turns on automatically. The 99.85% filtration rate ensures that even the finest dust particles are captured, not blown back into your shop.
Whether you’re running a large multi-man operation or a small one-man shop, this vacuum can handle all your vacuuming needs and more. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in keeping your workspace clean and your lungs healthier.
Pro Tip: For complete workshop dust control, add an air filtration system.
Related Articles You’ll Want to Read:
- DEWALT DWV012 Dust Extractor Review — Powerful extraction alternative
- Shop-Vac 8017562 Collection System — Expand your setup
- Fein Turbo III Review — Premium alternative
This article was last updated February 2017.