I just got a new shop vac for Christmas and it is a small (2 gallon) vac which I wanted so I could tuck it behind the couch. The only problem is that it blows ash out the exhaust. This has one of those thin paper filters that you rubber band on. Has anybody had good luck with a shop vac and filter like this? I am not sure if I should try to find a filter that would work with this and is able to remove smaller particles or if I should return it for one with a cartridge type. I do have a larger shop vac with the cylinder shaped thick cartridge and do not have a problem using it on ash. Of course I only use this on VERY cold ash and wood chips...ash that has been sitting outside the stove for a while and has plenty of time to cool.