It turns out that the tool rental men at Home Depot set up a new shop vac for me that was on sale and it was much more powerful than the rental one. It cost $49 on sale from $99 and works very well so I bought it. I have to say that they were very helpful. Evidently most of the people who have used the rental one use it to direct dust from sanding straight into the shop vac rather than use the suction (or something like that). So not much suction is required. Anyway, my basement is coming along. Thanks to those who replied. Susan - On Tue, 10 Apr 2012, Susan Ryan wrote:

We are trying to clean our basement floor of the white plaster-type stuff that is flaking off the walls lo these many years.

I rented a shop vac from Home Depot (only $5/day) and although it was clean inside and they showed me the filter which looked clean (which someone had warned me about), it does not have very much suction at all. I may take it back and see if I am doing something wrong.

I thought I'd see if anyone in the neighborhood has a shop vac (dry use) that I could borrow or rent. I know it is a lot to ask but I thought I'd try. I would need it for 1/2 a day probably.

Or if you have any tips for improving the suction, I would appreciate it.

Many thanks, Susan