Humm.... thanks for all the tips. I mustbe doing something wrong then. My wet/dry would last 6-9 months and it would die. I always buy the one with the microfilter thinking it would be better. Maybe that is my problem. I'll give the wet/dry vac another try.
However, does anyone have any experience with the Venturi style vacuums? Are they worth it?
http://www.airtxinternational.com/vacuums.php