Abstract: A sanding system includes a wood sander that produces dust, a portable vacuum system, and a vacuum hose extending therebetween. The vacuum system includes a canister having a chamber configured to hold a liquid, a transfer conduit coupled to the canister and defining an inlet port into the chamber, means for coupling a fluid line to the vacuum hose or the transfer conduit so that a liquid can be delivered thereto, and means for producing a vacuum within the chamber. During operation, dust is drawn from the sander through the vacuum hose and a liquid is inserted into the dust in the vacuum hose or the transfer conduit. The dust and liquid mixture is drawn into the chamber through the inlet port.