Abstract: A vacuum box is for collecting small particles or the like. the vacuum box includes a cabinet having a front, a rear and a hollow interior. The front of the cabinet includes a substantially horizontal working surface at a lower region thereof. The working surface includes an air inlet opening therethrough. A motor and fan are disposed within the hollow interior of the cabinet at the rear thereof for the discharge of air from the hollow interior of the cabinet. A collection compartment is disposed below the working surface and the air inlet opening therethrough with a rear portion of the collection compartment being disposed within the interior of the cabinet. A filter is disposed within the interior of the cabinet between the collection compartment and the fan. The fan causes the air including the particles produced at the working surface to be drawn downwardly through the air inlet opening into the collection compartment, upwardly from the rear portion of the collection compartment, and through the filter.