Best Dust Collector For Small And Large Workshops

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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A dust collection system is crucial to any construction space. Dust can not only be destructive with other instruments; it can also affect your health and those of others around you. Fine dust is hard to eliminate, but you can get most of it with a trusty dust collector. Unfortunately, with so many dust collectors available, there are few essentials that the best dust collector should have.

What Is A Dust Collector?

Industrially speaking, a dust collector is a machine designed to collect dust and other impurities from the air. Technically, a dust collector is made to collect dust buildup of high volumes. Many processes require a dust collector to recover granules, dust, and other solid particles. In addition, dust collectors can run continuously.

Using an air filtration system, a dust collector captures all the dust in a dust collection bag and separates the dust and solid particles. It then releases dust-free purified air back into the environment. They trap fine dust particles, matter, and solid pollutants resulting in clean air in any workplace or environment.

The basic makeup of a dust collector include:

  • A blower
  • Dust filter
  • Cleaning system
  • Dust receptacle
  • Dust removal system

Different industries produce different dust particles, and dust collection is critical to all of them. So, with a rough idea of what a dust collector is, let us analyze the top 5 dust collectors we have carefully selected for you.

Best Dust Collector

1) Buck tool Auto Start Dust Collector

BUCKTOOL 1.2 HP Auto Start 750CFM Dust Collector with 3...
  • Power:1.2 HP, 120V motor, 3450 RPM,750CFM CSA listed . Full...
  • Auto-start function:User friendly auto-start function provides...
  • Easy bag install:The well-designed clasp makes bag install and...
  • Versatile size: features a portable base size of 16-1/2 x 26-3/8...
  • Include: 5 pcs reducer; 5 ft. x 4 in. dia. flexible dust...

Bucktool's shop dust extractor can be used with most workshop tools like table saws, band saws, bench belt sander, and other machines that need to be vacuumed. The dust collection system functions to help you get a clean working environment. It can deal with general-purpose wood, plastics, and other materials. It can achieve suction power of 3450 times every minute.

Before and after woodworking operations, including surfacing, finishing, sanding, grinding, polishing, and deburring, this dust collector will help you efficiently vacuum. All the movable parts are made of metal. In addition, the fan blade is accurately balanced, which delivers long life, powerful ball-bearing induction motor that supplies the needed power to run under a heavy load.

Furthermore, it has superior dust collection properties as it comes with a three-bag system. The bags of this dust collection system are interchangeable. It is a single-stage dust collector and is not compartmentalized. In addition, dust collector reviews like the high capacity storage of the exterior bags.

Pros:

  • Strong suction power
  • High capacity storage
  • Efficient
  • Powerful motor
  • Convenient
  • Easy to use
  • Flexible hose
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • Not suitable for big workspaces

2) BOSCH 9 Gallon Dust Extractor

BOSCH 9 Gallon Dust Extractor with Auto Filter Clean...
  • AUTO CLEANING: With automatic filter cleaning, the Bosch VAC090AH...
  • PERFORMANCE: The included HEPA filter caputres 99.97 percent of...
  • OSHA COMPLIANT: Featuring Bosch PRO plus GUARD, an end to end...
  • POWER: With strong airflow and suction power, the Bosch VAC090AH...
  • COMPATIBLE: With power tool activations users can utilize power...

Collecting dust has never been this easy. The dust extractor delivers a maximum of 150 cubic feet of air per minute to improve air quality. To help maintain maximum suction power, the automatic onboard filter-cleaning system activates after every 15 seconds. In addition, it comes equipped with a fleece filter bag that collects any dust particles.

It has strong airflow thanks to steel impellers and suction power to increase the rate at which it collects fine particles of dust. It is perfect around most woodworking machines and suits any small shop as well as a larger shop. You will be glad for the lack of finer dust wood particles in the air as you work.

The dust extractor also has power tool activation that allows the tool to match the suction force to the application. The power broker dial allocates power between the vacuum and the connected power tool. In addition, it is equipped with a hose wrap to effectively keep the hose out of the way in storage or during transportation. Furthermore, it requires 120 volts of power to activate.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Onboard storage
  • Wall-mounted
  • Rust-proof
  • Portable
  • Durable
  • Extended life

Cons:

3) Oneida Molded Deluxe Dust Collector

Oneida Molded Deluxe Dust Deputy Kit with Two 5-Gallon...
  • INCREASED SUCTION POWER - The ORIGINAL shop vacuum cyclone, now...
  • LONGER LIFESPAN – Prevents fine dust and large debris from...
  • WET OR DRY – This simple and efficient design can be adapted...
  • US Pat. 6833016, RE40048, 7282074, and patent pending

This dust separator uses centrifugal force to capture and remove 99% of dust and debris from the air-stream before it reaches your vacuum's filter, eliminating clogged filters. Depending on how much CFM you need for your workshop, this range comes with a minimum airflow rating range of 50 and a maximum of 150.

The dust collector works with all types of materials including, wood dust, drywall dust, concrete dust, clay or silica dust, blasting soda, cooled ash and soot, metal shavings, baking flour, grass, and leaves, pet and animal hair, pharmaceutical waste and even water. It also has a heavy-duty sidecar dust bucket that is deep enough to collect dust.

Mounting hardware is also a part of the package, and it also has anti-static properties to prevent the risk of fire or other accidents. The Deluxe collector will save you significant time and money on expensive replacement canister filter and dust bags. In addition, the range has superior air filtration systems compared to others.

Pros:

  • No suction loss
  • Long lifespan filter
  • Works with all materials
  • Portable design
  • Anti-static
  • Money-saving
  • Durable

Cons:

  • Hard to assemble

4) Shop Fox Dust Collector

SHOP FOX W1685 1.5-Horsepower 1,280 CFM Dust Collector...
  • Powder coated paint
  • Bag volume: 5.4 cubic feet
  • Static pressure: 10.1-Inch. Interior Hose Diameter (In.) - 6
  • Air suction capacity: Approximately 1,280 CFM
  • Standard bag filtration: 2.5 Microns

The shop fox features a steel impeller to handle the wood debris that passes through to the 2.5-micron filter bag. Because it is steel, it offers durability and especially around most woodworking tools. In addition, it is perfect for small shops or a one-man shop. Stage dust will not be a problem for you with this collector.

This dust collector includes a safety switch to protect against unauthorized use. The switch provides greater safety over other switches due to its oversized paddle and removable lockout key. To switch it off is easy because of the quick-release levers. It is a great machine for both small workshops, homes, and larger workspaces.

Furthermore, it has the outlets required to hook up more than one machine. To keep your shop air fresh, you can assign your shop vacuum from shop fox all the work. In addition, you will not require any ductwork to be done since all parts are well fitted together.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Wall-mounted
  • Durable
  • Anti-static
  • High air suction capacity
  • Portable
  • Flexible hose

Cons:

  • Unreliable technical support

5) WEN 660 CFM Dust Collector

WEN 3401 5.7-Amp 660 CFM Dust Collector with 12-Gallon...
  • 5.7-amp brushed motor combined with the 6-inch impeller moves...
  • 4-inch dust port allows for connection to your favorite...
  • Compact design includes an onboard carrying handle for easy...
  • Features lockable swivel casters, an optional wall mount, and a...
  • Measures in at 34.25 x 13 x 14.2 inches in size with a weight of...

If you decide to purchase this device, your new dust collector will help to pull dust even from tricky corners. The four-inch dust ports and duct system and six-inch impellers help suck in a few cubic feet of dust when you need to improve the air quality. In addition, you can connect multiple tools to it without a problem.

Furthermore, the independent casters prevent movement and lock any movable parts when the machine is in use. You can also fix it to a sidewall and access it easily anytime you want to improve air movement in the shop's air.

By saving you time and storage, the 12-gallon collection bag does all the collecting. You only have to empty it from time to time. Furthermore, its powerful motor is enough to provide even better suctioning of fine dust particles, making it the best dust collector to have in your shop.

Pros:

  • Portable
  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • Easy to store
  • Wall-mounted
  • Powerful suction force
  • Easy assembly
  • Flexible hose

Cons:

  • The collection bag is hard to empty

Considerations When Choosing A Dust Collector

Dust collectors are quite popular by the day. Therefore there are being manufactured by different brands all over the world. Before settling on the dust collector you think will be perfect for your space, you should consider the following:

a) Motor capacity

An increased motor power also increases the rate of airflow of the dust collector, which is a good thing. In a nutshell, industrial motors tend to be powerful. They run most efficiently at the highest speeds and can handle a high load. Motor power also offers an advantage in small spaces where collecting dust is needed.

In a realistic shop setting, the motor capacity will determine how hard your dust collector works. Then, depending on your workshop needs, the motor capacity can clean very light and fine dust particles into chunks of wood shavings depending on what you do.

b) Filter Capacity

Full functionality depends on all parts working cohesively, including the capacity of the filter. Increased functionality means every part is working well. In addition, the capacity of the filter enables more dust to be absorbed via the collector. The size and depth of the filter bag greatly affect how much dust and debris it can collect in a single cycle.

In addition to selecting the filter capacity, you should also consider the material the filter is made of. Synthetic fibers are an option for high-stress environments such as high heat or windy areas. You should also select a fiber that absorbs oil and water from the dust particles it collects daily.

c) Airflow Output

Airflow is important in any working part of the machinery. Air is pushed from the high-pressure parts of the dust collector to the low-pressure parts, where it is filtered and pushed back out. Furthermore, the higher the airflow output, the larger amount of dust the collector can pick up. This is helpful in places where there is a lot of dust.

Generating high-speed airflow should be a priority in a dust collector. The best dust collectors have an increased and maximum airflow system. The increased airflow while cleaning the air in a room also cools down the motorized parts of the machinery.

d) Size

If you have a small floor plan, it is best to purchase a small collector. The right dust collector could be functional as well as small. Furthermore, you can always get a larger collector. A big dust collector can also be beneficial to your workspace. The best thing about big machines is that they can easily complete a double workload, compared to smaller machines.

In addition to the size, you will find those small dust collectors can also be mounted to the wall. It might be adequate for finer particles and small shavings. A big dust collector equipped with power is adequate for chip collection and larger particles.

e) Flexible Hose

A hose has to be flexible so that it can go on for long runs. However, good airflow does not have to break the bank; it can come economically. Firstly, a cheap option would be using PVC piping as a hose. It works well, but you will have to keep on replacing them due to static buildup constantly. The static buildup could cause a spark which could start a fire.

However, the possibility of this is low as long as you change the piping now and then. In addition, blockages in the pipework can be a nuisance, especially when you have a lot to do. Therefore, you should also check your piping for leaks that may be causing malfunctions.

Types Of Dust Collection Systems

i) Cyclone Dust Collector

Cyclone dust collectors can pick up heavier pieces of wood or metal shavings. This type of dust collector has internal separators which separate dust from the air. They produce an intense airflow which is circular hence the name cyclone. They are widely used because of their ability to clean up large particles and fine dust easily.

ii) Pulse Jet Dust Collector

This method sends a blast of air to the fan, which creates the pressure needed to power the dust extractor. This type of dust collector is most widely used because it efficiently picks up tiny particles and large particles. They are also handy in most manufacturing environments and can handle high-pressure environments.

iii) Cartridge Collectors

These are the best for a smaller workshop. This is because their filter bag can be changed from the exterior of the machine. In addition, this minimizes risks to safety. Either way, they can also be used in industrial and commercial environments. They specialize in very fine to medium-sized dust particles. In addition, it is cheaper and easier to maintain.

iv) Electrostatic precipitators

These dust collectors are specifically meant to be in power plants that burn fossil fuels and oils. They are designed to trap soot and gas by using static electricity. This helps with pollution. In addition, they capture unwanted airborne particles. They are also handy in spaces where coal is burned for electricity or energy.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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