17 of the Very Best Dust Collectors Review + [Buyer’s Guide]

Last updated on November 16th, 2022 at 12:53 pm

When you work on wood with heavy machinery, dust is created. This is unavoidable. While it is an inevitable fact, you can manage it. With an effective dust collector, you can remove the dust from the table and the air. Are you looking for the best dust collector on the market today?

Image	Name & Key Features	Link
	JET DC-1100VX-CK DUST COLLECTOR	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
	SHOP FOX W1685 1.5-Horsepower 1,280 CFM Dust Collector	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
	Powermatic PM1300TX-CK Dust Collector	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
	Baileigh DC-1450C Cyclone Style Dust Collector	CHECK CURRENT PRICE
	Grizzly Industrial G8027 - 1 HP Dust Collector	CHECK CURRENT PRICE

A dust collector sucks the dust off the work surface and out of the air. They create a less hazardous environment to work in. This article looks at the best dust collectors on the market and what they can do for you.

There are different brands of dust collectors,, and the various models available offer unique features. We are here to help you decipher which dust collectors are best.

Our Top Pick for the Best Dust Collector

Best Dust Collector Reviews

JET DC-1100VX-CK DUST COLLECTOR

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This dust collector is portable but also heavy-duty. It is an excellent asset if you have a small room to work with, but you still need a powerful machine. It has a single-phase 1.5 horsepower motor specially designed for frequent use. This is a handy trait in a dust collector. Durability is key, and this machine is durable. 

The JET DC-1100VX-CK DUST COLLECTOR is efficient in cleaning your air. It uses cone technology to deliver cleaner air. This collector also captures small particles as small as 2microns.

You can rest assured that the tiny dust particles get captured in the filter. It also will capture about 84 % of the dust in your workspace. That is a considerable amount. You are guaranteed good airflow with this dust collector.  

The collection bags are easy to remove and also to install. It is not something you will have to crack your head to empty. The mechanism on the dust collector easily separates the chips from the dust.

This is an important feature that some dust collectors do not have. This machine helps keep the air clean enough for you to breathe safely. When the environment is easy to breathe in, you can work better.

Pros 

• It is portable and easy to move around. 
• It runs quietly, so you will not have any distractions from the core business of the day, woodworking.
• A fan cools the motor, and this enables you to work continuously
• It is lightweight
• The bag is easy to connect and has good capacity.
• It is economical to run

Cons 

• It is a bit on the expensive side.

SHOP FOX W1685 1.5-Horsepower 1,280 CFM Dust Collector

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Dust collectors come in all shapes and sizes. This dust collector has a 1.5 horsepower motor. It can clean 1 280 cubic feet of air per minute. This is a pretty compact unit and will fit in a small shop.

It is perfect for light industry and home use. While it works well for small shops, it still packs quite a punch, operating at 3 450 rpm. The unit may be small, but the motor is heavy-duty. 

This dust collector has an air suction capacity of around 1 280 CFM. It is also very durable, and several users can testify to this. The bag is large enough to collect a considerable amount of dust, so you will not have to watch the bag to see if it is full constantly. The bag has a good filtration rating of 2.5 microns. This means that it can capture tiny particles.

While looks may not be everything, we like that Shopfox keeps it clean with its powder-coated white finish. This special finish is also scratch-resistant, which means it will look good for longer. It has a safety switch that helps you keep away anyone untrained from using the machine. It has a steel impeller, making it more durable than its plastic counterparts.

Pros

• It is cost-efficient
• It has a great air suction capacity of 1 280 CFM
• It has a powerful motor
• It can fit in small shops 
• It has a big bag
• It has good filtration.

Cons 

• It cannot be shipped internationally outside the United States of America. 
• Finding parts is not easy.

Powermatic PM1300TX-CK Dust Collector

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One of the beautiful things about the Powermatic PM1300TX-CK Dust Collector 1.75HP 1PH 115/230-Volt 2-Micron Canister Kit is easy to use.

The design is made so that you will not need to bring out your manual each time you have to collect dust, it is easy, and a quick setup allows you to access its efficiency sooner. The canister filter gives you more than enough filtering surface area. 

Moving with the times, digital machinery and smart operated machines have made working on the wood much easier. This dust collector will not need you to look for the control buttons, and you can simply use the remote control. This is a safety and convenience feature. You can program it up to 99 times. 

It has a dual 4-inch dust port. This helps you collect dust simultaneously. It doubles your efforts and maximizes the time you spend working. Thanks to these dual dust ports, you can clean the air and your work table more efficiently. The entire unit weighs just over 150 units. It measures 37inches by 29inches by 72 inches when it is assembled.

Pros

• It has a dual dust port
• It is easy to use
• It can be operated remotely
• It is durable.
• It is easy to set up.
• It gets rid of filter clogging.

Cons 

• It is quite heavy
• It is pricey.

Baileigh DC-1450C Cyclone Style Dust Collector

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If a quiet design is what you are looking for, you will appreciate the Baileigh DC-1450C Cyclone Style Dust Collector. It has a 2-horsepower motor to help you get the clean environment needed.

It can run for up to 8 hours a day. The technology used on this dust collector is advanced and separates dust and debris much more efficiently than most models in the same range.

It is quite a compact unit, making it perfect for small workshops. You will also enjoy the 1 450 CFM suction. At the same time, it may not be as much as other dust collectors in this range.

You will not need to be replacing the filters. One of the unique things about this manufacturer is that they offer genuine technical support via phone for life! This is usually the expensive part of maintaining such machines. This makes it affordable to run.

It is a mighty machine that quickly and efficiently cleans the air in your workshop. It is also easy to use and also assemble. It has sturdy construction and will last you through the years, facing some genuinely harsh conditions. You want your dust collector to be able to stand the heat. It comes with a 1-micron filter, allowing it to filter some of the smallest particles.

Pros 

• You get lifetime technical support from the manufacturer via phone
• It has a rolling base which makes it easier to move around.
• The filter can trap the smallest particles.
• It has a radio frequency remote control

Cons 

• It is expensive to buy

Grizzly Industrial G8027 – 1 HP Dust Collector

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Grizzly is known for making reliable and durable woodworking machines. The Grizzly Industrial G8027 – 1 HP Dust Collector has a 1 Horsepower, 110volt single phase motor.

It is a small and portable dust collector, which is excellent if you need to move it from one space to another. The motor draws eight amps. It has an airflow rating of 500 CFM. This is not much and will not be ideal for heavy-duty work. 

The dust that gets filtered is not too small. You can filter particles down to 30 microns. This means that you will not be able to get rid of the fine particles.

This dust collector is more powerful than most regular shop vacuums. It has one 4-inch intake hole, not leaving much room for heavy-duty dust collection. It has to be used on only one machine.

This machine does not have the massive capacity that many dust collectors have. It is not something you can rest assured that will collect dust from big and demanding projects. Once you understand its limitations in terms of power supply, then you will find it easier to work with it.

Pros 

• It is portable
• It is affordable
• It is small and perfect for small shops as it does not take up a lot of space.

Cons 

• This is not an easy machine to assemble, and this is one of the biggest downfalls of the dust collector. 
• Also, the bag is difficult to empty and put back on after removing it.
• You can only use one power tool at a time with it. 

Buyer’s Guide

The best dust collectors have certain features that you need. These all make your life in the workshop easier. Once you know what to expect, it will be easier to know if you have the right model. Some of the features that you should be looking for in a dust collector include its power.  This is important to make sure the power matches the work at hand. 

Power

A motor powers dust collectors and this motor’s power will determine how much dust can be collected. You also want to check on the air flow rate to know how air is cleaned in the room. Have an idea of the room size to match the airflow rate. Most dust collectors have this information in the specifications. You also want to find out how the motor operates and the amount of electricity needed.

Filter quality and operation

How well the air is cleaned will also depend on the filter in the dust collector. The filter is what traps dust particles. The smaller the micron size, the finer the particles that can be trapped in the filter. The best dust collectors have filters that capture tiny particles. 

Two-stage filtration is the best. It optimizes efficiency. This way, you know that you are getting the absolute best out of your dust collector and capturing a decent amount of dust and debris in various sizes. This is where technological advancements come into play. Some dust collectors will have a chip separator and still be able to capture even the smallest of dust particles.

Filters will have a rating in terms of the size of the dust particles that they can capture. This rating is in microns. To give you a clearer picture, 1 micron is about 0.001milimeteres thick. This means it is tiny, but it is still harmful to breathe in. So the best filter will have a smaller micron rating.

Construction

How the dust collector is designed counts and can affect how it operates. Some are powerful but poorly designed. This can make you not like using it. A good dust collector should be easy to use. The collection bag also has to be easy to install and empty. If this process is a headache, it can make it difficult to use the dust collector as a whole. 

The collection bag should have good capacity. Make sure that it can collect a good amount of dust before you need to empty it. Also, ensure that the collection bag is durable enough to hold the chips and dust as they are shaved off the wood. It also needs to be secure and not let any collected debris escape. A weak bag or container defeats the purpose. 

How much CFM should a dust collector have?

The CFM rating that your dust collector has should correspond with the size of the room. It refers to the cubic feet that the dust collector can clean per minute. It helps get user reviews on how well it will clean the air and at what rate. Remember that most retailers will exaggerate and sometimes double the airflow rating on a dust collector. 

Stay away from dust collectors with a CFM rating below 700. If you are looking for a dust collector meant for light industrial use or commercial use, then make sure that the dust collector has a CFM rating of at least 1 000. Anything above this will work well in a home workshop setup.

Particle size 

While you may try to have all these in check, sometimes the dust collector is not strong enough to give you the suction power you need. This means that you will now need to consider the particle size and type that you need to be cleaned up. Knowing this will also help you maintain the longevity of the dust collector.

If you know that your dust collector is not the strongest, you may want to ensure that the particles are not too big. 

Warranty

It is essential to know what the manufacturer offers in terms of a warranty. Accidents happen, sometimes, the unit arrives already faulty, so it is essential to know what warrants you getting a new one. Various manufacturers offer different return policies. Read the fine print, especially if you buy the unit online. 

Some manufacturers will not ship parts or replace the machine if anything goes wrong. You need to know these things before you commit to a brand.

Do I still need a dust collector even if I wear a mask?

A dust collector is designed to clean the air and work surface of the dust that you generate as you work. Dust is a health hazard, and when breathed in, it can cause several respiratory problems.

Wearing a dust mask will only protect you from the particles you can see and not the minute ones. The smallest particles are the most dangerous and most likely to get into the lungs and cause the most damage. Even when wearing a dust mask, a dust collector is still a vital component. 

Does portability affect performance?

This is not a hard and fast rule. Several portable dust collectors still pack a punch. However, the more robust ones are usually on, the heavier side. You must know what you need from your dust collector. If you need to be moving it around, you will need to contend that it may not be as powerful as the stationery and much bigger dust collectors. 

Why should I get a dust collector with a cyclone system?

With a 2 stage cyclone system dust collector, you get more efficiency and power than a one-stage system. The two stages mean that the dust collector will trap all the particles, big and small. The bigger particles are spun around, while the finer particles are passed to the second stage for more filtration. Dust collectors with this type of technology are generally better. 

To avoid breathing problems and illnesses, you want to ensure that the dust collector can filter even the smallest particles. At most, a single-stage dust collector will only process dust and debris as small as 2 microns. While the 2 stage system is in place, you can recycle much smaller particles.

Final Thoughts

While a dust collector is not what cuts the wood, it is one of the most vital accessories accompanying a woodworking machine. It has to be reliable, durable, and effective. It needs to be sustainable as well. It should keep things neat.

It should also help maintain a healthy workshop and prevent accidents, such as cutting yourself, because a pile of dust concealed the blade. This is one accessory that you need when cutting wood. 

Choose the model that suits your needs. We particularly like the SHOP FOX W1685 because of its efficiency at an affordable cost. It has to be efficient both in terms of power and general performance.

It ranks high in our books, and we recommend it. Getting the dust collector that does the trick for you by ensuring it has all the right features, thinking about what you need, and finding your best fit will be easy. Happy shopping!

Best dust collector for a small shop

Are you wondering which is the best dust collector for a small shop? When working with wood, dust is an inevitable part that you will face.

While it is inevitable, it can be cleaned up more efficiently even as you work! Being so diligent about cleaning the dust produced from your work, besides being a stickler for a clean place, includes cleaning the air to breathe better. 

Accumulation of dust will also obscure your view of the machine, which can be very dangerous. A great dust collector has a powerful motor to allow for great suctioning. But for you to know that you have the right dust collector, you need to know the size of the room. This article looks at the best dust collector for a small shop. 

Buying a dust collector for a small shop

Do you need a quick guide to know the best dust collector for a small shop? You will need to consider a few things before making your purchase. Firstly, check on the motor size of the dust collector. The size of the motor is related to the rate at which the dust collector works. The more efficient the motor is, the better it will clean the air.

Other features include airflow capacity. Knowing how fast the dust collector can collect the dust is vital. You also want to check on the filter capability. The filter cleans your shop and the air of impurities. Check on the size of pollutants it can filter effectively. Don’t hesitate to spend good money and ensure that you get a good filter.

Our Favorite Dust Collector For Small Shop

We have researched and found our favorite pick to be the POWERTEC DC5370 Wall Mounted Dust Collector with 2.5 Micron Filter Bag | 537 CFM. Why? Because it does not need to be set on the floor, taking up more space in an already small shop.

We like that you can just mount it on the wall using the brackets that it comes with. It also has a great capacity to clean the air of dust as you work effectively.

SHOP FOX W1685 2.0 -Horsepower 1,280 CFM Dust Collector

This dust collector features a quick-release band clamp, and it has a heavy-duty impeller. You can use it as a stationary unit or as a mobile unit. This is a great convenience, especially when you need to change your shop’s setup. The motor on this dust collector is 1-1/2 horsepower. 

The powerful motor on this machine operates at an impressive 3 450 rotations per minute. The impeller on this machine will clean 1 280 cubic feet of air every minute. Thanks to the powder finish coating on this machine, you don’t have to worry about wear and tear on the machine’s appearance. It is scratch resistant. It also has a 2.5-micron filter bag for effective filtering. 

This dust collector also has a 6-inch inlet with a removable y-fitting with two 4-inch openings. This is then used to branch lines that will be used on more than one machine. If you use more than one machine, you can still use the same dust collector. You do not always need to have two ports. You can remove the one port and leave the 6-inch inlet exposed. 

Pros

• It has two ports that allow you to use more than one machine at a time. 
• You can use it as a mobile or as a stationary unit
• It has a powerful motor
• It cleans the air effectively, at 3 450 rotations per minute
• It comes with a great warranty
• It has a safety switch. 

Cons

• It is pretty heavy, especially compared with other versions in the same range. 
• Assembly is not very easy.

POWERTEC DC5370 Wall Mounted Dust Collector with 2.5 Micron Filter Bag | 537 CFM

If you are looking for a compact dust collector, you are in the right direction with this model from Powertech. It has a 2.5-micron dust collector filter bag for efficient dust collection, which you can reuse. Using the wall mounting feature, you can hang this dust collector off the wall. The bag also has a window that allows you to see the level of dust that has been collected. 

It has a one-horsepower electric motor, a motor speed of 3 450 rotations per minute, and an airflow capacity of 537 cubic feet per minute. It has a 4-inch inlet port, and this is how you attach the dust collector hose to the machine you are working on. You can trust the machine’s power to clean the air for you effectively.

This dust collector is great for a small shop because you will not need to worry about floor space since you can mount it on the wall. It is easy to use and will filter the air of most of the dust particles that come from woodworking. It does not take too much to connect the dust collector to the machine you are working on. 

Pros

• It has a safety on and off switch 
• It is easy to use
• It can be mounted on the wall, saving you floor space
• It is versatile
• The collection bag has a window that allows you to see the level of dust as it fills up. This means that you will not be surprised when the bag is full.  

Cons

• The airflow capacity is low.
• The warranty period is low. 

Jet DC-1100VX-5M Dust Collector 1.5HP, 1PH 115/230-Volt 5-Micron Bag Filter Kit

Sometimes it helps to get into the details and know how the dust collector operates so that you know what type of performance to expect.

This dust collector uses cone technology which works very well in separate chips. It also does a great job of eliminating premature filter clogging. This way, you get the best out of the unit.

The collection bag on this dust collector is effortless to connect. It has elastic bands that make it easy to install and remove. This will help save you time.

It also has a single-stage design, making it a much more economical dust collector. The machine you are using probably makes its noise, and you don’t want to add to this by having a dust collector that distracts. This model has a quiet operation.

As much as it is the perfect dust collector for a small shop, it is made with industrial controls. This helps to give you amazing durability and excellent performance. 

Pros

• Thanks to the cone technology, it has a good chip separation technique. 
• It has an extended warranty
• It is durable
• It is lightweight, making it easier to move around
• It has a safety switch

Cons

• While the noise level is low, some users find it pretty distracting. If this is a deal-breaker for you, then you may want to check it out in person.
• You don’t hear much about its airflow capacity, which is worrying

Grizzly G1028Z2 1-1/2 HP Dust Collector

Grizzly is well known for making tools and machinery that make your life in the shop easier. They also make one of the best dust collectors on the market. This model has a 1-1/2 HP motor to suck up the dust as you work. It is a large capacity machine that runs on 120/240 volts. It also features a 2.5-micron filtration. 

In terms of appearance, it has a steel base with casters so that you can easily move it around. It is also coated in Grizzly’s signature green powder-coated paint.

The base is 21-1/2inches by 33-1/2inches. At the same time, the bag has a diameter of 19-1/2inches and a depth of 33inches. For your safety during operation, the Grizzly G1028Z2 1-1/2 HP Dust Collector has a paddle with a safety key.

It has a 6-inch inlet and “y” adapter with two 4inch openings. You can remove the “y” adaptor. Suction is one of the most important things you will need to check up on when getting a dust collector, and the Grizzly G1028Z21-1/2HP dust collector has great suction power. It cleans 1300 cubic feet per minute. You will love using this dust collector as it easily fits in with different woodworking machines. 

Pros

• It is easy to work
• Great airflow capacity
• It is portable and yet can capture dust.
• It has a powerful motor
• The bags are strong

Cons

• It is difficult to empty the bag
• The on and off switch is hard to reach

BUCKTOOL 1HP 6.5AMP Wall-mount Dust Collector with Dust Bag, 550CFM Air Flow DC30A

This dust collector is a portable, wall mount design. The ability to do this means that you also save on floor space. This is an essential feature of looking for machinery for a small shop. 

It is a favorite for a lot of woodworkers because of its efficiency. It has a 1 HP 120V single-phase motor and 500 cubic feet per minute air suction capacity. It also has a 4-inch intake hole that will fit various machines.

This dust collector has caster wheels with a lock on them, making it easy to move and keep in place. The hose is durable and made of excellent quality material.

This makes it a good tool for suctioning chips and dust that may damage an ordinary and weak pipe. This dust collector also has a handle, making it more portable and easy to move around.

The power of this dust collector is moderate. You can get dust collectors that have a more powerful motor. But if you are working in a small room, you may not need a dust collector with tons of suctioning power. 

This one works just fine. It is not the best looking, but when getting a dust collector, efficiency is what you are after more than looks. One of the other great things about it is reasonably priced.

Pros

• It is portable and lightweight
• You can lock the wheels
• It is affordable
• It has a high-quality hose
• The hose fits on a variety of machines
• It saves on space as you can mount it securely on the wall

Cons

• It has a low air suction capacity
• It has a small motor

Buyer’s Guide

What should you look for in a dust collector?

When looking to buy a dust collector, you must zero in on your dust collection needs. This way, you will know what to look for and what will stand in the form of your work. It helps to know the type of work you intend to do. That is to say, will it be heavy-duty or light duty. This will determine the capacity you will need the dust collector to have. A small shop means that you will not necessarily be looking to do hefty work. However, you still need the dust to be cleared.   

Installation

A dust collector is an added accessory that you would need to set up separately and attach to your woodworking machine, Meaning that you can not rely on a technician or a shop to set it up for you. The features are pretty standard when looking for the best dust collector. One of these is set up. 

When you are about to start on a project, the last thing that you want to do is spend a lot of time setting up an accessory like the dust collection system. It is an essential accessory, but it is not the main reason you are working. Find a collector that is easy to connect with and avoid hassles. 

Airflow capacity

You also want to check on the airflow capacity. Getting a dust collector is to clean the air and the room of the dust created as you work. A motor usually powers dust collectors, and these vary in size and determine how well the air in the room gets cleaned. 

Check the suction rate of the dust collector. The higher it is, the cleaner the air will be. You then knock out a lot of potential health hazards such as respiratory illnesses. The airflow capacity is measured in cubic feet per minute. This denotes the area of the room’s air that the dust collector can clean in a minute. You will be looking for the number measured in CFM. 

Suction power is significant. It is the entire reason you get the dust collector in the first place. Ensure that the bag, the hose, and the motor have the durability and capacity to handle the dust and the chips you will be producing when you work on the stock. 

Filters

The other thing you will need to ensure your dust collector has is a good filter.  The features of the filter determine the size of the particles and the dust that can be filtered through it. Some filters can only capture big particles and not smaller ones, such as dust. This means that it will be futile to have such a filter to get rid of sawdust. 

The smaller the micron size the filter is said to capture, the better. It means that it can capture very small-sized dust. With sawdust, the smaller the particles, the more dangerous they are. However, you will notice that the filters with a smaller micron rating are more expensive. 

Warranty

You may also want to check on the warranty, especially if you will be buying it online where you do not have the luxury of walking back into the shop and complaining about something not working right. You will need to know what the company will replace in the event of a malfunction.  

Noise

Another feature to consider when looking for a great dust collector for a small shop is the noise level. Most power tools have a certain level of noise. However, this can vary from one manufacturer to the next. The last thing that you will want to have to contend with is a dust collector that adds to the noise and distracts you from work at hand. Check on how loud or how silent the operation on your dust collector is. 

Connectivity

You also want to check on how it connects to machines. The best dust collectors will have a versatile connector that you can interchange between power tools. You may need to use it on the different tools you have in your shop, and you do not want to be looking for a separate connector for each machine. Compatibility and versatility can help you decide better. 

Surface area

Since you are looking for a dust collector for a small shop, it only makes sense that you would want to make sure that the dust collector you get does not take up too much floor space,. Several models available on the market today gets mounted on the wall. These are very convenient. Just make sure that you also get the efficiency as well. Never compromise one for the other, or it will be a waste of money.

Collection bag

It is also important that you check on the collection bag with the dust collector. It needs to be easy to install, remove, and easy to empty. The fewer hassles, the better. 

You have more to worry about than emptying a bag of dust. The aim is to work on the wood. So you want to make sure that you have a system in place that will be cleaning the dust-up for you without having you watch over it. It also helps when the bag has a translucent window of some sort to know when it is full, and you need to empty it.

Construction

You also need to check on the construction of the dust collector. It needs to be durable and strong enough so that when it sucks in the dust, nothing is left flying in the air. Some of the harmful dust collectors are not sealed tight enough, and this poses a challenge. It defeats the purpose of cleaning up the room.

Does the brand name matter?

Different manufacturing brands make dust collectors. This means that you will be faced with a lot of choices. It helps to hear from other users about which brand does a better job. The big brand names are significant for a reason. Look into them. You can get these reviews online or in person from customers who have used them. 

Final Thoughts

A dust collector is an excellent asset for any woodworker. It helps you clean the shop and also your workspace. Dust is an inevitable part of woodworking. But you do not need to contend with it, and neither do you have to stop what you are doing to ensure a clean environment.

The best dust collector can help you clean the air and also your work table as you work. Avoid inhaling small specs of dust and obscuring the work table, which can be dangerous.

Our favorite dust collector for a small shop ticks the boxes for us. We recommend the POWERTEC DC5370 Wall Mounted Dust Collector with 2.5 Micron Filter Bag | 537 CFM. It is portable, powerful, and affordable. Ultimately the one that works for you is the best choice. We hope that our reviews of some of the best dust collectors on the market today will help you find your best. Happy shopping!

Best Dust Collector for the money

Are you looking for the best dust collector for money? You may be wondering why you need a dust collector and if you should be getting one in the first place. By the end of this article, you will know what it is and why you need it, but you will also know which model to buy that will not break the bank. 

A good dust collector will clear the machine and the air of dust as you work on a piece of wood. It should be a staple in your workshop for safety and health reasons.

This attachment to your woodworking machine will add value to your workshop. This article looks at the best dust collectors that you can get at a great price. We will take you through what we like and what we do not like about specific brands and models.

In a Hurry?

Are you in a hurry and want to know what to look for in a good dust collector? There are a few things that you will need to keep in mind. The primary thing that you will need to think about is the capacity of the dust collector that you are thinking of buying. You need to make sure that it can effectively collect the dust as you work.

You also want to think about the size of the room and how much dust you think will be generated. This will help you choose an efficient dust collector. You also want to check on the storage and its collection mechanism. Find out how it works. Some collectors have a remote start-up mechanism that makes operation easier.

Our Top Pick

There are many different types of dust collectors, and they all have other aspects that make them good collectors. After digging around our fair shared our favorite pick to be the Jet DC 1100VX-5M Dust Collector. The number one reason we love it is that it is efficient and a good buy for the money. But I will take you through the details in this article.

Oneida Air Systems Deputy Deluxe Separator

This dust collector can capture 99% of the dust and debris in the air. It is very effective in cleaning the air of the dust you generate as you work. It uses centrifugal force to capture the dust particles and will trap the debris before it gets a chance to enter the filter. It is compact and portable, making it easy to move around any worksite.

With the Deputy deluxe separator, you will not need to spend nearly as much as when using other dust collectors. It is versatile and can also be used on a variety of machines. This is thanks to the secure fittings that it comes with. You will also enjoy emptying the bag once it is full. This is an affordable dust collector to buy and also to run. You can get this dust collector for under $200.

Pros

• It is an affordable dust collector to run 
• It is easy to use
• It is versatile 
• You can use it for other pollutants other than dust, including wet and dry waste.
• It eliminates suction loss

Cons

• It can be hard to connect the different hoses.

Jet DC 1100VX-5M Dust Collector

As far as dust collectors go, this is one of the best for the money. It is a single-stage dust collector and has dual 4-inch dust ports. These make it possible to collect dust effectively at the same time from two machines. It has a 5-micron bag filter kit that captures up to 98%  of 5micron particles and up to 74%of 1 micron dust particles. 

It uses vortex cone technology, which gets rid of filter clogging. This improves the ‘s efficiencydust collector’s efficiency, making it top of our list. It is a high-quality dust collector, especially when you compare it with other single-stage dust collectors. Another great thing about this dust collector is its quiet operation. You can get this product for around $650

Pros

• It has close to silent operation
• It uses vortex cone technology
• It comes with a quick-connect collection filter bag
• It has industrial controls 
• It is easy to use

Cons

• It will not clean the air of small dust particles.

ShopFox W1826 Wall Dust Collector

Sometimes, you do not have the luxury of space in your workshop. A dust collector becomes even more necessary in smaller spaces. But this also means that the dust collector needs to be compact and not take up too much space. The Shop Fox W1826 wall dust collector is small. When the bag is fully inflated, the collector measures 44 inches.

It uses a 2.5micron bag with a two cubic feet capacity. At the bottom of the bag is a zipper, which will make it less cumbersome to empty the bag when it is full. It also has a 4-inch intake hole. This is the average size of several power tools. The other great feature of this dust collector is the window on the bag that allows you to see how full it is and not risk it overflowing. This dust collector retails for under $400

Pros

• The bag has a window gauge for you to see when the bag is almost full
• It has a good capacity
• The intake hole will fit most power tools
• It is small and takes up very little space in your workshop.
• You can easily empty it thanks to the zipper at the bottom of the bag

Cons

• The motor on this dust collector is not very powerful

Powermatic PM1300TX-CK Dust Collector

This is another dust collector that uses cone technology. This technology allows for efficient chip separation. This makes your trips of emptying the collector less frequent. It has a canister filter that gives you up to 6 times more filtering surface area than regular bags. It has a 1.75 Horsepower motor, which gives you decent efficiency.  

This dust collector also has a remote operation that you can program for up to 99times. It weighs a total of 163 pounds and will not need any batteries. One of the other great features is that you can tell when the bag needs to be emptied. It is a highly efficient filter with excellent suction power. Also, it is effortless to assemble, and you shouldn’t face any problems there. You can get this dust collector for under $1 500. 

Pros

• It has a canister filter which gives you a more significant filtering surface
• It can be operated by remote
• It has sturdy metal construction 
• Turbo cone technology helps separate the chips and hence be more efficient in dust collection and cleaning the air as you work. The cone will eliminate premature filter clogging.

Cons

• User reviews do not have great things to say about the remote control
• It is pricey

Dust Right Dust Separator

The dust right dust separator is versatile and can be used with many different power tools. This makes it a great asset to have because you can interchange it.

This model will collect small particles, including dust and wood chips, and any other debris that could get in the way of your work and also be a potential hazard. It is also easy to move around thanks to the wheels on the mobile steel base.

This dust separator will separate the larger pieces from the smaller pieces. This keeps the big debris out of the vacuum filters. This is one of its biggest advantages, which is separating the debris that can eventually harm your machines when you clean. It has a fantastic capacity of 10 gallons. This dust collector capacity allows you to filter the air of many impurities, including dust.

Pros

• It has a large capacity.
• It separates debris particles very well and avoids you damaging your vacuum.
• It efficiently gathers dust in one sweep
• The tank is easy to empty
• It is a versatile machine and can work with several power machines. 
• Thanks to the steel base with wheels, it is easy to move around. 
• The container is translucent, helping you see the level of dust better

Cons

• Some users have had issues with dust escaping around the lid.

WEN 3401 Dust Collector

This dust collector is powered by a 5.7 amp motor and can go through 660 cubic feet of air per minute. It has a 4-inch dust port to connect to your woodworking machine.

The portable and compact design allows you to carry the collector easily. It also has four swivel casters that lock in place to avoid movement as you work. You can also mount it on a wall in the workshop, saving you space.

The WEN 3401 Dust Collector helps you keep your workspace clean and free of sawdust that will inevitably accumulate as you cut and saw away.

Cleaning the dust off the power tool will help you inhale less of the dust and keep the surface clean and help avoid potential accidents. It has a 12-gallon capacity collector bag which is a decent size for a good amount of dust collection. You can get this product for around $116.

Pros

• The rollers on this dust collector make it easy to move the unit around. 
• It has a good filter which helps to ensure that dust does not escape the bag. 
• It is lightweight and can easily be moved. 
• It has a long hose which allows for freedom of movement
• The small and portable body can easily be stored
• It is versatile and can be used with a variety of machines

Cons

• The bag is not easy to empty

DEWALT DWV012 Dust Extractor

The Dewalt DWV012 dust extractor is a powerful dust extractor with a  15 amp motor. It automatically cleans the filter every 30 seconds. This means you will not have to stop the machine from cleaning the filter.

This will optimize efficiency and save you time. It has a universal hose connector, which means that you can connect this dust collector to just about any power tool. 

You can also adjust the suction functions on this dust collector. These functions adjust the power consumption levels and the amount of suction. It is a fully assembled lightweight dust collector, meaning that you can move it around fairly easily. It is also straightforward to use, with a simple on and off button. It has excellent suction power, with a 140 CFM OF AIRFLOW. It retails for under $500.

Pros

• It is versatile
• It is portable
• It has excellent suction power and features the exact dust extraction technique
• It automatically cleans the filter periodically
• It is lightweight
• It is easy to use

Cons

• The hose connectors are said to be universal, but several different users find that they are not.

Buyer’s Guide

Do I need a dust collector?

Dust collectors are made to make your woodworking life much easier and safer. This gadget is usually in the form of an attachment. You connect it to the power tool you are using to collect dust and dirt from the work you are doing. There are different types of dust collectors, and they all collect the dust in various ways. 

A dust collector helps you avoid dust accumulation. Some use the power of suction or inhalation to remove dust and fine debris. This could be on the work table or even in the air.

While there are different dust collectors, almost all of them are powered by an electric motor. This means that this is one of the features you will need to check on. It is usually likened to a common household vacuum cleaner. 

Keeping your table and work surface clear of dust and debris is important because a visual obstruction can cause you to cut yourself accidentally. The other reason the dust collector is necessary is that it makes the air more breathable.

Woodworking can cause the air around you to be filled with sawdust which is unhealthy to breathe in. Some of the best dust collectors will collect dust and debris of all sizes. This means both loose chips and dust particles alike can be captured.

A woodworking workshop can be well ventilated and spacious, but when you begin to saw and cut wood, there will be a lot of dust. You can keep the air and the room much cleaner by getting an effective dust collector. 

The other reason you would need a dust collector is to increase productivity. It will be more effective when the machine is clean and clear of dust and debris. The dirt can get caught in the mechanism and cause it to malfunction or just not work at its optimum. You can change that by avoiding any part of the machine getting clogged with dust and debris from the stock you are working on. 

What should I look for in a good dust collector?

There are a couple of things that you will need to look for in a dust collector to make sure that you are getting the absolute best. Price is always a determining factor. This article is about getting value for money when buying a dust collector.

It is essential to make sure that what you get is not cheap in quality to the extent that you get value for your money. You can do this by knowing what to look for in a good dust collector. If the cheap version you consider does not have some important features, stay away from it. 

You want to make sure that the dust collector has adequate capacity for the work that you want to do. Capacity is one such important feature. This refers to the motor that powers the collector and the bag or the container that will be doing the dust collection. 

Electric motors power dust collectors, but these vary in size. Check on the size of the motor, making sure that it is enough to suck or clean the surface and the air as much as you need it to. 

Compatibility is another key feature to look for. Make sure that it is also compatible with the power tools you use. Some dust collectors have connectors that do not fit very well around different power tools. You need to make sure that it fits snug and that there is no room for the dust to escape anywhere. 

You also want to check on how easy it is to operate. The last thing you want is to have an attachment that is so difficult to connect that you end up letting go of it altogether. Check on its mechanism. For example, some dust collectors have a translucent collection bag, making it easy to see when you need to empty the bag. 

The construction of the bag and how easy it is to empty is also part of the mechanism boxes that you will need to check. It needs to be compact enough and also have no means of letting dust out at any point. Make sure it is steadily constructed and closes appropriately where it needs to be closed. 

You also want to check on the size of the entire collector to make sure that it fits in your workshop. The level of portability and how mobile it is also important to consider. Some collectors can be mounted on the wall while others need to be placed on the floor. 

Mobility helps you maneuver the dust collector better. Find out how the collector connects to the machine you are working on and how easy it will be to move it around.

While it is an integral part of the woodworking process, a dust collector should not be in the way of a woodworking power tool. Portability and mobility mean that you can quickly move it out of the way when necessary. 

Make an informed decision. Compare and contrast different models by different brands. Hear what users say about the dust collector you have your eye on. This will help you get a more unbiased opinion about the product. Also, check on the warranty of the product. This way, you know what the company is offering you if the dust collector malfunctions. 

What role do filters play in a dust collector?

The truth of the matter is that you need to ensure that all the parts work! That is how you will know that you have value for money in the dust collector you choose. The dust collection filter is one of the most essential features you will need to check on.

The filter will help clean the air of finer particles like dust, which is what you want. They also help promote better airflow and flush out impurities from the air. You need also to make sure that they can trap fine particles such as dust. 

A filter is an essential part of a dust collector. You must check on how effective it is and how often it will need to be replaced. This is a  big contributory factor in ensuring that the dust collector is still within your budget range. 

Final Thoughts

When you work in a workshop, planing, or sawing wood, there will be dust that accumulates. Sawdust is inevitable when you are working with wood. But it can be hazardous and sometimes dangerous. Breathing it in is not healthy. At the same time, if the dust clutters the workspace, it is easy to have mishaps and potential injuries. 

There are different dust collectors that you can get. They are not all created equal. You will need to find the one that suits your specific needs. A good dust collector will safeguard your health and reduce the risk of injury. This will be a worthy investment for your workshop. Happy shopping!