Can you use a dust collector as a vacuum?

What does a dust collector do?

A dust collector offers more than one way to handle dust and prevent fires. The first option works at the source to combine similar features to a shop vac. The second option available uses an air filter/purifier to filter an entire space or room. A dust collector is quite efficient at this process and helps prevent harmful dust from floating around in the air and getting into your lungs.
Dust extractors are bought by industrial companies that need to use them on the Jobsite. They are useful to remove concrete dust at the source because of the carcinogenic nature of the dust. For consumers to successfully remove dust at the start, you must use a vacuum with HEPA filters. This will provide you with the highest level of performance at cleaning the air.

What does a vacuum do?

A vacuum helps deal with housekeeping debris. It collects dirt from the floors, walls, and around equipment. If used in a workshop, it can be helpful to clean from bulk piles under conveyors and transfer points. A vacuum system mainly performs duties as a central system. It can provide power in the range of five to seven horsepower. This small diameter inhibits how much material can move at one time but increases the suction power of the appliance. You can expect a vacuum system to collect dust using a dusting brush in the household.

Similarities between a dust collector and a vacuum

The main parallel between a dust collector and a vacuum is using a hose to collect the dirt/dust. Both of these devices use pressure to collect dust and dirt.

Key differences between a vacuum and dust collector

The differences between the two options are notable. The central aspect to note is that a vacuum is high-pressure and low volume. This differs from a dust collector, considered a low-pressure, high-volume device. Consumers choose vacuums for precision cleaning. They are safer for materials and are home-friendly. You will need a dust collector for a full-scale facility or process filtration. It is common to confuse both because a home user is typically not trained in applying these systems.

Can a dust collector work as a vacuum?

A dust collector can be used as a vacuum cleaner. There are different dust categories to consider when choosing whether to use the vacuum cleaner or dust collector. If you look hard, you will find specific dust collectors that are subtle enough to replace your vacuum cleaner. These devices are designed for woodwork shops because they cannot offer precise cleaning.

Dust collector vacuum

Once your shop has expanded its operations and you have accumulated many stationary tools, it is best to move to a dust collector. Dust collectors are best placed in a single out-of-the-way location. If you have the space, it is best to go to another room or outside. This placement will save you from listening to the noise. You can also find a reasonably priced mobile dust collector, but that sort of defeats the purpose of having one.

Dust collector vs. dust extractor

Dust extractors have filters that separate the bigger particles from smaller microscopic ones. The key aspect that separates the two is that dust extractors use high air volume. This high air volume means it cannot reach high speeds and travels considerably slower through a wide hose. The wideness of the hose is made intentionally to help transport larger-sized pieces of debris. It extracts these pieces without blockages occurring, which can cause expensive engine trouble.
Dust collectors are pretty similar to dust extractors in technique. They use high volume combined with low suction power. What separates the two is dust extractors need dedicated ports to operate. Stationary power tools are best used with this device to handle heavy-duty extensions like miter saws.

Using a shop vac for dust collection

Shop vacs are created to pick up sawdust and wood chips efficiently. These particles come as a result of handheld power tools. Modern power tools provide the consumer with ports that allow you to connect your shop vacuum hose. You can use this to perform precise cleaning when picking up debris as it’s produced.

Most shop vacs are created with a one-stage system. This system is key to handling all sorts of debris. The range is quite broad, and it can take both microscopic dust and large-sized chips. These are then collected into a single tank. The tank doesn’t filter out the small from the large, which will render it entirely useless against everyday home problems.

How to use a dust collector

A dust collector is used to collect dust particles that can cause explosions in the workshop if not stored properly. This danger is posed by the static pressure which builds up in storage. Effectively use the dust collector by installing it safely outside the workshop.

Is a dust collector quieter than a shop vac?

A dust collector will be quieter than a shop vac because it has a wider nozzle. This nozzle is used for suctioning more air at a lower pressure.

Best dust extractor 2020

Fein Turbo Dust Extractor
This device can operate with a flow rate of 151 cfm and 98.4” of water lift. This capacity level means it is convenient because there is a 19.7 ft cord. It has extended reach, and the tank capacity will reduce how many times you need to clean it. There are also modern features like power-on delay and suction control.

Do I need a dust collector?

A dust collector is vital for the safe storage of potentially explosive dust particles. This is necessary for any home workshop because it is difficult to prevent any ignition sources from occurring in the workshop.

Dust extractor vs. vacuum

A dust extractor is much more powerful than a vacuum. The extractor is noisier and has a broader hose to suction large pieces of debris safely. It is helpful in industrial workshops but less convenient in the home. Vacuums will often be smaller, quieter, and have filters for air. The smaller hose allows for more precision cleaning.