Shopfox W1727 – 1 HP 800 CFM Dust Collector Review [REVISITED]

Last updated on July 27th, 2022 at 05:23 pm

The Shopfox W1727 -1 HP 800 CFM Dust Collector is one of the best collectors for anyone aiming for a portable dust handling system. This was designed for portability, hence you will find that it can be moved from one machine to another when needed instead of building an entire fixed dust collection system and running ducts to each machine. 

This dust collector is ideal for shops with limited space. So if you want to clear your shop get the Shopfox W1727—1 HP 800 CFM dust collector and be amazed at the transformation that will come about in your workspace. The best part is it can be operated as either a stationary, central dust collector or a mobile unit. So wherever and whenever, this dust collector is a great choice. 

Pros 

• Is versatile 
• It is very easy to switch on and off
• It is portable and easy to move around
• It is ideal for small spaces
• It has a safety switch key

Cons

• It may not be as efficient in large spaces
• May not clear all too fine dust particles

Specifications

• Motor: 1 HP, 110V/220V, single-phase, pre wired 110V
• Motor amp draw: 9A/4.5A
• Air suction capacity: 800 CFM
• Static pressure: 5.67″
• Number of 4″ intake holes: 1
• Impeller: 9″ balanced steel, radial fin
• Bag capacity: 2.1 cubic feet
• Portable base size: 15-3/4″ x 26″
• Bag size (diameter x depth): 14-3/4″ x 24-3/8″ (2)
• Powder-coated finish
• Height with bags inflated: 54-1/2″
• Standard bag filtration: 2.5 micron
• Sound level: 79-81 dB
• Approximate shipping weight: 59 lbs.

A general guide on dust collectors?

A dust collector is a system used to enhance the quality of air released from industrial and commercial processes by collecting dust and other impurities from air or gas. Designed to handle high-volume dust loads, a dust collector system consists of a blower, dust filter, a filter-cleaning system, and a dust receptacle or dust removal system. It is distinguished from air purifiers, which use disposable filters to remove dust.

Types

1. Inertial Separators

Inertial separators purify the air by separating dust particles from the gas stream. This is done by combining inertial, gravitational, and centrifugal forces.

As these forces work on the gas stream, the dust particles are moved to a spot where such forces are minimal. The gravitational force exerted on the dust particles then makes them enter a hopper.

2. Fabric Filters

Also commonly known as a baghouse, a fabric filter can remove tiny particulate matter that stays suspended in the air for a more extended period, can lodge much deeper in the lungs when inhaled, and are the most difficult for the human body to eject.

3. Wet Scrubber

A dust collector that uses liquid to separate dust particles from an air stream is called a wet scrubber. Typically, water is made to contact the dusty air stream.

4. Electrostatic Precipitators [ESP]

A kind of dry scrubber, an electrostatic precipitator is a filter that uses static electricity to remove suspended dust particles from the air stream. Commonly used at power stations, electrostatic precipitators can remove ash and soot when fossil fuels such as oil or coal are burned to make electricity.

5. Unit Collector

Handling dust at the source itself sets apart Unit Collectors from the other kinds of dust collectors.

The two basic types of Unit Collectors are – Fabric Collector or Baghouse dealing with small dust particles or fine dust, and Cyclone Collectors that are better equipped to handle the coarser dust particles.

What to consider when buying a dust collector 

Shop Size

While the size of your workshops seems like an obvious factor to consider, one cannot overemphasize this point. The larger the workshop, the better the dust collector should be, as this is the only way to ensure that it covers the shop adequately. And when it comes to workshop size, it is not just about the amount of space that the dust collector takes up but also its ability to handle the dust production of the shop.

Volume of Dust

The quantity of dust is another point that might sound obvious, but it is still one of the most crucial factors to make when shopping for a dust collector. And the volume of dust that you generate depends on the tools and machinery you use often.

If most of your projects involve a lot of sawing and sanding, there will be a lot of dust in the workshop. Hence you might need the two-stage cyclone dust collector as a small single-stage system might not be sufficient.

Fixed vs. Portable Dust Collectors

Portable dust collectors are the best for small and medium-sized workshops as you can move them around the shop or from one tool to the other quickly. They also come in various sizes and price ranges to make it easy to get something ideal for your working areas.

On the other hand, fixed dust collectors tend to be large and, in most cases, also more powerful, and they are suitable for large workshops that produce a lot of dust. However, they might require some professional installation which means extra cost.

Motor Power

The size of the motor on the dust collector determines its performance, so it is also a vital factor to consider when shopping. The more powerful it is, the better it makes the dust collector more powerful and efficient. However, those with 1.5 HP motors seem to be the most popular for professional woodworkers and hobbyists.

Our Verdict

Although there are many ways to determine the right system for your workshop, you should always start by considering the factors we stated above when shopping for a dust collector. There is more to choosing the best duct collector than just going for the most famous model or brand. Also, what works well in a friend’s workshop might not necessarily be ideal for yours.