Dust collectors are one of the significant tools used in workshops to promote safety and convenience. If you work with woods, then there is a huge possibility to experience some of the inconveniences generated from excessive dust production.
Aside from littering the workshop, inhaling excess sawdust can lead to eyes and throat infections. And since health is wealth, investing in a quality dust collector machine will help save your health and keep your workshop free from dust.
We’ve cherry peaked some of the top-rated, most affordable, and durable dust collectors and shared an unbiased review to help you make the right choice of a machine you can use to change your work environment.
Comparison By Features of Best Dust Collectors
| Products | Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
 | The Dust Deputy Deluxe |
|
 | Shop Fox W1826 Wall Dust Collector |
|
 | SHOP FOX W1685 1.5-Horsepower |
|
 | Shop Fox W1727 1 HP Dust Collector |
|
 | JET JCDC-1.5 Cyclone Dust Collector |
|
 | POWERTEC DC5370 Wall Mounted Dust Collector |
|
 | Jet DC-1100VX-CK 1.5-HP Dust Collector |
|
 | POWERTEC DC1512 Dust Collector |
|
Things To Check Out Before Buying A Dust Collector
Making the best choice goes beyond going for top-rated models and brands. You need to check out what works best and suits the needs of your office. Your workspace matters; a collector that suits your friends’ workshop doesn’t mean it will fit in perfectly into yours. Therefore, it is essential to keep the following factors in mind when making a purchase:
Workshop Size
The size of your workshop should be one of the major factors to consider; aside from the space the machine occupies, the size also explains how the machine handles the volume of dust produced in the shop. A dust collector works more seamlessly in larger workshops since they cover the entire workspace and keep the space free from dust accumulation.
The Dust Generated
People make the mistake of not considering the total amount of dust generated in their workshop before choosing a dust collector. The rate of dust generated in a workshop depends on the tools and machinery used in the workshop.
If you saw and sand wood daily, then there is the possibility that this could lead to loads and loads of dust accumulating in your workspace. In cases like this, going for a single-stage collector is not recommended; a cyclone dust collector will suit your needs.
Motor Power
The motor power determines what you can achieve with a dust collector; it indicates the overall performance and power. So, it stands out as an important factor you need to consider before buying a preferred dust collector.
Machine with a high motor of power tends to give more efficiency in terms of dust collection. Going for dust collectors with 1.5 horsepower is considered favorable for woodworkers and hobbyists.
Features
We recommend dust collectors built to provide you with all the essential features like a high horsepower motor and CFM rating. Go for models with a minimum of 1 HP motor for more efficiency. Dust collectors are built with different power ratings, and this feature can affect their performance; make sure you go for a device with enough power since they give the best results.
It is possible to spot the effectiveness once you know the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. The higher the CFM, the better the result. The good news is, most dust collectors come with their CFM rating.
Customer Reviews
Customers have the best say! The truth is, you can’t please everyone, but their opinions count in one way or the other. When buying a dust collector, reviews can give you a better picture of what to expect from a particular product.
Reading from other customers’ experiences is a sure way to know if a product is worth going for. Be sure to go through different reviews to get an unbiased answer on what is expected.
Comprehensive Reviews For Best Dust Collectors
1. The Dust Deputy Deluxe – Most Efficient and Easy to Use
This product is 20% more efficient and gives off the best results when it comes to cleaning. It comes with an injection-molded made from a translucent anti-static resin and uses a centrifugal force to remove 99% of debris or dust on a surface.
It is designed to save you the stress of replacing dust bags and filters to get the best from your workshop while maintaining good health! This efficient and simple design comes with a 2.0 inches port that gives it a secure fitting.
Suitable when used on dry dust, clay/silica dust, cooled ash and soot, baking flour, grasses and leaves, pharmaceutic waste, wood dust, and water.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
This machine is rated as one of the affordable dust collectors on our list. And the good news the affordability is in no way a limitation. The machine is reliable and efficient enough to keep your workspace free from dust and debris.
2. Shop Fox W1826 Wall Dust Collector – Perfect for Saw Table
This product is well designed and crafted to capture dust directly from the source and eliminate it from the system. It comes with a 537 CFM capacity; you can be sure to use this on any task in the workshop. The wall-mounted bracket and screw system helps to ensure it is safe and running perfectly always.
The large surface area comes with paddle brushes that improve the efficiency of the machine whenever dust becomes extremely much and clog up the system. You can make this adjustment by merely rotating the handle!
The device comes with different options for dust collection, a flexible rubber hose, with an additional ribbed hose that is generally used for short runs. These fixtures are made from PVC, Polyethylene, metal, or cloth hose dipped into aluminum.
This collector is built in a manner that allows you to access and collect the dust right from its source. The 537 CFM capacity makes it suitable for any workshop. It comes with a simple wall-mounted bracket and a screw system that ensures the device is up and running always.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
This is designed to get rid of dust from your project and woodworks. Like some of the products we outlined on this list, the 1.5 HP motor is built with Y-fitting and dual four-inch ports. You can use it on two or more surfaces simultaneously. One of the most amazing and enriching features here is using this product as a model or a central dust collection system.
3. SHOP FOX W1685 Dust Collector – A Perfect Dust Collector for Woodworking
Use this to keep your entire workshop free from debris. It comes with a Shop Fox W1685 dust collector.
The machine is equipped with a 1/2 horsepower and has a single-phase motor that completes 3,450 on each minute (RPM), with an additional 12 heavy-duty steel impeller that moves 1,280 cubic feet per minute. The durable coating makes it resistant to scratch wear and other fading.
It has a removable Y-fitting that has 4-inch openings with a 6-inch inlet. The Y-fitting is designed to branch different lines to help you service two or more machines, making it perfect for a multi-machine setup. If you don’t need both ports for some reason, you can cap off the fitting.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
It has a major safety switch used to control unauthorized access. The switch is designed to provide safety and has more control over other switches on the device. You don’t need to fumble around to access the button; all you need to do is slam down the paddle, and it automatically turns off the power.
4. Shop Fox W1727 1 HP Dust Collector – Designed For Portability
You can use this to improve the quality of your workshop and make it free from sawdust. This is portability defined. The dust collector can easily be transferred from one machine to another if the need be.
It comes with a safety switch and a removable key to limit unauthorized access. It has a removable dimension of 15 – 3/4 by 39- 3/4 inches (W x D) and a height of 54 -1/2 inches.
This is a perfect go-to if your workshop has limited space. Additionally, it can be operated as a mobile unit, central dust collector, or as stationary. To empty the bag, all you need to do is to unlatch the retaining band, take off the lower bag from the machine, and empty the dust.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
This machine is comparatively lightweight and pretty easy to maneuver and assemble. It comes with a removable key and safety switch; this feature makes it a perfect choice for anyone who’s out to get a machine with optimum performance.
5. JET JCDC-1.5 Cyclone Dust Collector – Ideal Choice For Small Shops
The Jet JCDC 1.5 has a radio frequency remote control that can operate from fifty feet away and a double paddle manual system that makes it easy for you to clean the pleated filter.
The collector can capture over 20-gallon drums of debris. This dust collector comes with unique efficiency, and we guess this is perfect for all the needs in your workshop in terms of cleaning.
It features a radio frequency that makes it easy for you to get spotless results. This collector is designed to give your workshop a unique appearance and comes with an upgraded model that serves as a sure way to ensure more efficiency and power.
The 20-gallon drum is used to capture heavy debris. It has an independent caster and lever that makes it easy to empty the container in no time. If you want to switch from usual dust, we recommend this model as a perfect go-to since it has more efficiency to help you power through all the activities in your workspace.
It has a reusable micron bag that gives off the best air quality free from dust particles. You can use the window to view the dust level accumulated in the collector; this is an ideal size for both small and pro shops.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
This machine is highly effective and comes with a mounted filter that complements the flexible and bend hose deficiencies. It has a two-stage mechanism that is designed to trap dust particles for proper air filtration. The price here is a bit on the high side, but one thing is certain, it always gets the job done!
6. POWERTEC DC5370 Wall Mounted Dust Collector – Versatility Defined
This machine helps you to get the best from your space by keeping it from cluttering. Whether you intend to collect sawdust or extract woodchips, this dust collection is designed to take on any required task once it is properly setup.
The mobility allows you to collect pollutants and dust from their origin; all you need to do is attach the hose to the machine and watch how it successfully removes the chips and dust from the workroom.
The exclusive clamp and mount bracket with a bolt locking system makes it easy to attach the dust collector directly to the wall with less hassle. It comes with a key switch that is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the collector. You can remove the key and lock it off when the device is not in use.
The collector bag comes with a transparent window that allows you to see through the bag and spot the dust level and know when it’s required to be emptied. The streamlined design makes it very portable, and since it can be mounted on the wall, you can be sure of having more than enough space for orderliness.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
If you’re out to get a real value that is worth the amount you’re investing, then this brand is a no-brainer. It comes in a streamlined design that gives room for easy mobility, with a large bag to handle enough dust.
7. Jet DC-1100VX-CK 1.5-HP Dust Collector – Best Value For the Money
This machine comes with an improved collector bag that is designed for efficiency. And most amazingly, you can install and remove the collector bag pretty fast. It has four casters, well designed for maneuverability.
The machine comes with an exclusive Vortex Cone that helps separate the chip and reduces the chances of clogging the internal filter with dust. The single-stage design makes it more economical and allows it to operate quietly.
The high air velocity makes it suitable for different specifications and industrial use. It is designed to eliminate premature clogging of the filter and boost the collector’s overall performance. It is built with a 1.5 horsepower motor which gives it more than enough power for more productivity.
The 1.5 horse-powered motors are designed to enhance performance by producing more power for air circulation. The transparent dust bags are designed to prevent repeated use of different bags.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
We recommend this model as one of the finest single-stage collectors designed to operate economically. It has a dual-port you can use to collect dust around your workshop simultaneously.
8. POWERTEC DC1512 Dust Collector – Super Engine Power
This device is built with unique versatility and power. So whether you’re going for a portable or centralized machine, this will work seamlessly to give you the required result. It comes with a portable base of 21-1/2 x33-1/2 inches, with caster wheels for both stationary or mobile dust collection.
It has 1.5 horsepower and a 21-1/2 x 33-1/2 single-phase motor. So with this, you can capture down to the smallest allergens, particulate matter, and pollutants that are up to 2.5 microns in size. Whether you’re out to get stationary, portable, or centralized dust collectors, this is designed to work seamlessly with different woodworking machines.
The design gives it enough versatility, reduces unnecessary spacing while keeping your workspace free from debris and dust. It has two sets of bag collectors; the upper filter bag is designed to trap about 99% of dust particles with an additional Lower Plastic Bag built to capture huge amounts of particles, debris, and wooden chips.
With this machine, you get a powerful and versatile collector workhorse at an affordable price. It is well designed to handle different tasks.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
With this machine, you don’t need to follow up on the performance since it is designed to collect the smallest particles. The design ensures you can collect heavy and small debris with ease with a bag meant to purify the air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a single-stage dust collector?
Ans. This collector comes with a single bag and can be used to capture dust that is two microns. However, most fellows prefer using 2 stage collector system since it allows you to get more debris and dirt.
Q. Do I need a dust collector if I have a face mask?
Ans. Emphatically, yes! A face mask is protective clothing and is limited in protecting you from the thinnest of dust particles in the workshop. To strike a balance, we recommend a dust collector in your workshop.
Q. What CFM rating should I look for in a dust collector for a small shop?
Ans. We recommend dust collectors with high CFM ratings; a minimum of 700 will go a long way. There are models with 1100, which are perfect for workshops. Remember, the higher the CFM, the better the performance.
Q. What is a 2 stage dust collector?
Ans. A two-stage dust collector is made of a first stage cyclone and a blower with a second stage after the filter.
Our Top Pick
All the dust collectors we reviewed are known to give off flawless results in performance; however, our top model and recommended choice is the Jet DC-1100VX-Ck1.5 -HP Dust Collector. It comes at an affordable price with a peak performance that outshines your expectation in terms of functionality. It has a high CFM with an efficient motor that gives off the best result in cleaning.
Conclusion
Health and safety are major priorities in life; this is why we recommend seeking out possible ways to reduce some of the risks associated with excess dust inhalation. The tool and machinery you go for have some major role to play in, and that’s the aim of this piece, to provide you with a review of some of the Best Dust Collectors you can use in your workshop to get optimum results when it comes to keeping your environment clean.