Rachel Shubin
Having a clean workshop is imperative to being productive and maximizing efficiency. In woodshops, using power tools can lead to lots of dust, which is why a dust collection system is a great tool for cleaning.
What Should You Consider in a Dust Collection System?
Dust collection systems come in different horsepower and micron filtration options, so consider the size of your workshop and how much debris there is to collect. It is important to decide the rate of both air volume and velocity of debris collection, both needed to deliver the minimum required cubic feet per minute to collect dust and debris. Also important to choose from is the flexibility of movement of the machine as some come with wheels for portable movement.
Best Overall: Shop Fox W1826 Wall Dust Collector
This dust collection system has a 1-horsepower motor with a Micron bag that has two cubic feet capacity. An easy system to use, the dust collector will capture the dust at the source. The bag features a window to gauge how must dust is in the bag as well as a bottom zipper for easy dust disposal. This system is 44-inches in height with the bag inflated. For storage, simply mount on the wall with the included bracket.
Best For Budget: WEN 3401 5.7-Amp 660 CFM Dust Collector
With a 5.7 amp motor, this dust collector moves over 660 cubic feet of air per minute. The effecting sucking power will easily clean your entire woodshop with ease. Connect to your favorite woodworking tools with the 4-inch dust port. The compact design has an onboard carrying handle for easy storage and transportation. There are four swivel casters to lock into place to prevent unwanted movement during use. The system comes with an optional wall mount.
Best for Professional Use: SHOP FOX Dust Collector
A powerful dust collector with 2.5-micron filtration, a 1.5 horsepower motor and 12-inch steel impeller, to be used with woodworking machines only. Easily keep your workshop free of dust and debris, the motor operates at 3.450 revolutions per minute. This machine has a powder-coated finish to resist scratches, chipping, and other wear. Meant for use as a stationary central dust collector or mobile unit.
Also Consider: The Dust Deputy Deluxe
This dust collector uses a centrifugal force to capture and remove 99% of dust and debris from the air-stream before it reaches your vacuum filter. Made in the USA and built to be long-lasting, it prevents fine dust and larger debris from reaching your dust filter, reducing the need to clean the filter. It can be used with any make of both wet and dry vacuums and works on most materials. The deluxe kit comes with: a five-gallon dust bucket, sidecar bucket, two three-inch vacuum connection hoses, two 90-degree hose elbow adapters, a 2.5-inch adjustable hose/band clamp, three 1.5-inch non-marking caster wheels, and neoprene foam gasket and mounting hardware.
The purchase of a dust collection system will help clean your shop with ease while also helping to create a safer environment for respiratory health.
