Dust from the woodshop can pose health challenges for you and even your tools. You want as little dust around you as possible and the best way to guarantee this is with a cyclone dust collector.
They are powerful machines that separate both the heavy debris such as wood chips and fine dust from the air. This makes them able to collect a large volume of particles quickly and effectively.
Because they separate the larger debris from the finer particles and dump them separately, cyclone dust collector filters don’t clog easily. This means you can use them for long periods without cleaning out the filters.
In this cyclone dust collectors review, you’ll get a list of the top offers in the market, plus a buying guide that shows you the important stuff to look for when choosing.
In this post:
6 Important Things To Check Before Buying Cyclone Dust Collector
A cyclone dust collector is a complex device. So, if you want to get the best deal possible, you’ll need to understand the basics of the machine, so you’ll know what to look out for.
Following is a list of the most important features that you’ll find in an average cyclone dust collector. By going through this list, your understanding will deepen enough to make an informed decision and choose the best offer for you.
1. The Shop Space
Many factors affect the correct and efficient functioning of a cyclone dust collector and one of them is your shop’s size. In simple terms: You need a dust collector that fits your shop’s size.
This includes physical dimensions, as well as your expected level of dust production, which depends on the tools you’re using in the shop.
As you can imagine, there are no fixed rules here, but you are better off with a larger unit than with a smaller one that might prove insufficient. One simple way to rate them, however, is with HP.
2. Power & HP
Power is a measure of how much electricity a machine uses in any given period. This shows us in practical terms, how much work the machine can do. It’s the product of voltage and current and is given in watts. So, Volts x current in Amps = Watts.
HP is a simpler way of presenting a machine’s power, by rating it according to the average power of a horse, which is 725 Watts. So a 1-HP machine uses 725 Watts, while a 2-HP machine uses 1,450 Watts of power.
For most small shops, a 1.5-HP cyclone dust collector will do, while a 2-HP model is enough for most medium-sized shops. If you’ve got a lager shop, then you may want to check out the 3-HP or above models.
3. Airflow
A cyclone dust collector’s airflow depends on its power rating and its pipe’s diameter. Airflow is given in CFM or Cubic Feet per Minute, with a higher value meaning more airflow per minute.
Different shop tools produce different volumes of dust, so you need a dust collector that can match that tool’s dust production.
For instance, for the drum and disc sanders, you’ll be looking at 350 to 500 CFM, while a belt sander will need a dust collector with a slightly higher capacity.
In general, dust collectors with 1,000 or less CFM will do for most small shops, while you’ll need about 1,500 to 2,000 CFM for larger shops.
4. Drum Capacity
This refers to the size of the container which collects the heavier debris and there are two sides to consider here.
The first consideration is that getting a unit with a bigger drum will cut the amount of time you spend in emptying it because it takes longer to fill up.
The other consideration, however, is that a larger drum might get too heavy or cumbersome, and then present its owns problems when you want to dispose of the waste.
About 30 gallons should do for most people, but you can also decide to go for 50 or more gallons, as you wish.
5. Remote Control
Getting a dust collector with remote control will save you the time of walking up and down the shop to start or stop the dust collector.
Also, consider the remote’s wireless range to make sure it fits your shop.
6. Portability
This is something else that you’ll need to consider because some people need a portable system while others don’t. A portable system lets you move it easily around the shop or even from shop to shop.
The downside is that portable systems are not as efficient as permanently mounted cyclone dust collectors.
If you’re going for the portable type anyway, just make sure it comes with swivel casters, at least, for convenience.
8 Best Cyclone Dust Collectors Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Jet JCDC-2 (2 HP System) |
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 | 2. Jet JCDC-1.5 (20-Gallon Drum) |
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 | 3. Jet JCDC-3 (Heavy-duty 3 HP System) |
|
 | 4. Laguna Tools MDC0680 (3 HP System) |
|
 | 5. Shop Fox W1823 (Portable 1.5 HP System) |
|
 | 6. Clear Vue CV1800LH (Filters Down to 0.5-Micron) |
|
 | 7. Grizzly G0637 (Huge 3-phase 7.5 HP Dust Collector) |
|
 | 8. Oneida Mini Gorilla (Small & Portable) |
|
1. Jet JCDC-2 (2 HP System)
Photo: Jet
- Power: 2 HP
- Inlet: 6 inches, 2x 4 inches
- Suction Capacity: 1,538 CFM
- Drum Capacity: 30 gallons
The Jet JCDC-2 is first up because Jet is the most popular brand when it comes to cyclone dust collectors comparisons. This one is the 2-HP version with a 1,538-CFM suction force.
It also comes with many other impressive features like a 6-inch inlet or dual 4-inch inlets. A 1-micron filter efficiency, with up to 99% filtration of 2-micron particles.
The included drum is 30-gallons large and fitted on casters for easy movement and emptying. The issue here, however, is that some people find 30 gallons rather too small.
If you can get over the drum size anyway, then you’ll enjoy the included remote with its 50-meter range and the remote timer settings to let the system run for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours before shut off. Jet backs this offer with a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
- A 2-HP dust collector with 1,538 CFM suction power
- Includes a remote with remote timer settings
- Comes with swivel casters for easy movement
- Backed by a solid 5-year warranty
Cons:
- There are cheaper dust collectors
- Some units have larger drums
2. Jet JCDC-1.5 (Best 20-Gallon)
Photo: Jet
- Power: 1.5 HP
- Inlet: 6 inches, 2x 4 inches
- Suction Capacity: 1,259 CFM
- Drum Capacity: 20 gallons
If the earlier Jet dust collector sounds too much for your shop, consider this smaller unit with a 1.5-HP drive and 1,259 CFM of sucking force.
It’s still a Jet machine, so it comes with all the standard features, such as a 50-ft remote control, up to 1-micron filtering, swivel casters for easier movement, and a 6-inch inlet with an included Y-splitter for 2x 4-inch inlets.
Unlike the previous offer, this one comes with a smaller, 20-gallon drum. This makes it perfect for smaller shops with less wood waste who prefer the smallest cyclone dust collectors. Still, it’s just too small for some shops.
Jet includes a manual filter cleaning system, independent casters for the drum, and a 5-year warranty to back up this offer.
Pros:
- Highly efficient 1.5-HP cyclone dust collector
- The pleated filter catches up to 1-micron particles
- Comes with casters for easy movements
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Its 20-gallon drum is small for some shops
- You can get cheaper cyclone dust collectors
3. Jet JCDC-3 (Heavy-duty 3 HP)
Photo: Jet
- Power: 3 HP
- Inlet: 8 inches, 3x 4 inches
- Suction Capacity: 1,963 CFM
- Drum Capacity: 66 gallons
Jet Tools makes some of the best woodworking cyclone dust collectors and here’s the last and largest of them in this review.
The Jet JCDC-3 is a 3-HP unit with a 1,963-CFM airflow from an 8-inch inlet. The package includes a 3-hose splitter, which produces three inlets at 4 inches each.
Another difference from the other Jet cyclone dust collectors is that this one comes with a 66-gallon drum, which makes it ideal for medium-sized to larger shops.
All other features like caster wheels, a 50-ft remote with timer settings, and Jet’s 5-year warranty remain the same.
More Detailed: Click here
Pros:
- Powerful 3-HP system
- Produces 1,963 CFM of suction force
- Filters particles down to 1 micron
- Backed by Jet’s 5-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s a large and heavy machine
- Might be overkill for smaller shops
4. Laguna Tools MDC0680 (3 HP System)
Photo: Laguna Tools
- Power: 3 HP
- Inlet: 8 inches, 3x 4 inches
- Suction Capacity: 2,200 CFM
- Drum Capacity: 60 gallons
For those who want a powerful cyclone dust collector, this unit from Laguna Tools offers just that. It comes with a powerful 3-HP system that generates an impressive 2,200 CFM of suction.
It comes with a large 8-inch inlet and additionally includes a 3×4″ splitter that lets you connect up to three 4-inch pipes at a go. Furthermore, it has a 1-micron pleated cartridge and an extra-large 60-gallon drum capacity.
This unit is a treat for those looking for the best cyclone dust collection systems. Its impressive stats, 78 dB noise rating, and high-frequency remote that works in all directions set it apart from the rest.
The downside, of course, is that it comes at a high price, and it also weighs a lot. It’s however, fully mobile on swivel casters, and Laguna Tools backs it with a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- The powerful 3-HP system generates 2,200 CFM
- Includes a high-frequency remote control
- Drum capacity is an impressive 60 gallons
- Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- You can get cheaper units
- It’s a relatively heavy dust collector
5. Shop Fox W1823 (Portable 1.5 HP)
Photo: Shop Fox
- Power: 1.5 HP
- Inlet: 6 inches, 2x 4 inches
- Suction Capacity: 806 CFM
- Drum Capacity: 20 gallons
Measuring just 32 x 21 x 21 inches and with a weight of just 147 pounds, this Shop Fox W1823 is one of the best cyclone dust collectors for small shops.
It’s powered by a 1.5 HP system, which generates 806 CFM of suction. It has a 6-inch inlet with a 10.4-inch maximum static pressure. The package also includes a Y-splitter to turn the 6-inch inlet into two 4-inch inlets.
The downside is that it only has a 2.0-micron filter, while many other units have 1.0-micron filters. Having only 806 CFM also limits its scope of applications.
Its compact design and portability, however, set it apart. Shop Fox includes a 20-gallon drum with a viewing window and backs the unit with a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Compact and portable cyclone dust collector
- 1.5 HP delivers an 806-CFM suction
- Includes a 75-ft range remote control
- Comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Its filter is only 2.0 micron, others have 1.0
- Other dust collectors draw more than 806 CFM
6. Clear Vue CV1800LH (0.5-Micron)
Photo: Clear Vue Cyclones
- Power: 5 HP
- Inlet: 6 inches
- Suction Capacity: 1,442 CFM
Clear Vue Cyclones takes a completely different approach in making this unit. First, it’s made using a polycarbonate material, then it comes without a bin and filter cleaner.
You get a powerful machine however, with a 1,442 CFM of force to filter particles down to 0.5 microns, making this unit one of the best cyclone dust collectors for the money when you compare efficiency.
If you want the cleanest air delivery, then this is the dust collector to check out. Watch out for its height though, because it stands at 96 inches installed and offers a 6-inch inlet.
This offer is also for those who want a more active part in the installation. And it only comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from Leeson, the maker of the 5-HP motor.
Pros:
- High-powered cyclone dust collector
- Produces 1,442 CFM of suction force
- Filters down to 0.5 microns
- The motor comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- The package doesn’t include a drum or filter cleaner
- It’s constructed using plastic
7. Grizzly G0637 (Huge 3-phase 7.5 HP)
Photo: Grizzly
- Power: 7.5 HP
- Inlet: 10 inches
- Suction Capacity: 3,468 CFM
- Drum Capacity: 110 gallons
Here comes the best cyclone dust collector for medium to large shops that have many machines running at a time. It comes with a 10-inch intake hole and produces a gigantic 3,468 CFM of suction.
This unit is for industrial applications, and it features a 220/440 Volt 3-phase system that’s rated 7.5 HP. It has an 18-inch impeller and 261 sq. ft of filter surface area.
The stand features 13 gauge steel while the cyclone body features 16 gauge steel. This unit also comes with two drums, each measuring 55 gallons, for a total capacity of 110 gallons.
You’ll understand that this monster is costly and not for small shops. But if you’ve got a serious project that produces lots of wood dust, then here’s what you need to look at.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty cyclone dust collector
- Features a 7.5-HP motor and 3,468 CFM of suction
- Large 261 sq. ft of filter surface area
- Comes backed it with a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s too big for small shops
- Installation needs a technician and 3-phase power
8. Oneida Mini Gorilla (Small & Portable)
Photo: Oneida
- Inlet: 5 inches
- Suction Capacity: 600 CFM
- Drum Capacity: 22 gallons
For smaller shops that need a higher level of filtration, this Oneida Mini Gorilla offers the perfect cyclone dust collector. It offers a high-efficiency separation of up to 99%.
Featuring a HEPA filter media that’s rated as 99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns, it also comes with a 600-CFM suction force, making it one of the best cyclone dust collectors when it comes to efficiency.
Its downside is that it’s too small for larger shops. But if you’ve got a smaller shop, then this is one of the top quality dust collectors you can get.
Pros:
- Small dust collector for small shops
- Delivers 600 CFM of suction
- The filter is 99.9% efficient at 0.3 microns
- Comes with casters for easy movement
- Includes a 22-gallon drum
Cons:
- It’s too small for larger shops
- It’s relatively costly for its capacity
Conclusion
We’ve come to the end of this cyclone dust collectors review and you’ve seen all the interesting and impressive top offers on the market.
From the compact dust collectors to the giant 3-phase Grizzlies, you can see that there’s a top cyclone dust collector for each budget and shop size.
You’ll now have to choose according to your budget and what will best fit into your shop because you’re the only one that knows this.