A dust collector is an invaluable tool that many woodworkers who have workshops ought to own.
Even though dust is unavoidable in any workshop, we often forget the numerous health risk it poses. Not only is dust uncomfortable, but it can also cause respiratory issues on top of the inefficiencies it can create in the workshop.
A dust collector will help you maintain a safe and healthy working environment in your workshop, which is essential to your productivity, and the success of your projects.
Dive into our top 7 dust collector reviews and buying guide to help you choose the one that best meets your workshop demands and budget.
In this post:
- 7 Best Dust Collectors – Review
- 1. Shop Fox W1826 – Best Budget Dust Collector
- 2. Jet JCDC-3 – Best Professional Dust Collector
- 3. Shop Fox W1727 – Lightweight Dust Collector
- 4. Jet JCDC-1.5 – Good Dual-Stage Dust Collector
- 5. Grizzly G1028Z2 – Flexible Dust Collector
- 6. Powermatic 1791079K – Efficient Filtration Dust Collector
- 7. Shop Fox W1685 – Durable Dust Collector
- How to Buy the Best Dust Collectors
- Conclusion
7 Best Dust Collectors – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Shop Fox W1826 (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 2. Jet JCDC-3 (Best Professional) |
| |
 | 3. Shop Fox W1727 (Lightweight) |
| |
 | 4. Jet JCDC-1.5 (Good Dual-Stage) |
| |
 | 5. Grizzly G1028Z2 (Flexible) |
| |
 | 6. Powermatic 1791079K (Efficient Filtration) |
| |
 | 7. Shop Fox W1685 (Durable Construction) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Shop Fox W1826 (Best Budget)
|
2. Jet JCDC-3 (Best Professional)
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3. Shop Fox W1727 (Lightweight)
|
4. Jet JCDC-1.5 (Good Dual-Stage)
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5. Grizzly G1028Z2 (Flexible)
|
6. Powermatic 1791079K (Efficient Filtration)
|
7. Shop Fox W1685 (Durable Construction)
|
1. Shop Fox W1826 – Best Budget Dust Collector
Photo: Shop Fox
- Power: 1 HP
- Speed: 537 CFM
- Filter grade: 2.5 Micron
If you’re on a budget and looking for a well-balanced dust collector, Shop Fox W1826 will meet all the basic dust collection needs for home projects.
This model is the cheapest on our list and its reasonable pricing puts it within the reach of many people.
Besides its low price, it comes with a 1-horsepower motor, which is enough to handle basic dust collection tasks for small woodworking projects at home. This power combines well with the small 537 CFM airflow which to ensure fast collection of fine dust.
It comes with a standard 2.5-micron filter grade, which is standard for most dust collection needs.
Also, at 50 pounds, its weight is far lower than that of other heavy models such as the Shop Fox W1826. This one will prove more portable than most of the other dust collectors.
Although Shop Fox W1826 was designed for budget users, it makes some compromises on power and speed. Its 1-HP motor and 537 CFM airflow is not enough to handle industrial and high-volume dust collection.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced and affordable
- Moderate power for basic dust collection
- Standard filter grade for efficient filtration
- Lightweight than most models
Cons:
- Low airflow
- Low power motor
2. Jet JCDC-3 – Best Professional Dust Collector
Photo: Jet
- Power: 3 HP
- Speed: 1,963 CFM
- Filter grade: 2 Micron
Jet JCDC-3 is a 2-stage dust collector designed for professional and industrial projects, which generate a lot of fine and coarse debris that cannot be collected with one-stage tools efficiently.
This collector boasts of a powerful 3 horsepower motor, which delivers more power than standard 1-2-HP motors. This motor makes the dust collector more efficient and faster.
The collector also has superior airflow of 1,963 CFM, which is top-of-the-range, and the highest of any model we have reviewed. This high airflow is responsible for fast dust collection especially over large spaces.
Superior airflow is aided by a 66-gallon, large capacity collection drum, which has quick-release levers for fast emptying. Its filtration system is very efficient, and promises to capture particles up to 1 micron and lower.
Lastly, it has an advanced remote-control system, which works from 50 feet away and has 2, 4, 6, or 8-hour timer settings, allowing you to focus on other tasks as the tool collects dust.
Although Jet JCDC-3 is the ideal dust collector for professionals and industrial woodworking projects, this model is the most expensive on our list. Its price is out of range for budget buyers who wish to enjoy it power and speed.
At 268 pounds, its weight also makes it the heaviest model we have reviewed. It does not favor portability, so it is best used as a stationary dust collector.
More Detailed: Click here
Pros:
- Powerful motor for efficient collection
- High airflow for fast dust collection
- Remote control for flexibility
- High dust collection capacity
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Very heavy
3. Shop Fox W1727 – Lightweight Dust Collector
Photo: Shop Fox
- Power: 1 HP
- Speed: 800 CFM
- Filter grade: 2.5 Micron
You will love the Shop Fox W1727 for being a lightweight dust collector that is more portable than many other heavier models such as those of the Jet series.
Weighing about 55 pounds, and having a size of 15-3/4 x 39-3/4 inches, this is one of the lightest and most compact dust collectors you will find on the market.
For enhanced portability, this model comes with handles and casters. You can move this tool from one machine to another without needing to construct an entire dust collection system. It is ideal for shops that have limited space.
Although the Shop Fox W1727 low weight makes it an ideal pick for those who desire a portable dust collector, it has a 1-HP motor, which is on the lower power range. It also has an average airflow and will struggle to execute heavy-duty dust collection.
More Detailed: Click here
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Standard filtration system
- Moderate airflow capacity for basic dust collection
- Generous 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Not the most powerful
- Not the fastest airflow
4. Jet JCDC-1.5 – Good Dual-Stage Dust Collector
Photo: Jet
- Power: 1.5 HP
- Speed: 1,259 CFM
- Filter grade: 2 Micron
Jet JCDC-1.5 is a good dual-stage dust collector on our list because it features a powerful motor and airflow, and a very efficient filtration system for industrial use.
This dust collector is very powerful because it combines an above average 1.5-horsepower motor, and a powerful airflow of 1,259 CFM. The two features work together to achieve fast and efficient dust collection.
Its filter grade of 2 micron is one of the best in the market. The filter in this model will trap even the finest dust that is notorious for escaping many dust collectors.
The heavy debris collected by this tool empty into a large capacity 20-gallon drum, which has quick-release levers and an independent caster for fast and easy emptying.
You also get a remote control, which provides you with operational flexibility.
Although Jet JCDC-1.5 stands out as a superior dual-stage dust collector, we did notice that this model and all its impressive features come at a very high price.
Also, it is a very heavy machine, which may be best used from a fixed position. Fixed dust collectors tend to incur additional installation costs.
Pros:
- Powerful motor and high suction capacity
- Advanced filter grade for fine dust collection
- Large collection tank, which is easy to empty
- Remote control for flexible use
Cons:
- Very heavy
- Very expensive
5. Grizzly G1028Z2 – Flexible Dust Collector
Photo: Grizzly
- Power: 1.5 HP
- Speed: 1,300 CFM
- Filter grade: 2.5 Micron
Grizzly G1028Z2 is designed to offer the flexibility of running in any shop situation because it can support both 120 and 240-volt power input.
This dust collector is a real performer as it packs a powerful 1.5-horsepower motor, which produces an airflow rate of 1,300 CFM. This suction speed is one of the highest we have recorded.
It comes with a standard 2.5-micron filter system, which promises to capture even the finest dust particles for efficient collection. Also, this model is compatible with the standard 4-inch duct, which is common in many ducting systems used in workshops.
Although Grizzly G1028Z2’s flexibility allows it to support both 120 and 240-volt power inputs, we did note that is model is not easy to find and is available upon request only.
Also, at 107 pounds, it is not the lightest model and may prove challenging to move to different points in your workshop.
Pros:
- Variable power input for flexible applications
- Powerful motor and high airflow
- Standard filter grade foe efficient dust filtration
- Compatible with standard duct systems
Cons:
- Available on request only
- Heavy
6. Powermatic 1791079K – Efficient Filtration Dust Collector
Photo: Powermatic
- Power: 1.75 HP
- Speed: 1,064 CFM
- Filter grade: 2 Micron
Powermatic 1791079K is built to deliver superior efficiency in its filtration capabilities.
It has a turbo cone, which improves chip separation and the packing efficiency of the collector bag. Flirtation efficiency is further supported by a 2-micron grade filter, which is top-of-the-range and one of the best we have reviewed.
The canister filter in this tool offers over six times the filtering surface area of standard bags.
Besides excellent filtration, this model also packs a lot of power. It has a powerful 1.75-horsepower motor for efficient collection of fine and coarse debris.
The motor supports a suction capacity of 1,064 CFM, which is high enough for fast collection of fine and coarse dust.
Although Powermatic 1791079K is built for efficient filtration during dust collection, we did note that this model is rather expensive and out of reach for budget users.
Being a heavy tool, its casters are prone to succumbing to its weight especially with repeated movement.
Pros:
- Efficient dust collector bag
- Superior filtering surface area
- Remote control with digital timer
- Dual duct port for 2-machine simultaneous collection
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Casters may give into the weight
7. Shop Fox W1685 – Durable Dust Collector
Photo: Shop Fox
- Power: 1.5 HP
- Speed: 1,280 CFM
- Filter grade: 2.5 Micron
Shop Fox W1685 is a dust collector built to provide you with durable and reliable service.
This machine has a powder-coated finish, which is resistant to scratching, fading, chipping, and other forms of wear.
The dust collector also packs a 12-inch steel impeller designed to handle the wood passing through the 2.5-micron filter bag. This impeller lasts longer and performs better than plastic ones.
On top of durability, this dust collector packs a powerful 1.5-horsepower motor, which produces an airflow of 1,280 CFM for fast and efficient dust collection.
It weighs 108 pounds and sits between the lighter and heavier models. It is thus suitable for operation as either a central, stationary, or mobile dust collection unit.
For your operation safety, this dust collector has a safety switch, which prevents unauthorized usage. This switch has an oversized paddle and removable lockout key to provide a greater safety degree.
You also get a 2-year warranty with your purchase of this dust collector. It is a bonus considering few models have warranties.
Although the Shop Fox W1685 is built for durability, initial setup can prove to be a load of work especially for first-time users.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty finish resistant to wear
- High quality impeller for tough debris
- Powerful motor and high airflow
- Can be operated as a mobile or stationary unit
Cons:
- Initial setup may prove difficult
How to Buy the Best Dust Collectors
Photo: Jet
1. Single or Dual-Stage Dust Collector
Although there are many types of dust collectors in the market, many tend to fall within two broad categories: single-stage, and dual-stage dust collectors.
Single-Stage Dust Collectors
Single-stage dust collectors are suitable for shops that do produce large dust volumes. For ease of maneuvering around small workshops single dust collectors are small and highly portable.
Your single-stage dust collectors will likely have an efficient filtration system, which includes intake ports for attaching different accessories, and a dust collection bag, which holds all the dirt the tool collects.
These tools work by sucking dust through a fan or an impeller, which empties it into the collection bad. With the single-stage collector, dust bag emptying is likely going to be manual. However, this can be an advantage because it allows attachment of the bag to other power tools as well.
Dual-Stage Dust Collectors
Dual-stage dust collectors, on the other hand, are the next best alternatives to single-stage ones, especially when your large workshop and its tools produce high volumes of dust.
This type of collectors consists of a cyclone, which works in the first stage, a blower, and a filter, which is required for the second stage.
The cyclone separator causes coarse-sized dust particles to lose momentum and settle at the bottom container while the remaining dust is pushed into a blower. The blower then sends the finer dust into an after-filter.
Dual-stage separators have better filtering systems than single-stage ones. Hence, dual ones are more efficient and durable.
2. Fixed or Portable Dust Collector
Fixed dust collectors are best suited for large workshops, which produce a lot of fine and coarse dust.
These collectors are often large and heavy because they have powerful mechanical components including motors and dust collection chambers.
If your workshop is best served by a fixed dust collector, one thing to bear in mind is that the tool is likely going to be heavy and large, thus requiring some professional installation, which may translate to additional costs.
Portable dust collectors, on the other hand, are smaller and lighter than the fixed ones. Portable collectors are ideal for small to mid-sized workshops because they are designed to be maneuverable within your workspace.
Their portability also allows you to use them with other tools faster and more conveniently. You will find portable collectors of different sizes and price ranges, giving you a broad variety to choose from.
Compared to fixed dust collectors, portable ones are inexpensive and the easiest to own. They are also quieter.
3. Power
The power of your dust collection can be perceived in two ways: airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and motor horsepower (HP).
Airflow generally measures the air suction capacity of your dust collector. Portable models tend to vary widely in their CFM. Some have a CFM rate as low as 150 while others have 1,500 or higher. The more the airflow of your collector, the more powerful it’s capacity to suck in the dust.
We did review a model with a CFM of over 1,900. Such is ideal for heavy-dust collection.
Your dust collector’s horsepower (HP) determines its performance and thus qualifies as a major consideration when shopping for the tool.
Many dust collectors for professional use tend to have 1-2-HP motors, which are more than enough for all collection tasks in your home workshop. Some models have 3-HP motors that are ideal for the industrial-scale collection.
4. Shop Size
The size of your shop determines how many tools you can own, and in turn, will help you decide the type of dust collectors to buy.
You may have many power tools in your workshop, which are compatible with dust collectors. In such a case, a mid-sized or industrial dust collector is an ideal complement to your workshop.
The larger and fixed dust collector will require space on your workshop’s floor, so you should consider this factor as well. If your shop has limited space, a portable model may be ideal because you can shift it constantly to create more room.
5. Volume of Dust
Some workshops generate varying volumes of dust compared to others. The volume of dust you generate will depend on the number of tools you use, and the intensity of work in your shop.
If your projects involve a lot of sanding and sawing, you are guaranteed to have a lot of dust in your workshop.
In the case of high-volume dust and debris generation, you can consider getting the dual-stage dust collector, which packs an advanced filtration and separation system.
For light-dust collection, a single-stage portable dust collector would be a great companion.
Conclusion
A dust collector is a vital tool to have in your workshop. It will help keep things neat and even assist other tools to function efficiently by eliminating dust, which reduces efficiency.
Remember to get a tool powerful enough to meet all your dust collection demands. It could be portable or fixed if your workshop if large and generate a high volume of dust.
If you demand more than the usual features from your dust collector, consider getting a dual-stage one, which has advanced filtration.
We are confident that our top 7 dust collector reviews and buying guide will help you pick the models that best complements your woodworking shop and projects.