While working in a woodshop, your safety, health, and convenience should be made sure. As a woodworker, you use power tools and do granting, sawing, and sanding of wood that produces tons of dust. If you don’t take appropriate actions, not only the unwanted dust would pile up in your workshop, but it gets into the air as well.
The fine sawdust can get into your eyes and throat, eventually lungs, that can lead to serious respiratory and lung issues. Wearing a dust mask can help reduce the dust inhaling, but it’s impossible to wear a mask all the time during work. You may need to take it off often, so it’s not enough alone.
Moreover, dust can go into your tools if not captured while reducing their performance and efficiency over time.
All this brings the need to have a dust collector system in your woodworking shop. They’re an essential piece of equipment in your woodworking area, not only to keep the air clean from dust particles for health concerns but to keep your tools and environment clean as well while reducing the effort. So, you could work efficiently, safely, and conveniently without creating a mess.
But, the infinite number of dust collectors on the market can make you feel overwhelmed, confused, or even irritated. Even more, everyone’s workshop is set up differently, so the need varies. Which is why we’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to.
Top 9 Best Saw Dust Collectors For Wood Workshop 2023
We have analyzed many dust collectors and presented only the best collectors to you in a clear, understandable manner to make sure you choose the right one for your workshop, depending on your specific needs. We’ve also added an ultimate buying guide at the end that you must refer to before buying your dust collector, so make sure you read that.
No matter what your requirements are, there’s always a range of best dust collector systems that:
- Are budget-friendly
- High powered with high suction air capacity.
- Connect with different types of tools
- Occupy less space in your shop or even hang on the wall
- Highly portable
- Collect the finest particles of dust
- Easy to assemble, use and maintain
- Durable and reliable
And many more!
Here are the 9 best dust collector on the market that you can buy.
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1. WEN 3401 5.7-Amp - Best Cheap Dust Collector
- 5.7-amp brushed motor combined with the 6-inch impeller moves over 660 cubic feet of air per minute
- 4-inch dust port allows for connection to your favorite woodworking tools
- Compact design includes an onboard carrying handle for easy storage and transportation
- Features lockable swivel casters, an optional wall mount, and a 12-gallon zippered collection bag
- Measures in at 34.25 x 13 x 14.2 inches in size with a weight of 18.5 pounds
The very first dust collector on our list is from Wen. This 3401 model Wen dust collector is one of the cheapest, smallest, and lightweight dust collectors you can find on the market. If you’re a hobbyist who works on weekends to satisfy your creative craving or someone who doesn’t produce a ton of dust and mess, then this is probably the best pick for you.
The best thing about this dust collector is that you can either keep it on the floor if you’re going to move it around, or you can mount it onto the wall with the help of a built-in wall mount option to save floor space. The four 1 ¾ inch caster locks keep it in place while working and prevent unnecessary movements.
The 5.7 amp motor provides 660 CFM (cubic feet per minute) suction, which is efficient. The impeller is 6 inches in size, made up of steel, and well put together, so it should be durable with proper use. The standard 4-inch hose inlet gives connectivity freedom with most tools, but the unit doesn’t come with the tube or hose, so you’ll need to buy separately.
The 12-gallon dust collecting bag is enough to keep your workshop clean before you need to dump it out. There is a zipper at the bottom of the bag, which makes emptying the bag easy.
The grill or mesh in the inlet may cause blockage due to relatively large wood pieces; however, you can take it off for smooth operation if you want.
Moreover, setting it up is a breeze in no time with the provided instructional manual. The only problem is it can be a little louder, but you may want to overlook that for all the incredible benefits that it provides, including the 2 years warranty, which is excellent at such a low price.
2. POWERTEC DC1512 - Best Dust Collector For The Money
- Includes: 1. 5 HP dust collector
- Air suction capacity: 1, 250 CFM
- Power: 1. 5 horsepower, 120V/ 240V, 60Hz, single-phase motor
- Superior bag filtration: the unit's upper filter bag cleans, purifies and filters the air, capturing even the smallest fine dust...
- Versatile size: features a portable base size of 21-1/2 x 33-1/2 inches and caster wheels, working as both a mobile or stationary...
Among all the best dust collectors, the Powertec DC1512 model is currently one of the highest-rated and worth considering. Although it's not a cheap buy, it's worth each penny.
It features a 1.5 horsepower single phase motor with a 1250 CFM or air suction capacity, which ensures that all the large and small dust particles will be vacuumed, and you will not need to do any follow-up cleaning. Moreover, it runs on dual voltages of 120/240 hertz.
The upper filter bag is one of the most excellent filter bags. It cleans, purifies, and filters the air and traps all the smallest fine dust particles, allergens, pollutants matter down to 2.5 microns while giving you a healthy working environment.
Moreover, the collecting bag is transparent, making it easier to see how much it’s filled and when you need to dump the mess out. It’s also fairly easy to attach, detach, and empty the collecting bag using the secure clamp while saving you time.
Another good thing about this dust collector is, there are two 4 inch hose faces coming out from the 6-inch Y-inch inlet. Which means you can connect the dust collector with two machines at the same time. It’s handy if you’re moving between two tools very often.
It’s designed wisely in a vertical pattern to minimize the floor footprint. The base of the dust collector is only 21 ½ wide and 33 ½ inches long. However, moving it around might be troublesome, because first it's a heavyweight dust collector, and second, there is no handle to grab the unit properly for smooth movement. But the base has four caster wheels to assist in portability.
So, you can use it as either a portable or a stationary but compact dust collector to clean up your small workshop while reducing the risk of inhaling harmful dust particles.
3. Delta Power Equipment 50-723T2 1 hp Dust Collector
- Standard 2 micron filtration bag keeps your shop safer and cleaner
- Sewn in, snap-in filter bag ring is faster, easier and eliminates the need for cam-over-lock style Clamps
- Powerful TEFC induction motor for long-lasting, smooth performance with protection from damaging dust
- 6 mil plastic chip collection bag shows you when the bag needs emptying
- Sturdy steel base with four easy-gliding wheels for moving from machine to machine or for storing out of the way
Quite similar in design to the above mentioned Powertec DC1512 dust collector, next on our list is the Delta Power Equipment 50-723T2 dust collector. A 1 horsepower motor does all the 750 CFM suction and operation.
Like other dust collectors, its 4-inch inlet collects all the debris, probably up to 80 to 90 percent of the total mess created. After passing through the impeller, the large wood chips go into the plastic collecting bag at the bottom, whereas the filter bag at the top holds all the small dust particles, and the clean air comes out of it. The filter bag is attached to a pole so that it doesn’t collapse when not in use. The bag is reusable, and a nice metal band strap holds it tightly to the machine. So, it doesn’t slip whatsoever.
All body and frame are made of steel that ensures durability and reliability. The impeller is of metal, so it shouldn’t shatter when the large chunks of wood hit. However, the hose collector and the wheels are plastic made; that shouldn’t be a problem if used properly.
It’s a bit heavy out of the box, and you need to assemble it on your own that can take 30 to 45 minutes at most. Unlike the Powertec DC1512, it has a handle to move it around. And the two large wheels make it highly mobile. You can move it anywhere in the garage or even roll it up and down the stairs easily.
A small clip on the power button is a safety feature that you can remove if you don’t want anyone messing around with it. On the downside, it makes some noise, but you can listen to the other person talking. Moreover, some sawdust also gets out of the unit.
Overall, it’s a great buy and works very well to keep your shop in a safer and cleaner condition.
4. Grizzly Industrial G1163P - 1 HP Light Duty Dust Collector
- Motor size: 1 HP, 120V/240V, single-phase, prewired 120V
- Motor Amp Draw: 7A at 120V, 3.5A at 240V
- Intake hole size: 4"
- Portable Base Size: 14" x 14"
- Height (with bags inflated): 19-1/2"
The next dust collector is from one of the industry leaders—the Grizzly industrial G1163P 1 HP light-duty dust collector is probably perfect for nearly any machine in your shop.
Its small size and low-profile make it the perfect point-of-use collector for individual machines to avoid long ducting runs in small to mid-size shops. It features a 10-inch aluminum impeller, which generates an impressive 7.2 inches of static pressure and 537 cubic feet per minute of air through the 4-inch dust intake.
Large chips and dust down to 30 microns collect in the one and a half cubic foot bag system. For added filtration power, you can have the H4340 micron collection bag for ultrafine dust separately.
Moreover, the four caster wheels make moving and storing the G1163P a breeze and reduce the distance between machine and collector for maximum efficiency. The 1 horsepower motor can be wired for 120 or 220 volts and comes in at 77 to 79 decibels for quiet operation but is not entirely noise-free, of course.
Assembling the Grizzly industrial G1163P is also effortless. The central functioning unit consisting of motor and impeller comes pre-assembled. So, all you have to do is attach the central unit to the frame base and wheels at the bottom; that is it.
Using this dust collector ensures a safer work environment, and less cleanup saves time and money.
5. Grizzly Industrial G0710-1 HP | Best Wall Mount Dust Collector
- Motor size: 1 HP, 110V/220V, single-phase, pre-wired to 110V; Amps: 14/7
- Intake hole size: 4"; Bag size (diameter x depth): 13 1/2" x 24"; Approximate shipping weight: 51 lbs.
- Optional Bag Replacement: G3591
- Impeller: Balanced steel, radial fin; Power coated paint;
- Air suction capacity: 450 CFM; Maximum static pressure: 7.2"
If you’re highly concerned about space in your shop and can’t afford to lose any floor space, then you may want to have a wall-mounted dust collector to maximize the floor space. Having said that, we’ve added the Grizzly Industrial G0710 1 horsepower wall hanging dust collector to our list.
It’s a small G shape dust collector designed to go on your shop’s wall. Its 1 horsepower motor gives sufficient air suction of 450 CFM to clean the floor and collect the dust from the tools in your woodworking shop.
The hose intake is 4 inches, so it’ll easily connect to the same size dust resources; however, you can use a reducer for the smaller sizes. The unit comes with a 5 micron 13.5 x 24 inches bag, two aluminum clamps, and sticky tape or foam piece. The tape goes around the lip to give an airtight holding to the bag before the clamp is locked. It prevents any leakages of dust or air to keep the efficiency maximum.
To mount it on the wall, it comes with a wall bracket that goes on the wall. And then you hang the unit on the bracket. The unit comes with some screws and nuts, but you’ll need some additional as well for the bracket mounting. The installation is a straightforward process, but you might end up wasting some time and effort if you ignore the critical clearance requirements.
Overall, Grizzly industrial G0170 is an excellent small and neat looking dust collector to fit in your little shop to keep it clean from the dust piling up all over the space without compromising the quality. So you could work efficiently and freely.
6. Jet DC-1100VX-CK - DIY Wood Shop Dust Collector
- VORTEX CONE: Improves chip separation and collector bag packing efficiency.
- QUICK-CONNECT COLLECTION BAGS: Fast, easy installation and removal.
- HIGH AIR VELOCITY DESIGN: Stands up to any competitive specifications.
- PERMANENTLY-LUBRICATED, TOTALLY-ENCLOSED, FAN-COOLED MOTORS: Rated for continuous duty.
- INCLUDES FOUR CASTERS: For maneuverability and total portability.
This dust collector is quite unique from all the previously mentioned dust collectors. It has a vortex cone system that creates a hurricane inside, separating the chips and the dust. The large wood pieces and chip go in the 5.3 cubic feet plastic collecting bag, which is fairly enough capacity, whereas the tiny sawdust particles go into the 2- micron filter canister.
It improves the plastic bag’s efficiency and eliminates premature filter clogging so that you can use the plastic bag longer, and the filter performance is sustained. The dust bag is see-through and very easy to attach and detach using the ring, making it easier to know when to empty it and dumping the trash out.
The unit has a single phase 1.5 horsepower motor with 1100 CFM. This suction capacity incredibly filters out 98% of the 2-microns particles and 86% of 1-micron and can even pull dust from the uneven and challenging corners of your tools. The steel impeller sucks the air and dust through the 1 6-inch hose intake, which is further divided into 2 4-inch hoses.
It’s prewired at 115 volts but can be changed to 230 volts if you want. The unit operates at 70 to 80 decibels of noise. The overall footprint is 37 x 22.5 x 39 inches with 117 pounds of net weight, but it comes with wheels to move it around.
Although the assembly of this unit is simple and straightforward, it will be time-taking. Because there is no part assembled out of the box, which means you need to attach each piece before you could use it. Another thing to consider is, this bad boy comes at a high price but completely worth it. It excellently collects all the dust and debris from your tools, floor, and the air no matter what’s the size of your shop.
7: BUCKTOOL 1HP 6.5AMP Wall-mount Sawdust Collector
- 1HP Powerful Induction Motor with 6.5AMP 550CFM air flow
- 4inch x 80inch Hose
- Steel Impeller supply 550 CFM Air Flow
- 2 Micron dust bag. To ensure a better experience, we suggest matching with our 2 micron filter bag
- We have wall mount function and the wheels with brake for easy movement and fix position
Now, we’ve listed a dust collector from Bucktool, a brand known for making pocket-friendly products, including this dust collector. It’s very similar to the Grizzly Industrial G0710 dust collector, which means it’s also a wall-mount dust collector; however, it has wheels as well to keep it on the floor and use like any regular dust collector.
It’s a nice, small and compact size dust collector that will only take 21.4 x 18.3 x 16.5 inches space when fully assembled. Still, it’s 1 horsepower motor generates enough suction capacity of 550 CFM that would be efficient for one machine at a time. It would be best to keep the ductwork or piping minimum to ensure optimum air suction and performance.
Moreover, the 13-gallon capacity dust collection bag will save you from frequent dumping cycles while saving you time. The bag is 3.1 cubic feet that filter down to 2 microns. In addition to the wheels at the bottom, its low weight of 47.5 pounds also plays a role in its easy movement. So you can use this handy unit in multiple locations without any issues.
You can use it to collect dust and chips from the floor or connect it with dust-producing tools with a dust resource outlet such as a jointer, planer, table saw, or router. Whatever method you choose, the dust and wood pieces go into the 11-inch impeller via a 4-inch inlet. So, a fair amount of dust and wood is sucked through the hose pipe.
One best thing about this unit is, it comes with a 4-inch diameter, 80 inches long hose pipe, so you don’t need to buy additional. The assembly process is speedy and straightforward. So, this is a good option if you’re looking for a two-in-one dust collector, a wall mount, and an on-floor, at a reasonable price.
8. Shop Fox W1826 Wall Wood Shop Dust Collection
- 1-horsepower motor, 120 or 240V, prewired at 120V, 7 amp at 110V, 3.5 amp at 240V
- Features window to gauge how much dust is in bag and bottom zipper for easy dust disposal
- Single 4-inch intake hole
- 2.5 Micron bag has 2 cubic feet capacity
- 44-inch height with bag inflated
Another Amazon’s choice dust collector!
Shop Fox W1826 is a wall hanging dust collector. It has a 1 horsepower motor with dual voltages of 120V/240V. Prewired at 120V, it takes 7 amps; however, if you wire it at 240V, the amp will reduce to 3.5.
It’s designed to collect dust at the source for efficiency. All the dust is sucked with the 537 CFM air suction capacity. And the 4-inch intake hole will easily get connected to your most power tools. Moreover, the 2.5-micron filter bag collects the dust neatly while reducing the dust-related adverse health issues.
Although the dust collecting bag is not entirely transparent, it has a see-through window to see the dust level for on-time disposal. The bag has a zipper at the bottom for effortless removal of dust.
The wall-mounting bracket makes sure that the unit hangs securely, and you can start using it in no time. Before mourning the bracket, make sure you’re at least 44 inches high above the floor for the bag to open completely.
9. Laguna Tools B|Flux: 1 Dust Collector
- Motor: 1HP
- Phase: 1
- Voltage: 110V
- Amps: 8.4 Amps
- Recommended breaker: 15 amps
The last one on our list of best dust collectors is Laguna Tools B Flux, a canister-style mid-priced dust collector. Its single phase 1 horsepower motor creates a moderately powered air suction of 650 CFM.
Its 1-micron filter will filter the fine dust up to 99.7% from the air and send the clean air back into the environment. Moreover, the hand crank paddle at the canister top is convenient to clean the filter for optimum performance without creating a mess.
Moreover, you don’t need to worry about bag slipping because the unit has two-stage attachments to keep the bag in place; the cloth-covered snap band snaps the bag inside the body, and one clamp locks the bag on the outer side of the body.
Talking about the inlet hose, which is standard 4 inches, you can mount it upwards or downwards depending on your requirements and choice.
It is not very loud, and you can have a conversation when it’s running; however, you still may want to wear ear protection if 76 dB is noisy for you.
And wheels are there for easy mobility. You might not be pleased with the detailed and time taking assembly that requires you to attach each part one by one; however, parts are labeled, leading to a straightforward assembly.
Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Dust Collector
What dust collector works for your friend may not work for you. Selecting a dust collector is more than just picking a famous brand or model within your budget. Buying the right dust collector depends on a lot of factors that you may or may not know. So, we’ve mentioned all essentials that you should always consider to get the best dust collector for yourself.
1. WorkShop & Dust Collector Size
One of the very first things that you must consider is the size of your workshop. The size in terms of space is very obvious to ensure that you’ve enough room for the desired dust collector; however, another aspect that’s even more important is to make sure that the dust collector is eligible and powered enough to handle all the cleaning needs of your workshop.
If your workshop is large, has many tools, and produces a lot of dust, you should opt for a more massive dust collector. But, it doesn’t mean you always need a larger dust collector. Try to find a balance between your needs and the dust collector size.
2. Dust Volume
It is another way to find the right dust collector. The amount of dust produced depends on the types of tools or/and the machinery you use and your work. If your tools and work make large chunks of dust in a short period, you would need a large dust collector that can collect all the dust as it’s producing.
3. Fixed or Portable
When it comes to placements, mounting, and installation, dust collectors are divided into two categories; fixed or stationary and moveable or portable.
Which one you should buy depends on your workshop size, the number of tools that require dust collection, and your personal preference. However, the general rule of thumb is that portable dust collectors suit small to medium-sized workshops with fewer tools or where you need to move the dust collector from tool to tool.
A portable dust collector also works great if you aim to connect one tool at a time for optimum performance while keeping the duct length or hose pipe minimum or collecting the dust at the source without ductwork. Portable dust collecting systems come in various sizes at different prices, suiting most woodworker’s needs.
On the other hand, if your workshop is large, filled with giant, heavy-duty and rugged tools that produce tons of dust, you may want to install a stationary but powerful dust collector with proper ductwork connecting all the devices to the collector. The overall cost is often higher due to professional ductwork installation. Consider the weight, size, and mounting method as well.
4. Motor Power
The motor power is another crucial factor to consider, which defines how much power and performance you can expect from the dust collector. A high power motor will not only perform better at collecting the dust but will work longer than a low powered motor.
But it doesn’t mean that you need to buy the highest power dust collector. Because a higher power motor will also require higher current input, so if you don’t need that excess power, it will instead be a loss. The goal is to find a dust collector with sufficient power to do the job efficiently without any problems.
The dust collectors with 1 horsepower are probably the least powered, whereas 1.5 horsepower dust collectors are quite popular amongst professional woodworkers and hobbyists.
5. Airflow Capacity
For any dust collector, airflow capacity is very important since it’s the only medium of dust collection. It is measured in CFM or cubic feet per minute, representing how much cubic feet of air will be sucked in a minute.
In other words, it defines the dust cleaning speed. For example, a 1300 CFM dust collector will pull more dust than a 600 CFM dust collector in a minute. Airflow capacity or air suction rate has a direct relation with motor power.
Portable dust collectors often offer 650 CFM, whereas you can have excellent results with 700 CFM for your home workshop. 1100 CFM and above are suitable for intense commercial use.
6. Filter Efficiency
When you work with wood, different size wood waste particles produce along the way, such as small wood pieces, chips, dust, and fine dust. Your dust collector’s dust bag or filter is an important aspect to consider as it defines how finer it can collect.
The smaller the micron rating, the finer the dust it can hold while sending the air back into the environment. The dust collector filter often ranges from 5 microns to as small as 2 microns or even 1 micron. However, the smaller micron filters would cause some extra buck for the sake of more efficient cleaning.
7. Operational Noise
There is most likely no noiseless or noise-free dust collector, and it’s probably not possible either. Dust collectors make a significant noise due to the running motor and the fast air movement or suction.
Dust collectors’ noise level is measured in decibels. Some manufacturers mention it, but some don’t—the lower the decibel rating, the less noise it would make.
You will need to bear the higher noise that it makes for higher motor power and air suction rate. Similarly, if you want to get a bit quieter dust collector, you will need to look into low power options.
8. Warranty
Dust collectors are not cheap tools that make warranty even more critical. It represents how much you can rely on your product and for how long. Suppose the manufacturer offers a warranty on the duct collector. In that case, you can use the product with peace of mind, as you’ll get the repair or even replacement if the product damages within the defined period of warranty.
But, if your product lacks a warranty, you would be responsible for all the repairs and damages. No need to say you’ll need to take many precautions to avoid or minimize the damage. So, while buying your dust collector, make sure you get value for the money you pay.
9. Budget
Your budget is very crucial in the buying process of anything. You can’t and shouldn’t spend all of your paycheck to buy a dust collector for your workshop. So, before looking into the options, you should pre-define how much money you are willing to spend to match your requirements. The key is to get the best dust collector possible within your budget.
So, take the time to compare all the practical options available in your budget until you reach the best one that is a perfect combination of your requirements, features, and budget. Moreover, dust collectors are not maintenance-free, so you should also consider the on-going maintenance cost to keep the unit functional.
Conclusion
Woodworking can be a dangerous job if you don’t take care of dust spreading in the air that eventually leads into your throat, and lungs causing respiratory diseases or get into your eyes. Thus, you should always invest in a proper dust collection system not only to keep the air clean to minimize the health risk but also for convenience. It’s equally essential for both hobbyists and professionals.
Your machinery, work style, and workshop play an essential role in picking up the final product, but the dust collector’s efficiency and reliability will always be critical. If you identify your needs correctly, it wouldn’t be hard to decide what dust collector to buy. And we hope our buying guide and reviews have helped you in the process. For more information, you can look into the customer reviews.
If you think we’ve missed any critical aspect of dust collectors, or if you have had any good or bad experience with any of these dust collectors, we would like to hear from you in the comments section below.
