When it comes to woodworking, dust collectors are some of the most vital pieces of equipment to have in your space, for the sake of both convenience and safety. Not only is the woodworking a messy job, but the possibility of getting sawdust in your eye or throat can make it dangerous as well.
Every woodshop varies, and therefore the kind of equipment it needs varies as well. For instance, if your particular woodshop is short on space, it would be smart to check the dimensions of your options. If you are short on outlets or power sources, consider purchasing a tool with a power source that is not an electric cord. The price of these tools compared to the money you have to hand tends to be the most common obstacle.
Because of these tricky details, if you need workshop dust collection, deciding on the strongest contender can be challenging. That’s why we have deconstructed the options available into clear, understandable points, helping you choose the best machine for your specific needs.
Dust Collector Comparison Table
We look at the top models in greater detail below, but for those in a hurry, here is a quick comparison of the woodshop dust collectors in our roundup:
We’ve compared the top shop dust collection systems on Amazon, particularly focusing on the ones offered at the best prices. Read on for our top 5 reviews:
1. SHOP FOX W1685 1.5-Horsepower 1,280 CFM Dust Collector
This SHOP FOX tool was released in February of 2009.
It weighs in at 108 pounds and has dimensions of 22.2 x 37 x 22.5 inches.
Its Amazon reviews show it has been purchased 150+ times, and can be bought in just a few clicks from the website.
Plenty of people have reviewed its performance (of which a summary of the positives and drawbacks can be found below) – here’s why we like it:
SHOP FOX W1685 Pros
- Affordable price and free Amazon Prime shipping
- Has been reviewed by over 150 customers
- Ranks highly for both dust collectors and general air cleaners
- Has a horsepower of 1.5
- Its motor operates at 3,450 revolutions per minute to ensure top performance
- Has air suction capacity of about 1,280 CFM
- Long-lasting, as displayed by reviewers who have used it for a year or more
- Has a steel, heavy-duty motor
Cons
- Ineligible for international shipping outside the United States
- Has a warranty of 24 months limited parts, which could potentially fail to serve you (though the details are available next to the product itself)
- Was said by several reviewers that the packaging and shipping was executed poorly
Verdict
This device is popular on Amazon and is one of the most cost-efficient options. It ships free within the United States and has generally more positives than it does negatives.
- Powder coated paint
- Bag volume: 5.4 cubic feet
- Static pressure: 10.1-Inch. Interior Hose Diameter (In.) - 6
- Air suction capacity: Approximately 1,280 CFM
- Standard bag filtration: 2.5 Microns
2. Jet DC-1100VX-CK 1.5-HP Dust Collector
The JET DC-1100VX-CK 1.5-HP Dust Collector features a permanently lubricated, totally enclosed, fan-cooled motor of 1.5 horsepower that is rated for continuous duty. Also, an exclusive Vortex Cone that improves chip separation to prevent clogging of the filter and increases packing efficiency of the collector bag. This eliminates premature filter clogging for sustained performance.
The high air velocity (CFM) stands up to any competitive specifications, and the industrial controls are designed for years of durable use. With quick-connection collection bags that have a snap ring for easy and fast installation and removal and casters for maneuverability within the workshop, this model provides convenience and versatility.
Its single-stage design delivers economical and quiet operation, with industrial controls designed for years of trouble-free use. Includes four casters for maneuverability and total portability.
Jet DC-1100VX-5M Pros
- Single-stage design for economical and quiet operation
- Vortex Cone improves chip separation and collector bag packing efficiency
- Industrial controls designed for years of trouble-free use
- Eliminates premature filter clogging for sustained performance
- Quick-connect collection bags with an elastic band for fast, easy installation and removal
- High air velocity (CFM) design stands up to any competitive specifications
- Permanently lubricated, totally enclosed, fan-cooled motors are rated for continuous-duty
- Includes four casters for maneuverability and total portability.
- 5-year warranty
- 1.5 Hp
- Comes with a 5-micron bag filter kit
- Designed to operate quietly
- Generally easy assembly
- Requires fewer bag changes than most
Cons
- The pricing is between average and somewhat expensive and doesn’t include free shipping
- Some reviewers have referred to it being slightly less powerful than anticipated, and that it would be wiser to invest in something sturdier
- 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.