Last Updated on June 12, 2020

Gathering dust can sometimes be very tasking. However, with a dust extractor, that tasking job is made so easy. This guide focuses on the best dust collectors out there. You might want to read through this guide to know the best dust collectors out there.

BUYER’S GUIDE

Shop Size

While the size of your workshops seems like an obvious factor to consider, one cannot overemphasize this point. And when it comes to workshop size it is not just about the amount of space that the dust collector takes up but also its ability to handle the dust production of the shop.

The larger the workshop, the better the dust collector should be as this is the only way to ensure that it covers the shop adequately.

Volume of Dust

The quantity of dust is another point that might sound obvious, but it is still one of the most crucial factors to make when shopping for a dust collector. And the volume of dust that you generate depends on the tools and machinery you use often.

If most of your projects involve a lot of sawing and sanding, there will be a lot of dust in the workshop. Hence you might need the two-stage cyclone dust collector as a small single-stage system might not be sufficient.

Fixed vs. Portable Dust Collectors

Portable dust collectors are the best for small and medium-sized workshops as you can move them around the shop or from one tool to the other quickly. They also come in various sizes and price ranges to make it easy to get something ideal for your working areas.

Fixed dust collectors, on the other hand, tend to be large and in most cases also more powerful, and they are suitable for large workshops that produce a lot of dust. However, they might require some professional installation which means extra cost.

Motor Power

The size of the motor on the dust collector determines its performance, and so it is also a vital factor to consider when shopping. The more powerful it is, the better as it makes the dust collector more powerful and efficient.

However, those with 1.5 HP motors seem to be the most popular for both professional woodworkers and hobbyists.

Build Quality

Dust collectors are machines that have to run unattended, usually for several hours a day. There is often more to choosing the best dust collector for your shop than just the brand, but if you take the time to look at reviews, some manufacturers will consistently outperform others when it comes to overall build quality and durability.

A dust collector is a significant investment for your shop, and for something that will be operated for hours a day, a solid base with a durable finish will ensure that yours will last for years.

Air Suction Capacity and Power

Air suction capacity is one way to indicate the airflow rate that the dust collector is capable of. Airflow is usually given in terms of cubic feet per minute or CFM, which also generally indicates how powerful the motor of the unit is.

The CFM widely varies between portable models, which can have a CFM rate of around 150 CFM, to industrial models capable of 1,500 CFM or even more.

For industrial models, you can generally expect hefty motors rated for 1 horsepower or even 2 HP or more.

Filtration Capacity

Filtration capacity determines how efficient the dust collector is at removing suspended dust particles from the air. Most manufacturers cite a minimum diameter of dust that their filters can intercept – for standard airbag filters, expect them to screen dust particles of around 2.5 microns in diameter or thereabouts.

Some dust collector makers label their filters like HEPA filters, which is short for high-efficiency particulate air. These filters are generally considered to be fine enough to trap pollen, pet dander, and even smoke.

Bag Volume Capacity

Bag volume capacity makes a lot of difference if you have a dusty shop, and some workshops simply generate more dust compared to others. If you do a lot of sanding, sawing and grinding, a dust collector with a high bag volume capacity would be a good pick for you.

On the other hand, if your projects mostly involve assembly, you may find that a medium-sized dust collector or even a portable one to make more sense for your workplace.

BEST DUST COLLECTORS

Festool E HEPA Dust Extractors

Compact but large. Light but powerful. Whether it’s used on the construction site or in the workshop, thanks to its huge container capacity of 26 l, the CLEANTEC CT 26 provides maximum volume with compact dimensions.

Equipped with swivelling castor wheels and rear wheels for optimum mobility. It also has a locking brake that provides stability on any surface as well as during transport. The flat filter fully integrated in the suction head ensures the full volume is utilized: This means that the gross and net container volumes are virtually identical.

Dewalt Table 1 Compliant SDS Plus Dust Extractors

The 1-1/8-inch DeWalt 20V Max XR SDS Plus Rotary Hammer with Dust Extractor (model DCH263R2DH) is a powerful, light, and OSHA Table 1 compliant tool that impressed us from the first trigger pull. We used it for chipping and drilling on several jobs and even made a large hole in a concrete wall for a hood exhaust. This DeWalt tool helps put airborne particles in the dust bin of history!

Bosch 9 Gallon Dust Extractors

The Bosch VAC090AH 9-Gallon Dust Extractor with Auto Filter Clean and HEPA Filter provides a complete package that is designed to help users move toward compliance with the OSHA silica dust regulation. The dust extractor delivers a maximum 150-cubic-feet-of-air-per-minute rate (CFM), with a sustainable 97 In.

Fein Power Tools Turbo II Shop Vacuum & Dust Extractors

FEIN TURBO vacuum cleaners have suitable connections for FEIN tools and adapters for many other devices, so you can keep the air and surroundings clean and dust-free while working. These powerful multi-talented machines vacuum up both dry dirt and liquids effortlessly. The FEIN TURBO Premium Class combines everything you expect from professional cleaning tools. It also meets all the criteria for a FEIN power tool.

Pulse-Bac Dust Extractor

Powerful and compact, the 500 Series offers great performance and portability. Designed to capture dust generated by power tools and for job site clean-up, it is ideal for work involving dust from concrete, drywall, and wood.

A great fit for general contractors, finish carpenters, drywall, wood flooring & surface prep professionals. The 500 Series is compliant with OSHA’s Silica Dust Rule. The 550 is also a good choice for facility maintenance and janitorial crews.

Bosch 14-Gallon Dust Extractor

The Bosch VAC series dust extractors come with the best in class combination of airflow and suction power, which makes this unit ideal for dust extraction. The VAC140A is capable of wet and dry pick up. When paired with a HEPA filter (accessory VF120H – not included), this unit has been independently tested to meet the EPA definition of a HEPA vacuum. The automatic filter cleaning system cleans the filter every 15 seconds, ensuring the dust extractor is always working at maximum efficiency.

Festool E HEPA Dust Extractor

Compact but large. Light but powerful. Whether it’s used on the construction site or in the workshop, thanks to its huge container capacity of 26 l, the CLEANTEC CT 26 provides maximum volume with compact dimensions. Equipped with swivelling castor wheels and rear wheels for optimum mobility. It also has a locking brake that provides stability on any surface as well as during transport.

Makita LXT Lithium-Ion HEPA Filter Dust Extractors

The 18V LXT® Brushless 2 Gallon HEPA Filter Portable Wet/Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum, Tool Only (XCV11Z) is a powerful, portable solution in dust management applications. The XCV11Z captures 99.97% of particulates .3 microns and larger with the efficient HEPA filter. It’s compact and cordless design with a shoulder strap (sold separately) allows easy transport of the vacuum throughout the space for efficient use. Get up to 60 minutes of continuous run-time and up to 57 CFM and 27” water lift of suction with just one 5.0Ah battery (sold separately).

Makita HEPA Filter Dry Dust Extractors

The good thing about having a battery-operated dust extractor is that it does not have a cord to trip over. You can use this unit with confidence that it and you won’t get tangled up. 2 batteries handle all the power source duties.

Plus, you get up to 75 minutes of continuous operation on a single charge. Combine that with its 3 stage filtering system and you have a great dust extractor at your disposal.

Festool MIDI HEPA Dust Extractors

With the new CT MIDI I, Festool affirms its place as the industry-leading, no-compromise pioneers of dust extraction. More than a mere update of the previous CT MIDI, the new CT MIDI I reimagines what a dust extractor can be. Powerful yet portable. Technically advanced yet easy to use. Durable yet adjustable to your unique needs.

CONCLUSION

Reading through this guide, whatever doubts you might have had, must have been cleared. These dust cleaners do a great job when used. You should get one for yourself.