Best Budget Dust Collector for Shops & Garage

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Pressed for time? Check our best picks

best overall rating★★★★★

SHOP FOX W1727

  • Easy to assemble
  • Good suction power
  • Stationary or portable
best overall rating★★★★★

SHOP FOX W1685

  • Heavy duty suction
  • Long-lasting
  • Extra-fine filtration
best overall rating★★★★★

WEN 3401

  • Decent suction
  • Not very noisy
  • Affordable price

Our reviews are unbiased, fact-based, and comprehensively researched to help you make the right buying decisions.

 
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A well-designed dust collection system doesn’t just enhance workplace productivity but also your health.

Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a dust collector to save a fortune on medical bills. Here, we’ll show you what the best budget dust collector is.

We’ve scoured the internet and researched over 40 low-cost options to find the best of the best for you.

best overall rating

Best Budget Dust Collector – SHOP FOX W1727

Out of 43 models we researched thoroughly, the best budget dust collector of them all is the SHOP FOX W1727. With a 1-HP motor and lots of suction power, the W1272 can pick up all sorts of debris instantly and thoroughly.

Below, you’ll find the key specifications for the SHOP FOX W1272—

  • 1-HP Motor
  • 800-CFM Suction Velocity
  • 16-Gallon Storage Capacity
  • 9-inch Impeller Fan

The SHOP FOX W1727 is a portable, 1 HP-dust collector that helps in keeping your workshop free of fine dust and improving overall air quality.

With an air suction capacity of 800 CFM and a storage capacity of 16 gallons, this dust collector is suitable for use as a stationary central dust collector or as a mobile unit.

It also comes with a removable lock out key for maximum safety and prevention of unauthorized use.

The W1727 filters dust, pollutants, and other debris as small as 2.5 microns from the collected air.

Large debris gets stored in the plastic bag and dispose of it easily by disconnecting the bag clamp.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Good suction power
  • Space-efficient
  • Stationary or portable

Cons

  • Airflow could be better

Even though the output duct could be more bent for better airflow, the W1272 is good for shops with limited space.

Top budget dust collector in the Market Compared

Product ImageProduct NameFeaturesPrice
Best Overall-SHOP FOX W1727
  • Motor Size: 1 HP
  • Suction Rate: 800 CFM
  • Storage Capacity: 16 Gallons
  • 9-inch Impeller Fan
Best Premium-SHOP FOX W1685
  • Motor Size: 1.5 HP
  • Suction Rate: 1280 CFM
  • Storage Capacity: 40 Gallons
  • 12-inch Impeller Fan
Best Budget-WEN 3401
  • Motor Size: 5.7 amp
  • Suction Rate: 660 CFM
  • Storage Capacity: 12 Gallons
  • Wall-Mounted
Best portable dust collector-Rikon Portable Dust Collector
  • Motor Size: 1 HP
  • Suction Rate: 660 CFM
  • Storage Capacity: 12 GAllons
  • Wall-Mounted
Best dust collector for small shop-POWERTEC DC5370
  • Motor Size: 1 HP
  • Suction Rate: 537 CFM
  • Storage Capacity: 13 Gallons
  • Wall-Mounted
Best cyclone-The Dust Deputy Deluxe Anti-Static Cyclone Separator
  • Motor Size: Non-Motorized
  • Suction Rate: Minimum 50 CFM
  • Storage Capacity: 5 Gallons
  • Wet and Dry
Shop Fox W1826
  • Motor Size: 1 HP
  • Suction Rate: 537 CFM
  • Storage Capacity: 15 Gallons
  • Wall-Mounted
Shop Fox W1666
  • Motor Size: 2 HP
  • Suction Rate: 1550 CFM
  • Storage Capacity: 40 Gallons
  • Safety Paddle Switch
BUCKTOOL
  • Motor Size: 1 HP
  • Suction Rate: 550 CFM
  • Storage Capacity: 13 Gallons
  • Wall-Mounted
Jet DC-1200VX-CK1
  • Motor Size: 2 HP
  • Suction Rate: 1200 CFM
  • Storage Capacity: 40 Gallons
  • Vortex Cone Separator

Reviews of Best budget dust collector

Best Premium - SHOP FOX W1685

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 1.5-HP Motor
  • 1280-CFM Airflow Velocity
  • 40-Gallon Storage Capacity
  • 12-inch Impeller Fan

The Shop Fox W1685 is a 1.5 HP-motor dust collector to keep your workplace clean and dust-free.

It comes with a single-phase motor and a heavy-duty, 12-inch, long-lasting steel impeller that sucks air at 1280 CFM.

Worry no more about scratches with this powder-coated machine finish, as it is built to last for use with any of your woodworking machines, from jointers to saws to planers and other power tools.

This dust collector is really convenient to operate for stationary, central, or mobile use, and the powerful motor allows ample air movement while improving air quality.

With the 6-inch inlet and removable 4-inch Y-fitting, this tool can clear up dust from two sources simultaneously.

You will also find that it comes with a handy safety switch to stop unauthorized use of the tool.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Less noise
  • Heavy duty suction
  • Extra-fine filtration

Cons

  • Hard to reinstall bottom bag

The W1685 is a long-lasting dust collector made of durable steel that delivers heavy-duty suction at low noise levels.

Best Budget - WEN 3401

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 5.7-amp Motor
  • 660-CFM Airflow Velocity
  • 12-Gallon Storage Capacity
  • Wall-Mounted

The WEN 3401 is a 5.7-amp dust collector with 12-gallon storage capacity and can be wall-mounted at any time.

With 660-CFM air suction velocity, this tool can help keep your workplace environment free of sawdust as well as other debris and pollutants.

Simply connect it to one of your dust-producing power tools with the 4-inch duct (adapter may be needed).

Secured with four 1.75-inch swivel casters, you can relocate it at any time, otherwise, you can leave it mounted onto a wall or workbench until needed.

The compact design makes it easy to mount or move between different work areas.

Pros

  • Decent suction
  • Not very noisy
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to assemble and mount

Cons

  • Could be easier to empty the bag

With its low price and ease of use, the WEN 3401 is helpful at keeping your workplace free of larger pieces of debris.

Best portable dust collector - Rikon Portable Dust Collector

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 1-HP Motor
  • 537-CFM Suction Velocity
  • 15-Gallon Storage Capacity
  • Wall-Mounted

The Shop Fox W1826 is a 1 HP motor-powered, aluminum-made wall dust collector that captures dust right at the source to help reduce clogging and maintain work efficiency.

Running at 537 CFM, it sucks away dust, debris, and other pollutants from most power tools and machines while minimizing static pressure loss.

The W1826 can safely be mounted onto walls or on one side of a workbench for quick access and sawdust-removal performance.

It pushes air through a 15-gallon, pleated filter bag to trap all particles—large and tiny—inside.

The zipper is located at the bottom of the bag to allow for super-fast and easy disposal.

Pros

  • Not very noisy
  • Great suction power
  • Sturdy construction
  • Easy to mount and remove

Cons

  • Bag clamp could be better designed

The W1826 is well-built wall-mountable dust collector that performs reasonable well for its cost and size.

Best dust collector for small shop - POWERTEC DC5370

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 2-HP Motor
  • 1550-CFM Airflow Velocity
  • 40-Gallon Storage Capacity
  • Safety Paddle Switch

The Shop Fox W1666 is a 2-HP, free-standing dust collector that delivers an astounding amount of airflow to remove more particles and debris from the ground and air.

With an air suction capacity of 1550 CFM and storage capacity of 40 gallons, this tool offers a ton of excellent at a reasonable price.

The W1666 can clean after multiple machines through its 6-inch intake port with removable Y-fitting with two 4-inch openings.

Thanks to the high-efficiency, curved fins in the steel impeller, the W1666 can handle wood debris as it passes through the 2.5-micron filter bag without hassle while withstanding the bumps and bruises of passing debris.

With its safety switch comprised of an oversized paddle and removable lockout key, you can prevent unauthorized use to maintain safety at all times.

Pros

  • Less noise
  • Easy to move around
  • Long-lasting steel impeller
  • Excellent suction performance

Cons

  • Could be lighter

Seeing how the W1666 can perform, we will certainly give a pass to its oversized bulkiness and wei

Best cyclone - The Dust Deputy Deluxe Anti-Static Cyclone Separator

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 1-HP Motor
  • 300-CFM Suction Velocity
  • 13-Gallon Storage Capacity
  • Wall-Mounted

The BUCKTOOL is a convenient dust collector that keeps your environment clean of nearly all debris without taking up a ton of floorspace.

With a bag capacity of 13 gallons and suction power rating of 300 CFM, the BUCKTOOL can leave your floors relatively free of chips, shavings, pebbles, and other medium- to large-sized pollutants.

Limited space in your workshop should not be a problem with the wall-mount design, using mounting brackets to save precious floor space in the workplace.

Equipped with a high-quality, durable hose that can fit most woodworking machines and a 2-micron dust bag, the BUCKTOOL filters debris without a hitch.

Pros

  • Not too noisy
  • Decent suction
  • Flexible hose
  • Space-efficient design

Cons

  • Bag zipper could be stronger

Even though the flimsy bag zipper makes the disposal process challenging, the BUCKTOOL is an overall good product with excellent performance.

Shop Fox W1826

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 2-HP Motor
  • 1200-CFM Suction Velocity
  • 40-Gallon Storage Capacity
  • Vortex Cone Separator

The Jet DC-1200VX-CK1 is a powerful 2-HP dust collector that delivers up to 1200 CFM of suction power to capture debris of all sizes in its 40-gallon-capacity filter bag.

It is both effective and efficient in keeping workshop floors and indoor air clean and comfortable.

Built with four heavy-duty casters, users can easily move the unit around to supply cleaning power to any tool or spot in your shop.

Thanks to its fan-cooled enclosed motor, the 1200VX delivers efficient air movement continuously through 2-micron filters, and Vortex Cone technology prevents filter clogging and increases overall performance.

It is also built with 12-inch steel impellers for stronger and more durable use.

See what this unique vortex-style, single-stage dust collector is about in this video. 

 

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Heavy-duty suction
  • Easy-to-change bags
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Could be less noisy

The 1200VX delivers such astounding filtration performance, thanks to its mega-powerful motor and Vortex separator.

Shop Fox W1666

best overall rating

If you’re shopping for a portable dust collector on a budget, we have the perfect model for you—the Rikon Portable Dust Collector.

Here’s what the Rikon dust collector’s key specifications look like

  • 1-HP Motor
  • 660-CFM Suction Delivery
  • 12-Gallon Storage Capacity
  • Wall-Mountable

The super-portable Rikon dust collector sports a 1-HP motor that picks up metal and wood dust incredibly well for its size, making it a super-convenient tool to have for small shop operations.

With its wall-mounting option and handle, you can move the tool easily or keep it mounted on the wall to save precious floor space.

Using a single 4-inch dust port, it draws in air at a capacity of 660 CFM, making it best for woodworking tools like jointers and planers.

Complete with an adjustable pipe extension with chip-collecting funnel and funnel attachment system, the Rikon cleans sawdust easily from higher-up tools like lathes, drill presses, and tabletop planers.

It can store up to 12 gallons of dust and debris as small as 2 microns inside of the bag.

Pros

  • Easy to empty
  • Sturdy build
  • Very quiet
  • Easy to move around

Cons

  • Could be more powerful

Though not as powerful as other wall-mounted dust cleaners, the Rikon still performs incredibly well at picking up dust at the source.

BUCKTOOL 1HP 6.5AMP Wall-mount Dust Collector

best overall rating

If you want to get the most out of a dust collector in a shop with limited space, then the Powertec DC5370 is the right tool for you.

Here’s what the Powertec DC5370 has to offer—

  • 1-HP Motor
  • 537-CFM Suction Velocity
  • 13-Gallon Storage Capacity
  • Wall-Mounted

The DC5370 is a compact yet handy dust collector that keeps your machines free from clutter.

It comes with a 1 HP-motor that draws in air at 537 CFM to thoroughly clean just about any type of dust from your machine, from woodchips to sawdust to other forms of debris.

With its 2.5-micron reusable filter bag, the DC5370 collects even the finest dust particles inside of its 12-gallon bag.

Thanks to its 4-inch inlet port, you can attach the DC5370 to any machine you are using (adapter may be necessary). Its compact size is very suitable for tiny pro or hobby shops.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Good suction
  • Saves floor space
  • Reusable filter bag

Cons

  • Bag could be easier to open

The DC5370 is very handy and performs reliably in keeping your workbenches and tools safe of dust, chips, and any other kinds of debris.

Jet DC-1200VX-CK1

best overall rating

If you want a two-stage cyclone dust collector but can’t afford a freestanding model, the perfect budget-friendly solution is to get the Dust Deputy Deluxe Anti-Static Cyclone Separator.

Here’s what this handy piece tool is about—

  • Non-Motorized
  • Minimum 50 CFM
  • 5-Gallon Storage Capacity
  • Suctions both Wet and Dry

The Dust Deputy Deluxe Anti-Static Cyclone Separator can be used to eliminate suction loss in any wet/dry vacuum.

The Dust Deputy Deluxe comes with a 5-gallon, heavy-duty dust bucket with lid and pre-cut holes for cycle mounting.

With an airflow rating of 50 to 150 CFM to maximize suction, it uses centrifugal force to eliminate 99% dust and pollutants before they even reach your vacuum filter.

Thanks to its 2.5-inch adjustable hose/band clamp, 2-inch by 3-feet vacuum connection hose, and dual 90-degree hose elbow adapters, users can easily connect this device to any wet/dry vacuum.

Pros

  • Portable design
  • High efficiency
  • Good suction power
  • Works with most materials

Cons

  • More effort to assemble

Although the product needs time to install properly at first, it is very effective at separating dust from debris to prolong the lifespan of your shop vac’s filter.

FAQ’s

You can find our answers to the most commonly asked questions about budget-friendly dust collectors below.

Are budget-friendly dust collectors worth it?

They say that you get what you pay for when it comes to dust management systems. However, the best budget dust collectors listed above outshine most of what you’d find on the market in terms of cleaning performance and convenience. If you’re just building your DIY workshop piece by piece, investing in a low-cost dust collector can be the right choice.

How much CFM do I need?

The finer the debris (sawdust, cement dust, ground dust) will require a higher CFM rating to properly separate them from larger debris. The general rule is that at least 350 CFM is ideal for medium-to-large debris, while over 1,000 CFM is suited for all types, including super-fine particles. As you can see on our list, we have budget-friendly products that meet both criteria.

What are the advantages of a mountable dust collector?

Basically, it saves floor space. This type of dust collector is ideal for smaller workshops with little room to spare. You can mount the dust collector on walls or on one side of your workbench for easier access. By purchasing multiple mounting brackets, you can move the dust collector to different parts of your workshop at any time.

Do I need a cyclone dust collector?

Cyclone dust collectors are the Rolls-Royce of the dust management world. You might not need it, especially if you don’t have the floor space or height clearance in your garage workshop, but having one will significantly improve indoor air quality by trapping more microscopic debris. They cost more than traditional single-stage devices; that’s why we didn’t include any, except for the Dust Deputy Deluxe Anti-Static Cyclone Separator attachment.

Summary

If you work with wood, metal, or concrete, you cannot skimp out of a dust collector.

Even a low-cost option would be preferable to exposing your lungs to microscopic pollutants that can go airborne with the slightest gust of wind.

In this guide, we showed you what the best budget dust collector is, as well as offered several alternatives that excel at different parts of dust management.

If you need help finding the best dust collector on a budget, we can lend a helping hand in the comment section.

About Sharon Martin

Sharon loves to work on power tools and provides handyman services. She is an expert with both wood and metalwork. When free, she loves to hear country music and spend time with her cats.

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