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POWERTEC DC5370
- Simple installation
- Somewhat portable
- Bottom-zipper filter bag
Powermatic PM1300TX-CK
- Heavy-duty suction
- Tiny footprint
- Mobile on wheels
BUCKTOOL
- Space-saving design
- Powerful suction
- Decently large filter bag
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A dust collector for your shop is the best way to keep your workspace nice and tidy, but if you don’t have the means to install hundreds of square feet of ducts?
If you work out of your garage, the answer is getting a small dust collector! In this guide, we’ll show you what the best dust collector for small shop is out of the 30-plus models we’ve reviewed.
Best Dust Collector for Small Shop – POWERTEC DC5370
The best duct collector for small shop that leaves other more than 20 other devices in its dust is the POWERTEC DC5370.
It’s not the largest portable dust collector, even by small-shop standards, but it delivers plenty of power to vacuum up large chips and thin wood shavings every time.
Here’s what the POWERTEC DC5370 is all about—
- 1-HP Motor
- 537 CFM Suction Velocity
- 13-Gallon Storage Capacity
- Wall-Mounted
The POWERTEC DC5370 is one of the simplest dust collectors you can find. It consists of a 1-HP electric motor that provides 537 CFM of suction velocity.
Every chip, shaving, and dust particle gets stored in a 2.5-micron reusable filter bag for easy disposal or mulching.
The DC5370 can be mounted onto the sides of tables or onto walls for easy access around small shops.
Mounting and taking down the DC5370 is simple, thanks to the clamp and bolt system that allows you to move the dust collector around your shop wherever a mounting bracket is installed (additional brackets sold separately).
This machine also uses a keyed on/off switch to prevent accidental startup by unauthorized users.
Pros
- Simple installation
- Somewhat portable
- Bottom-zipper filter bag
- Lots of suction power
Cons
- Hose could clog less frequently
The compact, wall-mounted DC5370 is great for small shops but may prove somewhat ineffective at sucking up larger bits of debris.
Top dust collector for small shop in the Market Compared
Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall - POWERTEC DC5370 |
| Check Today's Price | |
Best Premium - Powermatic PM1300TX-CK |
| Check Today's Price | |
Best Budget - BUCKTOOL |
| Check Today's Price | |
SHOP FOX W1727 |
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SHOP FOX W1685 |
| Check Today's Price | |
Shop Fox W1666 |
| Check Today's Price | |
Jet DC-1200VX-CK1 |
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Grizzly Industrial G8027 |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Best dust collector for small shop
Best Premium - Powermatic PM1300TX-CK
Key Specifications
- 1.75-HP Motor
- 1300-CFM Suction Velocity
- 74-Gallon Storage Capacity
- TurboCone Separator
The Powermatic PM1300TX-CK is an incredible dust collect that stands pretty tall but leaves a compact footprint.
It sports a 1.75-HP motor that delivers a whopping 1300 CFM to pick up super-fine sawdust and cement dust, as well as pebbles and chips.
All of the collected debris gets placed inside of either a filter bag or storage compartment with a combined 74-gallon capacity.
Thanks to the TurboCone Separator, the PM1300TX-CK is able to work continuously with little to no clogging.
All of the finer debris gets trapped in the filter bag for quick and easy mulching, whereas wood chips and shavings are stored in a metallic compartment for later disposal.
You can also use an RC to turn the motor on and off at will from a short distance.
Pros
- Tiny footprint
- Comes with RC timer
- Heavy-duty suction
- Mobile on wheels
Cons
- RC needs unobstructed line of sight
Even though the timer’s sensor has roughly a 150-degree sensor arc, tiny objects can block the remote functioning properly.
Best Budget - BUCKTOOL
Key Specifications
- 1-HP Motor
- 300-CFM Suction Velocity
- 13-Gallon Storage Capacity
- Wall-Mounted
The BUCKTOOL is 1-HP dust extractor that mounts onto walls or on the side of work benches.
It delivers a decent amount of airflow velocity (300 CFM), which is proven to be more than enough to suction up wood chips without clogging the inlet duct.
Even though you can safely mount the BUCKTOOL with the included bracket, the unit’s frame sits atop four rubber feet to help it stay in place on table tops.
The BUCKTOOL comes with a 2-micron dust bag that stores up to 13 gallons of debris at a time.
See the BUCKTOOL 1HP Wall-Mount unit in all its glory by watching this video.
Pros
- Pretty quiet
- Powerful suction for most DIY woodworking
- Decently large filter bag
- Space-saving design
Cons
- Filter bag zipper could be better
Take care when zipping up the bag, otherwise the zipper might fall off completely. BUCKTOOL has responded by providing replacements to users, free of charge!
SHOP FOX W1727
Key Specifications
- 1-HP Engine
- 800-CFM Airflow Velocity
- 16-Gallon Storage Capacity
- 9-Inch Impeller Fan
The SHOP FOX W1727 has helped hundreds of hobbyist woodworkers keep their garage workshops tidy and free of flammable sawdust.
Users have found the W1727 to meet almost all of their dust-extraction needs, though the 800-CFM airflow volume picking up and storing fine sawdust and sand in the filter bag, though it does a great job at removing larger debris.
However, whatever it manages to suction up gets spun in a vortex separator.
The separator splits large debris from fine particles for easier disposal and mulching.
This machine is equipped with a sizable 9-inch impeller fan to suction more debris efficiently, leaving your floors relatively spotless after a good cleanup.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Decent suction power
- Portable on wheels
- Decent separator
Cons
- Duct could clog less frequently
The SHOP FOX W1727 is a great all-around dust collector for any shop, but it does struggle on occasion when picking up medium- and large-sized debris.
SHOP FOX W1685
Key Specifications
- 1.5-HP Motor
- 1280-CFM Suction Velocity
- 40-Gallon Storage Capacity
- 12-inch Impeller Fan
The SHOP FOX W1685 is a larger version of the previous model. Its motor is rated 1.5 HP and can deliver up to 1280 CFM of suction at peak performance.
With the separator system in place, this machine keeps the fine particles (sawdust, cement) out of the way of larger debris for reduced risk of clogging.
The filter bag can hold up to 40 gallons of sawdust at a time.
The magic behinds the W1685’s astounding performance comes from a wider impeller fan.
Measuring a foot in diameter, this dust collector brings in more debris—from small to large—for better cleaning performance, leaving your floors relatively grit-free after all is said and done.
Pros
- Portable
- Powerful suction
- Relatively quiet for its size
- Steel construction, including impeller
Cons
- Assembly could be easier
Putting the W1685 can be a pain, and the instructions manual won’t provide much help. First-time users may have difficulty figuring things out.
Shop Fox W1666
Key Specifications
- 2-HP Motor
- 1550-CFM Suction Velocity
- 40-Gallon Storage Capacity
- Safety Paddle Switch
We have yet another SHOP FOX production for you; this time, it’s the W1666. Its 2-HP motor is even larger than the previous FOXes, and it sucks dirt, cement particles, chips, and all sorts of debris thanks to its 1550-CFM max suction speed.
For those who use benchtop planers deal with metal shavings, this one’s for you.
Despite its amazing suction and cleaning performance, the W1666 still leaves a tiny footprint, making this the ideal dust collector for small shops and hardcore DIY-ers.
A keyed safety paddle switch prevents unauthorized use of the tool while making it easier to turn on and off.
See what the W1666 can do in this promotional video.
Pros
- Portable yet heavy-duty
- Incredibly powerful suction
- Useful dual-hose fitting
- Picks up all sorts of debris
Cons
- Plastic bag could be easier to attach
After the initial fumbling of (re)installing the plastic bag, it’s all smooth sailing with the W1666 in your workshop.
Jet DC-1200VX-CK1
Key Specifications
- 2-HP Motor
- 1200-CFM Suction Velocity
- 40-Gallon Storage Capacity
- Vortex Cone Separator
The Jet DC-1200VX-CK1 is a lot easier to use than it is to pronounce its name.
This ultra-powerful dust collector uses a 2-HP motor to deliver up to 1200 CFM of suction power speed to remove small and large-sized debris off of your shop’s floor.
With the high-performance vortex cone separator, the 40-gallon filter bag for finer debris fills up less quickly.
If you’re wondering whether a 2-HP dust collector is overkill for small shops, not necessarily.
DIY-ers whose floors are covered in more than just sawdust and cement dust have benefitted greatly from the high-performance suction of this monster-like machine.
Here’s a hilarious video full of information about the DC-1200CV-CK1.
Pros
- Infrequent clogging
- Maintains even pressure
- Inlet can be split with Y-fitting
- Picks up wood chips and metal shavings
Cons
- Only runs on 230V power
Make sure your garage shop is equipped with the proper power outlet to make use of the DC-1200VX-CK1’s astounding cleaning performance.
Grizzly Industrial G8027
Key Specifications
- 1-HP Motor
- 500-CFM Suction Velocity
- 17-Gallon Storage Capacity
- 30-Micron Filter Bag
Last up is the G8027 by Grizzly Industrial. This is a simpler device that uses a 1-HP motor to deliver only around 500 CFM.
With such limited power, the G8027 might struggle to pick up larger pieces of debris but will work beautifully at removing sawdust and cement dust.
Every fine particle then gets stored in a 17-gallon filer bag for easy disposal later on.
However, the filter bag is definitely not particle-friendly.
The mesh allows debris up to 30 microns in size to pass without trouble, meaning that the G8027 is best suited for those who deal more with chips, shavings, and pebbles of dried concrete.
Anything smaller and you may have a bad time.
Here’s a quick look at the G8027’s features and uses.
Pros
- Decent suction power
- Portable on wheels
- Reasonably priced
- Comes with keyed safety switch
Cons
- Filter bag could be finer
The G8027 certainly could use some upgrades in the filter bag department, but it works incredibly well for larger debris.
Best woodworking dust collector - Jet 1100VX
If you want a dust collector made specifically for picking up sawdust, wood chips, and shavings, then the Jet DC-1100VX-CK Dust Collect is your best bet.
Here’s what the 1100VX has in store—
- 1.5-HP Motor
- 1100-CFM Suction Velocity
- 74-Gallon Storage Capacity
- Vortex Cone Separator
The 1100VX works just like any dust collector—it has a 1.5-HP motor that provides 1100 CFM of suction power to pick up all sorts of small and large debris.
The 74-gallon filter bag is indeed a nice touch as it’ll reduce the number of times you need to empty it out per day. It also has a handy Y-fitting that splits suction power between tools.
The vortex cone separator does an excellent job at keeping finer particles in the filter bag.
With fewer chips making into the bag, there’s less of a risk of tearing, so you can enjoy the dust collector for longer without maintenance.
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Portable
- Relatively quiet
- Can connect multiple woodworking tools
Cons
- Could be better balanced
The Jet 1100VX is quite top-heavy, so you’ll have to pay extra attention while moving it around your shop. Otherwise, keep it in one location and get enough ducts and converters to leave the dust collector in place.
Best dust collector for table saw - Central Machinery
Since most of the dust produced by a table saw gets lodged beneath the table, you’ll need the Central Machinery 2 HP Industrial 5 Micron Dust Collector’s powerful suction to remove everything hidden from view.
Below, you’ll see what the Central Machinery 2-HP Dust Collector can offer—
- 2-HP Motor
- 1550-CFM Suction Velocity
- 70-Gallon Storage Capacity
- 2 Collection Bags
A table saw requires a high-powered dust collector, such as this Central Machine 2-HP beast that sucks up air and debris at a rate of 1550 CFM at max power.
What’s most surprising is that it delivers this much power while plugged into a standard 120V outlet!
With this dust collector, you’ll get a second 70-gallon filter bag that you can swap with the other to reduce downtime (pro woodworkers will appreciate this).
The large-capacity filter bag is a must-have for any table saw owners as they know how much dust goes in and around the tool. You can also connect a second tool to the Y-fitting.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Free second collection bag with purchase
- Astounding suction power
- Lots of suction power to spare for second tool
Cons
- Could have better soundproofing
Make sure the right-sized adapters to connect your 2.5-inch table saw port to the Central Machine’s 4-inch inlet.
FAQ’s
If your question isn’t answered in this section, we’ll be happy to assist in the comment section.
It depends on what sort of debris you’re working with. Those who need to remove fine particles like cement and sawdust will require a dust collector with a higher CFM rating if the machine comes with a separator. Since higher CFM means greater suction, finer particles get shot upward into the collection bad with a fine filter. Any larger particles simply float down into a waiting plastic bag.
Our list contains both options; our overall best pick is the wall-mountable POWERTEC DC5370 that stays in place with the help of brackets. You can purchase multiple brackets and relocate the wall-mounted dust collectors to pick up messes in other locations. Some users purchase extra hoses/ducts to increase the suction range of mounted dust collector, but the longer the suction duct is, the weaker its suction becomes.
If you work in a small shop, it’s possible that a shop vac could be a great substitute for a dust collector. Dust collectors can take up space that your shop may not have, whereas a shop vac can be moved in and out when needed. If you think a shop vac is more appropriate for your small workshop, we’ve got the perfect guide for you here.
No, you should not. It can be tempting to clean your work area with whatever vacuum tool you have on hand, but the truth is that sawdust, cement, and larger debris will only ruin your vacuum cleaner. Their filters are not equipped to handle the coarseness of workshop messes, and your vacuum cleaner will end up completely totaled. For your small workshop, stick to the right tools, and in terms of cleanliness, get a dust collector.
Summary
Dust collectors are a vital tool for every shop, big or small.
If you’re working out of a cluttered, tool-filled shop, then this guide on the best dust collector for small shops will help you find the best tool for your debris cleanup needs.
We’ll address as many questions and comments as possible in the comment section.