“Cyclone dust collectors are perfect tools to maintain your workspace clean and safeguard your health as well”
The dust generated while working in a workshop can be quite dangerous to your health. So, investing in a cyclone dust collector is a wise choice.
They use centrifugal force to remove high-volume and large dust particles from the air. They can easily separate heavy chips and fine dust from the air without clogging.
They can be used in various industrial applications and workshops as well to keep the place and tool clean. While making a purchase, we recommend considering the below factors.
- Motor Power: An electric motor is used to power the cyclone dust collector, and its power rating is measured in horsepower (HP). The higher the HP valve, the more powerful the machine does its work. Here a cyclone dust collector with a 1.5HP motor will work well for small shops, 2HP motor is perfect for medium-sized shops, whereas a 3HP or more motor power is ideal for a larger shop.
- Airflow: Dust collectors use air to get rid of any dust or debris around the working place. The airflow is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). The higher the CFM value, the more dust a machine removes. Use a dust collector with 1000 (or below) CFM for small shops, 1500 – 2000 CFM for medium-sized shops, and 2000 (or above) CFM for large or industrial-sized shops.
- Drum Capacity: It let you know about the size of the container/collection bin used to collect dust and debris. If you want to use a cyclone dust collector for industrial uses, then pick a model with a high capacity, which includes collection bin capacity options like 30-gallon, 50-gallon or 65-gallon. Having a model with a higher capacity will save you time by cleaning a lot of dust at once.
There are various models available in the market and one has to pick the right option that is suitable for their workshop and preference. Here we came up with a list of best product reviews and a detailed “Buying Guide” to help you narrow down your shopping process and to quickly choose a quality dust collector.
Top Cyclone Dust Collectors Chart
| Cyclone Dust Collector | Air Flow | Capacity | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shop Fox Cyclone Dust Collector | 1280 CFM | 42 gallon | 2 year | Check On Amazon |
| Festool Cyclone Dust Collector | - | 5.3 gallon | 3 year | Check On Amazon |
| Jet Jcdc 2 2Hp Cyclone Dust Collector | 938 CFM | 30 gallon | 5 year | Check On Amazon |
| Jet Jcdc 3 3Hp Cyclone Dust Collector | 1240 CFM | 66 gallon | 5 year | Check On Amazon |
| DeWalt Cyclone Dust Collector | - | 6 gallon | 3 year | Check On Amazon |
5 Best Cyclone Dust Collectors Reviews
1. Shop Fox Cyclone Dust Collector
Shop Fox brand supplies high-quality tools at stunning budget-friendly prices. The sophisticated dust collector comes with a single-phase motor that runs at 3450 rpm and has 1.5-horsepower. With such impressive power, it makes sure that there are no dust particles left behind.
Moreover, it features a 12-inch steel impeller that moves 1280 cu. feet of air per minute. The steel impeller also handles the debris that has been collected and transfers it into a 2.5-micron filter bag.
You can connect more than one machine for dust collection with its Y-fitting. This unique functionality comes with two 4-inch openings. You can easily remove the Y-fitting if you don’t need two ports and use a direct 6-inch inlet or you can simply cap off one of the 4-inch inlets.
You can fix the dust collector to one place or you can move it around for your convenience. It comes with bolt holes at the bottom for you to easily install the machine on a sturdy floor. Furthermore, the dust collector comes with a safety switch to prevent any unauthorized use and prevent accidents.
Best Features:
- Motor size: 1-1/2 HP, 110V, Single-phase, 3,450 RPM
- 1280 CFM air suction capacity
- 12-inch steel impeller
- 2.5-micron bag filter
- 108 pounds weight
Pros:
- Sturdy built
- Highly durable
- Powder-coated finish
- Heavy-duty impeller
- Removable Y-fitting
- Quick-release band clamp
Cons:
- After-sales service can be better
2. Festool Cyclone Dust Collector
Festool is a brand of cleaning tools and equipment that is known for making affordable and value for money products and power tools. As a result, its cyclone dust separator is also quite affordable, which makes it perfect for users who are on a budget.
This Festool 204083 CT cyclone dust collector is present in the 3rd position in this article as it is the cheapest option mentioned here that makes it a great pick for users who are on a budget. Even though it has a lower price tag, you still get a lot of features with this cyclone dust collector. All of these features and options offered by it make it a great value for money option for a lot of users out there. That being said, this cyclone dust collector is more ideal for home applications and not for industrial usage. As a result, you get a lower 5.3-gallon collection bin capacity.
Talking about its performance, Festool does not offer any specific airflow rating to the user. But for the given home application usage, it’s electric motor should be more than enough for most users out there. Unlike other budget options out there, this one offers a 3-year long warranty for peace of mind. Its build quality is also quite decent and should last for a long period of time without any issues.
Best Features:
- Decently powerful electric motor
- 3-gallon collection bin capacity
- 3-year long warranty
- Great build quality for the given price
- Easy to use design for first-time users out there
- Affordable price tag for budget buyers and users
Pros:
- One of the cheapest cyclone dust collector for budget buyers and users
- Offers a lot of handy features and options for a high value for money
- Decent build quality and a long warranty period for peace of mind
Cons:
- Collection bin capacity of 5.3 gallons is quite low
- No airflow rating is given by Festool
3. Jet Jcdc 2 2Hp Cyclone Dust Collector
As mentioned earlier, Jet is a popular brand of dust collecting machines and equipment. Therefore, we are here with another cyclone dust collector that is a bit affordable than the previous one.
The Jet JCDC-2 cyclone dust collector is another great option for those of you who are looking for a reliable and durable cyclone dust collector. This is due to the reason that just like the previous Jet cyclone dust collector, this one also offers a 5-year long warranty. Although, the build quality and construction are not as good as the previous one since you can get a better option at the given price tag. Thankfully, the price tag of this cyclone dust collector is quite justified, especially when you consider its performance and other features.
As per its name, you get a 2 HP electric motor in this cyclone dust collector that uses both 110 volts as well as 220-volt electricity. Due to this motor, you are able to get a decent airflow rating of 938 CFM that should be more than enough for the given price tag and collection bin capacity. Talking about collection bin capacity, it uses a 30-gallon collection bin that makes it perfect for both industrial and smaller applications. A highly useful feature of this cyclone dust collector is that it comes with inbuilt wheels that can be useful for moving it around your workshop if needed.
Best Features:
- Airflow rating of 938 cubic feet per minute
- 2 HP electric motor
- 30-gallon collection bin capacity
- 5-year long warranty
- Decently powerful motor for an optimum airflow rating
- Collection bin offers a balance for both industrial as well as home usage
Pros:
- Justified price tag for the given price tag
- One of the most reliable and durable cyclone dust collectors out there
- Offers wheels on the bottom for easily moving it around
Cons:
- Build quality could have been better
- Slightly large and bulky form factor and design
4. Jet Jcdc 3 3Hp Cyclone Dust Collector
Jet is one of the most popular brands of cleaning tools like a dust collector and offers a wide range of models. As you would expect, it also makes a cyclone style dust collector for both industrial and consumer usage that offers great performance.
Jet JCDC-3 cyclone dust collector is present in the 2nd position in this article as it is the most reliable and durable option present in this article. This is due to the reason that it offers an excellent build quality that is even better than most of the more expensive options out there. Apart from having a great build quality, you also get a 5-year long warranty with this cyclone dust collector. This means that you can rely on this dust collector for a long time and clean a lot of dust over time without facing any reliability issues as such. And it is able to offer this at a justified price tag.
Even though the build quality and warranty period of this dust collector makes it perfect for industrial usage, the performance from its 3 HP electric motor leaves the user wanting for more since it has an airflow rating of just 1240 CFM. Thankfully, you do get a large-sized collection bin capacity that is rated at 66 gallons and the highest in this article. As a result, you can use it to filter out a lot of dust quite easily. You get inbuilt wheels in this cyclone dust collector that allows you to easily move this dust collector around your workplace quite easily.
Best Features:
- Airflow rating of 1240 cubic feet per minute
- 3 HP electric motor
- 63-gallon collection bin capacity
- 5-year long warranty
- Excellent build quality
- Comes with inbuilt wheels for easily moving around your workshop
- Offers a large-sized collection bin for saving time
- Efficient and silent electric motor
Pros:
- Most reliable and durable cyclone dust collector in this article
- Large-sized collection bin for removing a lot of dust at once
- Wheels on the bottom for ease of use while moving the dust collector
Cons:
- Airflow rating of 1240 CFM could have been higher
- Slightly on the larger and heavier side
5. DeWalt Cyclone Dust Collector
DEWALT Dust Separator with 6 Gallon Poly Tank is a powerful cyclone dust collector designed for enhanced workshop cleanliness. Boasting an impressive 99.5% efficiency, it effectively captures wood chips and debris before they reach your vacuum cleaner, preventing clogs and ensuring sustained suction power.
The dust separator is highly versatile, suitable for various materials such as wood chips, drywall dust, concrete dust, metal shavings, pet hair, and more, catering to a wide range of applications. The 6-gallon poly bucket is easily emptied, and the 1-7/8″ or 2-1/2″ port makes it compatible with most vacuum cleaners, whether household, industrial, or sweepers. .
Best Features
- 6-gallon capacity
- Integrated dump bin
- Versatile application for various materials
- Compatible with 1-7/8″ or 2-1/2″ ports for most vacuum cleaners
- Stable four-caster base for easy workshop mobility
- Premium materials with anti-clogging design for durability
Pros:
- 30% faster than others
- Value for money
- Easy to install
- Good quality
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Power consumption is a little bit high
How To Choose The Right Cyclone Dust Collector
Choosing the best cyclone dust collector is essential to remove dangerous dust from the air and thereby to stay healthy. For this, we have to consider various factors while shopping for cyclone dust collectors.
Let’s take a closer look at the features to consider before buying them.
1. Motor Power
Cyclone dust collectors depend on an electric motor for powering their whole mechanism. Its power rating is measured in horsepower (HP). The higher the HP count of a motor, the more powerful it works.
The motor power will greatly influence the overall performance of the cyclone dust collector. So, the electric motor of your cyclone dust collector should be powerful to ensure that you won’t get any power issues down the road. Generally, motors with a 1.5 HP is the standard motor power for most dust collectors.
- A cyclone dust collector with a 1.5HP motor is enough for small shops.
- A 2HP model is required to deal with medium-sized shops.
- Check for 3HP (or more) cyclone dust collectors if having a larger shop.
2. Airflow
Usually, the airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). It indicates the amount of air flowing through a dust collector to remove dust. The higher the CFM value, the more dust is collected quickly.
Different volumes of dust are produced by different shop tools and thus you require a dust collector that matches with the dust production of your tool to clean it effectively. For example, you need a dust collector with 350 – 500 CFM for the drum and disc sander, whereas a dust collector with a bit higher CFM capacity is required for a belt sander.
One should choose the CFM capacity of a dust collector based on the shop’s size and level of dust production to efficiently remove the dust.
- For small shops, dust collectors with 1000 CFM (or less) will work fine with their good level of suction.
- For medium to large shops, a dust collector with 1500 – 2000 CFM is an excellent choice.
- For industrial-sized space, a dust collector with more than 2000 CFM is required to remove a high level of dust quickly.
3. Drum Capacity
It refers to the overall size of the container (collection bin) used to collect the dust and debris. There are two main things to consider.
The first thing to consider is that, if a unit having a big drum will eventually cut down your spent time in emptying the dust, as it takes a longer time to fill up. The other thing is that a larger drum may be too heavy/cumbersome, which has its own problems while disposing of the waste.
The minimum capacity of the drum will start from 30-gallons, which is quite enough for small shops, yet you can also go for 50+ gallons. You need to choose the drum capacity based on the motor power of the dust collector. For instance, find a tank ranging from 40 – 80 gallons of storage capacity for large dust collectors of 3HP. Find a tank with not more than 50-gallon capacity for the smallest 1 HP or 2 HP collectors.
4. Hose Dimensions
The size of the dust collector and hose dimensions are correlated. Usually, a larger unit has wider hose dimensions. Then you should know how these hose dimensions will affect the tool’s performance. The smaller the hose diameter, the easier it can maneuver. Also, a smaller hose is less cumbersome, yet it won’t match larger hoses in dust/debris collection.
For this, you need to observe what type of debris or dust is produced by your power tools in your shop. If you find dust most often, then pick a collector with a smaller hose, whereas, go with a larger hose diameter for collecting big pieces of dust or debris.
5. Size of the Shop
The shop’s size will play a key role in choosing the type of dust collector. Since a cyclone dust collector is the best option but there are plenty of different sizes available in the market. If you select a smaller option, then it would end up with an inadequate level of dust collection. Also, it is a deciding factor when you are on the fence between the two best options. It is always better to go for a bit larger option to make it use efficiently.
6. Filtration Power
Different dust collector models offer different sized filters, as some models filter out tiny pieces of dirt, whereas others can filter out dust particles that are larger than 2 microns. There are a few models that filter out dust particles lower than one micron. The lesser the dust floating around in the air, the lesser the dust you breathe, and thereby help you to stay healthy in the long run.
Pleated materials filter small particles of 2 microns to 1 micron. Others like polyester filters can filter particles as little as 0.5 microns (or even small). The finer the screen, the more dust it collects from outside.
Mostly, the models with better filters cost more, in which this extra investment is worthwhile. Since your health is the primary and thereby having a quality filter will make the collector do their work perfectly. Or else it simply spits dust-filled air into the room.
7. Two-Stage Collectors
Most of the modern cyclone dust collectors come with this two-stage collectors feature, which means heavy debris are collected at first and then followed by filtering fine particles. So, the two-stage collectors will prevent your filters from getting clogged, why because it filters and collects the debris in a two-stage process. Since a clogged filter will never perform well, which makes it is an essential feature to consider while buying this dust collector.
8. Portability
A portable air collector is not required when working on the same machines in your shop. While some projects or hobbyists need to use a portable dust collector. So, the need for this portable option will depend on the projects you are dealing with and the type of tools you are using.
Different levels of portability are offered by different types of dust collectors, as some models are extremely portable, while other models are not and need to move with a group of people. If you are looking for a portable type, then ensure it has at least swivel casters for convenient carrying, and also consider its weight. Even though you don’t require a highly portable dust collector, then also ensure that the drum has casters for easy movement and cleaning.
So, it is quite essential to consider the portability levels of the dust collector before making its purchase as suits your requirement.
9. Size & Versatility
However, it is not related to the capacity or performance of the dust collector, yet it is an essential part to consider while shopping for a cyclone dust collector.
- Size: This gives an idea of whether it fits properly in your workshop or not. Also, it let you know the motor’s size and how much dust it let you collect. If you are looking for a cyclone dust collector for your small shop, then go a tiny size with sufficient dust collection. For this, check the product measurements and ensure that you have a dedicated place for that measured product to keep in your workshop.
- Versatility: Consider the product’s versatility before buying, as some collectors allow you to add 3 or more hoses to the device via numerous dust ports. Thus, it helps you to clear dust in several places of the workshop at a time.
So, it is essential to consider how much versatility you need along with the product’s size and your space availability. We suggest you choose a collector with several ducts rather than a collector with a single hose to move around the workshop for effective cleaning.
10. Remote Control
Picking a cyclone dust collector that functions with remote control will help to save a lot of time of walking/moving to the shop for starting and stopping the collector. Also, it is a must to consider the wireless range of a remote to ensure it fits the shop perfectly.
11. Ease of Assembly
Assembling a dust collector is a one-time process, which won’t matter either it is done smoothly or a bit hard to fix it. So, the ease of assembly not only covers its easy installation steps but also let you check whether or not the pre-drilled holes properly match up (or) it comes with everything required for installation. As there are numerous dust collectors that let you purchase screws and other accessories required for its installation.
12. Cost
The cost of dust collectors varies greatly depending on their size, quality, motor power, and drum capacity. Some models are cheaper, while others are expensive. You need to spend a bit more money on a bigger and better model to make it use for a longer time without any issues. Yet it is a must to set your budget range before shopping, as budget is also one of the deciding factors.
13. Warranty
It is another must to consider feature while purchasing any product, including this dust collector. The warranty period offered will vary from one model to another. Most manufacturers offer a standard warranty of 1-year, while some offers a 5-year or 10-year warranty on the product.
The longer the warranty period, the better you can use and stay relaxed, why because it simply reflects the product’s quality. Also, check what it covers in the warranty, as most covers only filter or motor. While other items like cartridge filters, air exhaust mufflers, etc., have to be fixed/replaced at your own cost.
How to Install a Cyclone Dust Collector?
However, the process of set-up a dust collector is not that hard job, yet the size and the design of the product will make a lot of difference in their installation process. Here is the general procedure to be followed for its proper installation.
- Assemble the supportive legs, which are made of metal and have a large space in the middle. Then place the collector tank in the space after assembling the legs.
- Place the filtering system made of a larger housing with numerous impellers or tubes connecting to the tank and the side thrashing bag.
- Connect all those things along with installing its motor, which is a single piece to be placed either on the top or one side (based on the particular model).
- Connect the tubes or impellers to the unit using the ducts. Or use a single pipe or several ones based on the collector’s design.
- Ensure the machine sturdily stands on the floor and then connect the unit to a proper electrical outlet. Avoid using an extension cord if it comes along with the unit.
- That’s it. A complete functional cyclone dust collector is ready to use. Start it to enjoy a dust-free workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Yes, you have to do some maintenance for its proper working, durability and longevity. For this, you have to clean the filters after each usage or as a minimum after a lengthy operation. This stops the filters from getting clogged and thereby make the machine work effectively.
Ans: Generally, cyclone dust collectors last for a decade or more without any issues. However, its longevity depends on the frequency of its usage and the type of its storage.
Ans: Initially, circular airflow is drawn into the collector’s chamber, then larger debris and other dust particles are forced into the chamber walls, where it loses velocity and falls down into a collection area. Afterwards, the finer particles which escape from the first filtration, go through a second-stage filtering area, where they get captured. At last, it exhausts clean air without any debris/dust particles.
Ans: No, most of the time, it is not possible to do. If you want to, then hire an expert technician to do so. But won’t try it on your own, unless you are an expert.
Ans: Most cyclone dust collectors of woodworking grade can capture particles of about 2 microns or more. A few models can even capture smaller particles. So, check the maximum filtration level of a collector before buying. Generally, a shop filtration system is used to gather finer particles and thereby certify clean shop air.
Ans: There are so many benefits we can grab by using this cyclone dust collector compared to non-cyclone dust collectors. Here we discuss two distinct advantages. The filters in this cyclone model won’t require to change often. With its two-stage system will prevent the filters from getting clogged, which saves a lot of money and time. The second advantage is the collection bin/bag/container, which comprises larger particles initially. When once it emptied, there is less fine dust that will be re-introduced into the shop area.
Ans: Yes, there are technicians but a bit hard to find. So, we suggest thinking twice before you want to make any changes, as it might result in damaging then you may not find someone to fix them.
Ans: Usually, cyclone dust collectors are stand-alone models that perform both stages of filtration. While we add this add-on cyclone separator to the existing single-stage dust collectors to clear the debris and dust before reaching. So, without a single-stage dust collector, these add-on cyclonic separators won’t function.
Ans: It depends on the particular model. Some models are easy to install and assemble within an hour. While other larger models are a bit different, and need to take help from others and their installation may take several hours as well.
Ans: Compared to shop vacs, most dust collectors have two compartments for the separation and filtration of dust. However, shop vacuums are the best option to clean small areas (or for minimal clean-up). While dust collectors work well to quickly and efficiently clean up larger spaces.
A shop vac motor is not at all a match for the engine/motor of the cyclone unit. Similarly, the air rating or filter efficiency for particles is also lower than cyclone machines. Since there are 2-stage separation shop vacs, yet they won’t match or offer the same performance as cyclone 2-stage units.
Finally, a shop vacuum is a better option for close-range suction, whereas a cyclone dust collector can easily handle dust or particles all over the room. Shop-vac resembles a vacuum that makes it concentrate its efforts on one spot for a thorough close-range clean-up. While cyclone dust collectors are better for overall efficiency.
Conclusion
Whether you run a large scale industry or want to clean things in a small workshop, a cyclone dust collector can be a quick and easy way to do so. As a result, there are a lot of cyclone dust collector models out there.
While choosing one of them can be a bit difficult, we are here with the best cyclone dust collectors along with their major features and options to help you out. You can even find a detailed buying guide in this article that will take you through various things related to such dust collecting machines. If you want further help, make sure to consider the following cyclone dust collector recommendations:
- If you want a highly powerful cyclone dust collector for large scale operations, you can go with the Shop Fox Cyclone Dust Collector It offers a high airflow rating of 1280 CFM along with a large 42 gallon capacity along with a 2-year long warranty.
- However, the Jet JCDC-3 Cyclone Dust Collector is the most reliable and durable option present in this article. You get an excellent build quality along with a 5-year long warranty with it for peace of mind.
- You can also consider the Festool Cyclone Dust Collector if you are on a budget as it is one of the most affordable options out there. Although, with its 5.3-gallon capacity, it is oriented for smaller and simpler requirements. It offers a 3-year long warranty that is always great to have.
Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also post any questions down there if you have any!
One Response
I appreciate your article, but I have a problem. The micron collection measurement is not mentioned. It is critical for me to have in order to decide which system to buy. My father was a woodworker and died with lung cancer. He used no dust collection system other than a shop vac that was not very good. He would not wear a mask. Now I am starting my own woodshop and have promised my wife that I would use the best system I could find and wear a mask. I have not read any article that tells about what I need to hear… the microns. I want .5 or less ( not 5 but point 5 as in decimal point 5, like .5) I looked at one system that stated you could disconnect the hoses and run the unit to clean the air with it. I was thinking I need an air filtration system, a dust collection system and will use fans and a mask. I don’t want to overkill, but I don’t want to be killed. I have open ears to learn. please give me your advice. Thanks