
Dust Collection and Air Filtration
Here you'll find basic definitions of each kind of dust collection and air filtration system, pulled from an online source, as well as some companies that make them that are worth checking out. Companies are not listed in any particular order and are not the only options out there. We always encourage you to do your research, but this may give you a place to start. For questions about which one is right for you, or other questions you may have, head over to our Facebook Group and ask away!
Cyclone Dust Collector

Cyclone dust collectors utilize centrifugal force or cyclonic movement to remove a high volume of dust from your workshop. It comes with a hopper chamber wherein the cyclonic action happens and where dust particles get separated from the air.
The heavier dust particles get thrown against the hopper’s outer wall and fall onto the collection chamber. This machine is an inertial separator and is an economical solution to a wide variety of dust collection issues. Cyclone dust collectors come in various configurations and sizes for different applications and increased efficiency. For example, you will find massive multi-cyclone collectors outdoors for the cement industry. You will also find lab-scale cyclone dust collectors for table and pill manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry. Cyclone dust collectors, of course, are reliable and efficient dust collection systems. (source)
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Cyclone Dust Collector companies worth checking out:
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Oneida
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Jet
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Baileigh
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Mullet
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Grizzly
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Laguna
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Festool
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Dust Right
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Single-stage Dust Collector

This system allows the sucking of dust directly into a dust collection bag. The collection bag features a weave that lets air pass through while trapping the dust inside. Nevertheless, many bag filters are not efficient in filtering dust. But if the dust collector features pleated filters, you can expect these filters to perform more efficiently. Besides, pleated filters are easier to maintain and clean. A downside of using the single-stage dust collector system is that it draws anything into the impeller (spinning metal) before the air goes onto the dust collection bag. Thus, the impeller is prone to damage due to this setup. (source)
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Single-stage Dust Collector companies worth checking out:
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Grizzly
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Shop Fox
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Jet
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Rikon
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Powermatic
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Wen
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Powertec
Shop Vac

A shop vac is a special kind of vacuum most often used in construction and woodworking. Shop vacs consist of a high-powered motor and suction unit which sucks up dirt, debris, and chunks of material from building sites and woodworking shops. They feature a very big and tough hose, a big canister for holding the debris, and they work wonders for cleaning very dirty spaces. Many people refer to shop vacs as bucket vacuums because, well, they look like buckets with a hose coming out of it. They usually feature wheels to make them easy to navigate around any space. Simply put, this is not the kind of vacuum that you would generally use to clean your home. Some shop vacs, the more expensive ones, can sometimes even suck up water and other wet messes. These are called wet/dry shop vacs and they are very versatile. Construction sites, especially when outdoors, can get pretty wet sometimes, so having a water-capable shop vac is often seen as quite a big bonus. (source)
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Shop Vac companies worth checking out:
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Shop-Vac
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Ridgid
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Vacmaster
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Dewalt
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Ryobi
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Craftsman
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Armor All
Baghouse Dust Collector

Baghouses, bag filters, or fabric filters are dust collection systems that draw out dust particles from the air and lodge the dust particles into a separator or filter. The air scrubbers, wet scrubbers, and electrostatic precipitators belong to this group of dust collection systems. With the use of baghouses, you can ensure a cleaner environment in your workshop. Baghouses are usually wrought in cotton, fiberglass, and other synthetic materials. Of course, there are various types of baghouses. Baghouses need to work efficiently. To keep them in optimum functionality, you should frequently check their temperature, opacity, volumetric rate, and pressure drop. (source)
​Baghouse Dust Collector companies worth checking out:
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Rockler
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Powermatic
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Dayton
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Baileigh
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Jet
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Laguna
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ACT
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Coima USA
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Grizzly
Portable Dust Collector

A portable dust collector can maintain good air quality in any industrial or commercial facility. Hence, it is also usable in the woodworking shop. It can filter contaminated air and will help filter billows of inhalable dust in the air. Examples of portable dust collector types include air scrubbers, wet scrubbers, unit collectors, electrostatic precipitators, bag houses, and inertial separators. The common usages of portable dust collectors include the collection of plastic dust, welding smoke, pharmaceutical dust, chemical fumes, soldering fumes, grinding dust, wood dust, and dust debris. Portable dust collection systems are quickly innovating, and the system has become more efficient and more portable. (source)
​Portable Dust Collector companies worth checking out:
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Rikon
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Grizzly
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Wen
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Dayton
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Jet
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Rousseau
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Shop Fox
Air Filter

As you work on your projects, dust and debris can accumulate, making the air quality in your workspace less than ideal. This is where a woodworking air filtration system comes in. The main purpose of an air filter is not to collect dust or wood debris, instead, it removes dust, debris, and other particles from the air, making your workspace cleaner and safer to breathe in. When it comes to woodworking, a high-quality air filtration system is essential for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of respiratory problems. When choosing the best woodworking air filtration system, there are a few factors to consider. The type of filter used, the size of the system, and the noise level are all important things to keep in mind. You’ll also want to consider the size of your workspace and the amount of dust and debris generated during your woodworking projects. (source).
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Air Filter companies worth checking out:
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Wen
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Jet
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Grizzly
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Rockler
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Powermatic
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Shop Fox
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Rikon
Two-stagged Dust Collector

This dust collection system features a primary stage that separates larger dust particles from finer dust particles. This system also uses the cyclonic separation mechanism. It draws air inside an enclosure and slams wood chips and dust particles against the enclosure’s walls allowing them to fall while letting fine dust move to the second stage. The second stage, however, consists of a bag filter that uses a pleated filter design. Finer dust that reaches the second stage is further filtered out using a finer micro filter. You will find pleated canister filters that feature a paddle inside. This paddle lets you knock off dust buildup inside the inner surface. With the paddle, you can maintain regular and optimum filtration and airflow. The paddle is easy to use with a single turn of a handle. So, its use is hassle-free and doesn’t require disassembling. (source)
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Two-stagged Dust Collector companies worth checking out:
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Grizzly
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Jet
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Oneida
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ALC
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South Bend
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Laguna
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Dayton
Dust Extractor

Dust extractors may look like fancy shop vacs, but they are different. You typically get a much better filter, adjustable suction strength, and features like bluetooth or automatic start with a dust extractor. A dust extractor is also quieter than a shop vac, which is great when you're working for a long time in an enclosed space. Unlike a shop vac, dust extractors or industrial dust collectors are specifically designed for woodworking, employing a 2 stage system with HEPA filters that effectively capture fine dust, which can lead to health issues over a prolonged period. Yes, dust extractors are more expensive than your typical shop vac, but they're purpose-built to handle sanding and stationary power tools. (source) (source)
Dust Extractor companies worth checking out:
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Festool
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Fein
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Dewalt
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Makita
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Bosch