If you spend any time in a woodshop, you will quickly see that a dust collector is essential. You will end up inhaling much of the debris and saw dust that is created by your projects without one.
What should you choose? A shop vacuum or a dust collector? What is the difference between these products? We answer all of your questions about dust collectors vs shop vacuums and help you decide which one is right for you.
What Makes A Shop Vacuum Different From A Dust Collector.
Dust collectors are different from shop vacuums that use high suction but a narrower hose. They have low suction, and a wider hose.
At least two stages are used in dust collectors to separate larger particles from smaller ones. This prevents the motor from getting clogged by larger particles. This usually results in a longer life expectancy.
Dust collectors are stationary and can be connected to your power tool’s dedicated port. They are ideal for use with tools such as miter saws and wood planers, bench routers, and other power tools.
What Is The Purpose Of A Shop Vac And How Do You Use It?
Shop vacuums, also known by wet/dry vacuums, are a type heavy-duty vacuum designed to withstand the demands of daily life in shops.
The motors produce high suction that travels through a narrow tube, creating a concentrated suction path that can quickly clean up concentrated messes.
Many power tools come with ports that allow you to connect the tool to your shop vacuum. This allows dust and debris to be sucked into the vacuum, before they reach the air or the floors of your shop.
Most shop vacuums have a single stage system. This means that both large and smaller particles are collected in the same canister. The motor of a shop vac can become clogged over time due to particles getting into it.
Shop vacs are not only dust collectors, but also work just like regular vacuums. Your shop vac can tackle all the common messes found in a wood shop. These vacuums are able to work wet and dry so they can be very useful if you have to deal with flooding or spillage.
There Is A Third Competitor!
A third tool, dust extractors, combines the functionality of a dust collector and the portability that a shop vacuum provides: the dust extractors.
Dust extractors work in the same way as dust collectors, but there are two key differences.
Dust extractors can be carried around like a shop vacuum. They can be easily attached to any portable or stationary power tool and moved anywhere you need them.
Dust extractors are portable and can also be used as air filters. Depending on which type of filter you use, dust extractors can filter particles down to 0.3 m from air. This is something that you cannot do with a stationary dust collector.
Dust extractors, unlike a shop vacuum, are only designed to collect sawdust and other debris and filter the air inside your shop. You won’t be able use your dust extractor for other tasks around the shop.
It can be confusing to choose which tool you should use, when there are three tools that all serve the same basic functions.
Dust collectors are best used with stationary power tools, which can create a lot of dust and debris. These tools include router tables, wood planers, miters, and table saws. A dust collector will make it easy to tackle the dust generated by these tools.
A dust extractor is a great tool for dust control in shops, but it may not be as portable as a dust collector. A dust collector can be connected to both portable and stationary power tools making them more versatile.
A dust collector or extractor is ideally suited to removing dust from your shop. However, many home craftsmen don’t need one.
A shop vacuum is a great option if you are like this and only occasionally have to deal with debris and dust in your work area. You can use it to remove dust, but it also can clean up any other debris in your shop, provided it doesn’t collect sawdust.
Top Dust Management Solutions
Let’s now look at our favorites models after we have discussed the similarities and differences between these products.
Shop VacDeWalt DXV14P
The DXV14P is a top-of the-line shop vacuum model from DeWalt and can handle any mess around your shop. It is a breeze to extract dust.
The vacuum features a 64 Liters canister with wet/dry operation, washable filter cartridge and a drain port to empty any wet messes. This vacuum generates a lot of suction and is not designed to extract dust. However, it can be used for moderate to occasional use.
What could be better?
- There are tons of accessories available, but no crevice tools.
Dust Extractor Bosch VAC090AH
Bosch’s nine-gallon dust extractor provides high end dust extraction and filtration, while leaving a small footprint.
This dust extractor is powerful and powerful, with a 150 CFM and a 246 cm static water lift. That’s a lot of power for a dust extractor. HEPA filters are included and can remove 99.7% of small airborne particles, as little as 0.3 microns.
You can also use the power broker to control the dust extractor using the power of your power tools and adjust the suction level for each application.
What We Like
- HEPA filter
- The power broker is able to match the job with suction
- Filter cleaning system built in
What could be better?
- Expensive
Dust Collector POWERTEC DC5370
This dust collector by POWERTEC is the ideal combination of value and performance. It comes in a small size, making it perfect for small to mid-sized shops.
The motor’s powerful 1 horsepower output can be used at 120V or240V. This motor is small and compact so it’s ideal for smaller shops or shops that need to connect your dust collector to other tools.
This model boasts a 537 CFM airflow capacity and an inlet that quickly captures debris and dust as small as 2.5 microns.
What could be better?
- Even for dust collectors, suction is weak.
The Final Word
Shop vacs, dust collectors, and dust extractors all have the same basic function. However, depending on the type of shop and work that you do, you will be able to determine which tool is best for you.
This handy chart will help you narrow down your search for dust extractor vs shop vacuum.
