Choosing the right dust collector can make a difference in keeping your workspace tidy and ensuring you see your work. I’ve found that cyclone-style dust collectors are top-notch in doing just that. Trust me, without the correct information, you might end up with an expensive decoration rather than a helpful tool. I’ve been there! So, to save you the hassle, I’ve reviewed the best cyclone dust collectors.
Reviews of the Best Cyclone Dust Collectors
1. Jet JCDC-3 Cyclone Dust Collector
For heavy-duty jobs, the Jet JCDC-3 can outperform other dust collection systems. As a 3-HP cyclone dust collector, the Jet unit delivers constant suction that pulls heavy debris to the bottom of the dust collection drum before being separated by the filter.
The highly efficient filter will eliminate airflow restriction, and the material used within it can capture dust particles down to 1 micron.
Other than optimized airflow, the Jet cyclone dust collector comes with a remote control to manipulate the machine from distances up to 50 feet away.
What I Like
- The optimized airflow
- It captures particles of 1 micron
- It has a convenient remote control
- It has a large dust collection bin
- Integrated caster wheels
- It captures 99% of 2-micron particles
- Double-padded cleaning system
- Constant suction
- It comes with a standard warranty
What I Don’t Like
- The instructions manual is unclear
- The battery cavity in the remote is loose
2. Shop Fox W1685
Dust collectors are pricey tools, but I try to include something for everyone on the list. The price tag for the Shop Fox W1685 1280 CFM cyclone dust collection system is quite a bit lower than other models.
It’s a smaller design that’s a better fit for tighter spaces but still offers 1.5 HP, enough for most small jobs. This cyclone dust collector unit has a heavy-duty impeller made of steel that is longer lasting than others.
The Shop Fox W1685 includes a safety switch that will protect the system from unauthorized use. The switch is also a larger design for easy location.
What I Like
- It is a smaller design
- Budget-friendly price tag
- It has a heavy-duty steel impeller
- 3450 RPM
- 1280 CFM
- It comes with a warranty
- 1.5 HP
- It has a powder-coated finish
- Minimal noise level
What I Don’t Like
- It's not recommended for large workshops
- More cleaning required for the smaller collection bin
3. Baileigh DC-1450C Cyclone Style Dust Collector
The Baileigh DC-1450C is another cyclone dust collector with a rolling base for easy portability. It also offers a radio frequency remote control that can communicate flawlessly with the tool.
The Baileigh model isn’t the most powerful on the market with only 2 HP, but it does have a 1450 CFM, or cubic feet per minute of airflow and a 28-gallon drum.
One of the best parts of this model is the quiet operation. I found this unit to have a large air suction capacity concerning the noise it makes.
What I Like
- 28-gallon collection bin
- 1450 CFM airflow rating
- 2 HP motor
- It comes with a standard warranty
- Rolling base and canister
- It is very quiet operation
- It is excellent for a small workshop air filtration
- 1-micron filter
- It features an easy barrel release
What I Don’t Like
- It has no dual filters
- It is not strong enough for some power tools
4. Laguna Tools MDCPF15110
Rounding out the cyclone dust collector list is the MDCPF15110 from Laguna Tools. The Laguna Tools 1.5 HP cyclone dust collector is highly intuitive and has LED displays to notify users when the dust collection bin is full or when the filter requires cleaning.
To ensure the noise level is dampened during use, the Laguna Tools cyclone dust collectors feature acoustic foam on the interior. The unit is designed to create low pressure inside the collection bin to ensure the bag doesn’t get sucked up into the cone.
What I Like
- It features the acoustic foam found inside Laguna Tools dust collectors
- It has a 1.5 HP cyclone dust collector
- Low-pressure suction inside the unit
- It has noise dampening
- It has LED displays
- It has a manufacturer warranty
- HEPA filtration
- It comes with a remote control
What I Don’t Like
- It's difficult to assemble
- Port location can be inconvenient
5. Grizzly Industrial G0637
I chose the extremely powerful G0637 from Grizzly due to its power, efficiency, and efficacy. The 3-phase cyclone dust collector has 7-½ HP, dual filters, and up to 3468 CFM. With this power, the Grizzly Industrial unit is ideally suited to more extensive workshops.
To ensure the waste reaches the dust collection drum without fail, the Grizzly G0637 integrates a ramped inlet and a 10-inch intake. The disposal of the debris once in the drum is easy, due to its casters.
You would expect a loud operation with so much power, but the G0637 is relatively noiseless because of its sound-reducing mufflers.
What I Like
- Magnetic switch with remote
- It has sound reducing mufflers
- 10-inch intake
- Ramped inlet
- 3-phase cyclone dust collection
- 3468 CFM
- It has a warranty
- Powerful 7-½ HP dust collection system
- 14.37” static pressure
- Powder-coated surface
- Steel impeller
What I Don’t Like
- It's too powerful for smaller spaces
- Not a wheeled stand
Cyclone Dust Collector Buyer’s Guide
What makes the best cyclone dust collector? Is it just the HP and the CFM, or other features such as the type of filtration and the size of the dust drum should also come into play?
I compiled a list of criteria that will help you find the perfect unit compatible with your shop and lessen the risk of health issues in the long run.
Power
Cyclone dust collectors usually rely on an electric motor with its power rating measured in HPs, or horsepower [1]. Like with cars, the higher the number accompanying the HP, the more powerful the motor is. 2-3 HP motors are the standard for cyclone dust collectors. Depending on the size of your workspace and the materials you work with, the HP you choose will also vary.
For standard wood dust, I say 2-3 HP will do. However, if you often work with larger and heavier materials, then one with monstrous power like the Grizzly Industrial G0637 with a whopping 7-½ HP motor is the best.
CFM
The CFM, or cubic feet per minute, refers to the air flow rating of the best cyclone dust collectors. The higher the CFM, the more air flow the dust collector can take, which equates to higher efficiency. The standard or smaller models come with a CFM of around 1200 to 1500. These models are better suited to smaller workshops.
If you have a large workspace and need plenty of airflows, I recommend the options on the list with a CFM of around 3000. Again, the best way to determine the cyclone dust collector CFM is by assessing your tasks.
Size and Capacity
The body size of the dust collectors not only dictates the amount of filtration it can handle but whether or not it can fit into your workshop. Workers with small table saws, for example, don’t need to go for a large gallon drum. The size correlates to the capacity because a small dust extractor will not have the space to house a large collection drum.
The size also affects the weight of the unit. By no means are cyclone dust collectors designed to be moved around constantly, but the weight still matters. It’s difficult to assemble and move a 60-gallon capacity collector compared to a 30-gallon one in terms of weight.
Hose Dimensions
The hose dimensions usually correlate with the size of a dust collector. Naturally, a larger unit is more capable of having wider hose dimensions. How does this affect the performance of the tool? The smaller the diameter of the hose, the easier it is to maneuver. A smaller hose will also be less cumbersome, but it’s no match to larger hoses in debris collection.
Take a look at your shop and observe the type of dust and debris your power tools generate. You have the option to pick a smaller hose if you mostly see dust. However, for bigger pieces of debris, I recommend machines with a larger hose diameter.
Recommended Read: What Kind of Pipe to Use for Dust Collection
Portability
As previously mentioned, cyclone dust collectors are not designed to be highly portable units. However, they should offer the flexibility to be relocated within your workspace when needed. To ensure easy movement, it is recommended to look for units equipped with wheels, particularly those with swivel casters on a wheeled stand.
Our experts will caution those leaning towards more portable models that they are less efficient than stationary ones.
Material Quality
Now comes the durability of the dust collector. A durable unit will provide better airflow rating, filter efficiency, and maybe even flex hosing to capture the finest dust particles. Many of the options I chose have a powder-coated finish on the steel, which is resistant to flaking, chipping, scratching, and corrosion.
Cyclone Dust Collector or Shop Vac?
If you are tired of the dust collection performance of an average shop vacuum, then a cyclone dust collector is for you. A shop vac is only adequate for very minimal cleanup. I suggest shop vacs have only one purpose – for hand tools.
For starters, a shop vac motor is no match for an engine in a cyclone machine. The airflow rating is usually a lot lower as well, as is the filter efficiency for particles. Sure, you may find 2-stage separation shop vacs, but they will not provide the same performance as cyclone 2-stage units.
A shop vacuum is better for close-range suction, while a cyclone dust collector can handle the particles all around the room. I will add that a shop vac is better for a smaller and more portable unit. Since it resembles a vacuum, this option can concentrate its efforts on one spot for a more thorough cleanup.
Our team suggests the vacuum version for more variety and close-range cleanup, but the cyclone dust collection units are better for overall efficiency.
(For additional safety and protection, you can also consider using top woodworking respirators we reviewed here)
Price and Warranty
There are a variety of picks that can range greatly in price. I will never suggest compromising on the features to satisfy the budget. It’s always recommended to pay for the right value, so you don’t need to replace inferior units down the line. You will find companies on the list that hit closer to 5000, but I also listed excellent budget options.
As for the warranty, it’s something our experts say never to forgo. Most large brands such as Grizzly and Shop Fox will offer a manufacturer warranty. The length of the warranty, however, can vary from option to option.
The most standard warranty is 1 year, but some machines come with a 5 or even 10-year warranty. Of course, the longer the warranty period, the better, because it also reflects the quality of the machine.
Our team also reminds users to look at what’s covered. Some warranties may only cover the motor or the filter, and everything else, such as the air exhaust muffler and cartridge filter, must be fixed at your own expense.
(Been wanting to have a computer-controlled routing saw? Then, you can get one by using this DIY Smart saw CNC plan we reviewed)
FAQ
What is the best cyclone dust collector?
What size should a cyclone dust collector be?
A cyclone dust collector should be the right size for your shop. The capacity depends on the projects you work on, the materials you use, and the size of your space. I recommend around 50 gallons or more for larger shops and around 30 for smaller to medium workspaces.
Is a dust collector better than a shop vac?
Why do Cyclones collect dust?
Top Pick For a Cyclone Dust Collector: Jet JCDC-3
The top pick for the best cyclone dust collector is the Jet JCDC-3. There are many reasons for this conclusion: the 3 HP motor, which is an excellent fit for workspaces of any size. The JCDC-3 is also very effective at capturing particles of 2 microns and can even handle smaller than 1 micron.
Want a better workspace? Then, here are the three innovative ways for a garage workshop upgrade.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
