What is the Best Small Shop Dust Collection?
Top Choices for Effective Dust Control (2023)

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Dust collection is a must in any workshop. To fit smaller spaces, you need a small dust collection system. To make sure you don’t end up with a weak model that doesn’t do the job, our team has tested the best small shop dust collection systems that will keep your workspace clean and save on space.

Best Overall
SHOP FOX W1685 1.5-Horsepower Dust Collector
Editor’s Choice
POWERTEC DC1512 Dust Collector with 1.5 HP Motor
Best for Budget
Shop Fox W1826 Wall Dust Collector
SHOP_FOX_W1685_1.5-Horsepower_Dust_Collector-removebg-preview
POWERTEC_DC1512_Dust_Collector_with_1.5_HP_Motor-removebg-preview
Shop_Fox_W1826_Wall_Dust_Collector-removebg-preview
Even with a small footprint, the Shop Fox W1685 is a powerful dust collector with a 1.5 horsepower motor and can produce 3,450 RPM. The small dust collector is heavy-duty with powder-coated paint and a steel impeller.
For power, nothing beats the Powertec DC1512. It also features a 1.5 HP motor but with an impressive air capacity of 1,550 CFM, which outperforms other models with the same horsepower.
Shop Fox has the W1826 available, which is a relatively affordable wall dust collector that has an even smaller profile than other compact models. It stores on the wall but still provides a powerful 1 HP motor.
Best Overall
SHOP FOX W1685 1.5-Horsepower Dust Collector
SHOP_FOX_W1685_1.5-Horsepower_Dust_Collector-removebg-preview
Even with a small footprint, the Shop Fox W1685 is a powerful dust collector with a 1.5 horsepower motor and can produce 3,450 RPM. The small dust collector is heavy-duty with powder-coated paint and a steel impeller.
Editor’s Choice
POWERTEC DC1512 Dust Collector with 1.5 HP Motor
POWERTEC_DC1512_Dust_Collector_with_1.5_HP_Motor-removebg-preview
For power, nothing beats the Powertec DC1512. It also features a 1.5 HP motor but with an impressive air capacity of 1,550 CFM, which outperforms other models with the same horsepower.
Best for Budget
Shop Fox W1826 Wall Dust Collector
Shop_Fox_W1826_Wall_Dust_Collector-removebg-preview
Shop Fox has the W1826 available, which is a relatively affordable wall dust collector that has an even smaller profile than other compact models. It stores on the wall but still provides a powerful 1 HP motor.

Reviews of the Best Small Shop Dust Collection

1. SHOP FOX W1685 1.5-Horsepower Dust Collector

The Shop Fox W1685 can keep your workspace clean without cluttering the environment. It’s best suited for woodshops and has a 1.5 HP motor with 1,280 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air. 

The exterior of the small shop dust collection system is made to be heavy duty with a powder-coated finish that is scratch, chip and fade-resistant.

The W1685 gives users mobile freedom with a small profile and wheeled base. You can choose to keep it stationary or a portable unit. One more feature the Shop Fox W1685 provides is a safety switch that protects against unauthorized use. 

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

2. Shop Fox W1826 Wall Dust Collector

Another one of Shop Fox’s dust collectors makes it on our list. Our experts loved the Shop Fox W1826 for its tiny footprint and wall mount capabilities. There is no need for the hose with the W1826 as it does the job from the wall.

Users can choose to attach a collection duct if they choose, but our experts suggest making sure the duct material is durable against solid particles.

Assembly is easy and everything you need including the wall bracket and the screws are included in the package. Even for such a small size, the W1826 still packs a punch with a 1 HP motor and 537 CFM [1].

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

3. Rikon Portable Dust Collector with Wall Mount

The Rikon Portable Dust Collector can also be wall-mounted but comes with its own duct. It’s a versatile model that is very suitable for small workshops due to the included wheeled base. Users can choose to wall mount it or use it as a central unit.

The small profile can harness 1 HP of power from the motor and deliver 660 CFM. The pipe extension is adjustable and can be positioned to work with many machines in various positions.

Best of all, everything you need comes in the package including the dust bag, wall mount and adjustment pipe.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

4. POWERTEC DC1512 Dust Collector with 1.5 HP Motor

The Powertec DC1512 Shop Dust Collector is the superior choice for power. Although it features a 1.5 HP motor and 3,450 RPM much like the Shop Fox W1685, the DC1512 has a 1,550 CFM.

The DC1512 is highly compatible with many woodworking machines and can function as a mobile or stationary unit. The mobile base rolls on four caster wheels that can support the weight of the dust collector.

There is a safety paddle switch on the outside of the dust collector that locks the device when it’s not in use.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

Small Shop Dust Collection Buyer’s Guide

Type of Dust Collector

Is the dust collector a wall-mountable option, stationary unit, or both? Our team prefers a unit that can be both as it offers more versatility. Take a look around your workshop setup to decide which type is best.

Air Filter

The air filtration system in your small shop dust collection system is another big consideration. The CFM, is how much air the system can move in a minute. The higher the CFM, the more air that gets filtered through the system. However, the CFM isn’t indicative of the air filter efficacy, but the manufacturers will list the percentage for every model.

Power

The efficiency of dust collection is contingent on the motor power. For small models, you are looking at 1 to 1.5 HP. The higher the number, the more powerful the dust vacuum is.

Accessories

Wall-mounted options may not have a portable hose, but our experts suggest picking models that do, which will enhance the versatility of the unit. The dust collector should also come with all the accessories you need to get set up quickly.

Size

While the units on our list are generally designed for small workshops, it’s important to consider the available size options in this category. Assessing the space in your workshop will help determine the ideal size for a shop vacuum that suits your needs.

Value for Money

The best dust collector for a small shop will be highly efficient, with superior air filtration abilities, and pack a lot of power. Make sure to satisfy these three factors when looking for one with the best value.

Our Top Pick For a Small Shop Dust Collection: Shop Fox W1685

The Shop Fox W1685 is our team’s top choice for a small shop dust collection system. The compact profile can be mobile or stationary and is highly efficient with a 1.5 HP motor, an air suction capacity of 1,280 CFM, and 3,450 RPM. When not in use, the W1685 has a built-in safety switch to prevent unauthorized use.

Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike.
Robert Johnson
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