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.
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
- Small profile
- Can be stationary or mobile
- Has a safety switch
- Powder-coated finish
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- 1.5 HP
- 3,450 RPM
- Steel impeller
- 1,280 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM)
What We Don’t Like
- The outlet is smaller than the inlet
- Can be noisy
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
- 1-micron canister filtration
- Cast aluminum impeller
- Wall-mountable design
- Powder-coated finish
- 1 HP motor
- 537 CFM
- Minimal static pressure loss
- Can be paired with a duct
What We Don’t Like
- Only suited for small workshops
- Can arrive in poor packaging
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
- Comes with everything in the box
- Wall-mountable
- 1 HP, 660 CFM
- Adjustable pipe extension
- Excellent for small spaces
- Can be used as a mobile unit
- Lightweight for the size
What We Don’t Like
- May need adapters to work with some tools
- Can be loud
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
- 2 types of dust collection bags
- Compatible with many woodworking machines
- 1.5 HP motor and 3,450 RPM
- 1,550 CFM
- Mobile or stationary setup
- Has a safety paddle switch
What We Don’t Like
- Is on the heavy side
- The bag needs to be cleaned often
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
Most of the units on our list are suited for small workshops, but there are still more size options available in this category. Look at how much space you have in your workshop to figure out the size of the shop vacuum.
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.
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