Well, in this post, I’ll walk you through the various aspects of a whisper-quiet dust collector to help you make an informed buying decision.
Furthermore, I’ll also through light on must-have parameters when it comes to buying the best dust collector for the money.
Lastly, I’ll respond to the queries related to the whisper-quiet dust collector.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Quietest Dust Collector Reviews
To be honest, the market is flooded with various types of dust collectors, and prices vary from model to model.
In fact, different brands have different price ranges to target different segments of end-users.
Needless to say, the quality of air around you impacts your mental as well as physical health in some or other ways.
Remember, air quality and safety are an investment in your workshop that can make work more enjoyable.
So, here I come with the top 10 whisper-quiet dust collectors for you.
Mini-Gorilla Portable Cyclone Dust Collector
To begin with, the Mini-Gorilla Portable Cyclone Dust Collector is a lightweight resin dual-stage cyclone dust collector that produces 80.5 dB of noise at 10 feet for quieter shop clean-up.
Furthermore, it comes with a HEPA cartridge filter that has an efficiency of 99.7% down to 0.3 microns for improved air quality.
It comes with a plastic drum collector that has a clear viewing port in the lid to help you assess when the drum needs to be emptied.
The drum capacity is 22 gallons and has quick-release clips for easier cleanout as well as wheels for mobility.
In case, you want to go for faster emptying, you can definitely use plastic liner bags.
The engine of the portable mini-gorilla is highly efficient and comes with a 1.5 horsepower, 16 AMP single-phase motor with grease fittings.
The machine is wired for 110V but it doesn’t mean you can’t switch to 220V if needed.
The 85-pound milli-gorilla stands 64 inches tall and has a 36” x30” footprint.
The switch control is user-friendly and anyone can easily operate the machine.
On top of it, the remote control makes the operation hassle-free.
You also get a 1-year warranty that covers defects in workmanship and parts.
To keep up with the industry standards of portability and safety, the whisper dust collector uses a 3-legged steel tubular frame that has 3-inch rubber non-marking locking casters.
A 4″ to 6″ hose can be accommodated by the composite impeller that is 12 inches in diameter.
Furthermore, the composite impeller is good enough to create 583cfm at 2 inches at the 5-inch hose port.
All in all, one of the best dust collectors on the market if NOT THE BEST.
Grizzly Industrial G8027-1 HP Dust Collector
The Grizzly G8027 is a single-stage dust collector that is known to be quieter than most table saws as it produces just 83 dB of noise.
The 1-horsepower 8 AMP single-phase motor drives the 9-inch radial-fin steel impeller.
Furthermore, the motor is known to produce 500 cfm of airflow.
Grizzly is capable of drawing dust and debris from a single large machine or two smaller tools simultaneously.
Moreover, It comes with one 4-inch hose port.
Other important things that one needs to look for in a dust collector are capacity bags and filtration bags.
Any guesses?
Well, it comes with a 2.5-micron filtration bag as well as a 2 ft³ capacity bag for debris.
You don’t have to worry about the installation or removal of the bags.
The bags are safe and secured by the steel string-loaded cleat and clamp straps, so even though you’re using the machine for the first time, you don’t have to worry at all.
The manufacturer of this whisper-quiet dust collector has given special importance to mobility.
In short, the mobility has been improved to a great extent by using four swivel casters as well as the base footprint of 15” x 25.5”.
The Grizzly dust collector has a decent height and weight.
Well, the machine stands tall at 63 inches and weighs at 63 pounds.
When it comes to the operation part a paddle switch with a safety key does the needful.
Lastly, the manufacturer is confident about the quality of the product so you get 1-year original purchaser warranty that covers defects in material and workmanship.
Definitely, a great product to take to your home.
So, what are you waiting for?
Jet DC-1100VX-5M Dust Collector
Well, if you’ve done some online research then definitely, you would’ve heard about Jet DC-1100VX-5M somewhere or by someone.
It is a single-stage collector and produces noise between 70 and 80 decibels.
Furthermore, this 5-micron filter bag dust collector is known to capture around 98 percent of dust and debris.
Unlike many other dust collectors, the Jet DC-1100VX-5M has very few cases of filter clogging and the credit goes to internal Vortex Cone™ which helps separate chips from dust.
With the help of the elasticized band that the machine comes with, you can easily install and remove the 5.3ft³ collection bag.
Needless to say, the 1.5 horsepower single-phase fan-cooled motor is highly efficient and can run for long hours.
Of course, the credit goes to permanent lubrication that the motor comes with.
Initially, the dust collector comes with 115V use.
However, if your requirement is 230V then you can alter it accordingly.
The steel impeller that it comes with is definitely something to brag about as it produces an airflow of 1100 cfm at 4 inches and a velocity of 12,571 feet/minute.
If you’re using a 6″ connector then 5M can accommodate only one.
Nonetheless, for simultaneous operation of two machines you can use two 4″.
The machine has a steel base and weighs 97 pounds.
For proper maneuverability, four casters are attached to the steel base.
In short, the manufacturer has tried to the best of their capabilities to keep the dust collector perfect.
When it comes to operating this whisper-quiet dust collector, you’ll find that anyone and everyone can operate it without any hassle.
You can operate the machine manually or using a remote.
It has a stop-start switch with a locking pin option in case of manual start.
Lastly, the manufacturer is very confident about the quality of its product and rest assured, if you’re using the dust collector for industrial purposes you’ll get a two years of warranty that would cover defective parts and workmanship.
And, the warranty remains the same other than the variation in the number of years, that is, 5-years when it comes to residential use.
All in all, a multi-purpose dust collector that can be used for home purposes as well as industrial one.
So, if you’re looking to buy a dust collector that can serve most of your purposes if NOT ALL, then go for it.
Shop Fox W1844 Wall Mountable Collector with Canister
The shop Fox W1844 is a single-stage canister dust collector that is known to produce bearable noise in the range of 77 dB and 79 dB.
Definitely, Shop Fox W1844 is one of the best for hobbyists if NOT THE BEST.
Even though you’re a first-time user you’ll not find any difficulty in installing and removing a 1.5 ft3 clear bag.
You can easily mount the machine on the wall.
The motor has a good lifecycle and capacity, and the base of the motor is made up of steel which can be easily mounted on the wall.
However, I would suggest you take someone’s help in mounting the dust collector on the wall.
It’s always good to be safe than SORRY, isn’t it?
Moreover, the control units are user-friendly.
The control unit comprises of paddle safety switch and removable key controls.
On the downside, the safety that protects the filter from large debris and other similar materials can be clogged.
However, the good news is, the machine comes with a 2-year warranty for defective parts and workmanship.
You can consider W1844 to be portable as it weighs 62 pounds and with the bag inflated it measures 46 inches.
On top of it, the Shop Fox W1844 can be easily accommodated in small spaces as it has a 14” x 14” footprint.
Well, for the connections, you can use a 4-inch hose, piping, or even adopters.
The machine is pre-wired for 120V.
Nonetheless, you can easily convert it to 240V if required.
The 7AMP one-horsepower motor is definitely something to brag about.
The power that the machine generates is enough for most of the work in normal circumstances.
Furthermore, the sealed and permanently lubricated direct drive motor drives a 10” cast aluminum impeller and produces 537cfm of suction.
So, what are you waiting for?
Which is your best quiet dust collector for hobbyists?
Oneida Dust Deputy Deluxe Anti-Static Cyclone Separator
To be honest, the Oneida Portable Cyclone Generator with the canister is a kit that you can connect to any shop vacuum.
The machine connects to the vacuum on one side, and the power tool on the other side.
The good news is, that you can expect the Oneida Dust Deputy to separate around 99 percent of dust and debris into the 5-gallon canister pail.
Moreover, the anti-static polyethylene cyclone has an airflow rating of 50 to 150 CFM.
The machine best works with 1″ to 3″ hose diameters.
At the same time, you need to be a bit careful about using it.
I would request you refrain from using the machine with hot dust or debris like soldering and welding.
The machine can be easily moved from one side to another without any hassle.
Can you guess the dimensions of the cyclone and bucket with casters?
Well, it is almost 5 feet tall with a diameter of 12 inches.
On top of it, the machine is manufactured in the USA, and also, comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
So, let’s see what you’ll get with the kit.
Below is the list of the things that you can expect with the Oneida Dust Deputy kit.
- Mounting Hardware
- Foam Gasket
- Three Casters
- 2″ Hose
- Two 90-Degree Elbow
- Bracket
All in all, a great product to consider when it comes to buying a dust collector.
Don’t believe my words?
Fine…(Read the customer reviews on Amazon)
By the way, which is your favorite dust collector for small shops?
PSI Woodworking DC725 Portable Tabletop Dust Collector
Well, if you’re looking for a variable-speed portable tabletop dust collector and filtration system then I can assure you, PSI Woodworking DC725 is definitely a product that you can think of buying, and trust me, there is a reason for it.
First and foremost, it is quiet enough to help you perform your task without taking away your peace of mind.
Of course, it’s not the quietest one Still I would say a noise level of 80 dB at the top level isn’t bad at all.
As the name suggests, the tabletop dust collector is highly portable as it weighs just 25 pounds and comes with an embedded handle to help you in moving it from one place to another.
Furthermore, if you look carefully at the picture you’ll find two transparent polycarbonate doors and a hood acting as an additional layer of safety for the filter when the machine isn’t in use.
As you open these doors, you’ll find them acting as a guide who directs dust into the box filter.
The thing that I really like about the DC725 is the metal housing that it possesses and the dimension of this dust collector is also such that it will not occupy much of the space on the floor.
It is just 8-1/2” wide x 10-3/8” high x 23-1/4” long.
The box filter is reusable and if you’re not satisfied with the air quality then you can replace it with a HEPA filter.
On top of it, with the help of two 115V grounded built-in outlets, you can easily power tools and lamps.
Isn’t it a piece of good news that the PSI comes with a 2-year limited warranty?
The dust collector comprises three quiet maintenance-free, computer-grade steel impeller fans that pull the dust particle of 1 micron in size.
And, it is the sole responsibility of PSI to clear the dust down to 1 micron.
Well, I’m not sure but I think that you might be inquisitive about the best uses of this tabletop dust collector, right?
I highly recommend this tabletop dust collector for carving and sanding.
In fact, the unit is designed to operate in close proximity to wood dust-producing tasks.
You don’t have to worry at all about its suction capability as using 110V and a total of 1.29AMPs, the fans create up to 725 cfm of suction.
So, which is your best tabletop dust collector for woodworking?
Jet DC-1100VX-CK Dust Collector
The Jet DC-1100VX-CK is a single-stage canister dust collector.
Definitely, the machine falls in a whisper-quiet category as even at the top speed it doesn’t produce noise more than 80 dB.
So, which is your best quiet dust collector for a garage shop?
You don’t have to worry at all about the air quality and dust removal as it will do its work perfectly.
So, let’s dive a little bit into the mechanism of the machine.
The dust collector comprises an interior vortex cone that is responsible for dropping heavier chips and particles out of the airflow.
Not only that, but the vortex is also responsible for keeping the filter clear of clogging particles.
Even dust particles as small as 2 microns can be easily removed by the vortex.
When it comes to disposal the machine has 5.3ft³ plastic bags and it is the work of the self-cleaning filter and canister to drop dust into the bag for hassle-free disposal.
Furthermore, the dust collector comes with a 1.5-horsepower fully enclosed, permanently lubricated fan-cooled single-phase motor.
Though the machine is wired for 115V use still you can set it up for 230V operation if needed.
Moreover, the motor coupled with the 11-inch impeller fan is capable of producing 1100 CFM of airflow at 4 inches which I think would definitely suffice your requirements, wouldn’t it?
The DC-1100VX-CK handles one 6” or two 4” hose connections for two machine simultaneous operations so you don’t have to worry at all as the manufacturer knows to a great extent what his end customers are looking for in a dust collector.
Do I still need to convince you to buy this quiet dust collector?
OK…
So, let’s have a quick look at the mobility of this dust collector.
Definitely, the machine is highly mobile as four swivel casters are attached to its base which measures 22” x 37”.
On top of that, the Jet DC-1100VX-CK also comes with industrial Start and stop options.
If you’re looking for a remote-controlled dust collector then definitely your hunt would end here.
Lastly, the Jet DC-1100VX-CK does come with a warranty that covers defects in parts and workmanship.
But, here is the catch, the warranty for residential purposes is 5 years whereas for industrial-commercial uses is only 2 years.
WEN 3410 3-Speed Remote-Controlled Air Filtration System
I literally love the soundproof devices that come with remote control and the WEN 3410 is definitely on my list of “favorite tools and accessories”.
The dust collector not only comes with a 3-speed filtration system but also is quieter than many other close competitors.
It produces noise between 50 dB and 60 dB which is definitely something to talk about, isn’t it?
The remote has a good range and it can work up to 26 feet.
With the help of the remote, you can not only change the speed as per your choice but also, you can set the programmable timer.
In short, the dust collector is highly user-friendly and anyone can easily operate it without any element of doubt.
Furthermore, it comes with a pre-filter as well as filters to make your task easy and less time-consuming.
The outer pre-filter is 5-micron whereas the inner filter is just 1-micron.
You have a choice when it comes to replacing the aforementioned filters, either replace both of them or switch to reusable filters whichever suits you.
On the downside, the filters are ONLY capable of cleaning the airborne dust, and for heavier wood chips, shavings, and dust, you would definitely need a vacuum cleaner.
When it comes to selecting speed you’ve got a couple of options that allow you to choose from 300, 350, and 400 CFM.
The motor operates at 120 V and it has a horsepower of 1/6 so if your requirement is a very powerful engine then definitely this one isn’t for you.
However, to make you understand, I would like to explain with an example that will definitely help you to analyze for whom this machine would work fine.
Suppose you have got a workshop of 400 sq ft then this quiet dust collector would be able to filter the air more than 7 times in an epigrammatic span of time say an hour.
As a result, dust could be removed effectively and you would be able to enjoy an improved air quality.
Moreover, the WEN 3410 is highly portable and it weighs as little as 32 pounds.
It also comes with a black metal housing that measures 17” x 20.5” x 10”.
You can easily mount the ceiling with the help of four installation hooks, chains, and screws.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to buy any of the above, they all are included in the package.
Just forget to mention, that it is highly advisable that you take help from someone while you’re expediting the installation process.
Lastly, 3410 comes with an original owner 2-year warranty for defective parts and workmanship.
So, what are you waiting for?
By the way, which is your favorite dust collector for small wood shops?
Festool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor
The Festool 583492 is a small beast that produces sound in the range of 62 and 71 dB.
You can consider this 24.8” x 14.4” x 21.2” dry-wet dust collector to be portable.
Well, this variable speed dust collector has two double front casters and two large fixed rear wheels to help you support with easy mobility.
Don’t worry, the machine can be easily moved to and fro on job sites and shops.
In short, you can use the same dust collector for multiple purposes.
Since the machine is small so is the disposable bag that has the ability to hold just under 1ft³ of material.
The disposable can be fitted with the canister.
The HEPA filter may not be the best still it is capable of capturing dust particles that measure 0.3 microns and above.
In short, it will definitely improve the air quality around you when you put it to work.
The motor comes with a variable speed and operates at 120V.
Moreover, the 350-1200 watt motor is capable of producing 135 CFM of airflow as well as 96 inches of static water lift which is definitely something to brag about keeping in mind the size of this whisper-quiet dust collector.
The extractor has a built-in tool-triggered auto-start receptacle making clean-up quick and quieter.
The dust extractor weighs less than 29 pounds with the hose and accessories in the built-in onboard storage compartment, making it both versatile and portable.
The Festool unit can be accessorized for different tasks and has a quick connection to tools.
A ‘Y’ attachment is available, so two machines can operate in tandem and a Bluetooth remote is another convenient option, as is a cyclone pre-separator.
The extractor comes with a 3-year Service All-Inclusive Warranty and a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee.
All in all, a great product that is highly effective in terms of efficiency and portability.
JET 708642CK DC-650CK 1-Horsepower 650 CFM Canister Dust Collector
The JET 708642CK is a single-stage canister style ultra-quiet dust collector, and from “whisper-quiet” I mean it produces as little as 65 dB to 70 dB of sound which is definitely not painful for our ears.
The dimension of this dust collector is an add-on if you want to use it for small or big shops.
The 14”-diameter canister is 25”-long and has the capability to filter out dust particles of size 2 microns and above.
Definitely, the machine does extraordinary work when it comes to improving the air quality of the shop.
On top of it, the whisper-quiet dust collector is known for its user-friendly nature as you can easily empty the canister using a top-mounted crank.
In order to make the process simple and hassle-free, the manufacturer has added a self-cleaning filter to the system.
Furthermore, the cleanup process doesn’t consume a lot of your time as the 23”-long, 14”-diameter clear collector bag is easy to install and remove.
The bag is capable of holding around 2ft³ of debris.
Keeping in mind the importance of quietness, the 1-horsepower motor is fully closed.
To minimize the noise created due to friction, the motor is permanently lubricated and fan-cooled for hours of operation.
The Jet has a 16” x 30” steel base with four swivel casters for maneuverability. It is pre-wired for 115-volt operation, but can easily be converted to 230v
Up to three machines can be hooked up at a time to the 4-inch diameter hose connection.
The machine has a user-friendly control unit and also comes with a remote control which has a good range of operation.
Jet offers a 5-year home warranty and just 2 years of commercial warranties to the original owner for workmanship and material defects.
All in all, a whisper-quiet dust collector that you can take home without any element of doubt.
As per my understanding, the manufacturer has added all the essential ingredients that a buyer looking for the best quiet dust collector would be searching for.
Correct me, if I’m wrong.
Moreover, this little beast can be easily moved from one room to another or from one shop to another without any hassle.
Lastly, I would highly recommend you give this machine a try.
Does it make sense?
Well, I hope so.
Things You Need To Consider When Buying A Whisper Quiet Dust Collector
Trust me, you’re going to spend a good amount of your savings when it comes to buying a dust collector so you need to be very careful because we don’t buy a dust collector every next day, right?
Without taking more of your time, let’s directly come to the point.
Well, there are certain parameters that you can’t afford to compromise upon.
For example, type and size, airflow velocity, noise rating, canister, etc.
Some other parameters that I think are also important are filter size, ease of cleaning, warranty, and of course pricing.
Moreover, if you’re a newbie or a first-time buyer then definitely never neglect two things when buying a whisper-quiet dust collector, that is, suction and quietness.
Noise Rating
If your top priority is quietness when it comes to buying a dust collector then definitely, you should have got a piece of proper information about the noise rating of all the machines that you’ve shortlisted.
Let me tell you, quiet dust collector generally falls in the range of 60 dB and 70 dB from a distance of 3 feet or more.
Unfortunately, compromising on parameters such as noise rating can have a severe impact on your ears.
For example, exposure to 80 dB or more for a longer duration on a regular basis can increase the risk of hearing damage.
More importantly, if you’re having a sort of ringing in your ears after getting exposed to a dust collector or other power tools then you may be at risk of hearing damage.
Do you know that most dust collectors are quieter than a skilled saw cutting 3/4” plywood (110dB)?Dust Collector Type
As an informed buyer, you must be aware of the type of dust collector because it will help you in making your buying decision.
There are only two types of dust collectors, that is, single-stage & double-stage.
As the name suggests, single-stage dust collectors are good for small shops.
They are small, lighter, and portable.
Not only that but these small beasts can also be directly connected to the power tools.
Furthermore, the bags, as well as filters, are also small.
On the other hand, the two-stage dust collectors are capable of handling more dust and debris because they are gigantic.
The good thing about the two-stage dust collector is that they come with an additional separator.
Moreover, they are also known for returning cleaner air to the shop.
Have you heard about the dual-stage cyclone dust collectors?
Well, they are derivative of a two-stage dust collector.
The cyclone dust collectors are not only more powerful but also efficient as compared to their counterparts in the context of separating debris and dust.
Lastly, cyclone dust collectors are best for woodworking and other shops that produce lots of dust and are in need of better air quality.
Shop Size
As discussed earlier, we need to pick a single-stage or dual-stage dust collector depending on the shop size, the former would be a better option for a small shop and vice-versa.
Even the parameters like number of floors and table-top machines vs. hand-held are considered to play an influential role in making the decision.
Let’s understand it this way a smaller space means a smaller collector to fit the space and not only that, but also the smaller distance between the tool and impeller for maximum suction.
Another interesting fact about the smaller shops is that they tend to use more hand-held tools, correct me, if I’m wrong.
On the contrary, the shop with bigger floor areas would need a bigger dust handling system.
Whether fixed duct or flex hose connections, the longer run means more power is an asset.
At the same time, it also means that two or more tools may be in use at once.
Air Flow
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute.
Are you aware of the fact that many of the stationary workshop machines need between 300 and 500 CFM to clear away dust and shavings?However, if you’re a first-time buyer and you’re NOT sure about how to check the airflow power then you don’t have to get worried, all you need to do is to look for the horsepower of the motor as it is a good indicator of the airflow power.
Just for your information, most of the portable shop models range between 150 and 1500 CFM whereas the larger ones exceed the former by 5 to 10 times.
Well, it is quite obvious as well as the bigger space demands more airflow so you’ll have to search for a quiet dust collector with more horsepower.
Furthermore, let’s have a quick look at the parameters that can impact the airflow of a dust collector.
For example, the dust collection unit on the woodworking tool may impact the airflow.
Similarly, hose type, diameter, metal ductwork, PVC, etc. have the capability to influence the airflow.
Just a word of caution, manufacturer airflow rating varies to a large extent from what you’ll experience because of the conditions (Lab reading) in which airflow readings are taken by the manufacturer is quite different from what you’ll face at your shop.Bag or Canister
I believe many of you would’ve definitely used a shop vac at some point of time in your life and if you compare the former with a dust collector then definitely, you’ll find an improvement in the context of both bag and canister.
Not only that, the canisters are known to have more surface areas, and as a result, they will trap more debris and finer particles.
The bag is mostly rated between 1 and 35 microns.
Again, I wouldn’t deny the fact that they are more susceptible to puncture or damage by wood or metal pieces.
On the other hand, a canister can is mostly puncture proof and it can also be fitted with a 1-micron pleated filter.
Efficiency of Filtration
So, here comes the question, I’ve asked myself before I bought my first whisper-quiet dust collector.
Can you guess?
The question was as simple as how efficient is the dust collector that I’m planning to buy.
I know many of you would have the same query, right?
Let’s have a quick look at the parameters that can influence the efficiency of a dust collector.
- Depends on its type (single, double, or cyclone)
- Collection system design
- Size of the particles and dust being collected
- Humidity and size of the filtration system
- Dust load in the air
On top of the aforementioned points, the type of filtration system plays a role too.
Some systems are known to use a filter in addition to or instead of a bag.
So, I would request you to do some research before coming to a conclusion.
The more you’ll do the research the better you’ll be loaded with the buying information.
Isn’t it better to be on a safer side than being sorry?
Size of the Filter
To be honest, the size of the filter may not be the top priority for many of you when it comes to buying a whisper-quiet dust collector.
However, at times the size of the filter plays a crucial role.
The size of the filter has the capability to influence the peak efficiency of a dust collector.
So, a misfit would definitely degrade the peak efficiency.
Similarly, if the filter lacks the proper size then the end result would be blowing back of the dust into the workshop.
Some other drawbacks of improper filter size are shortening the life of the filtration bag, decreased airflow, and poor return air quality.
So, what’s your take on the size of the filter?
Warranty
On a personal note, warranty is definitely something that I always consider an important parameter when it comes to buying soundproof products.
As per my knowledge and experience, I can affirm that most of the dust collectors available on the market come with 1 or 2 years of warranty.
However, some elite models and brands have a warranty for 5-years.
Again, you need to carefully and thoroughly go through the warranty documents as warranty varies from brand to brand and model to model.
For example, some warranty covers the motor and other operating parts while others are limited to standard parts and documents.
Remember, bags and filters aren’t covered by warranty as they are considered consumables.
Price
To be honest, price is definitely a differentiating factor for most of us, right?
Until and unless you fall under the elite category, the price will definitely matter to you.
Well, it goes without saying, the price for dust collectors varies with brand, type, horsepower, canister, and bag.
For example, a single-stage unit runs between $150 and $650 whereas a two-stage will set you back $250 to $1,000.
Furthermore, A dual-canister cyclone starts at around $400 and can easily reach $5,000 or more.
So, spend the money wisely and pick a whisper-quiet dust collector that serves your needs.
Dust Collector vs. Shop Vac: Which One Should I Pick?
No one can tell you, which one should you pick.
In fact, it’s you who has to decide whether you want to bring a dust collector or a shop vac home.
The problem is NOT about buying one out of the two but, about how well you know both the products, right?
Well, it is a known fact that a large shop always has a dust collection arrangement that comprises a dust collection system and other related accessories such as a dust filtration system, a few brooms, and shop vacs.
It is very important for a spacious shop to keep the dust collection system in good health else things could turn bizarre.
Nonetheless, you don’t require a dust collection arrangement for a shop that comprises a couple few people.
In fact, I would never recommend you spend your hard-earned money on a big and complex dust collection arrangement if you REALLY don’t need it.
Are you confused?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help get a clear idea of where you should spend your hard-earned money for the best possible ROI.
Does it make sense?
In simple words, a dust collector is a machine that comes in two different versions, that is, single-stage and dual-stage.
When it comes to buying a dust collector for a big spacious shop, I highly recommend the dual-stage dust collector for a good number of reasons.
First and foremost, a dual-stage dust collector comes with two compartments to separate dust and larger particles.
Secondly, the dual-stage dust collector has a greater airflow as compared to a single-stage dust collector.
The greater airflow (cubic feet per minute) helps in better removal as well as filtering of dust and debris.
Lastly, the dual-stage dust collector comes with a larger filtration system which is less likely to clog.
Enough bragging about the dust collector, now, it’s turn to throw some light on a shop vac.
Well, if I’ve to define a shop vac in one sentence then it is a highly portable high-pressure low-volume precision cleaning tool.
When compared to a dust collector, a shop vac has a lower CFM and horsepower.
Unlike the dust collector, it comes with only one chamber wherein dust particles are collected.
Unfortunately, the filter of a shop vac is more prone to clogging as compared to a dust collector because of the smaller size of the filter.
To be honest, a shop vac struggles to do its job perfectly when it comes to handling large dust-producing tools.
On the other hand, a shop could be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a portable machine that should clean small areas or power tools.
However, at last, it is you who will decide whether you want to go for a shop vac or a dust collector.
What is a dust collector?
A dust collector is a machine whose main purpose is to enhance the quality of air released from industrial and commercial processes by collecting dust and other related impurities from the air.
Well, many people confuse a dust collector with an air purifier.
The main difference between a dust collector and an air purifier is that the latter uses disposable filters.
If you’re a newbie or a first-time buyer of a dust collector then allow me to tell you that some of the main components of a dust collector are a blower, a dust filter, a filter cleaning system, and a dust removal system.
How does an industrial dust collector work?
As the name suggests, an industrial dust collector falls under the category of “air pollution control equipment”, and is mostly used in commercial places such as factories, industries, warehouses, etc.
The industrial dust collector plays a crucial role in controlling, reducing, and removing potentially harmful particles from the gases that come out of the factory during the manufacturing process.
Well, the concept of “one for all” doesn’t work at all when it comes to an industrial dust collector.
As we all know, the types of pollutants vary from industry to industry, and as a result, industry-specific dust collectors are designed to keep the atmosphere and the environment as clean as possible with the help of these machines.
So, you must be inquisitive about how a dust collector works, right?
A dust collector system works in a way that it collects the dust particles from the surrounding air and passes it through a filter whose work is to capture and separate the matter, and then discharge air back into the environment.
In short, a dust collector works on the concept of capture, separation, filter, and release.
Popular Dust Collection System
In the aforementioned paragraph, I mentioned that dust collectors are made industry-specific as the need of every industry is different, and mostly, the dust particles and hazardous released are industry-specific.
So, moving further, let’s have a quick look at some of the popular dust collection systems.
Shaker Dust Collector
Shaker dust collectors are machines that either clean off-line when the airflow is temporarily halted or section the baghouse into the compartment.
These units are quite popular wherein supplying compressed air for bag cleaning becomes next to impossible or in other words impractical.
Industries where you’ll find shaker dust collectors extensively used are steel mills, the mining industry, power plants, and smelting industries.
Pulse Jet Dust Collector
Pulse Jet Dust Collector is yet another kind of baghouse system and works in a way that it sends a blast or shock of air through the bag that shatters and discharges the dust cake for disposal.
Do you know that pulse jet dust collectors are the most common type of industrial dust collector?
The below-mentioned idiosyncratic characteristics put this dust collector in a different league.
- Easily customizable
- Capability to handle a wide range of temperature & pressure
- High collection efficiency
Some of the industries where these dust collectors are popular are chemical and mineral production, food processing plants, and the metal fabrication industry.
Cartridge Collectors
Cartridge collectors are mainly designed to serve a specific purpose. They are mostly popular where the requirement is for smaller space.
Furthermore, this fabric filter is known for minimizing health hazards as filters can be easily changed from outside the collector.
Some industries where you’ll find cartridge collectors are metalworking, woodworking, fume collection, thermal spray, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Cyclone Dust Collectors
As compared to the aforementioned dust collectors, Cyclone is a bit different in the sense it uses the concept of centrifugal force to separate dust from the gas stream.
It comprises of a cyclone collection chamber where cyclonic action is created to purify the air.
A cyclone dust collector is mainly used to separate oversized particles from the air that has mixed up with the fine dust.
Furthermore, Cyclone dust collector is quite popular in industries where the size of the dust particles is 20 microns or above.
For example, woodworking, pulp, and paper, shot blasting, mills, grain and agriculture, and recycling plants are some of the industries where you’ll find cyclone dust collectors for sure.
Electrostatic Precipitators
Well, so last on our list is none other than Electrostatic Precipitators and as the name suggests, these dust collectors are known to exploit the static electricity technique.
With the help of static electricity, the machine separates soot, ash, and dust particles from exhaust gases.
If you would’ve used an air purifier then definitely you’ll find the Electrostatic Precipitators operating process quite familiar.
So, what actually this dust collector does is use electrostatic energy to negatively charge the airborne particles which is then passed through the ionized field created by the electrodes.
The negatively charged particles are captured at the positive end of the electrodes.
Lastly, you’ll find these dust collectors at industrial power plants that burn fossil fuels such as oil and coal for electricity.
Are dust collectors REALLY loud?
Well, a lot of my clients have asked me this question, How loud are dust collectors?
To be honest, I don’t have a tangible answer, and if you want to know my view, I would simply say it DEPENDS.
The loudness of a dust collector varies across brands and models.
However, I’m more than confident to answer your query, Is dust collector loud?
Definitely, a dust collector is a loud machine until you buy a quieter model.
Since, now we know, a dust collector is loud, so let’s figure out why is it so.
A dust collector comprises a motor, an impeller, a ductwork dust collection system, and the system exhaust.
Unfortunately, all the aforementioned components of the machine are known to add to the noise.
On top of it, the lack of sound reduction protection and an open exhaust make things even worse.
Even though most of the components contribute to the overall loudness of a dust collector still I would say high-pressure exhaust is the main culprit as it contributes maximum to the loudness of a dust collector.
Dust Collector Noise Rating
The unit that is used to measure the parameter loudness or noise is decibels (dB).
On top of it, you should be aware of the fact that if your ears are exposed to 85 dB and above for a longer duration then it may lead to severe hearing damage.
To be on the safer side, the noise shouldn’t reach the threshold of 70 dB else some of you’ll start feeling discomfort.
Well, I know many of you would be inquisitive to know how can you find the noise is hurting your ears, right?
To be honest, it DEPENDS and varies from individual to individual.
For example, if you’re experiencing a ringing bell sort of noise in your ears after working in your shop or any manufacturing unit then definitely things aren’t favorable and you should consult an ENT specialist at the earliest.
Do you know the fact that a chainsaw produces 120 dB of noise which is 32 times louder than 70 dB?
Similarly, if we talk about a hand-held circular saw then you would be astonished to know that the noise produced by them falls in the 110 dB range which is again NOT good for your ears, right?
Of course, 110 dB is 16 times louder than 70 dB.
Even a wet-dry vacuum cleaner produces noise in the range of 90 dB and 100 dB which is 4 times louder than 70 dB.
In short, anything above 90 dB is definitely dangerous for your ears.
It is quite obvious that more the power the collector possesses the noisier it will be.
Though dust collectors are quieter than the machinery used in the workshop still I wouldn’t deny the fact that quite a few of them have the capability to cause ringing in your ears.
Dust Collector Types
As we’ve already discussed dust collectors are a type of machine that is responsible for removing and collecting dust as well as debris.
Most of the dust collectors fall mainly into two categories, that is, single-stage, and two-stage systems.
However, the interesting thing about a dust collector is that it may fall into any category with different configurations still it will still have similar components.
Let’s have a quick look at the types of dust collectors.
Single Stage Dust Collector
Single-stage collector passes wood particles and other dust particles through an impeller before getting dropped into a bag.
The dust is mainly collected into an upper bag, and as soon as the machine is switched off the dust falls from the upper bag into the collector.
The problem with a single-stage dust collector is that the larger dust particles can jam the impeller and in the worst case, these particles can even damage the impeller.
On the other hand, fine particles can infiltrate the bearings and other moving parts.
Impeller blades are mostly made of metal, nylon, or even plastic.
Unfortunately, each of the aforementioned impeller blades come with its own sets of problem.
For example, if you’re using an impeller made of nylon or plastic then you must be aware of the fact that they can become statically charged and as a result, dust particles will stick to them.
Similarly, a sucked-up metal screw can produce a spark by striking the metal impeller leading to igniting of the dust particles, and if not stopped at the correct time could lead to an explosion.
Two-Stage Dust Collector
Well, a two-stage dust collector is configured in a completely different way to minimize potential risk.
As the name suggests, it has two sections.
The first stage mostly concentrates on pulling the dust particles (coarse) in a container in such a way that they fall out of the suction stream into a collection bin.
At the same time, the finer particles are drawn up into the impeller and moved out into a fabric filter bag.
In the second stage, the bag collects fine dust as the air filters through the cloth and returns to the shop.
Needless to say, the two-stage dust collector provides better suction, and high-quality air is returned to the shop.
Dual Stage Cyclone
A two-stage cyclone is unique in the sense that it comes with an impeller and a motor that is placed at the top of the canister which is mostly cone-shaped.
The cone has its own importance as it sits atop a container that is meant for collecting larger particles.
In simple words, as the dust particles fall out of the airstream they fall into the cone-shaped container.
For the smaller dust particles, the filtration system pulls the air out of the impeller exhaust.
On the other hand, dust and debris are kept away from the impeller to improve suction as well as exhaust air quality.
Of course, cyclone dust collectors are known for better suction and improved dust separation.
Fixed
Well, fixed dust collection systems can be ceiling, roof, or even floor mounted, and are mostly used in an industrial setup.
Definitely, they are gigantic and expensive too.
As the name suggests, they don’t come with a removal collection system.
Don’t confuse a fixed collection system with a two-stage dust collector, in fact, they comprise multi-stage units.
They are huge and so are placed outside the shop or workshop, and are designed for multiple machines use simultaneously.
Wall Mountable
If you’ve less space in your workshop then you can think of a mountable dust collector which can collect the dust particles without occupying any floor space.
Mostly, wall-mounted dust collectors are single-stage and collect both large and small dust particles in a filtration bag without any separation.
Portable
Throughout my discussion on the quiet dust collector, I’ve emphasized buying a portable quiet dust collector, and without any doubt, there is a reason for it.
Well, a portable dust collection system comes with a rolling base, and you can move it from one machine to another depending upon your need without any hassle.
Furthermore, it can be a single-stage, two-stage, or dual-stage cyclone.
Types of Dust Collector Filter Bags
To be honest, the type of dust collector filter bag that you’ll need depends upon the type of machine you’ve and also, the specific operating conditions.
Furthermore, it is very important that you select a correct dust collector filter bag else it may impact the effectiveness and efficiency of the machine reversibly.
Cotton
Well, filter bags made up of cotton are mostly used on shaker-type collectors, and have a normal continuous operating temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
These bags are known to perform fairly well in case you’re using your dust collector for cleaning rooms, atmospheric air cleaning, woodworking applications, etc.
On the downside, the chemical resistance of this bag is poor and flammability is high.
However, they are good at offering resistance to both flex and flat abrasion.
Polyester
Definitely, polyester could be a great option in case, you want to deal with chemicals, abrasion, and dry heat generation.
Many of you wouldn’t know that polyester is the most common type of filter bag used today, Not only that, but it also offers excellent dimensional stability.
On top of that, polyester has a good resistance to a large number of oxidizing agents.
I highly recommend polyester bags for dry heat application.
Polypropylene
To be honest, other than ketones, esters, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, Polypropylene has good resistance to most organic solvents.
Moreover, the normal maximum continuous operating temperature is 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Not only that, but Polypropylene also offers high strength and excellent resistance to most acids and alkalis.
Lastly, the fabric is known to perform really well against both minerals and organic acids.
And, in the context of alkalis, the fabric has good resistance to almost all the alkalis except sodium and potassium hydroxide, and that too above 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nylon
Definitely, Nylon has a great continuous operating temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
They perform really well against highly abrasive dust applications.
The fabric has great resistance to alkalis under most circumstances.
However, when it comes to tackling minerals, most of the mineral oxides cause degradation and partial decomposition.
Unfortunately, a higher temperature and concentrations may surge the speed of complete degradation.
Acrylic (Homopolymer Acrylic Felt)
For acrylic, the normal maximum continuous operating temperature is 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
They are extensively used for applications such as dryers, aluminum reduction, smelting, and electric furnaces.
Well, I would not say that the chemical resistance is excellent. However, it is satisfactory to most mineral and organic acids.
Again, when it comes to resistance against oxidizing agents, acrylic performs really well.
Trust me, they perform really well against most common organic solvents.
If we’re to sum up in one line then I can affirm that acrylic has good resistance against acid as well as hydrolysis.
How to make a dust collector quieter?
Well, check out the self-explanatory video (Link)
Wrapping Up the Best Quiet Dust Collectors
Tell me, which is your favorite quiet dust collector?
How much are you willing to spend on a quiet dust collector?
I hope you would’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece of information.
To be honest, I’ve tried to the best of my capabilities to help you find a quiet dust collector of your choice.
In case, you still have some doubts, do ask us in the comment section.
I highly encourage my readers to buy quiet machines as exposure to high decibels for a longer duration can cause hearing loss, stress, anxiety, and many more things.
Do let us know about your view on “quiet dust collector”?
Last but not least, share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
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