https://www.starmix.de/en/products/wetdry-vacuum-cleaners/handicraft. There is a company in Burnaby, BC, Canada that has been selling and renting dust extraction systems for the concrete finishing industry for over 30 years. It would not be an easy test but no more difficult than the other tests you set up. Again the length and diameter of the hose are relevant, a longer, smaller diameter hose will be likely to reduce flow, but is easier to work with. Dust collectors are essential for any shop that produces dust. Simon Not anytime soon, lots of other tests on the horizonwe typically wont redo for several years or longer as we have so many other requests. Just use the included remote control to set the air suction power, turn the air filtration system on or off, and even set a programmable timer to shut the system off after the scheduled period of time. Id like to see the Hilti go up against the $1000 makita, Perceived loudness doubles every 10db. To accurately measure the air volume (flow) through the dust collectors, TBB used a commercial Dwyer hot-wire anemometer. Some feedback on what I bought got the Makita VC4210 and using it with bags. We highly recommend measuring your space and comparing it against the measurements of each machine before you purchase it. What should be done to compare useful flow is to use a tube with a sharp edge orifice that has a smaller diameter than the tube.
This dust collector does have a decent amount of power for most jobs. The list of top products below is made up of several different types of dust collector that were selected based on dust collection capacity, motor power, suction, filter efficiency, and overall value in order to help you find the best dust collector to keep the workshop clean. The formula for this ASTM standard is: P = 0.117354 x (F) x (S). ), Ideal test would adopt methodology as Fan Guy suggests, but with data points for multiple orifice diameters in order to chart the relationship between CFM and static pressure across the potential operating range. A 3db is an actual doubling of the sound level intensity (and therefore damage to your hearing.) but their dust collector certainly tested well against the other silica-rated units. That brand has been out there for 15 years, the originally designed vacuum to handle dust from tools and the only brand that meets all of OSHA Silica rules governing a vacuum used for silica for the past 15 years. Especially rough and sticky dust needs a specialty unit as well.
Not to mention the original vacuum to automatically back pulse filters clean while working. The importance of good jobsite dust control cannot be stated enough. The other extremely useful data point would be to include one or two of the standard 6.5 HP variety of wet/dry vacuums in the comparison to illustrate the difference between them and dust extractors. My bandsaw has two 4-inch dust ports. Plus, this machine seems to be quite durable as well. For me Makita is the clear winner. The dust collector type was important to incorporate because not every type of dust collector is suited to every user. Fantastic information in an entertaining way! With the makita discontinued, any idea how the new VC4210L compares? Great test! There are cheaper options, as well as more expensive options. A dust collector does exactly as indicated by the name: It collects dust. Measurements were recorded both when the vacuums were clean, and when they were dirty with drywall compound (under extreme motor performance, the sound levels are higher). when you tested all the dust collectors did you use the same size diameter hose on all of them ? How fine are the particles being blown back into the room? Bagging on them about not developing the actual fan performance curves or comparing this and that are being overly critical. The best dust collector for your workshop depends on the size of the space, the amount of dust that is typically produced, and whether a portable or fixed dust collector would be better. The measured air flow in CFM is shown for both the clean and dirty dust extractors after sucking up 20 lbs of drywall compound. I looked in Amazon and the new model does not have great reviews (for what its worth), so I am curious how much alike is with the older model. Were these done with auto clean on? The 10x vs 20x issue is largely due to energy formulas vs voltage formulas. *included accessories* the Hilti comes with the hose, a basic filter, a single plastic bag, and thats it. By Timothy Dale | Updated Aug 31, 2021 2:24 PM. Jim We struggled with that, as everyone uses these vacs differently. The machines will be run dirty 90% of the time. Weve never been sponsored for a head-to-head and quite honestly I take great offense at the suggestion. Pulse Bac is self cleaning. It also doesnt count for static resistance, which is going to be a sizable problem to consider for some underpowered machines. However, the SHOP FOX 1 HP Dust Collector is one of the best options available. It is very easy to Monday morning quarterback someone elses work.
I dont work enough for the former to matter much and, although cost matters, I wanted to know how they ranked assuming I could buy any of them (untrue, but I was curious nonetheless). Any testing on the Flex vacs coming? The 1 HP motor provides enough power to generate up to 800 CFM of air suction power, making it easy to keep the work area clean while sanding, grinding, or cutting. You preferably want to choose a machine that is rated to filter out particles of at least 1 micron. *Ergonomics, Features,& Warranty, -etc. The current ranking system assigns a number from 1 being the winner of a category up to the total number of entries. But, we can test the performance to suck up materials (one of the primary functions of these tools), and compare them to each other. Each battery takes about 45 minutes to charge, so while one battery is in use, the other battery can fully charge. It is a small size, which makes it easy to transport when needed. The Hilti 20-2-1 warranty is a 20 year limited manufacturers warranty, a 2 year unconditional warranty covers anything including cutting the cord and other non-manufacturer related items, and a 1 day in Hiltis regional repair shop with pre-paid shipping labels, all of which is really awesome! The lineup includes dust extractors from: Bosch, DEWALT, Fein, Festool, Hilti, Makita, Metabo and Milwaukee. Also, maybe testing in real world conditions would be better to know, water lift, CFM and Air watts do not matter if the vacuum clogs while working. As the air flows over the heated wire and cools the wire, additional power is supplied to keep the wire at a constant temperature. Our testing methods enabled us to calculate the Airwatt or P for each dust collector.
However, it can be dangerous for your lungs when inhaled. Below is a table with all the results from each category. Todd Fratzel, thank you for this post. Add 10/20 lbs of flat weights in the bottom of the canister (using fleece bags) to stabilize it. For a hand held grinder it requires 25 CFM per inch diameter of the grinding wheel. This bag dust collector from Shop Fox helps to keep users safe with a built-in safety switch that must be operated with a removable key. Well keep trying to make sense of it in an understandable way. Energy doubles every 3 dB so twice as much damage will occur to your inner ear at 88 as will occur at 85 dB. Mark Each extractor was plugged into the same power sources at each test. The dust collection port is 4 inches, which should allow for connections to most of your woodworking tools. Greenworks Hybrid Shop Vacuum Tackles Portable Cleanup Whether Theres an Outlet or Not Whether your priority is keeping up your shop, cleaning your car, or tidying up a CAT front end loader, nearly everyone needs a wet/dry vac at some point. The probe tip appears to be oriented differently in the two pics. We did write (and link) to another article on using fleece bags, and how costs come into play. This is a major issue of health and safety. Each category is added up and the tool with the lowest overall score is the winner. The machine runs on a 1 HP dual-voltage motor, allowing it to be used on either 120V or 240V power systems. In our latest Head-to-Head tool testing we evaluated eight of the industries top Dust Collectors in the 8 to 12 gallon capacity size. Will a cyclone (I already have one) paired with a manual filter cleaner work as well as a machine with an auto filter cleaner? Because of the lower price, it is a bit less powerful than most options. The water column measure is the suction head at zero flow (one condition). I wouldnt say rebranded.yes Nilfisk is manufacturing vacs for several brands.but each one is different and offers features that the Brand has requested..so saying they are rebranded is misleading in our opinion. Hepa filters restrict air flow so it would make sense they would suffer on performance. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. eg, a vacuum that measured 120 CFM max, but effectively maintained that airflow up until say 45 of static pressure before linearly dropping to 90 max static pressure would be far superior in actual usage to one that measured 150 CFM max and dropped down to 100 CFM at 10 static pressure while still arriving at 90 max static pressure. Hilti can charge more because of their superior customer service. Our dust extractor reviews cover everything fromgeneral dust extractor vacuum shootout to specific reviews. With that said, we did find the suction of this machine a bit lacking. If you need power, you might have to sacrifice portability and vice versa. Youve opened up a pretty big can of worms, my friend. To measure static power (suction) we used both an industrial gauge that registered up to 200 inches of water column, and a water column test. (Would be quite useful to conduct a few tests with actual hose + tool connected to determine realistic static pressure of 16 of 1.5 diameter hose with an angle grinder, orbital sander, track saw, etc.). One mention of the sound section again. It can be used as a stationary unit or moved around. However, not all the extractors came with a .3 micron HEPA filters. A built-in window on the dust collection bag makes it easy to see when the bag needs to be emptied, and the safety on/off switch helps to prevent accidents. Auto is my preference as it provides the most optimum performance keeping that filter as clean as possible. I have a small project and Im planning to hire a dust extractor from this https://rvtgroup.com.au/hire-equipment/fumes. First, the phone mic has limited ability to capture all sound. The WEN air filtration system is a whole-room filter that can be installed on the roof of a garage or workshop using the included hooks. The VC4210 is actually the Nilfisk Attix 33 in Makita colors with Makita specified attachments. That probably cost less than $20 to manufacture. Small but busy workshops can benefit from having a wall-mounted dust collector like this impressive product from Powertec that has 537 CFM suction power and a 2.5-micron filter efficiency rating. To clarify we are NOT a testing lab but we feel we do a good job at what we do. It held its own with Hilti and Festool in the performance testing we did and its also the quietest extractor. The static pressure in our testing was performed with a water column. Hopefully our reviews helped you sort out which dust collector is best for you. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Erik All good points, but as we pointed out were not a testing laboratory, were all contractors with full time jobs. Thanks Michael We struggle to find a way to present this data in a meaningful way to readers. Three points: 1- The clean filter numbers are almost pointless. The two operating conditions you have here are the ends of the fan curve. This machine is portable without sacrificing too much power. The water column test is a much more visual representation of suction so its a great way to show the relative suction of the dust collectors. Sounds like someone is looking for some air-time and exposure for your vac. You can learn more about this topic in the following article: using fleece bags in dust extractors. With that said, there were many things we didnt like about it. However, it is only perceived as a small increase by your ear/brain which responds logarithmically to volume changes. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Unfortunately I have to agree that this comparison is merely a good start that raises as many questions as it answers. Copyright 2022 House Grail. A wall-mounted bag dust collector may be the best option for a busy yet small workshop because it doesnt take up any floor space, yet it can still connect to more than one tool. Below are the results of the suction (water column) tests. Finally some meaningful, real world data! Also priced on the higher side compared to other models we tested, it too offers an exceptional warranty that will keep you working worry free for the first three years. Using fleece bags increases the life of the pleated filters (they cost far more than the fleece bags), increases the life of the motor, and makes cleanup easier and safer for users. Its called the Wet/Dry Pro and runs for about $250 USD. This is why it only ranked at number four on our review list. The use of fleece filter bags is a best-practice methodology, and this was validated by all but one of the vacuum manufacturers that we interviewed for this article. (After pitot calibration in tube with orifice, but thats more than we can do here.). Festool might be expensive but they also hold value better than any other brands. Using a shop-vac for [], Keep your workshop safer and cleaner with this award winning industrial air purifer When it comes to keeping your shop clean, a dust collector goes a long way to solving that problem. Otherwise, you may end up spending more money than you need to or choosing a model that isnt powerful enough for your workspace. P is the measured and derived power in airwatts,F is the rate of air flow in cubic feet per minute (denoted in cu ft/min or CFM) and S is the suction capacity expressed as a pressure in units of inches of water column. I have a thought for the scoring system, you mentioned being open to changing. Despite this, it isnt expensive. Recent OSHA regulations have highlighted how dangerous dust can be and how important it is to capture dust on the jobsite.
It is fairly inexpensive, which makes it great for those that arent looking to spend tons of money. Festool doesnt seem to have any interest in the concrete/silica market so, no, they dont have a HEPA rated unit, per se. I start with 80 grit sleeves and move up to 120, 180 and 220. All filters are rated based on the smallest particle they can filtergenerally, the smaller, the better. 3- Biggest disappointment has to be the Fein. Also, each vacuum was on full power, and if available, had the auto-clean feature turned on. When using it to extra saw and router waste it just fills up too quickly (may be rated 10L but the bag is hard pressed against the filters with less than half that volume.
Below, youll find our reviews for some of the best dust collectors for smaller shops, which are generally less expensive than some of the industrial models out there. Yes dust is critical, but the performance to get the job done is as well. This dust collector has all the features you need and probably some you dont. Lets cut them some slack. These devices connect to your power tools in order to provide active suction while you work. I could never support a company with these kind of unethical deceptive practices. Cost is always a factor in determining what tool to buy. You already did all the hard work might as well get a little return for your efforts. When I bought my house, I wanted my living room to be my woodworking studio. Not only can dust be destructive to personal property but is dangerous to our health. Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. Tied for the least expensive dust extractor we tested, this is an extreme value for contractors on a tight budget. No one dreams about upgrading their dust collector or looks forward to the release of a new model. However, 150 CFM is more than enough to handle the small volume of dust that is typically created by small hand tools, and the 0.3-micron filter helps to ensure that the dust extractor doesnt clog. However, the dust collection system doesnt have any suction power on its own, so in order for it to be effective, a shop vac or dust collector needs to be connected to the 4-inch vacuum port to provide continuous suction while using the saw. To me this is the most important metric. While not technically a dust collector, this Rousseau dust collection system is an ideal solution for the mess that miter saws and chop saws can create when they are in use. WEN is well-known for making inexpensive yet high-quality tools. Thanks again. I purchased the Hilti based on these results, but in thinking more on the subject I realized that the best dust extractor should take into account many factors not listed here in the test, such as: *tool compatibility* The Hilti, for example, is meant to fit Hilti tools, which are largely focused on concrete work. My compliments on the testing of dust extractors.It was thorough, easy to understand and measured those parameters that are important to us users. Using fleece bags on drywall defeats the purpose of AUTO CLEAN systems. What is the Best [], In this day and age of OSHA silica dust rules, jobsites get all the dust extractor attention. However, the one thing they have in common is the mess that can be created by cutting, grinding, and sanding these materials. We updated the sound section, thanks for the feedback. What do they need in a dust extractor? If youre on a budget, this is probably the model youll want to get. We needed two test jigs built one to produce inches of water column (S) and one to give us airflow CFM (F). In todays world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. Any thoughts will be appreciated. You do not want to purchase a machine that is too big for your space, especially since the process of returning one can become a big hassle. We know you have lots of places to get this sort of evaluation of tools, but we think ours are the best based on our vast construction experience. Something that can suck the dust as I sand.
Purchase an inexpensive audio mic for sound analysis so that all frequencies are properly captured. Thanks! It has all the information you need to make the best purchase for your small shop and personal situation. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. 90db is twice as loud as 80db. Suction, features, and control provide the keys to agooddust extractor. This dust is so small that you cant see it. To help you make the best decision of your small shop, we researched some of the top dust collectors out there. *Airwatts (90% out of 100%)0-2000 scale, Divide total by 20 to create percent of 100 Hilti- 99.3% clean; 65.1% dirty. Question about the dirty filter tests.
The Dustcontrol DC2900C Eco is my choice for this, compact size, 32 pounds empty, can handle months of steady work before a filter change is needed. By trapping large debris and dust particles in the filter, the dust collector can continue to work at a high level of suction power without the user having to worry about clogs. Coming in first place, and what we consider to be the BEST dust extractor on the market today is the Hilti VC 150-10 XE. I ~believe the Milwaukee is made by Flex. If you need a cheaper option, the WEN 3401 Dust Collector is a decent option. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Or better yet, go out and conduct your own testing (and absorb your costs and time) and post your results of particulate effectiveness or comparative fan performance curve and wire to air efficiencies. Jon. These test are very well done. This is huge benefits. I was also puzzled by the erratic falloff in cfm once the bags were dirty. Jon Thank you! how quickly does the vacuum loose lift when filters face, these are the real questions that need answered, as they go right to the performance of the machine. Our friend Eli Mosley invited us out to the ranch once he discovered we [], Take Dust Collection To The Next Level With The Triton Dust Collector Bucket When youre working with wood, sawdust control is always something to keep in mind. (70%) For totaling: Give each machine a total clean & dirty score *C.F.M.=SCORE-minus20% (Because you determined it as 80% out of 100 for importance) *W.C.= *Airwatts= 100% added So on & so forth Once added all numbers minus there percentage of importance you would have a total number divided by 6 to give you a score in percent form for each machine. The bags and filters for each sub-brand are interchangeable, so shop around. In one opening, there is a temperature sensor. The combination of high air suction power, good air filter efficiency, and voluminous dust collection capacity are primary contributors to the success of this product. Hilti-86.1% clean; 55.85% dirty. You can also mount this unit to the wall if youd like, which eliminates the need for storage. I was thinking of buying the Fein turbo II for home. However, if any of your guys (or indeed readers) have any experience with the later models Vs the earlier DeWalt/Makiita Id be interested in any insights. The trouble is, what we feel are good tests isnt what others feel, and at the end of the day, regardless of the system we chose, everyone will rank them differently. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. I would also very much like to know this too. For those looking to go all-out on their dust collector, the Festool 583492 Dust Extractor is a reliable option. If you want efficiency, a measure of the input electrical power could be used in conjunction with the airflow. Given its power, you should also be careful when plugging it up with other machines. Not all the vacuums came with hepa filters installed (the festool isnt even hepa rated). Besides that, this machine is perfect for small shops. This helped me decide to purchase a Hilti dust extractor. On average, dust collectors produce about 50 to 65 decibels of sound, depending on the size of the motor. We ask them their thoughts on our testing approach, and try to get their consensus on our approach. The BEST information available! First, a good start to evaluation of a complex product. Not an option if lugging around the job but works if being used at a sanding/cutting station. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden. Good catch, Rob. For the air volume, suction, and airwatts measurements and calculations, testing was done with clean dust extractors as an out of the box baseline. The average score across each category was used to rank the dust extractors with the top three being: The toughest part of these Tool Box Buzz Head-to-Head evaluations is coming up with an overall winner. Each dust extractor was equipped with a filter(s) and a fleece bag (without a bag the filters would clog very fast, and we always recommend using fleece bags on the jobsite).
Typically, a dust collector is a portable tool that is either light enough to carry or it has a wheeled base or frame that can be used to move the tool around the workshop.
This dust collector does have a decent amount of power for most jobs. The list of top products below is made up of several different types of dust collector that were selected based on dust collection capacity, motor power, suction, filter efficiency, and overall value in order to help you find the best dust collector to keep the workshop clean. The formula for this ASTM standard is: P = 0.117354 x (F) x (S). ), Ideal test would adopt methodology as Fan Guy suggests, but with data points for multiple orifice diameters in order to chart the relationship between CFM and static pressure across the potential operating range. A 3db is an actual doubling of the sound level intensity (and therefore damage to your hearing.) but their dust collector certainly tested well against the other silica-rated units. That brand has been out there for 15 years, the originally designed vacuum to handle dust from tools and the only brand that meets all of OSHA Silica rules governing a vacuum used for silica for the past 15 years. Especially rough and sticky dust needs a specialty unit as well.
Not to mention the original vacuum to automatically back pulse filters clean while working. The importance of good jobsite dust control cannot be stated enough. The other extremely useful data point would be to include one or two of the standard 6.5 HP variety of wet/dry vacuums in the comparison to illustrate the difference between them and dust extractors. My bandsaw has two 4-inch dust ports. Plus, this machine seems to be quite durable as well. For me Makita is the clear winner. The dust collector type was important to incorporate because not every type of dust collector is suited to every user. Fantastic information in an entertaining way! With the makita discontinued, any idea how the new VC4210L compares? Great test! There are cheaper options, as well as more expensive options. A dust collector does exactly as indicated by the name: It collects dust. Measurements were recorded both when the vacuums were clean, and when they were dirty with drywall compound (under extreme motor performance, the sound levels are higher). when you tested all the dust collectors did you use the same size diameter hose on all of them ? How fine are the particles being blown back into the room? Bagging on them about not developing the actual fan performance curves or comparing this and that are being overly critical. The best dust collector for your workshop depends on the size of the space, the amount of dust that is typically produced, and whether a portable or fixed dust collector would be better. The measured air flow in CFM is shown for both the clean and dirty dust extractors after sucking up 20 lbs of drywall compound. I looked in Amazon and the new model does not have great reviews (for what its worth), so I am curious how much alike is with the older model. Were these done with auto clean on? The 10x vs 20x issue is largely due to energy formulas vs voltage formulas. *included accessories* the Hilti comes with the hose, a basic filter, a single plastic bag, and thats it. By Timothy Dale | Updated Aug 31, 2021 2:24 PM. Jim We struggled with that, as everyone uses these vacs differently. The machines will be run dirty 90% of the time. Weve never been sponsored for a head-to-head and quite honestly I take great offense at the suggestion. Pulse Bac is self cleaning. It also doesnt count for static resistance, which is going to be a sizable problem to consider for some underpowered machines. However, the SHOP FOX 1 HP Dust Collector is one of the best options available. It is very easy to Monday morning quarterback someone elses work.
I dont work enough for the former to matter much and, although cost matters, I wanted to know how they ranked assuming I could buy any of them (untrue, but I was curious nonetheless). Any testing on the Flex vacs coming? The 1 HP motor provides enough power to generate up to 800 CFM of air suction power, making it easy to keep the work area clean while sanding, grinding, or cutting. You preferably want to choose a machine that is rated to filter out particles of at least 1 micron. *Ergonomics, Features,& Warranty, -etc. The current ranking system assigns a number from 1 being the winner of a category up to the total number of entries. But, we can test the performance to suck up materials (one of the primary functions of these tools), and compare them to each other. Each battery takes about 45 minutes to charge, so while one battery is in use, the other battery can fully charge. It is a small size, which makes it easy to transport when needed. The Hilti 20-2-1 warranty is a 20 year limited manufacturers warranty, a 2 year unconditional warranty covers anything including cutting the cord and other non-manufacturer related items, and a 1 day in Hiltis regional repair shop with pre-paid shipping labels, all of which is really awesome! The lineup includes dust extractors from: Bosch, DEWALT, Fein, Festool, Hilti, Makita, Metabo and Milwaukee. Also, maybe testing in real world conditions would be better to know, water lift, CFM and Air watts do not matter if the vacuum clogs while working. As the air flows over the heated wire and cools the wire, additional power is supplied to keep the wire at a constant temperature. Our testing methods enabled us to calculate the Airwatt or P for each dust collector. However, it can be dangerous for your lungs when inhaled. Below is a table with all the results from each category. Todd Fratzel, thank you for this post. Add 10/20 lbs of flat weights in the bottom of the canister (using fleece bags) to stabilize it. For a hand held grinder it requires 25 CFM per inch diameter of the grinding wheel. This bag dust collector from Shop Fox helps to keep users safe with a built-in safety switch that must be operated with a removable key. Well keep trying to make sense of it in an understandable way. Energy doubles every 3 dB so twice as much damage will occur to your inner ear at 88 as will occur at 85 dB. Mark Each extractor was plugged into the same power sources at each test. The dust collection port is 4 inches, which should allow for connections to most of your woodworking tools. Greenworks Hybrid Shop Vacuum Tackles Portable Cleanup Whether Theres an Outlet or Not Whether your priority is keeping up your shop, cleaning your car, or tidying up a CAT front end loader, nearly everyone needs a wet/dry vac at some point. The probe tip appears to be oriented differently in the two pics. We did write (and link) to another article on using fleece bags, and how costs come into play. This is a major issue of health and safety. Each category is added up and the tool with the lowest overall score is the winner. The machine runs on a 1 HP dual-voltage motor, allowing it to be used on either 120V or 240V power systems. In our latest Head-to-Head tool testing we evaluated eight of the industries top Dust Collectors in the 8 to 12 gallon capacity size. Will a cyclone (I already have one) paired with a manual filter cleaner work as well as a machine with an auto filter cleaner? Because of the lower price, it is a bit less powerful than most options. The water column measure is the suction head at zero flow (one condition). I wouldnt say rebranded.yes Nilfisk is manufacturing vacs for several brands.but each one is different and offers features that the Brand has requested..so saying they are rebranded is misleading in our opinion. Hepa filters restrict air flow so it would make sense they would suffer on performance. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. eg, a vacuum that measured 120 CFM max, but effectively maintained that airflow up until say 45 of static pressure before linearly dropping to 90 max static pressure would be far superior in actual usage to one that measured 150 CFM max and dropped down to 100 CFM at 10 static pressure while still arriving at 90 max static pressure. Hilti can charge more because of their superior customer service. Our dust extractor reviews cover everything fromgeneral dust extractor vacuum shootout to specific reviews. With that said, we did find the suction of this machine a bit lacking. If you need power, you might have to sacrifice portability and vice versa. Youve opened up a pretty big can of worms, my friend. To measure static power (suction) we used both an industrial gauge that registered up to 200 inches of water column, and a water column test. (Would be quite useful to conduct a few tests with actual hose + tool connected to determine realistic static pressure of 16 of 1.5 diameter hose with an angle grinder, orbital sander, track saw, etc.). One mention of the sound section again. It can be used as a stationary unit or moved around. However, not all the extractors came with a .3 micron HEPA filters. A built-in window on the dust collection bag makes it easy to see when the bag needs to be emptied, and the safety on/off switch helps to prevent accidents. Auto is my preference as it provides the most optimum performance keeping that filter as clean as possible. I have a small project and Im planning to hire a dust extractor from this https://rvtgroup.com.au/hire-equipment/fumes. First, the phone mic has limited ability to capture all sound. The WEN air filtration system is a whole-room filter that can be installed on the roof of a garage or workshop using the included hooks. The VC4210 is actually the Nilfisk Attix 33 in Makita colors with Makita specified attachments. That probably cost less than $20 to manufacture. Small but busy workshops can benefit from having a wall-mounted dust collector like this impressive product from Powertec that has 537 CFM suction power and a 2.5-micron filter efficiency rating. To clarify we are NOT a testing lab but we feel we do a good job at what we do. It held its own with Hilti and Festool in the performance testing we did and its also the quietest extractor. The static pressure in our testing was performed with a water column. Hopefully our reviews helped you sort out which dust collector is best for you. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Erik All good points, but as we pointed out were not a testing laboratory, were all contractors with full time jobs. Thanks Michael We struggle to find a way to present this data in a meaningful way to readers. Three points: 1- The clean filter numbers are almost pointless. The two operating conditions you have here are the ends of the fan curve. This machine is portable without sacrificing too much power. The water column test is a much more visual representation of suction so its a great way to show the relative suction of the dust collectors. Sounds like someone is looking for some air-time and exposure for your vac. You can learn more about this topic in the following article: using fleece bags in dust extractors. With that said, there were many things we didnt like about it. However, it is only perceived as a small increase by your ear/brain which responds logarithmically to volume changes. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Unfortunately I have to agree that this comparison is merely a good start that raises as many questions as it answers. Copyright 2022 House Grail. A wall-mounted bag dust collector may be the best option for a busy yet small workshop because it doesnt take up any floor space, yet it can still connect to more than one tool. Below are the results of the suction (water column) tests. Finally some meaningful, real world data! Also priced on the higher side compared to other models we tested, it too offers an exceptional warranty that will keep you working worry free for the first three years. Using fleece bags increases the life of the pleated filters (they cost far more than the fleece bags), increases the life of the motor, and makes cleanup easier and safer for users. Its called the Wet/Dry Pro and runs for about $250 USD. This is why it only ranked at number four on our review list. The use of fleece filter bags is a best-practice methodology, and this was validated by all but one of the vacuum manufacturers that we interviewed for this article. (After pitot calibration in tube with orifice, but thats more than we can do here.). Festool might be expensive but they also hold value better than any other brands. Using a shop-vac for [], Keep your workshop safer and cleaner with this award winning industrial air purifer When it comes to keeping your shop clean, a dust collector goes a long way to solving that problem. Otherwise, you may end up spending more money than you need to or choosing a model that isnt powerful enough for your workspace. P is the measured and derived power in airwatts,F is the rate of air flow in cubic feet per minute (denoted in cu ft/min or CFM) and S is the suction capacity expressed as a pressure in units of inches of water column. I have a thought for the scoring system, you mentioned being open to changing. Despite this, it isnt expensive. Recent OSHA regulations have highlighted how dangerous dust can be and how important it is to capture dust on the jobsite.
It is fairly inexpensive, which makes it great for those that arent looking to spend tons of money. Festool doesnt seem to have any interest in the concrete/silica market so, no, they dont have a HEPA rated unit, per se. I start with 80 grit sleeves and move up to 120, 180 and 220. All filters are rated based on the smallest particle they can filtergenerally, the smaller, the better. 3- Biggest disappointment has to be the Fein. Also, each vacuum was on full power, and if available, had the auto-clean feature turned on. When using it to extra saw and router waste it just fills up too quickly (may be rated 10L but the bag is hard pressed against the filters with less than half that volume.
Below, youll find our reviews for some of the best dust collectors for smaller shops, which are generally less expensive than some of the industrial models out there. Yes dust is critical, but the performance to get the job done is as well. This dust collector has all the features you need and probably some you dont. Lets cut them some slack. These devices connect to your power tools in order to provide active suction while you work. I could never support a company with these kind of unethical deceptive practices. Cost is always a factor in determining what tool to buy. You already did all the hard work might as well get a little return for your efforts. When I bought my house, I wanted my living room to be my woodworking studio. Not only can dust be destructive to personal property but is dangerous to our health. Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. Tied for the least expensive dust extractor we tested, this is an extreme value for contractors on a tight budget. No one dreams about upgrading their dust collector or looks forward to the release of a new model. However, 150 CFM is more than enough to handle the small volume of dust that is typically created by small hand tools, and the 0.3-micron filter helps to ensure that the dust extractor doesnt clog. However, the dust collection system doesnt have any suction power on its own, so in order for it to be effective, a shop vac or dust collector needs to be connected to the 4-inch vacuum port to provide continuous suction while using the saw. To me this is the most important metric. While not technically a dust collector, this Rousseau dust collection system is an ideal solution for the mess that miter saws and chop saws can create when they are in use. WEN is well-known for making inexpensive yet high-quality tools. Thanks again. I purchased the Hilti based on these results, but in thinking more on the subject I realized that the best dust extractor should take into account many factors not listed here in the test, such as: *tool compatibility* The Hilti, for example, is meant to fit Hilti tools, which are largely focused on concrete work. My compliments on the testing of dust extractors.It was thorough, easy to understand and measured those parameters that are important to us users. Using fleece bags on drywall defeats the purpose of AUTO CLEAN systems. What is the Best [], In this day and age of OSHA silica dust rules, jobsites get all the dust extractor attention. However, the one thing they have in common is the mess that can be created by cutting, grinding, and sanding these materials. We updated the sound section, thanks for the feedback. What do they need in a dust extractor? If youre on a budget, this is probably the model youll want to get. We needed two test jigs built one to produce inches of water column (S) and one to give us airflow CFM (F). In todays world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. Any thoughts will be appreciated. You do not want to purchase a machine that is too big for your space, especially since the process of returning one can become a big hassle. We know you have lots of places to get this sort of evaluation of tools, but we think ours are the best based on our vast construction experience. Something that can suck the dust as I sand.
Purchase an inexpensive audio mic for sound analysis so that all frequencies are properly captured. Thanks! It has all the information you need to make the best purchase for your small shop and personal situation. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. 90db is twice as loud as 80db. Suction, features, and control provide the keys to agooddust extractor. This dust is so small that you cant see it. To help you make the best decision of your small shop, we researched some of the top dust collectors out there. *Airwatts (90% out of 100%)0-2000 scale, Divide total by 20 to create percent of 100 Hilti- 99.3% clean; 65.1% dirty. Question about the dirty filter tests.
The Dustcontrol DC2900C Eco is my choice for this, compact size, 32 pounds empty, can handle months of steady work before a filter change is needed. By trapping large debris and dust particles in the filter, the dust collector can continue to work at a high level of suction power without the user having to worry about clogs. Coming in first place, and what we consider to be the BEST dust extractor on the market today is the Hilti VC 150-10 XE. I ~believe the Milwaukee is made by Flex. If you need a cheaper option, the WEN 3401 Dust Collector is a decent option. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Or better yet, go out and conduct your own testing (and absorb your costs and time) and post your results of particulate effectiveness or comparative fan performance curve and wire to air efficiencies. Jon. These test are very well done. This is huge benefits. I was also puzzled by the erratic falloff in cfm once the bags were dirty. Jon Thank you! how quickly does the vacuum loose lift when filters face, these are the real questions that need answered, as they go right to the performance of the machine. Our friend Eli Mosley invited us out to the ranch once he discovered we [], Take Dust Collection To The Next Level With The Triton Dust Collector Bucket When youre working with wood, sawdust control is always something to keep in mind. (70%) For totaling: Give each machine a total clean & dirty score *C.F.M.=SCORE-minus20% (Because you determined it as 80% out of 100 for importance) *W.C.= *Airwatts= 100% added So on & so forth Once added all numbers minus there percentage of importance you would have a total number divided by 6 to give you a score in percent form for each machine. The bags and filters for each sub-brand are interchangeable, so shop around. In one opening, there is a temperature sensor. The combination of high air suction power, good air filter efficiency, and voluminous dust collection capacity are primary contributors to the success of this product. Hilti-86.1% clean; 55.85% dirty. You can also mount this unit to the wall if youd like, which eliminates the need for storage. I was thinking of buying the Fein turbo II for home. However, if any of your guys (or indeed readers) have any experience with the later models Vs the earlier DeWalt/Makiita Id be interested in any insights. The trouble is, what we feel are good tests isnt what others feel, and at the end of the day, regardless of the system we chose, everyone will rank them differently. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. I would also very much like to know this too. For those looking to go all-out on their dust collector, the Festool 583492 Dust Extractor is a reliable option. If you want efficiency, a measure of the input electrical power could be used in conjunction with the airflow. Given its power, you should also be careful when plugging it up with other machines. Not all the vacuums came with hepa filters installed (the festool isnt even hepa rated). Besides that, this machine is perfect for small shops. This helped me decide to purchase a Hilti dust extractor. On average, dust collectors produce about 50 to 65 decibels of sound, depending on the size of the motor. We ask them their thoughts on our testing approach, and try to get their consensus on our approach. The BEST information available! First, a good start to evaluation of a complex product. Not an option if lugging around the job but works if being used at a sanding/cutting station. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden. Good catch, Rob. For the air volume, suction, and airwatts measurements and calculations, testing was done with clean dust extractors as an out of the box baseline. The average score across each category was used to rank the dust extractors with the top three being: The toughest part of these Tool Box Buzz Head-to-Head evaluations is coming up with an overall winner. Each dust extractor was equipped with a filter(s) and a fleece bag (without a bag the filters would clog very fast, and we always recommend using fleece bags on the jobsite).
Typically, a dust collector is a portable tool that is either light enough to carry or it has a wheeled base or frame that can be used to move the tool around the workshop.