Hey everyone! I'm setting up a small shop for my woodworking projects, mostly as a hobby. I want to create a decent dust collection system to keep my workspace tidy and safe while using my miter saw, table saw, and newly acquired planer. I've got a Dewalt DXV12P shop vac but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the numerous options available for dust collection systems. I'd prefer something that is easy to set up instead of building it myself, but I'm also looking to keep it budget-friendly—ideally under $500. I'd love to hear any recommendations or resources you might have!
5 Answers
I suggest looking into the Wen dust collector. You can get a kit that includes both a filtration system and the collector itself for about $500. It works pretty well for hobbyist setups!
If you're worried about your budget, I think the best route is to add a cyclone to your existing shop vac. They’re easy to set up, cost about $60 plus the price of a five-gallon bucket. This method works great for the tools you listed, is portable, and doesn’t take up too much space. Plus, if you build a mobile cart for it, it should fit perfectly in your shop!
I had a 1hp collector from Vevor that I got on sale for $100, and it worked fine for most of my hobby machines. While it won't catch every bit from your planer, it really helps improve the shop’s air quality. Plus, these setups are great for gradually improving your system over time as you can easily add components like barrels or filter upgrades later. It’s actually possible to find used units in your area for as low as $50, which is a steal!
Another option is the Rockler wall-mounted dust collector, which pairs well with their quick change multi-port tool set. It’s about $500 altogether, but I find it reliable enough for daily use. Sure, you might go slightly over budget with additional hoses and components, but it's worth it in the long run!
Check out the new Bauer dust collector at Harbor Freight. It’s a clone of the Jet DC1100, and price-wise it’s around $450. It’s a solid option if you're looking for something reliable without breaking the bank!
That sounds like a pretty practical solution! I might need to look into how to set that up.