[Top 5] Best Dust Collector Under $500 Of 2023
Antonio T Lewis May 28, 2023 5:13 PM
You must know how vital a dust collector can be for your workshop if you are in the woodworking business. Keeping your sawdust controlled and contained isn’t just convenient for reducing cleanup time—it’s also extremely important to reduce the amount you’re breathing in while you work.
However, how to pick the best dust collector with a reasonable price? In this article, I will provide you with the top models in 2023 with in-depth reviews. Scroll down for details!
Our Top Choice
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Best for Portability - WEN DC3401 5.7-Amp 660 CFM Rolling Dust Collector
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Best for Overall - DEWALT Separator
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Best for Heavy-duty - Shop Fox W1666 2 HP 1550 CFM Dust Collector
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Best for Budget - Oneida Air Systems Dust Deputy Plus Anti-Static Retrofit Cyclone Separator
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Best for Control - BUCKTOOL 1HP 6.5AMP Wall-mount Dust Collector
Here is a collection of the best dust collectors for everyone that you should not skip.
#1. WEN DC3401 5.7-Amp 660 CFM Rolling Dust Collector - Best for Portability
Important Specifications
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Dimension: 34.25 x 13 x 14.2 inches
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Item Weight: 17 pounds
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Capacity: 12 gallons
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Air Suction Capacity: 660 CFM
Product's highlights
This Wen tool is the first dust collector that we introduce to you in this article. The brushed 5.7-amp motor combined with the 6-inch nylon impeller circulates up to 660 cubic feet of air per minute.
The 4-inch dust port allows for connection to your favorite woodworking tools. This unit also employs easy-access carbon brush caps for straightforward routine maintenance. Besides, the light weight and an onboard carrying handle make it easy for you to transport and store when not in use as well.
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What We Like
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Portability
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Easy to use
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4-inch dust port
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2-year warranty
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Lightweight
Things to Consider
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Get clogged easily
#2. DEWALT Separator - Best for Overall
Important Specifications
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Dimension: 22 x 17 x 17 inches
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Item Weight: 16.27 pounds
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Capacity: 10 gallons
Product's highlights
This machine comes from a highly reputable brand which is widely popular with many handymen. What impresses us most is its high efficiency. DEWALT helps you to prevent suction loss and clogged air filters, separates and captures up to 99.5% of debris in the airstream while protecting the collector's fan blower from harmful debris.
The modern cyclone technology is equipped to remove the need for frequent cleaning or filter replacement. More clean airflow is added to protect the filter cartridge and lifespan.
This simple and efficient design can be adapted for use with any make, size, or model shop vacuum and suitable for most materials. DEWALT is really a bargain with its quality.
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What We Like
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High efficiency
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Collect up to 99.5% of debris
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Modern cyclone technology
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Long span
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3-year warranty
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Suitable with various applications and materials
Things to Consider
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The corrugated hoses may further reduce the suction power
#3. Shop Fox W1666 2 HP 1550 CFM Dust Collector - Best for Heavy- duty
Important Specifications
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Dimension: 24 x 26 x 24.1 inches
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Item Weight: 35.9 pounds
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Capacity: 5.4 cubic feet
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Air Suction Capacity: 1550 CFM
Product's highlights
Designed for use with woodworking machines, the Shop Fox is equipped with a 2-horsepower motor and a heavy-duty, 12-inch steel impeller that moves 1,550 cubic feet of air every minute.
The W1666 features a steel impeller to handle the wood debris that passes through to the 2.5 micron filter bag. Unlike plastic impellers, the Shop Fox steel impeller offers long lasting performance. A safety switch is included to protect against unauthorized use.
The switch provides a greater degree of safety over other switches due to its oversize paddle and removable lockout key. In addition, this unit offers a 6-inch intake port with a removable Y-fitting with two 4-inch openings, which is used to branch lines to service more than one machine, perfect for those looking for a convenient multi-machine set-up.
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What We Like
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Heavy-duty impeller
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Powder coated paint
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Quick release band clamp
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Steel base with casters
Things to Consider
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Expensive
#4. Oneida Air Systems Dust Deputy Plus Anti-Static Retrofit Cyclone Separator - Best for Easy to use
Important Specifications
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Dimension: 7.4 x 9.3 x 15.5 inches
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Item Weight: 3.59 pounds
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Capacity: 5 gallons
Product's highlights
Not all shops require a big and expensive dust collector. In this case, Oneida Air is the right option for those who are searching for a budget dust collector. Similar to DEWALT Separator, this unit’s cyclone technology uses centrifugal force to capture and remove 99% of dust and debris from the air-stream before it reaches your vacuum filter, eliminating clogged filters and suction loss.
The Dust Deputy Plus will save you money on expensive replacement filters and dust bags, and time, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. Furthermore, the 5-gallon dust collector features tapered 2.0" ports that fit the cuffed 2.5” hoses that come standard with most shop vacuums, which suits most materials.
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What We Like
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Cyclone technology
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Suitable for most shop vacuums and materials
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High efficiency
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Long span
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Low price
Things to Consider
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Bad customer service
#5. BUCKTOOL 1HP 6.5AMP Wall-mount Dust Collector - Best for Control
Important Specifications
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Dimension: 7.4 x 9.3 x 15.5 inches
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Item Weight: 3.59 pounds
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Capacity: 13 gallons
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Air Suction Capacity: 550 CFM
Product's highlights
BUCKTOOL wall mount Dust Collector is designed to capture dust right at the source. With a 13-gallon capacity dust bag, the dust collector works with 4 in. hoses to pick up large chips from jointers, saws, shapers, and planers.
The motor is significantly more durable, lower noise, and maintenance-free than the brushless motor. What makes this unit different from the other models mentioned in this list is that you can absolutely mount it on the wall.
Moreover, BUCKTOOL offers a 49 FT remote control so that you can control your dust collector more conveniently and improve your work efficiency.
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What We Like
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Quiet operation
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Durable motor
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Can be mount on wall
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49 FT remote control
Things to Consider
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Need to contact the manufacturer for safety before buying
- SCORE8.8AtoZ Score
AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more
- BrandShop Fox
- Prime
WEN DC3401 5.7-Amp 660 CFM Rolling Dust Collector with 12-Gallon Bag and Optional Wall Mount , Black
View on Amazon- SCORE8.7AtoZ Score
AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more
- BrandWEN
- Prime
JET DC-1100VX-CK Vortex Cone Dust Collector, 2-Micron Canister Filter, 1100 CFM, 1Ph 115/230V (708659K)
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0AtoZ Score
AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more
- BrandJet
- Prime
JET DC-1100VX-5M Vortex Cone Dust Collector, 5-Micron Bag Filter, 1100 CFM, 1Ph 115/230V (708658K)
View on Amazon- SCORE8.9AtoZ Score
AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more
- BrandJet
- Prime
JET DC-1200VX-BK1 Vortex Cone Dust Collector, 30-Micron Bag Filter, 1200 CFM, 1Ph 230V (710701K)
View on Amazon- SCORE9.5AtoZ Score
AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more
- BrandJet
Mophorn 3HP Dust Collector with 2800 CFM Air Flow Bag Dust Collector 110V Portable Dust Collector 5 Micron Bag Filtration
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0AtoZ Score
AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more
- BrandMophorn
DEWALT Separator with 10 Gal Stainless Steel Tank, 99.5% Efficiency, High-Performance Cycle Powder Filter, Dust Cyclone Collector, DXVCS003, White
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0AtoZ Score
AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more
- BrandDEWALT
- SCORE9.2AtoZ Score
AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more
- BrandShop Fox
Oneida Air Systems Dust Deputy Plus Anti-Static Retrofit Cyclone Separator Kit for Wet/Dry Shop Vacuums with Collapse-Proof Bucket Lid and Hose (DD Plus)
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8AtoZ Score
AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more
- BrandOneida Air Systems
BUCKTOOL 1HP 6.5AMP Wall-mount Dust Collector with Remote Control and 2-micron Dust Filter Bag 550CFM Air Flow DC30A-1
View on Amazon- SCORE9.4AtoZ Score
AtoZ Score is evaluated by our experienced experts, in addition, it is also built from the opinions of many customers who have used the product. Learn more
- BrandBucktool
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Is a dust collector better than a shop vac?
The filtering capability of even the best shop vac is not nearly as strong as even a small dust collector. Dust collectors are simply able to pull air and dust at a much greater CFM (cubic feet per minute). A shop vac is strong enough to get the majority of dust though.
How many microns should a dust collector be?
Most dust collectors will pretty much capture all or nearly 99% of particles greater than 50 microns, so it isn't as important to know if you have 5% dust at 51 microns and 3% at 55 microns, a simple 8% over 50 microns would be effective.
What tools have the best dust collection?
Wet/dry vacs and extractors are the best way to manage dust with small tools like palm sanders, hand-held routers, track saws, and the like. Those dust bags that come with your tools are pretty much useless, and full-size dust collectors don't work well with small power tools and small hoses.
Overall, DEWALT Separator is the best option in my recommendations. Alternatively, consider the WEN DC3401 5.7-Amp 660 CFM Rolling Dust Collector if you want a portable version. Thank you for reading!