Dust Collector VS Shop Vac

From DIYers to professional woodworkers and tradesmen, dust management is a must factor. Being puzzled to choose the right tool for cleaning is nothing out of ordinary. This indecision leads to decide whether to opt for a dust collector or a shop vac.

Dust Collector vs Shop Vac

Dust Collector Overview

A dust collector is an efficient cleaning machine that can handle larger volumes of dust. The machine is designed with a dust removal system, filter, and a blower.

There are two types of dust collectors: Small dust collector system or single-stage dust collectors and large dust collector system or two-stage cyclone dust collectors. Air suction and filtration occur parallelly in a small dust collector system and a big bag or barrel is used for drawing. There are two stages for air suction and filtration in the larger collector system. 

Advantages

• A large dust collector contains two compartments where dust and debris are filtered and separated.
• The larger hose makes the probability of clogging less.
• They are better at picking up dust from a diffuse source.
• The advanced system and high-power motor increase the efficiency of the machine.
• These machines can save you valuable time by cleaning up quickly.
• They can suck in larger dust particles using a larger intake port. 

Disadvantages

• Different types of bags are required for different types of gases so several collecting bags are required.
• The cooling measures should be taken in a high-temperature environment.
• Minimum pressure loss is 1000-1500 Pa.
• The humidity of the gas needs to be measured sometimes.
• These machines are not suitable for handheld tools for their size and weight.

Shop Vacs Overview

Shop vacs are heavy-duty vacuums that create a focused cleaning that can make quick work of concentrated dirt. The motor is designed to create high suction with a narrow hose. Shop vacs are also known as bucket vacuum for the looks and also wet or dry vacs.

Advantages

• Shop vacs can deliver more suction to pick out large dust and debris. They are capable to clear out messy type waste, so you don’t need to wait for the waste to dry.
• These machines are designed with wheels and quite portable.  
• The larger and sturdier hose and containers ensure to handle waste in workshops.
• They are better at picking dust from close sources with a high-pressure differential.
• It is comparatively economic to buy.
• These are much easier to use and needs no significant installation process. 
• These machines can be opted sometimes as pumps alternatively and blow the air.

Disadvantages

• Shop vacs are not designed to filter the air.
• They are not perfect for large scale use.
• Shop vacs can make the electricity bill increase.

What makes Dust Collector and Shop-Vac Different?

1. Working Mechanism

Dust collector operates using high volume and low pressure which means, they will not generate high pressure but will pick up large dust. On the other hand, shop-vac uses low volume, high pressure, and a wide-take-all-approach to operate. To generate the extra force, shop vacs use powerful motors

2. Best Suited

The dust collector is best suited for stationary power tools that generate more waste material as dust collectors provide larger capacity. But shop-vacs are perfect for handheld tools in small shops for a relatively smaller capacity.

3. Versatility

Shop vacs are more versatile than dust collectors as they can handle dry or waste any kind of materials. Besides cleaning dust, it can also do regular vacuum cleaning jobs. 

4. Debris Sorting

Dust collectors can sort out larger particles and small particles in two stages for easier disposal. This is very helpful to keep the motor from being annihilated and improves the lifespan. But, shop vacs cannot sort out the dust of different sizes as they have one filter system and everything will end up in one container. Though you can use a shop vac without a filter too but it is not a good idea.

5.  Intake Hole Size 

The intake hole on the dust collection indicates the capability of picking up dust and debris. The typical intake hole size of a dust collector is 4 inches which are quite helpful to avoid clogs. Shop vacs mostly have a 1.5-2 inches intake hole. Intake holes are not always compatible with dust ports of power tools but an adapter or duct tapes can fix this problem.

6. Size and portability

Shop vacs come in a smaller and compact size which makes them portable and mobile. As dust collectors are designed for large applications, they are larger and need a dedicated spot for installation. 

When to Use | Dust Collector vs Shop Vac

The dust collectors are better suited for big manufacturing houses and industries. Also, they are good for stationary tools like miter or table saws, bench routers, and wood planners as they can be hooked up to the dedicated tool. 

A shop vacuum is better for woodshops or other shops for cleaning. They are excellent for cleaning up small to medium wood chips, sawdust little water, and even glass pieces. Shop vac can be used as a water pump too if you know how to use a shop vac for water pump.

They can be hooked to the power tools to collect dust before touching the floor or mixing with the air. So, all of these make it perfect for small handheld tools rather than larger stationary tools. 

Also, if you occasionally need to wrangle with dirt and dust, shop vacs can be a better choice. And dust collectors can opt where regular and heavy cleaning is required.

Advantages of Dust Collector over the shop vac

1. Dust collectors offer extra filtration functionality.
2. They can sort out the dust depending on the size.
3. These machines can move more CFM.
4. Dust collectors have a larger hose which is less likely to clog and sucks dust quickly.
5. The larger container or bag indicates that they don’t need to be emptied frequently.

Best Methods for Dust Control in a Workshop

1. To get rid of sawdust you need just a standard shop vacuum and a few other accessories.
2. Universal adapters for transition can control dust in a workshop. The size of dust ports on power tools is not the same. A universal adapter can solve that.
3. A 6-foot length and 1-1/4 inch hose are good to connect directly to hand power tools and for flexibility.
4. Get benchtop tools with dust ports if possible. 
5. Install a permanent adapter on heavily used tools like miter saws.
6.  Use remote control switch to turn on the cleaners automatically.
7. A high-quality HEPA filter can stop small dust particles.
8. Try to loosely hang the unused hose from an overhead hose.
9. Use a portable dust collector for the power tools without dust ports. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much CFM is required for dust collection?

Ans: 300 CFM for a tool with a little amount of dust and 900 CFM for a larger amount of dust is required.

Ending 

Cleaning is the main function of both the dust collectors and shop vacs. But the principal method, application, size of the material they can handle, and magnitude of space to use them is the main difference. For light-duty work you can choose the best portable shop vac and for heavy-duty work you can choose dust collector.