
What is the difference between a shop vac and a dust collector?
In a nutshell, a shop vac is better than nothing and works better with handheld power tools; a dust collector works better for static power tools like miter saws and planers that produce large amounts of sawdust, and a dust extractor does it all with the addition of filtering the air in your workshop.
What is a dust extractor and how does it work?
What is a Dust Extractor? Dust extractors have filterers that separate large-sized particles from microscopic ones. The fundamental difference between shop vacs and dust extractors is that dust extractors use high air volume which travels considerably slower through a wide hose.
What should I look for when buying a shop vac?
There are several other considerations you should make before purchasing a shop vac, dust extractor, or dust collector, but the CFM and static water lift counts are the most important variables to pay attention to.
Do shop vacuums work for sawdust?
Shop vacs work best for picking up sawdust and wood chips produces by handheld power tools. Most power tools today have ports where you can connect your shop vacuum hose to pick up debris as it’s produced. Most shop vacs use a one-stage system where all sorts of debris (microscopic dust and large-sized chips) are collected into a single tank.

Can you use a shop-vac for dust extraction?
You can capture most nuisance dust with a standard shop vacuum and a few accessories. We'll show you how to assemble simple, inexpensive dust collectors that'll suck up most of that sawdust before it gets all over everything.
What is the difference between dust extractor and vacuum cleaner?
Capacity – Dust extractors are also designed to clean up very small particles of dust and debris than the shop vac. They are able to quickly clean up large areas of dust faster than the shop vacuuming systems that have limited ability to work on a large space at once.
What's the difference between dust collector and shop-vac?
The biggest difference is that vacuum cleaners are designed to remove dust from surfaces, while dust collectors are designed to remove dust from the air. Because there is a much higher volume of air in a plant than surface area square footage, industrial dust collectors move a much higher volume of air and dust.
Whats the difference between a dust extractor and a dust collector?
8:351:11:58STL241: Dust collectors vs. dust extractors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut there's not a lot of like built up pressure so that's the difference between a shop vac and aMoreBut there's not a lot of like built up pressure so that's the difference between a shop vac and a dust collector dust collector is high volume. Lower lower velocity.
How do dust extractors work?
A dust extractor, also known as a dust collector, is a device that helps to collect dust and other particles from the air in a given area. Dust extractors come in many different types and sizes, but they all work by using a fan to suck in air and then trapping the dust particles in a filter.
Do you need a filter in a shop-vac?
A: You need to use a filter capable of catching the dust and dirt you are cleaning up. When you are picking up fine dust you need a HEPA or high efficiency cartridge filter, a cartridge filter with a HEPA collection bag or a cartridge filter with a high efficiency disposable filter bag.
Are dust collectors quieter than shop vac?
From what I know, dust collectors are generally quieter, hold more chips, and can support a larger hose than a shop vac.
Do I need a dust collector?
Some particulate is big enough (or appear dark enough) to see, while others are so small that you can't see them. If you can see, taste or smell particulate in the air, you may need dust collection. Keep in mind that air you can taste and smell probably isn't good to breathe.
Can you use a vacuum for dust?
Dusting with a vacuum is great because the dust gets stored away in the canister rather than settling back into the room when you're done. You'll probably need to detail dust with a soft cloth every once in awhile, but your vacuum can take care of most of the everyday dust for you so much more quickly and effectively!
How do you make a shop-vac dust collector?
2:589:15Shop Vac Dust Collection System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThrough a cylinder. Creating a vortex of dust the heavier stuff going towards the bottom of theMoreThrough a cylinder. Creating a vortex of dust the heavier stuff going towards the bottom of the bucket or the chamber.
What's the difference between a shop-vac?
What is the difference between a shop vac and a regular vacuum? Shop vacuums can pick up heavy-duty debris that a regular vacuum cannot because of their powerful motor. Shop vacs are also called wet/dry vacuum cleaners because they can also handle liquid messes.
How do dust collectors connect to tools?
4:085:44How to Run a Dust Collection Line to Benchtop Power Tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd a fitting that lets you attach it to a two and a half inch dust collection system or a shopMoreAnd a fitting that lets you attach it to a two and a half inch dust collection system or a shop vacuum. The various components simply reverse thread onto the hose to create secure connections.
What is the difference between a shop vacuum and a dust extractor?
The fundamental difference between shop vacs and dust extractors is that dust extractors use high air volume which travels considerably slower through a wide hose. The wideness of the hose allows for larger-sized pieces of debris to travel through the hose and into the tank without blockage and causing engine trouble.
Which is better: a shop vac or a dust collector?
In a nutshell, a shop vac is better than nothing and works better with handheld power tools; a dust collector works better for static power tools like miter saws and planers that produce large amounts of sawdust, and a dust extractor does it all with the addition of filtering the air in your workshop.
What is a Dust Collector?
Dust collectors work just like dust extractors (high volume, low suction power). The difference is that they require dedicated ports to function. This is what makes the work extremely well with stationary power tools like miter saws and wood thicknessers.
How does a dust collector work?
Dust collectors work just like dust extractors (high volume, low suction power). The difference is that they require dedicated ports to function. This is what makes the work extremely well with stationary power tools like miter saws and wood thicknessers.
What separates a dust collector from a dust extractor?
What separates a dust collector from a dust extractor is its ability, or lack thereof, at suctioning airborne pollutants . Although they utilize a two-stage mechanism that separates large debris from small particles, they aren’t designed to filter the air since they’re connected directly to the sawdust exit port of stationary power tools.
Why is dust important in woodworking?
It’s of tremendous importance to have a proper dust collection system in place in any woodworking shop. The dust produced, if left under a machine, can become a fire hazard if sparks or excessive heat make contact with extremely flammable sawdust. In addition, airborne sawdust can get into your lungs and cause respiratory problems later on in life.
What is a shop vacuum?
Shop vacs also referred to as wet/dry vacuums, are the most basic dust collection system you can use in your shop. It’s basically a vacuum that works best on small-sized debris in smaller quantities. It uses low air volume which travels quickly through a narrow hose.
Which is better, a dust collector or a vacuum?
True dust collectors are better by design in that they offer a larger cyclone chamber (the tub for your shop vac) to let more of the finer particles drop out.
What is a higher end dust collection system?
Higher end dust collection systems (I haven't researched what is on the market for woodworkers) have variable frequency drive motors controlled by pressure sensors that vary the capacity of the collector as more ports are opened and machines are in use .
What is a Fein vacuum?
The Fein is just a high end shop vac with better filters, and a cooling stream for the motor that is separate from the vacuum air stream.
How does high velocity air work?
From an engineering standpoint - Nothing! High velocity air (hose) picks up the particulate (chips/dust) and then enters a large container (vac tub) reducing the velocity allowing the larger particulate to fall out. The air then is filtered removing the finer particulate (sawdust - 30 microns or so) and put back into the space.
Can you use blast gates for froggy ducting?
Higher static pressure allowing for you to have an central ducting system for dedicated tool hook-up (use blast gates for shut-off). If you really want to get froggy, you can add floor sweeps and hood extractors.
Can a filtered air vent be located remotely?
Can be located remotely outside. Not an option for me, but talk about quite!! But have to duct the filtered discharge air back into your space.
1. Dust Extractor
Dust extractors are appliances to collect or extract suspended dust and fumes from the air of your working area. They are basically used at workshops, loading stations, coal- preparation plants and other underground working sites.
2. Vacuum Cleaners
Vacuum cleaners are well organized cleaning appliances for your weekly cleaning routine. They clean floors, upholstery, diapries, carpets and many other upper surfaces like stairs very well. They are of different models which have specialized features for your comfort and convenience.
Difference Between a Dust Extractor and a Vacuum
There are some obvious points which I am going to discuss here that will create a sense of differentiation between a dust extractor and a vacuum for you.
Do sanders have variable suction?
some of them also have variable suction so you can dial the suction up or down to match your application (most sanders require and actually work better with very little suction)
Can you roll tool cases together?
a bonus is some brands integrate their modular stacking tool cases with their vacuum allowing you to clip your tool cases to the top of the vac and roll them around together.
Can you use a Festool Midis as a shop vac?
by creating a vortex which traps the fine particulate in the dust deputy (or whatever brand as I use shop vac for any type of shop related vacuum) and allowing the the shop vac to only collect the bigger stuff. Air pollutants are cut down drastically. my Festool Midis can be used as both a shop vac or DC extractor but truthfully I use these tools for power tool use only. They have plug ins (which by the way you can buy and wore to a cheap shop vac) for my power tools and actually tun on and prove DC and particle containment and keep running for a second or two after your tool is off. They are quiet and keep things very clean.
Do dust extractors clean filters?
From what I've seen dust extractors usually have tech built in that cleans the filters either manual automatic or semi automatic. This is useful because dust can clog up a filter even before the tank gets a tenth full. Dust extractors are a step up from wet dry vacs with premium features and are usually pretty quiet.
Do dust extractors have an outlet?
I didn't see that it was already mentioned so I will add that most dust extractors, because they are designed to me used with a tool, have an outlet on the vacuum that is a tool actuated switch, plug your tool in, set the vac to auto and when you turn on your tool the vacuum will automatically turn on. When you turn off the tool the vac stays on for a few more seconds to clear the hose of any remaining dust.
