Dust collectors are a great way to keep your workshop clean and tidy. Cyclone dust collectors work by using centrifugal force to separate the dust from the air, so it can be exhausted outside.
There are many different models on the market, but which is the best?
Here, we present you with five of the top-selling models and help you find out more about each one. We’ll talk about their features and the pros and cons of each dust collector.
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So grab a beverage and some snacks and let’s be sure to read through to the end!
COMPARISON CHART
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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1. JET JCDC-2 Cyclone Dust Collector
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2. Grizzly Industrial G0860-1-1/2 HP
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3. Big Horn 11653 Cyclone Dust Collector
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4. Festool 204083 CT Cyclone Dust Separator
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5. Oneida Molded Deluxe Dust Deputy Kit
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What is a Cyclone Dust Collector?
Cyclone dust collectors are a type of vacuum that can be found in any home or workplace. They are used to collect small particles, dust, and dirt from the air using a fan system.
The most common types of cyclones are passive and active. Active cyclones use a motor to power the fan while passive ones rely on natural forces for this process.
There are many different brands that have come up with their own versions of the cyclone dust collector over time.
1. JET JCDC-2 Cyclone Dust Collector
Specification
WEIGHT | 235 POUNDS |
DIMENSIONS | 47.5 X 27.25 X 41 INCHES |
MATERIAL | STEEL |
HORSEPOWER | 2 HP |
WARRANTY | 5 YEAR |
The JET JCDC-2 is an attractive collector with good performance that makes it a popular choice among garage managers. It is available in three different models with different mounts and dust cup sizes.
Although it looks like something from a science fiction movie, the collector is rather attractive looking, with its black powder coat finish. It also has a locking lid.
The unit has plenty of features such as:
- a trough for very fine-grain dust
- 18,000 rpm speed with short and long straight belts for optimum performance and durability
- Five-year limited warranty
What We Like
- It has high quality and durable design but is compact enough to install in any shop
- The remote control makes it easy to clean the collector when you’re not there. Just press a button and it automatically starts to spin. No need to hold the top or open the doors
- The motor’s speed is set from 0 – 6,000 RPM. This means the machine will spin up in the middle of a job
This is perfect for jobs that require extreme speeds or where you need to gather a large quantity of dust in a short period of time
We were shocked to find that the JCDC-2 came with a remote. Don’t get too excited, because it basically sucks. No, really. We find the buttons to be too small and cumbersome. Thank goodness you don’t really need it.
That said, we really like what this unit can do.
PROS
- This is a professional collector designed for busy shops
- Heavy-duty design will last for a long time to come
- 2 horsepower motor is more than powerful enough for the job
CONS
- Quite a few buyers hate the setup instructions
- The included remote control is nearly universally hated by all
2. Grizzly Industrial G0860-1-1/2 HP – Best Budget Dust Collector
Specification
WEIGHT | 278 POUNDS |
DIMENSIONS | 27-1/2″ W X 44″ L X 70″ H |
MATERIAL | METAL |
HORSEPOWER | 1.5 HP |
WARRANTY | 1 YEAR |
Grizzly makes the ideal machine for someone looking to buy a less premium and simple product. The G0860-1-1/2 HP is an excellent cyclone collector.
It measures 27-1/2″ W X 44″ L X 70″ H, which means that it has a footprint small enough to accommodate nearly any space.
As the name implies, this model has a dust capture capacity of 20 gallons. It has a maximum cleaning pressure of 10 bars (159 PSI) and comes in a standard shape.
The G0860 Cyclone Collector offers enough horsepower to handle normal industrial use and it can be adjusted to work at low pressure as well. We like the manual crank that comes with it for smaller tasks.
What We Like
The G0860-1-1/2 HP is a two-stage dust collector. It is best suited to a workshop or garage that is open and ventilated.
However, it can also be used in a closed space if you have a door that opens to a controlled area outside.
- The height of this model is large
- It offers a lot of usable height with a wide base and high clearance
- It is large enough to easily hold a large pile of debris. It can also hold up to 35 pounds per cubic foot, so it is easy to stack and store
- A remote comes with the unit with simple on-off buttons
PROS
- A manual crank can capture even more in the filter
- 1.5 horsepower is perfect for a machine this size
- 1-micron filtration is extremely good
CONS
- Some have reported that their unit has quite a bit of vibration at times
- Other quality issues have been reported, such as balance problems with the internal impeller fan being loose
3. Big Horn 11653 Cyclone Dust Collector – Best Dust Collector For Small Shops
Specification
WEIGHT | 7 POUNDS |
DIMENSIONS | 13.0″ L X13.25″ W X23.0″ H |
MATERIAL | PLASTIC |
HORSEPOWER | NA |
WARRANTY | 5 YEAR |
This is a powerful but much simpler dust collector. The 11653 Cyclone Collector is much more of a traditional shop vac than anything else. It’s specifically built for the home and shop garage crowd.
This collector kit connects directly to your existing shop vac to convert it into a Cyclone Collector. The cylinder of the dust collector is non-absorbent and is covered by rubber anti-abrasion pads.
The kit works by creating a high degree of centrifugal force within the shop vac thanks to the included cyclone funnel. This helps your shop vac to pick up more particles and dust.
The dust collector is quite light at only 7 pounds, so you should have no trouble with it and it requires very little effort to move the cylinder. The bag opener is located on the top of the dust collector and it makes opening and emptying the bag very easy.
What We Like
- The 11653 is a nice option for those who don’t want or need a dedicated cyclone collector.
- We find that the cyclone funnel works well enough for most people.
PROS
- Easy installation onto existing shop vacs
- It is an economical solution to purchasing a dedicated collector
CONS
- Wheels on collection buckets are a joke because they certainly won’t last long
- Some buyers call the unit ‘cheap’, but we would say that you get what you pay for
4. Festool 204083 CT Cyclone Dust Separator – Best for Beginner
Specification
WEIGHT | 15.4 POUNDS |
DIMENSIONS | 16.14 X 12.6 X 23.23 INCHES |
MATERIAL | PLASTIC |
HORSEPOWER | NA |
WARRANTY | 3 YEAR |
Festool is one of the leading brands when it comes to workshop tools, systems, and accessories. For over 60 years, they have been designing and producing equipment for professional mechanics.
The 204083 CT Cyclone Dust Separator is another powerful dust-removal tool that uses a cyclone system to filter and remove fine dust from the air. The tool can be used to clean air from a variety of surfaces including brick, concrete, wood, drywall, tile, and plaster.
The Festool dust collector system is a very effective way to maintain a clean work environment.
What We Like
- The 204083 Cyclone Dust Separator is lightweight and small, so it can be easily moved from one place to the other, even when there are a lot of tools in use.
- The Cyclone comes with a built-in air filter and an anti-static bag, making it an excellent dust collector in terms of functionality.
- The tool’s positive handles are perfect for moving and opening the unit.
- It has built-in, high-efficiency motors, which means less noise and low vibration.
PROS
- The separator works very well most of the time
- The stackable design is very useful
CONS
- Customers have reported faulty latches holding the unit together
- Suction can drop dramatically depending on what hose you are using
5. Oneida Molded Deluxe Dust Deputy Kit – Best Home Dust Collector
Specification
WEIGHT | 10.2 POUNDS |
DIMENSIONS | 12.01 X 29.21 X 12.01 INCHES |
MATERIAL | PLASTIC |
HORSEPOWER | NA |
WARRANTY | 1 YEAR |
This is another kit that connects to your shop vac. The Molded Deputy Kit is quite powerful. The manufacturer claims that the unit can capture at least 99 percent of debris, dust, and other particles before they hit your shop vac filter, which is pretty amazing.
The Deputy moves as you move your shop vac thanks to wheels mounted on the bottom of its collection bucket. The unit does have a longer overall height, but that should be no problem.
This model is a full kit and has a filter assembly, storage tank, a filter bag, and a dust collector hose. It comes with a storage bag for storing dust and two collection buckets.
This unit is compact enough for tight spaces like your workshop. It can be used on both wet and dry debris. Oneida is known for its high-quality products, and this unit is no exception.
What We Like
- This particular molded vacuum pack is made from the highest-quality and highly durable plastic. It’s much better than most hand vacuum units because it has a highly superior filtration system.
- Installation is a breeze
- It’s very well made with great, non-skid protection and a sturdy base. A fantastic addition to any toolbox/shed/shop/garage, if you choose to add it.
PROS
- The manufacturer claims the unit will fit any type of shop vac model
- A powerful alternative to a dedicated cyclone collector
CONS
- Some buyers have mentioned that larger shop vacs with a 2.5-inch hose or more may have difficulty fitting the collector
- Most customers agree that the unit captures closer to 80 percent of dust and particles as opposed to the 99 percent the manufacturer claims
Conclusion
Thanks so much for reading our article about the best cyclone dust collector, we hope you enjoyed it. Today’s champion for this round goes to JET JCDC-2 Cyclone Dust Collector.
We recommend not only its high durability but also its effectiveness. It simply gets the job done.
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I am a woodworker with over 19 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.