What is the difference between a shop vac and a dust collector

If you have then you are in the right place. For most people that want to give the best cleaning touch to their homes, it is very important that you understand the tool that you are using. As such, you will enjoy better longevity and value for your money. Here is what you must know. The cubic-feet-per-minute CFM metric will come in handy in helping you to decide the tool is right for the workshop.

The higher the CFM the better the tool. You can also use the overall lift to determine the right tool for your needs. Go for a higher lift count if you need a better tool. Nonetheless, any seasoned woodworker will invest in both tools as they are ideal for different cleaning needs. Video Credit — Pro Tool Reviews. This nine-gallon dust extractor from Bosch provides high end dust extraction and air filtration while maintaining a small footprint.

This powerful dust extractor offers a powerful CFM and a sustainable 97 inches of static water lift, which is impressive power from a dust extractor. The included HEPA filter removes There are also innovative features like a power broker that allows you to operate the dust extractor with the power from your power tools, and match the level of suction for each application. The powerful 1 horsepower motor operates at either V or V.

This model has an impressive air flow capacity of CFM and a large inlet which quickly captures dust and debris as small as 2. While shop vacs, dust collectors and dust extractors are all able to serve the same basic function, the type of shop you have and the type of work you do will help inform you on which is the best tool for you.

The handy chart below should help you narrow down the question of dust collector vs shop vac vs dust extractor. I spent years in the construction industry refining my knowledge of various trades and even spent a few years working at a major hardware store. When choosing between a dust collector and a shop vacuum, the metric cubic-feet-per-minute CFM can help you decide which cleaning tool is right for you.

Another measurement you can use to determine which vacuum is right for you is the overall lift count of your vacuum. The higher the lift count, the more powerful the vacuum is and the more capable to pick up heavier debris. While having one of the vacuums is better than having none, having all three at your disposal is the best way to ensure a clean shop with clean air.

Jacob is the Editor at Toolsfirst. He used to be the owner of a local construction company with over 20 years experience in the trade. He now enjoys thoroughly researching DIY tools as well as publishing guides to help readers. First off, fantastic article! I have a quick question about my shop. My worst offenders are my table saw and miter saw which fill the basement with a cloud of saw dust. I wanted to set up a dust collection system that has ducts running to each piece of equipment.

So, make sure to clean the machine regularly and have a disinfectant at hand. While both the machines have one purpose — to clean, they have some significant differences between them. The most significant difference between a shop vac and a dust collector is their CFM. The shop vac can create a more intense suction power than the dust collector, which is why shop vacs are better at dealing with concentrated dust.

Another difference is their usage. While the dust collector is designed to clean the air, the vacuum has no such function. However, the dust collector is not as efficient as the shop vac when sweeping heavier objects. So, they work best for stationery tools that produce a large amount of dust and debris.

These shop vacs are primarily suitable for home DIYers who need a dedicated tool for their cleaning projects. Both the systems have their selling points. On the one hand, the dust collector will clean the air in your workshop, a function which the shop vac lacks. But, on the other hand, nothing else is better than taking care of different messes than the shop vac.