Dust Extractors: Buying Guide
Dust extractors are essential tools for maintaining a clean and healthy work environment. Whether you’re working on-site or in your own workshop, dust extractors can help to remove harmful particles from the air and keep your workspace clean. With so many options available, deciding what dust extractor to invest in can seem like a daunting task. That’s why in this blog post, we’ll discuss what features to consider so that you can pick the best dust extractor for your needs.
What is a dust extractor?
Whether you’re cutting, drilling or sanding, you’re guaranteed to be creating a fair bit of dust and debris, which can not only be a pain to clean up at the end of the day but can also lead to a variety of respiratory issues. Dust extractors are specialised tools designed to remove dust and other particles from the air in a workspace. They work by drawing in air through a filter, which traps the particles and releases clean air back into the environment. Dust extractors come in a variety of sizes and styles, with some designed for use in workshops with heavy machinery and others intended for use with handheld power tools on job sites. They are an essential tool for maintaining a clean and healthy work environment, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues associated with exposure to dust and other airborne particles. Using a dust extractor with your power tools and workshop machinery can also help prolong their lifespan by reducing the damage caused by the build-up of waste materials.
Benefits of Using a Dust Extractor at a Glance
- Reduce the likelihood of developing health issues caused by dust inhalation.
- Prolong the life of your tools and workshop machines.
- Reduce time spent cleaning up.
- Clearer line of sight due to less debris and dust on the workpiece.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Dust Extractor?
- What tools or machines you’ll be using: Do you work mainly with large static workshop machines or handheld power tools?
- What materials you’ll be working with: The type of material will determine what class of dust extractor you will need. Continue reading to find out about dust extractor classes.
- Airflow rate: Airflow rate is the volume of air that a dust extractor can move in a given amount of time.
- Useful features: Non-essential but handy to have features like Bluetooth connectivity can make a world of difference.
Read on to find out more…
What Tools Or Machines Will You Be Using?
Dust extractors come in a range of sizes and types, from bigger corded semi-stationary models with large collection capacities to smaller cordless models that are highly portable. If you predominantly work with larger static workshop machines that process large amounts of material, then a corded model with a large collection capacity like this Draper 2200W dust & chip extractor would be a good option to consider. On the other hand, if you need maximum portability and predominantly work with hand-held power tools, then a lightweight cordless model with a moderate collection capacity like this DeWalt 54V dust extractor will suit your needs much better.
What Materials Do You Work With?
Dust extractors come in three main classes: L, M, and H. These classes refer to the filtration level of the dust extractor, which helps determine whether the machine is suitable for extracting dust and debris from the materials you commonly work with or are exposed to.
L-Class extractors are regarded as ‘entry-level’, offering the lowest level of filtration. L-class extractors are suitable for tackling low-hazard dust such as household dust, soil and lime. This class of extractor filters out 99% of all dust that is extracted.
M-Class extractors are the next step up and can tackle moderately hazardous dust. They are suitable hardwoods, board materials, concrete and brick dust. M-class extractors can also filter oil and latex-based paints. M-class extractors filter out 99.95% of all dust that is extracted.
H-Class extractors provide the highest level of filtration and are used for filtering hazardous dust. This class of extractor is used when working in environments with highly carcinogenic dust, such as carbon, tar, lead and nickel, to name a few. H-class extractors are also suitable for filtering out asbestos, mould bacteria and germs. These dust extractors are capable of filtering 99.997% of all dust that is extracted.
Airflow Rate
Airflow rate is an important consideration when choosing a dust extractor because it determines how quickly the machine can remove dust and debris from the air. The airflow rate is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and refers to the volume of air that the dust extractor can move in a given amount of time. A dust extractor with a high airflow rate can quickly remove large volumes of dust and debris, making it ideal for use in larger workspaces or with heavy-duty machinery that generates a lot of dust. When choosing a dust extractor, it’s important to consider the size of your workspace and the amount of dust generated by your tools to ensure that you select a machine with an appropriate airflow rate.
Useful Features
Many dust extractors from marketing-leading brands offer various “quality of life” features that can greatly improve your efficiency and overall workflow. While these features may not be essential, users that need to use a dust extractor on a daily basis should seriously consider looking for a dust extractor with some additional features. Some of these features that can make a big difference include Bluetooth connectivity for communication with compatible tools, automatic shut-off when the collection bag is full, air flow sensors that can detect blockages and more.
Popular Dust Extractors
Makita VC3012M/1 M Class Dust Extractor 30L 1200W 230V
The Makita VC3012M/1 is a 30L M Class Dust Extractor that is approved for dust Classes M in accordance with the EU standard. It is suitable for both wet and dry vacuum cleaning and has a push and clean system that takes just seconds to clean the filter.
- Voltage: 230V
- Collection Capacity: 30L
- Max. Airflow: 3.7 m³/min
- Dust Extraction Class: M
- Weight: 10kg
Zipper ASA305 50L Dust Extractor
The Zipper ASA305 is a powerful dust collector for extracting wood chip waste material as well as eliminating the risk of breathing in harmful fine dust particles. Features a powerful 1100 W motor, 183 m3/h suction performance, 50 L waste capacity, and suction connector for smaller extraction apertures. This dust extractor is highly efficient and filters fine dust particles up to 0.5 microns. This extractor also comes equipped with a convenient carry handle and 2 metre x 100 mm Ø flexible hose for connecting to all types of workshop and bench top tools.
- Voltage: 230V
- Collection Capacity: 50L
- Max. Airflow: 3.05 m³/min
- Dust Extraction Class: M
- Weight: 11kg
DeWalt DWH161N-XJ 18V XR Universal Brushless Dust Extractor (Body Only)
The DeWalt DWH161N-XJ 18V XR Universal Brushless Dust Extractor is a versatile tool designed to efficiently extract dust and debris during construction or woodworking tasks. It features a brushless motor, providing increased efficiency and durability. With its universal attachment system, it can be easily connected to various power tools for effective dust extraction, improving air quality and reducing cleanup time.
- Voltage: 18V
- Collection Capacity: 210cm³
- Max. Airflow: 0.546 m³/min
- Weight: 1.65kg
In this blog post, we discussed the various features to consider when choosing a dust extractor. We also covered the different uses for dust extractors and the importance of selecting the right dust extraction class for your needs. We also provided you with recommendations for some of our most popular dust extractors to help you get started. We hope that this guide will help you make an informed decision when choosing a dust extractor to suit your needs.