While you are always busy getting the right tools for your next masterpiece, there is one thing you are missing out on. That’s your health. It’s the most valuable tool to ever exist. Are you taking good care of it?
Any distress in your respiration can be a warning for the darker days to come. Airborne wood dust particles have been found to cause adverse health effects as deadly as cancer.
It’s time to take a step towards your health.
In this article, we are going to review the best woodshop air filtration system that will ensure a better workplace for you and your coworkers.
Fuel your lungs with the fresh air it deserves and feel the difference it makes to your body and mind.
Top 5 Workshop Air Filtration System Comparison Table
Product Name | Image | Speed (CFM) | Warranty | |
Powermatic Micro Dust Air Filtration System |   | 441, 567 or 754 CFM | 5-Year | |
WEN 3415T Industrial-Strength Air Filtration System |   | 556, 702, or 1044 CFM | Not Available | |
JET AFS-1000B Air Filtration System |   | 550, 702, or 1044 CFM | 5-Year | |
Shop Fox W1830 Hanging Air Filter |   | 260, 362, or 409 CFM | Not Available | |
POWERTEC AF4000 Air Filtration System |   | 300, 350 or 400 CFM | Not Available |
7 Best Woodshop Air Filtration System Reviews
We know it’s not easy to get a good product with all the crappy brands out there in the market. Thus, we have gathered before you the seven most sought-after woodshop air filtration systems that offer optimum performance but are affordable at the same time.
1. Powermatic Micro Dust Air Filtration System (PM1250)
The first product on our list is a silent beast from Powermatic. It’s another product that has reconfirmed Powermatic’s dominance over its competitors.
Now, the PM1250 comes with Patented Filter Technology that attracts the micro dust like a magnet. This ensures your safety at your workstation. With this device installed, even the 0.1-micron wood dust particles will remain at bay.
The fan blades are engineered to emit noise even less than your regular conversation. Even on a high-speed setting, you are going to hear a fan noise of only 50.8 dB. This will keep your workstation quiet, letting you focus more on your next deadline.
You don’t have to waste time finding a spot for installation as you can carry this versatile machine anywhere. The handle acts as a resting stand and can also be bolted to the ceiling. Thus, you are going to get safety at every workstation.
Unlike those boxy filters, this beauty has stylish looks that will amaze you. It comes with a remote that lets you adjust different speed settings with the click of a button. It’s just that simple.
The filter has a staggering lifespan of 3000 hours. Besides, the process of cleaning the filter is quick and easy. Now, you don’t have to look for new filters every other day.
Pros
- Patented Filter Technology attracts minute wood dust particles like a magnet
- Produces only 50.8 dB sound at high-speed settings
- Can be placed on any workstation
- The filters have a lifespan of 3000 hours
- Offers different speed settings that can be adjusted using a remote
Cons
- Suitable for an area of 680 sq. ft.
- Doesn’t have a timer
2. WEN 3415T Industrial-Strength Air Filtration System
If you are looking for a shop air filtration system with a large coverage area without breaking the bank, this budget beauty is for you. WEN is well-known for delivering the goods at affordable prices.
This compact filtration system covers an area of 1000 square feet, ensuring every corner of your massive workstation is safe. It will filter your place 7.5 times in just an hour.
The double-layered filter gives you 2x clean air. Large dust particles—having the size of 5-micron—are captured by its pre-filter, while anything below that up to 1 micron gets prevented by the primary filter. The filters can be easily replaced when needed. Thus, you get to breathe air that is 99% free of airborne particles.
This clever device lets you program its system to run only for the desired period. You can set its timing and no longer worry about turning it off. It stops as soon as the time is up. This will save you bills on your lazy days.
It lets you choose between three-speed settings according to your necessity. You can run it at 556 CFM in your average days and at 702 or 1044 CFM when your place is hectic and messed up. Whichever speed you choose, the system creates noise between 63 to 68 dB only.
All these features are effortless to control, thanks to the handy remote that comes with it. You can operate the remote at any angle and from a distance up to 26 feet away.
This lightweight system can be mounted easily on your ceiling as it comes with mounting hooks pre-installed. Besides, the onboard carrying handle lets you move it across workstations in a breeze.
Pros
- Offers large coverage area of 1000 square feet
- Double layered filtration system gives 99% fresh air
- Can be set to run on allocated time intervals
- Comes with three-speed settings
- Effortless to use remote having a range of 26 feet
- Easy mount on option with mounting hooks pre-installed
- Onboard carrying handle ensures mobility
Cons
- It’s not the quietest
- Doesn’t filter dust below 1 micron
3. JET Air Filtration System With Remote (AFS-1000B)
This product is quite a legend when it comes to the air filtration system. It has set the trend for many of the features like timer, remote control, and three speeds that others follow now. This legend from the JET unit is perfect for your small shop.
708620B offers a high-tech filtration system. It has an Electrostatic Pre-Filter that is electronically charged to attract more dust particles into the filters. This helps in filtering the vast volume of air at a time.
Two filter systems ensure nothing gets past them. The outer layer catches 90% of dust particles having a size of more or equal to 5 microns. The three-pocket filter layer inside does the rest by trapping 80% of 1-micron particles, leaving only clean air.
This beast is loaded with a 1/5 horsepower ball bearing motor, which filters a workspace of 20 x 20 x 8 feet in just five minutes. It can filter your shop of the same size twelve times in an hour. It’s time to treat your customers with safe and healthy air.
The system comes with three-speed functionality. You can choose between 550, 702, or 1044 CFM, maintaining the perfect balance between power and output. It has an air diffuser installed that spreads clean air in every corner.
With the three built-in timer sets of 2, 4, and 8 hours, you can do outside jobs letting the filtration system work on its own. It stops all on its own after doing its part.
These stellar functions can be controlled easily by a remote that comes packed with the device. Gone are the days when you had to use a tool just to adjust your filtration system.
The system is extremely durable and is enclosed in a metal box. Its rubber feet protect your workbench from scratches. To top it off, the four eye bolts and easy-grip handles ensure easy installation.
Pros
- Offers double-layered filtration system with electrostatic pre-filter
- 1/5 horsepower ball bearing motor which filters a workspace of 20 x 20 x 8 feet in just five minutes
- 550, 702, or 1044 CFM speed functionality maintains the perfect balance between power and output
- Built-in timer sets of 2, 4, and 8 hours that can be operated by remote
- Air diffuser spreads clean air by improving air quality
Cons
- Doesn’t filter dust particle below 1 micron
- Coverage is low
4. Shop Fox Hanging Air Filter
This one has gained our attention due to its attention to detail. The W1830 from Shop Fox offers the necessary features and reliability. Let us take a quick look at them.
This pocket dynamo comes with a programmable timer that will keep it working even when you are not around. Set the timer to one, two, or four hours and enjoy a trip to the grocery store. The system will make sure you enjoy fresh air upon return.
No wood dust is spared by its dual filters. It comes with a five-micron outer filter and a one-micron inner filter. These filters do a tremendous job in cleaning up airborne wood particles that may enter your lungs and never come out.
Cleaning the filters is just as easy as washing your laundry. You can shake the dust off or simply wash them with water. Replacing the filters is also a no timer as they are available online.
The 1/8 horsepower, single-phase, 120-volt motor is best-suited to a room measuring 20 x 20 x 8-feet. It is capable of recirculating the room’s air 7.7 times in an hour. Thus, there are no compromises when it comes to your safety and comfort.
This system weighs only 33.2 pounds – making it effortless to move it around your shop. It comes with a control panel that is easy to read.
You can use the control panel to set the timer and speed. There are three settings, which are LO (260 CFM), MED (362 CFM), and HI (409 CFM). The control panel has lights that illuminate when you adjust a setting.
The lightweight system has eyebolts installed and comes with chains for quick installation. Thus, you can avoid the extra risk of drilling holes and injuring yourself. You just need to hang it from your desired spot or place it on a suited surface.
Pros
- Can be set to perform on periods of one, two, or four hours
- Dual filters ensure optimum cleaning
- The 1/8 horsepower, single-phase and 20-volt motor is capable of recirculating the room’s air 7.7 times in an hour
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Comes with three-speed settings of LO (260 CFM), MED (362 CFM), and HI (409 CFM
- Control panel with lights to indicate settings
Cons
- Motor is not the most powerful
- Suitable for small spaces
5. POWERTEC Air Filtration System (AF4000)
The AF4000 from POWERTEC has gained a reputation for being a good budget filtration system. It’s ideal for small shop owners who are looking for a low-cost all-rounder.
Its dual filter protects your lungs from harmful minute dust. The 5 microns outer and 1-micron inner filter works together to eliminate 99% airborne dust particles. The high-caliber filters can be cleaned or replaced easily.
This budget beast is not only effective but also quiet. It emits a sound of only 62 dB, 67 dB, and 69 dB at low, mid, and high settings, respectively. Your daily conversation is uninterrupted, even when it’s running in full flow.
You will be amazed to get three-timer and speed settings even at this cost. The 300, 350, and 400 CFM fan speed options are perfect for your dream shop. You also get to run the system efficiently for one, two, or four hours when you are not around.
The 1/6 horsepower, 120V motor runs at 1200, 1400, and 1750 RPM speeds at different settings. It’s powerful and rigid enough to last many years, giving you the most value for the buck.
Enjoy all these features at the palm of your hand, thanks to the infrared remote that comes with it. All the glamour doesn’t make the system bulky as it weighs only 34lbs. Mountings rings make sure you have a fun time installing it with a little help from your kids.
Pros
- Good features at a low cost
- Dual filters eliminate 99% of fine particles
- Three timers and speed facility
- Lightweight and durable
- Infrared remote ensures comfort
- 1/6 horsepower, 120V motor is powerful and rigid
Cons
- Doesn’t filter dust particle below 1 micron
- Not suitable for big workstations
6. Jet AFS-2000 Air Filtration System
Jet has won over millions of customers with its incredible service over time. The 708615 shop air filtration system is no exception. It may be the perfect match for your mid-size shop.
This system takes the filtration game to the next level. The electrostatic filter attached will bring in more dust present in your shop into the eight-bag inner filter. Here the air is filtered to 99% and 85% for 5- and 1-micron particles, respectively.
What remains is clean and pure air. After that, the adjustable exhaust and diffuser combine to circulate the fresh air all around your shop. Besides, you won’t be needing any tools to replace the filters. Additional charcoal or electrostatic filters can be added to ensure clog resistance and long life.
It comes with a handy remote that can be used to pick between the three-speed and timer settings. You can run the system efficiently in 1700, 1200, or 800 CFM speed mode for two, four, or eight hours by setting up the timer.
This system is a monster when it comes to power. The 1/3 horsepower motor can filter large spaces measuring 40′ x 40′ x 10′ in just ten minutes. Moreover, you can pair it with the Jet dust collector for optimum filtration.
The unit comes with eye bolts installed to speed up the installation process. You also get Jet’s unmatched service in case of any troubleshoots. The handy remote provides the finishing on the cake.
Pros
- Three-layer filtration with adjustable exhaust
- 1700, 1200, and 800 CFM speed settings
- Two, four, or eight-hour timer setting
- 1/3 horsepower motor filters large spaces measuring 40′ x 40′ x 10′ in just ten minutes
- Additional charcoal or electrostatic filters can be added to ensure clog resistance and long life
Cons
- Looks could have been better
- Doesn’t filter fine dust particle below 1 micron
7. Grizzly Heavy-Duty Double Air Filter (G9956)
Our last product is powerful yet simple. This particular unit from Grizzly has been their top seller for solid reasons. Let us look into it.
The system is powerful enough to suck in 1400 CFM of air into its dual filter arrangement. And the primary filter is 5 microns, while the inner filter is only 1 micron. These filters combine to take down the toughest sneaky particles from the air.
This bomb right here is all about performance. It can filter a room of 20′ x 20′ x 8′ dimension a whopping twenty-six times in an hour. You won’t be in short of power with this installed in your workplace.
The remote is capable of working from a distance as far as 45 feet. You will be able to run the fans at 5 speeds – ranging from 800 to 1200 RPM. Its versatility is what will impress you the most.
The handy device will hang effortlessly from your ceiling, thanks to the pre-installed hanging bolts. It’s time for you to enjoy dust-free, healthy air even when your shop is messed up due to workload.
Pros
- Powerful fan sucks in 1400 CFM of air
- Fans run at 5 speeds, ranging from 800 to 1200 RPM
- Remote is capable of working from a distance as far as 45 feet
- Hangs effortlessly from your ceiling
- Filters a room of 20′ x 20′ x 8′ dimension 26 times per hour
Cons
- Little heavy
Factors for Choosing the Best Wood Shop Air Filtration System:
Noise Level of Air Filtration System
You definitely do not want to create another pollution while removing one form of pollution. Air filtration systems designed to leave your workshop conducive with clean and safe air. They make some sounds in the process of doing the job.
There is no standard of acceptable noise level, but you won’t want it to be so loud since avoiding noise may be out of the question.
A noise level of around 60 decibels to 50 decibels of noise is decent. More noise becomes audible in a small workshop. A larger workshop can absorb more sound levels, but they shouldn’t be too present.
Airflow Speed Options
This feature is vital. The air purification requirements of different workshops are different. The variation in the level of air purification needed does not depend only on location; it also depends on the amount of work and type of materials being worked on.
Three-speed modes are usually efficient for most working conditions. A lot of optimal air purifiers have speed variations of 300 CFM, 350 CFM, and 400 CFM. These options let you decide the operation that fits the current situation.
The configuration of filters determines particle density that can be filtered off the atmosphere. External filters with about 5 microns and internal filters with around 1 micron are very efficient, judging from experience. A lot of air purifier systems have such filters; that is why other factors should be in play.
Engine Capacity and Speed of the Fan
The capacity of the engine decides the rate of work. The horsepower rating that you will need depends on the size of the workshop and the rate of work being done.
In my experience, 1/6 horsepower handles the atmosphere right for a moderately sized shop. Such an engine can drive the fan over 1500 RPM, and a value like that can do magic.
An air purifier system with the specification above can work in a 37 square meter area at a frequency of 71/2 times per hour.
Weight of the Purification System
The weight of the purification system will decide how easy it is to move the device. A weight that is less than 40 pounds is pretty easy to lift when you want to hand the device. It is also cool to move it around when need be.
Most portable air filtration systems can be hung to the ceiling and can also be lifted by a hand-held handle. If it is not an industrial-sized air purification system, you don’t want all that bulky weight.
Wireless Remote Control
This innovation is common in modern designs. You should be able to control your shop air filtration systems from a distance, without necessarily being close to the actual device.
Your infrared remote control system should be able to work at over a 20-meter radius. With such a degree of freedom, operating the purifier becomes very easy and convenient.
You can hardly find a portable air filtration system that doesn’t have the remote-control feature. This is because they are usually hanged. The competition is the radius coverable by the remote control. Some remote controls can cover up to 40 meters or even more.
Compare the options you have, and you are allowed to forsake some extra radius for other necessary functions.
A proper infrared remote will allow you to control the timer wirelessly. You are entitled to change the speed of fans, start the filters, or even shut down the filter or the whole device.
Overloading Prevention Fuse
Some air filtration systems come with a fuse to prevent overload of current. The operation of the system is current-driven while clogging up replaceable filters. The presence of such a fuse can be a big plus, an extra feature you can shortlist your options with.
Automatic Timers
The operation of the air filtration system is more optimal if it is timed throughout work hours. You don’t want all the engine power to be wasted on moments when actual purification is not needed or less needed.
The timer should be automatic in nature, one that works without constant manual intervention. The timing is not required to be rigidly fixed. Different days and different workflows may require different timing.
An adjustable timer will be just perfect, one that can automatically work with continuous-time gaps. A range between 1 hour to 5 hours’ interlude is usually cool.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Edison Testing Laboratories (ETL) Approvals
Both the UL and ETL are product verification companies. If the product is certified by one of the companies or both of them, it might be fair if such products move up on your prioritized list.
UL and ETL are respected bodies known for testing different products to ascertain the credibility of such products. When you have a tie between products, it is an excellent way to choose one over the other.
Additional Resources:
- What Size Air Filtration System Do You Need? (How to Determine)
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What’s The Difference Between An Air Filter And A Dust Collector?
The two devices are usually mistaken for each other, especially when you are new to the workshop processes and procedures. Despite the confusion, dust collectors and air filters are pretty different.
Air filters are basically a device for taking in air and getting it purified through processes that may include HEPA filtration, UV rays, and activated carbon. Air filters are usually situated in a corner.
Dust collectors, on the other hand, are usually attached to industrial woodshop equipment or close to them. The essential function is to extract dust from woodworking processes.
2. What Is The Difference Between RPM and CFM?
Both of them are units that relate to air and the motion of air from a technical standpoint.
CFM, which means Cubic Feet per Minute, measures the airflow rate. Its value is determined by the volumetric airflow over time. RPM, on the other hand, means Rotation Per Minute. RPM is a measure of speed calculated by the amount of rotation the fan does in a minute.
Both CFM and RPM are different from decibel (DB), which is a measure of sound and noise. RPM influences the noise level, both in volume and pitch. CFM typically shows how efficient the fans is, telling the optimization of air motion and the pressure associated.
3. What Size Of Air Filter Should I get?
The size of the air filter depends on the use; and on the capacity you need. But there are standardized sizes that are usually incorporated into various devices. Different types of air filters are found in other devices other than air purification systems. Air Conditions is a perfect example of such a case.
For instance, a lot of air filtration systems come with either 16 x 20 x 1 or 20x 20 x 1 or 16 x 25x 1.
4. How Do I Clean My Air Filter?
Before cleaning an air cleaner, you must know if it is the reusable type. The air filter should be labeled as washable or permanent. One significant approach is rinsing the air filter with water. Also, you can tap dust off the filter.
Using a vacuum or compressed air to clean the filter is possible, but it has to be done carefully to prevent damaging the mesh. The mesh supports the filter in the process of extracting particles from the air.
Having filters that can be cleaned is not really a significant advantage because disposable filters are cheap and easily replaceable. If you don’t mind the time taken to clean them, it is not a bad idea.
If your shop air filtration systems use disposable air filters, you might want to stack up some extras in order to avoid having downtime or having to go through the stress of purchasing a new one.
5. Is It Better To Position The Filter On My Workbench or Hang It?
Hanging the air purification system has its advantages and disadvantages. These are mostly the same as placing the device on the workbench. Hanging the air filter is more appropriate for a permanent workshop. Placing the air filter on a workbench is more suitable for scenarios where you might need the filter in other rooms or workshops.
Also, you have to put the amount of expected dust and the filter’s capacity into consideration. Is the filter strong enough to suck up every particle from one location? It is all dependent on how well you understand your air purification filter and your working environment!
Final Words
It’s not the brand or the price but the performance that makes a product great. And when it comes to health, there can’t be any compromises.
Hope you have enjoyed this review of the best woodshop air filtration system. These products are absolute bang for the buck and will do a good job of keeping you safe.
Whichever products you choose, remember to abide by the manual, and maintain safety measures during installation.
More Woodworking Reviews you may like: