Woodworking Tool & Product Reviews

Air Filtration Systems

Dust! Despite our best efforts in recent years to control the dust and chips that our woodworking tools produce, we still end up breathing in more than we should.

Breathing in the fine dust particles produced from sanding, routing, and sawing is not only annoying, it is a health hazard.

Over the years, the combination of wanting to save a buck and never wanting throw anything away has produced some pretty ingenious air filtration devices in our shops. We always looked at manufactured wood shop air filtration systems as big, expensive monsters — way beyond the means of the average woodworker.

Times have changed. These units are not only affordable, they are downright convenient...so there is no excuse to take on the chin (or in the lungs). Weekend woodworker or full time craftsman doesn't have to breath in dust and run the risk of contracting cancer or severe respiratory problems.

It is possible, with these newer units to have a cleaner more healthy shop without the headache giving up a lot of shop space or breaking the bank.

There are dozens of air filtration or air purifiers out there. We picked what we thought were the most affordable and easiest to use. Whether used on the job site, in a garage or in a dedicated woodworking shop, these units will handle the task. In the comparison chart that we've provided, just click on an image for more information, pricing, rebates and/or availablity.

ShopVac JET AFS-1000B JDS Systems

Speeds 1 3 2

Air Flow 235 CFM up to 1,044 CFM 1,000 or 1600 CFM

Remote no yes no

Timer no 2, 4 or 8 hr no

Dimensions 25 x 13 dia 12 x 24 x 30-1/2 20 x 24 x 44

Weight 15 lbs 54 lbs 92 lbs

Filter Cycle 20' x 20' x 8' room up to 4 times/hr 20' x 20' x 8' room up to 12 times/hr 30' x 30' x 8' room from 6 13 times/hr depending on fan model number.

Filter Capability 99% @ 5 microns + 99% @ 5 microns + 99% @ 5 microns +

Click on image for more info.
ShopVac
JET AFS-1000B
JDS 10 16
JDS 750ER
JDS 812

Delta AP100 Delta AP200 Jet AFS 500

Speeds 1 1 3

Air Flow 450 CFM 850 CFM 500 CFM

Remote no no no

Timer no no no

Dimensions 23 x 23 x 20 30 x 24 x 12 15 x 27 x 18.5

Weight 40 lbs 50 lbs 37 lbs

Filter Cycle 20' x 20' x 8' room up to 8 times/hr 20' x 20' x 8' room up to 16 times/hr 30' x 30' x 8' room 8.5 times/hr.

Filter Capability 99% @ 5 microns + 99% @ 5 microns + 99% @ 5 microns +

Click on image for more info.
Delta AP 100
Delta AP200
JET AFS 500

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