Whether you own a small woodworking workshop or a large metalworking facility, dust management is a concern you’ll have to address. Dust particles can have abrasive, toxic, or combustible properties that may harm the workers or the machines within the workspace. As such, a machine to draw in dust from the air is necessary to maintain proper working conditions.
But between a dust extractor vs dust collector, what equipment should one get? This article will explore the distinctions among these two, along with their benefits and disadvantages.
Differences Between a Dust Extractor and Dust Collector
While they share the main function of drawing in dust particles in a facility, dust extractors vs dust collectors have major differences that set each machine apart. Knowing these will help those on the fence whether to get a dust collector or a dust extractor decide which fits their industry requirements.
To clearly show the diverse capabilities between dust extractor vs dust collector machines, here’s a table noting key points per category.
| Capacity | Portability | Speed | Dust collection | Price | |
| Dust extractor | Great for capturing dust on specific tools and locations | Usually handheld and portable | Takes time to set up and transfer; requires frequent dust bag changing | Capable of handling fine dust particles as small as 0.3 microns. | Starts at $300 and goes over $2000 for industrial-grade dust extractor |
| Dust collector | Ideal for dealing with large volumes of dust particles | Typically large and consumes a dedicated floor space | Draws dust particles quickly, especially when set on a facility’s ventilation system. Requires minimal adjustments and maintenance. | Uses high-volume air flow to draw dust particles on entire workshops or facilities. | Basic setups cost around $300, though would require additional tools and accessories which can increase the price. |
What is a Dust Extractor
Think of dust extractors as large, more powerful vacuum cleaners but for industrial use. These machines are specifically made to capture harmful dust particles in workshops and can be easily moved from one machine to another for on-the-spot dust collection. Dust extractors are common in various industries like woodworking and product manufacturing.
How Dust Extractors Work
Dust extractors have two main sections: a high-powered vacuum to draw the airborne dust particles and an airtight container to store these particles. They can also come with various filters to handle different types of dust and trap them within the machine. Dust extractors offer great dust collection in smaller workshops or on dedicated machinery.
Advantages of Dust Extractors
Dust extractors offer certain advantages that make them a better choice compared to dust collectors in specific situations. Among them are:
- Due to their small size and portability, dust extractors can reach nooks and crannies where dust can hide and gather.
- Better at capturing finer dust particles, thanks to their movable nozzles
- Their higher static pressure offers better suction and filtration capabilities
Disadvantages of Dust Extractors
While dust extractors have several benefits, they also have their fair share of challenges. Some of these include:
- Limited capacity, usually ranging between five to 30 gallons
- Draws in less dust and debris due to their low power levels, with a maximum of 200 cubic feet per minute.
- Can’t be used with ductwork and blast gates within the facility, requiring the machine to be moved from section to section
- Narrow hoses limit their extraction capacity on certain areas like table saws and planers.
Class L, M, and H Dust Extractors
Dust extractors used in the construction industry are categorized based on their suction capabilities as set by the Health and Safety Executive Agency. Each level is preferred for dealing with certain materials, and knowing the difference between the three categories will help businesses select the right one for the task.
Class L – also known as light dust extractors, L class dust extractors work best when managing dust from softwoods, gypsum, plasterboard, and Corian materials.
Class M – the next category of dust extractors, M class dust extractors can handle dust particles from hardwoods, paints, plastics, concrete, and brick with a 99.9% filter efficiency.
Class H – considered the highest level in dust extractors, these are used for extracting dust from lead, carbon, tar, asbestos, formaldehyde, mold, bacteria, copper, and nickel.
What is a Dust Collector
After looking at the features of dust extractors, it’s time to check out what dust collectors have to offer. Dust collectors are air filtration systems designed to collect dust particles within a workshop or facility and are usually seen in various manufacturing operations. After filtering the dust from the air, it returns the clean air back into the facility, enhancing air quality in the process.
Generally, a dust collector vs dust extractor is larger and more static, requiring a specific space in the facility upon installation. These machines also have larger capacities to contain more dust particles before disposing of the dust bag.
How Do Dust Collectors Work
Once turned on, dust collectors regularly draw in large volumes of dust-filled air via the facility’s air ducts and ventilation systems. The dust particles are trapped on the various filters set up within the setup, separating them from the airstream. The clean air is then returned into the facility, improving air quality and ensuring better overall health of the workers and the machines within the workshops.
Advantages of Dust Collectors
Dust collectors offer a range of advantages that make them the preferred choice for large-scale dust management. These benefits include:
- Dust extraction efficiency and larger filtration coverage
- Their higher capacity allows dust collectors to gather large volumes of dust without frequent bag changes.
- Dust collectors can be easily set up on the facility’s central ventilation system for faster dust collection on a wider area.
- Some dust collectors can be customized with larger hoses for increased air volume.
Disadvantages of Dust Collectors
As with dust extractors, dust collectors have certain limitations that could make them incompatible with some setups. Some key factors to note are:
- Additional expenses are needed to set up a central collection system, including hoses, ductwork, and accessories.
- Dust collectors are typically large, taking up a dedicated space in facilities, and hard to move from one location to another.
Tysum – Trusted Dust Collector Factory in China
When it comes to maintaining workspaces and facilities clean, safe, and dust-free, Tysum does it better than none. As an established dust collector manufacturer in China, our expertise in creating reliable and high-performing air filtration systems and filter media has satisfied the demands of various industries.
We offer a wide range of cartridge and bag-type dust collector solutions that can be fully customized to handle different industry applications. Handled by expert consultants, designers, and engineers, we listen to specific requirements clients have for air filtration to craft and test the dust collectors to match these needs. Moreover, our machines are manufactured in five globally certified facilities across China, ensuring top-shelf quality and consistent performance.
In addition to our decades-long production capabilities, we also offer an assortment of services designed to enhance the purchasing experience. Along with an in-depth consultation and a dedicated project manager, you also get a 24/7 support service to answer all concerns even after order fulfillment.
Keeping Workshops Dust-Free with Dust Extractors and Dust Collectors
Choosing the right dust control equipment for your workshop or facility depends on several factors, including work area size, dust type, and available budget. Dust extractors are great for focused dust collection in small workspaces, while dust collectors fit perfectly on larger facilities that need centralized air filtration. Each also has its share of advantages and obstacles which should be considered before making the purchase.
For reliable and customizable dust collectors, Tysum is the name to trust. Contact our team today for a free consultation and see how our dust collection solutions can address your industry requirements.
