There are many benefits to having a proper air filtration system for your woodshop and health hazards that come with breathing in unclean air, especially dust-filled air, so we compiled a list of the top 5 best air filtration systems to help you make the right choices.
Air filtration systems help produce clean air in the work environment to breathe and make the woodwork experience stress less. Depending on the size of your workspace or workshop, you can fix the air filtration systems in two ways; hanging from the ceiling or being placed on a workbench.
Hanging on the roof works best because it reduces the stress of carrying the unit around. But for a smaller workspace or workshop, being placed on the bench is more ideal as it achieves the best possible results for the woodworker.
While picking out your air filtration system, you should consider the size of your workshop. Knowing the size of your room compared to how much space a unit can cover prevents you from ending up with two units that are actually cumbersome.
I would advise that you get a system that covers more room than the one you plan to use it in. Another factor to consider is the noise. Nobody wants to be a nuisance in their neighborhood, so you might want to purchase a unit that performs so well but makes less noise to promote a conducive environment for you and your neighbors.
Thankfully, most of the air filtration systems listed below are amazingly powerful and make minimal noises. Also, how far the remote control can function and how easy it is to use should be considered.
Well, not just the remote control but also the controls of the unit. They should be readable, understandable, and easy to master. So you might want to pick a system that has been designed with a simple control system.
The size of the unit you want to purchase also counts. Installing a lighter-sized air filtration system is very easy and manageable. It might not require much assistance or muscle power when it’s being carried and installed.
Our Favorite Choice Of Air Filtration System Summary:
POWERMATIC | # 1st Choice |
SHOP FOX | # 2nd Choice |
JET | # 3rd Choice |
POWERTEC | # 4th Choice |
WEN | # 5th Choice |
Top 5 Best Air Filtering System Review In Details:
POWERMATIC 1791331 – Micro Dust Air Filtration System (PM1250)
The first and premium item on our list is the Powermatic 1791331 Micro Dust Air Filtration system. Powermatic has been doing very well with its production of air filtration systems.
No wonder this model is first on the list. Typically dealing with fine dust from wooden workpieces is not easy, but this has been made easy with the production of the air filtration system.
It is power-packed made of durable materials and features. Though it is one of the expensive options, it is very well worth the investment because it gets the job done.
Despite the rate at which this air filtration system circles air, it makes way less noise than the others. It circles air 5x per hour, which is up to 3400 circles per hour.
It has two-speed settings, which allows the user to adjust the noise to his liking. At the highest speed setting, the speed reaches 50.8 decibels, and the lowest speed setting is 41.3 decibels.
With this minor noise feature, you do not have to worry about disturbing your neighbors or being a nuisance in your vicinity. Now, who would not want to get this air filtration system?
PM1250 has been designed with a patented filter technology which is engineered to handle dust particles as tiny as 0.1 microns. Its electrostatic filter is easy to clean and durable.
To add to that is an excellent 3000-hour life which you would admit is a long time. To make cleaning easier and neater, you should use a vacuum.
Amongst the features added to the PM1250 is a remote control which allows for easy and quick control anywhere around your workshop.
You might be wondering if this item is easy to carry. It has been made easy to maintain because it comes with a convenient carrying handle that enhances its portability.
Features:
- The Powermatic PM1250 Air Filtration system comes with a warranty of 5 years.
- Weighs 38.1 pounds.
- 120 volts, 1800 watts.
- Multiple speed settings, 50.8 dB and 41.3 dB.
- 3000-hour life.
- 3,400 cycle rate per hour.
- Can cover a room as large as 680 square feet (similar to two large garages).
- Can filter air as tiny as 0.1 micron.
- Cycles air 5x per hour.
- It comes with remote control for convenience and a 3-speed fan.
Pros:
- Long-lasting warranty of 5 years.
- Easy to clean.
- Most quiet of all air filters.
- Durable and powerful.
- Can keep out the tiniest of particles.
- Great value for the money.
Cons:
- More expensive amongst its class.
SHOP FOX W1830 – 3-speed Hanging Air Filtering Machine
This hanging air filter is a budget-friendly yet powerful and durable air filtration system from Shop Fox. The compact and lightweight design of this unit might make you expect more minor, but it would actually surprise you how efficient and capable this air filtration machine is.
This air filtration system allows you to do other tasks while filtering your shop. This is made possible by the timer with which it has been designed.
You can just simply switch it on and set the timer to a time of your choice from 1, 2, or 4 hours with the help of its infrared remote. This allows it to run for a stipulated amount of time even after you have left the workshop.
It can cycle about 7.7 times per hour, eliminating and filtering dust particles from the workshop. The inner filter eliminates air particles as tiny as 1 micron, while the outer filter handles air particles as little as 5 microns.
After the air has been filtered, you might want to clean the filters. The inner and outer filters of this unit are effortless to clean.
Cleaning it is as simple as shaking off the dirt to a dustbin. You can further clean the inner filter by flowing it with compressed air or with the use of water and a rag.
Then leave it to dry under the sun or open space. They are also replaceable but can be used for an extended period before being replaced.
To reduce the stress of carrying this unit around, you can just hang on your ceiling with the ceiling hooks made available. This air filtration system comes with a readable control panel that allows the user to switch off or switch it on.
It also allows the user to control the airflow speed and set the timer. This air filtration system has been designed to provide a trouble-free woodwork experience.
They pay attention to details; no wonder they produce one of the best air filtration systems. They also have strong quality control.
Features:
- Weighs 33.2 pounds.
- Three airflow speeds; 260, 362, 409 CFM.
- Motor moves at 1200, 1400, and 1750 Rounds Per Hour.
- 1/8 HP motor, 120 volts.
- Three timer settings; 1, 2, and 4 hours.
- Replaceable inner and outer filters.
- White in color, made from steel.
- It comes with a hanging chain, ceiling hooks, and machine hooks.
- 17 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 10 inches high.
Pros:
- Most Lightweight amongst its peers.
- Three variable speeds.
- Budget-friendly.
- Durable.
- Easy to read control panel.
Cons:
- Warranty is not so long.
JET AFS-1000B – Air Filtration System with Remote Control (708620B)
Next up on our top five best air filtration system reviews is a powerful unit that can simply be used while being hung on the ceiling or a workbench produced by JET. Fun fact, the JET 708620B was the first in the industry to be built with remote control with timer and three-speed systems.
Since then, it has become the standard for the production of their air filtration system. This filtering mechanism is designed with unique features ranging from the power it exudes to the stability of its feet.
With its size of 30 inches by 24 inches by 12 inches, it is not so different from other air filtration systems though it gathers a weight of 54 pounds, making it a bit heavier than some units. That notwithstanding, it can easily be carried around with the help of its grip handles.
If you do not want to carry this unit around, you can just hang it on the ceiling or keep it on a workbench. To hang it on the ceiling, four eye bolts have been made available on its body. But if you choose to keep it on a workbench, the feet are being made with rubber to keep it from scratching the surface of the workbench.
There are two filters in this unit. The outer filter and the inner filter, which you can easily remove to clean as well as replace.
It is designed with three airflow speeds where the minimum is 550 cubic feet per minute (CFM), a median of 702 CFM, and a maximum of 1044 CFM. This air filtration system has been engineered to shut down after some time of inactivity automatically.
This helps to prevent power wastage. Also, with the remote control, you can choose to place a timer on the JET requesting it to shut down after 2, 4, or 8 hours based on the time you think is enough to filter your workspace.
Features:
- The JET 708620B has a five years warranty.
- Weighs 54 pounds.
- 115 volts, 96 dB.
- 1/5 hp motor power.
- Remote control with a built-in timer.
- Rubberized feet for stability.
- Two filter systems; removable inner filter and outer filter.
- Removable internal filter for easy cleaning.
- Three speed systems; 556, 702, and 1044 cubic feet per minute (CFM).
- Auto shut down system.
- Tan colored.
Pros:
- Five years warranty.
- Easy to use.
- Reliable and long-lasting.
- Automatic shut off.
Cons:
- It might be quite expensive.
POWERTEC AF1045 – Remote Controlled 3-speed Air Filtering Machine
There is always a model from Powertec on every best air filtration system review and almost every woodwork tool review. This is because they are well known for the production of high-quality woodwork equipment.
They always meet the expectations of most woodworkers while making and developing new technology and innovations. So you can very much trust the Powertec AF1045.
The Powertec AF1045 has an inner and outer filter to capture and keep rid of dust particles to provide cleaner air for you. The outer filter can handle dust particles as small as 5 microns, while the inner filter handles dust particles as small as 1 micron.
That is about 99% of air particles. It has a remote control which you can use to control or adjust speed and power to your liking.
It is also engineered with a three-timer setting which you can operate manually. But you can also use the remote control to adjust the timing to either 1hr or 2hrs or 4 hrs depending on the time you want the unit to shut off automatically.
This is more convenient because you can do this from anywhere in your workshop. This air cleaning system comes with three airflow speeds which are 556, 702,1044 CCM, with noise ratings of a minimum of 63 DBS and a maximum of 68 lbs.
The amount of noise this unit makes is enough to provide a noise-free working environment even with its 1/5 HP motor power. While you might be wondering if it would be easy to move this unit, eye bolt mounting rings have been available for you to easily half it on your ceiling.
Though it does not have rubber feet to keep it from marring the surface of your workbench, it can still be kept on it with a rag or carton sheets placed under it.
Features:
- The Powertec AF1045 weighs 61.9 pounds.
- Three speed filtration systems.
- Remote control with three timer settings.
- Three speed airflow; 655, 875, and 1060 CFM.
- 120 volts, 1/5 hp, and 60 hertz.
- Motor speed moves at 750, 960, and 1200 rounds per minute.
- Makes a noise of about 63 dB. (Low), 67 lb. (Medium) and 68 lb. (High).
Pros:
- Mounting rings for hanging.
- Automatic shut off system.
- Adjustable and convenient.
- Replaceable and easy to clean inner filter.
Cons:
- Not much difference between the timer settings.
WEN 3415T – Industrial Strength Air Filtration System
It is possible for you to install two air filtration systems. But keeping a tab of both of them at a time could be stressful.
So why not invest in this air filtering machine capable of clearing a room’s air as large as 1000 square ft. It has an inner filter that filters through dust particles as tiny as 1 micron and an outer filter that filters particles as small as 5 microns.
After filtering the air particles, it releases fresh and clean air into your workshop. These filters are easy to remove to clean and replaceable.
This unit comes with a radio control which has the capacity to function even as far as 26 ft. It has a timer, three-speed setting, and an auto shut-off system. You can control this air filtration system to automatically shut off using the three-timer settings.
This allows it to run for the time you request it to and shuts down without you having to push a button again. It also has three-speed airflows; 556, 702, and 1044 CFM, which the user can choose from to use.
With its compact design comes a carrying handle that can be used to carry it. There are also mounting hooks that allow you to hang them on the ceiling in case you do not want to go through the stress of moving them around.
Features:
- The Wen 3415T has a two year warranty.
- Weighs 55 pounds.
- 30.3 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 12.2 inches high.
- 120 volts, 360 watts, 60 hertz.
- Replaceable 1 micron filter and 5-micron filter.
- 63 to 68 decibels noise level.
- Three speed airflows for easy adjustment depending on the situation at hand.
Pros:
- Suitable for large workspaces.
- Auto shut off system.
- Remote can work even in long-distance.
- Easily replaceable filters.
Cons:
- None yet.
Our Favorite Choice Of Air Filtration System Summary:
| POWERMATIC | # 1st Choice |
| SHOP FOX | # 2nd Choice |
| JET | # 3rd Choice |
| POWERTEC | # 4th Choice |
| WEN | # 5th Choice |
Conclusion
Now you know the top 5 best air filtration systems and their features, hopefully getting one for your workshop will not be difficult. But in case you need more information, do not hesitate to ask around or do research.
Taking care of your air filtration systems should also be considered. You do not just purchase them, use them and drop them off without checking for repairs or cleaning them.
Cleaning and checking for repairs help to elongate the life of your air filtration systems. It also makes filtering air very effective and makes breathing in the workshop less hazardous. I hope this review is useful for you.
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