Top 7 Best Shop Air Filtration Systems for Woodworking

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#1: Best Overall

WEN 3417 3-Speed

Our best overall pick goes to the WEN 3417. This solid 3-speed workshop dust filtration system

includes a 1-micron filter and a 5-micron pre-filter. Both filters can be easily replaced. This tool is quite the unit measuring in at 30.3” L x 24” W x 12.2” H. Make sure you are aware that its electrical requirements are 110-120V, 60 Hz, 3 A, and the airflow is 556/702/1044 cubic feet per minute. You can be certain that this shop air filtration system is perfect for a commercial setting as it can cover rooms up to 1000 sq. ft.

With a noise rating of 63 to 68 dB and a programmable timer that automatically shuts the unit off after a set number of minutes, we believe it fits comfortably into most workshops. The remote control allows users to set a timer, change speed, and power the unit on and off from up to 26 feet away while the RF remote system allows for operation from any angle of the room, even if the direct line of vision is obstructed.

This Industrial-Strength Shop Dust filtration system is equipped with a 1-micron filter and a 5-micron pre-filter, effectively removing non-toxic dust, pollen, mold, dander, and other common airborne irritants. Wen is a solid company with a proven track record of manufacturing protects that provide protection against airborne irritants, ensuring a safe and clean environment. For the price point, we believe it is hands down the best shop air filtration system on the market and worth a look.

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#2: Runner Up

Shop Fox 1830 3-Speed

Our runner-up goes to the Shop Fox 1830. This beauty features a 5-micron outer filter and a 1-micron inner filter. It removes fine wood dust particles up to 1 micron from the air. We found cleaning the filters to be quite easy, by simply shaking the dust off in a trash bag and then cleaning the inner filter with water and leaving it out to air dry.

You can be certain that this workshop dust filtration system removes most fine wood particles up to 1 micron from the air when used with a dust collection system. It can recirculate the air in a 20 x 20 x 8 feet room approximately 7.7 times an hour. For the best filtering effect, it is recommended to recirculate the air 6-9 times an hour. Multiple units can be used for larger shops however this one is also appropriate for smaller shops.

One of the many cool features is that the control panel has multiple functions and quite a bit of versatility in terms of controlling air flow speeds dB levels and setting timers. The air filter has three airflow speeds: 260 CFM (LO), 362 CFM (MED), and 409 CFM (HI).

If you're not in your workshop, you can leave the air filter running by setting the timer for the desired amount of time and you can choose a timed performance of 1, 2, or 4 hours. The control panel lights will illuminate to show your selection which we believe many will find very helpful. Shop Fox has certainly delivered with this solid shop air filtration system and definitely merits the #2 spot.

#3: Best Budget 

WEN 3410 3-Speed

For those looking to save a few dollars without sacrificing on quality then the WEN 3-Speed Remote-Controlled Air Filtration System is worth a look. Like the best shop air filtration systems on the market, it catches contaminants in its easily cleanable filters and circulates the air in your work area. What is really cool is that the system (despite its power) is quiet and can be controlled from up to 26 feet away with the included remote.

Rest assured this woodshop dust filter is lightweight and easy to install on any ceiling. You can choose between three speeds of 300, 350, and 400 CFM. The timer feature allows you to set a time for the machine to turn off on its own for added flexibility allowing you to clean your workshop at the end of the day without needing to be present. Slightly more affordable than the 3410, yet still backed by the same quality manufacturing, this solid air filtration system earns the best budget spot.

 

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#4:

POWERTEC AF4000

Our #4 pick goes to the Powertec AF4000. This is easily one of the best woodshop air filters on the market today. It features a 3-speed Air Filtration System with remote, filters, and quality mounting hardware. In addition, the outer filter removes larger dust particles, while the inner filter catches the rest, eliminating 99% of airborne particulates.

The machine’s 3 different air flow speed variations at a rate of 300, 350, or 400 cubic feet per minute, and its infrared remote controller allows you to change the speed and power and has a built-in 3-timer setting. This air cleaner for machine shops has a lightweight design and comes with hooks for easy installation to any ceiling. Another really cool feature is its 5-micron outer filter removes larger dust particles, while the 1-micron inner filter captures the remaining airborne particulates, effectively eliminating 99% of harmful chemicals within your shop.

We found that this machine shop’s air filtration system is manufactured with great attention to detail. Its lightweight design and well-designed mounting rings (eye bolts) allow for easy ceiling installation. Not only delivers dependable woodshop dust filtration but also features energy efficiency with a time delay function, allowing you to program it to automatically shut off after 1, 2, or 4 hours. We believe this is a solid pick for the price point.

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#5

JET AFS-1000B

Next up we have the AFS-1000B from Jet. This shop vac air filtration system has a filter that captures 98% of 5-micron particles and an inner filter that captures 85% of 1-micron particles. Its remote control has a built-in timer with 2/4/8-hour settings triggering the system to automatically shut off.

You can rest assured that its simple installation and design will make the setup flawless as its four-eye bolts allow you to hang the unit from the shop ceiling and its foam pads prevent your workbench from getting damaged. We found it to be quite easy to clean as the inner pocket filter is removable for easy cleaning. This machine shop air cleaner can also have easy-grip handles that make it easy to move around.

This 3-speed woodshop dust filtration system comes with a Remote and Electrostatic Pre-Filter which is designed for use in smaller home shops. As it is designed for smaller shops, it’s quite light and hangs from the ceiling, and effectively removes fine dust particles, improving the air quality in your workspace. This unit can be used with or without a jet dust collector and includes a remote control, timer, and three-speed capability for optimal performance. If you are looking for something that is meant for smaller spaces, we recommend you take a look.

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#6

DeWalt DWXAF101

Our #6 spot goes to a solid small shop air filter by DeWalt. This machine has 2-stage filters, including a static cotton medium-efficiency filter and an H11 HEPA high-efficiency filter. The cool thing about these filters is that they can remove more than 95% of 0.3μm particles, and the air purifier has 8-hour timer settings, allowing you to set it to shut off automatically after 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours. It also has four working modes: HI, MID, LO, and AUTO.

The air purifier is easy to use with its built-in remote controller and filter replacement reminder function and you can hang it from the ceiling using hooks and chains, or carry it with the flip-up handle. The system is lightweight compared to some of the other air filtration systems on this list. Designed to contain and control sawdust we believe you will see a noticeable difference in the fine sawdust within your shop.

In addition, we found the auto feature to be convenient as it automatically switches on high or medium as soon as you start cutting, sanding, or routing. The sensor can detect the dust in the room. Additionally, it is very quiet in the low setting. DeWalt is a company with a global reputation for quality tools and we believe they have certainly delivered here.

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#7

ABESTORM 360

Rounding out our list is the DecDust 1350IG. This could be a beast of a dust filtration system for your shop and has a 360-degree intake air system with a built-in ionizer. Specifically designed to treat particles, dust, and sawdust, and eliminate odors for effective air purification. Its system includes a 2-speed air filtration system with a remote control and 4 replaceable MERV 11-micron filters.

It is ideal for wood carving, turning, scroll saw work, and powder mixing. Perfect for woodshop dust filtration, its system is easy to install and can be controlled via touch or remote control. Despite its weight, it has dimensions of 20.5″ L x 20.5″ W x 9.8″ H and operates on 115V, 60Hz, 1.5 A. Featuring an airflow of 1050/1350 cubic feet per minute, and can cover rooms up to 1700 sq. ft. For those looking to control noise within their wood or machine shop, the noise rating is 60 to 69 dBA.

In addition, the system weighs 27 lbs. and the MERV 11 filter measures 13.2″ L x 9.5″ W x 1.5″ H. While it may deliver power beyond what is necessary for a small workshop air filtration system, it is still worth a look for anyone looking to invest in a professional system built to last for the long haul.

How do shop air filtration systems work?

Air purifiers are devices that use a filter and fan to remove particles from the air in a room. The purified air is then released back into the room. This process repeats multiple times an hour to improve indoor air quality. Air and gas filtration involves different mechanisms like interception, impaction, and attraction to remove contaminants.

There are different filters used, such as a pre-filter, HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and UVC LED light technology, to capture and neutralize bacteria and viruses. These shop air filtration systems are critical in protecting your health within your machine or woodworking shop. Always make sure that safety is a priority when operating these machines.

We hope this list has been helpful for you in your buying decisions!

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