August 1, 2020

Shopfox W1868 2 HP Portable Cyclone Dust Collector Review [REVISITED]

We are looking at a Cyclone Dust Collector. Are you looking for a powerful and portable dust collector? Well, you are in luck because this Shopfox W1868 2 HP Portable Cyclone Dust Collector fits the part well. It provides the efficiency of a 2-stage cyclone system with the portability of a single-stage dust collector.ย 

One of the best things about this collector is its high surface area pleated filter with paddles to mechanically knock off dust cake. It also comes with a remotely controlled magnetic switch making it very easy to control it from a distance.

This Shop Fox W1868 2 HP Portable Cyclone Dust Collector features a steel impeller. You will find that the collection bag has a capacity of 5.4 cubic feet and can hold 2.5 microns of dust particles. It can handle most wood debris that passes through the collection bag.ย 

This keeps your workspace clean from even the tiniest dust particles and makes it even easier for you to dispose of the dust. All this amazing efficiency is packed in a portable and compatible machine that you will surely want in your shop. So get one now and watch some change happen to your shop.ย 

Shopfox W1868

Pros

  • Powerful machines
  • Made for woodworking shops
  • Large capacity
  • Multiple connection ports
  • Durable design.

Cons

  • Is expensive to buyย 
  • Maintenance may be expensive.

Specifications

  • Motor: 2 HP, 220V, 3450 RPM, 9A
  • Intake hole size: 7โ€ณ
  • Impeller: 13โ€ณ welded steel
  • Collection drum size: 20 gallons
  • Air suction capacity: 1023 CFM
  • Static pressure: 10.9โ€ณ
  • Approx. shipping weight: 397 lbs.

What are Dust Collectors?

Dust collectors are specially designed systems and devices to filter the air by collecting any impurities or dust particles known to pollute the air surrounding us. These include compact and portable collectors used in small shops to collect particles from woodworking activities or cement work to much larger systems.ย 

The big-sized dust collectors clean the polluted air in large industrial areas to purify the air, providing the workers with a healthy atmosphere. A dust collector is usually an attachment to various woodworking machines and tools, and their sole purpose is to collect dust from the machine, just like what its name refers to.ย 

A dust collector can collect dust from the machine by inhaling or otherwise removing airborne sawdust and fine debris into its chamber, usually screened by a filter. In that way, a dust collector prevents dust from accumulating in the work area.ย 

A dust collector is almost always a vacuum type powered by an electric motor that drives an intake fan to move air at a high rate โ€“ very similar to how a household vacuum cleaner works but on a larger scale.

Whenever you need to operate any grinding or bladed power tool for woodworking, itโ€™s always recommended to attach it to a dust collector if the machine supports it. There is no better alternative to keeping a working area dust-free, even if it is well ventilated, short to doing your woodworking projects outdoors.

Buying Tips

Dust collectors may not be one of the first things on your mind when you open up shop, but they are essential and can offer protection. There are many dust collectors, which can make it quite hard for you to find the best one for your needs and budget.

Common Terms

  • Micron: Unit of measurement for dust particles. Three hundred ninety-seven microns equals 1/64th of an inch.
  • Static pressure resistance: The air already moving through the duct needs to be pushed away by the suction.ย  This produces static pressure resistance that is measured in inches.
  • CFM: Stands for Cubic Feet per Minute.ย  It is used to measure air intake.

What Filter Size Is Best?ย 

Filter fabric technology has changed significantly over the last 20 years. A machine was likely a single-stage collector equipped with a 30-micro bag back then. These bags almost did more harm than good, and they poorly filtered the small dust particles, which are sometimes the most harmful ones.

Particles smaller than 10 microns are most dangerous as they can penetrate deep into your lungs, and your body does a poor job at filtering them out.ย  As filtration technology developed, new dust collectors are now equipped with pleated filters which can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns. When purchasing a dust collector, ensure that it can filter down to at least 2.5 microns.

How much Suction Power do I need?ย 

The last thing you want to do is purchase a dust collector that does not provide enough suction for your needs. CFM measures suction, and your suction needs are dependent on the tools you use in your workshop.ย ย 

Keep in mind that every foot of pipe will add resistance to the suction, so you will need to calculate the amount of static-pressure loss between your dust collector and where your tools are set up.ย  As each manufacturer is different, you should check their websites for performance curves (the one to the right).

Should I get a Single Stage or Two Stages?

Single-stage systems are cheaper than two-stage systems, which means that they are worse and not as effective? It is likely so. A two-stage collector will first draw air into a separator that filters out the larger pieces.ย  From there, the smaller pieces reach a filter.ย ย 

The benefit is that the largest particles (including chips) donโ€™t clog the filter and ensure that the filter suction is always working with no hiccups. So yes, while you will notice that a two-stage collector is generally more expensive than a one-stage collector, its system design will ensure that it always runs smoothly and sucks out all harmful particles out of the air.

Our Verdict

When it comes to these types of products, they are designed to offer improvement in your shop, so you need to check that you are getting a high-quality one.

They are made to clean your workshop and free your space from dust, debris, and other particles. These make your shop look messy and can make work more difficult to complete, but they can also cause some health issues if you are breathing them in.

This is where dust collectors come in, and you can use them alongside a respirator to protect your skin and lungs from particles. Many power tools come with their dust collectors, but purchasing a full-size device is recommended.

Related Products

Shopfox W1687 Dust Collector Review.

Shopfox W1867 1.5 HP Portable Cyclone Dust Collector Review

David D. Hughes

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