Table Saw Dust Collection – 5 Methods to Efficiently Collect Sawdust

How to collect dust from a table saw

The sawdust produced by a table saw can be collected at one of two points - either as the cut is being made or after it has been released into the air. Naturally, it’s more efficient to collect the dust as the cut is being made. Here are ‘N’ ways to collect dust from a table saw. 

1. Shop Vac + a cyclonic filter

2. Dust collection bag

3. Overarm dust collection, aka dust collection hood

4. Commercial dust collection system

5. Hanging shop air filter

The best method for collecting dust is highly dependent on your shop size, budget, number of tools, and other factors. For most DIY-ers, a shop vac + a cyclonic filter will be the way to go. With the shop vac + cyclonic filter method, you get:

• The most value dollar for dollar

• A portable and easy-to-assemble dust collection system

• A dust collector that requires little to no maintenance

• And a shop vac that can be used for general cleaning purposes, outside of dust collection responsibilities

Let’s take a greater look into the specifics of each dust collection method, such as cost, the pros and cons, and much more. 

Shop Vac + a Cyclonic Filter - The best value table saw dust collection system

For about $150 to $200 USD, you can get a high performing dust collection system that will suit most needs for at least several years, if not forever. 

As the title suggests, you need two items at minimum: a shop vac and a cyclonic filter. 

The brand and model of cyclonic filter you pick is less important than the shop vac you buy. For cyclonic filters, you have a couple of options, including:

• Dust Deputy

• Dustopper or Dust Stopper

• Dewalt’s Dust Separator

There are variations in each of these brands and knockoffs offered by competitors. As with most tools, the advice here is to buy the best you can afford now. The basic Dust Deputy or Dustopper models are what are most popular with the woodworking community. 

The Dustopper is our favorite due to the cost and simplicity of the design. It attaches to any standard five-gallon bucket without any other attachments needed. 

Which Shop Vac should I buy?

Apart from the cost, here are the main things to consider when purchasing a Shop Vac for dust collection:

• The size of the motor

• The brand and/model of the unit

• The length of the cord

Motor size matters for two reasons:

1. How much suction will the vacuum produce?

2. How much power will the motor draw? 

A vacuum that doesn’t suck, sucks - pun intended. Enough suction needs to be created so that wood particles can be drawn into and through the hose to the collection tank. 

Most shop vacuums utilize a universal motor to generate suction. As we’ve shown in another article, universal motors are not incredibly efficient. This matters because running a shop vac and a job site table saw, both of which use universal motors, may try to draw too much power from the circuit, thus tripping the breaker. 

Here’s our recommendation - a weekend project build

1. Purchase a shop vac that is rated at minimum, 5HP

2. Purchase a dust control auto switch

3. Purchase a Dustopper

4. Utilize some scrap plywood you have around the shop and pick up some extra PVC pipe parts.

This is going to be your next weekend project and if it’s your first, it’ll save you a ton of time in the long run. 

There are lots of variations on how to do this project, but they are all essentially designed the same. Build a top above the shop vac that the bucket sits in to collect dust. The shop vac’s wheels are utilized in this design, so you do not need to buy any additional casters or even build an additional base. 

Dust Collection Bag - Simple and cheap table saw dust collection

It’s simple, and it’s cheap - a dust collection bag gets 80% of the job done for less than $20. 

The downside to only using a dust collection bag is:

• You don’t get any suction around the cut, which results is some particles being released into the air
• Unless you buy a higher end bag, some microscopic particles will go through the bag

The bag is easy to use. It’s attached to the exhaust port of the table saw and collects the sawdust as it’s being blown out by the saw. Remove the bag when it’s full and empty it out. Rinse and repeat. 

Overarm Dust Collection, a Dust Collection Hood

Adding in an overarm dust collector in addition to an exhaust collection method will help you capture as close to 100% of dust generated from the table saw as possible. 

An overarm dust collector is essentially a boom arm that extends over the cut area and drops down just above the saw blade. From here, the overarm extends the suction power via a hose from the shop vac to just above the cut area. 

Oftentimes, a single shop vac is used to create suction at the bottom rear exhaust port and through the overarm collector. This captures dust that flows down and floats up from the cut. 

The downsides to using an overarm dust collection hood are:

• The boom arm can get in the way of larger cuts
• Any universal boom arms will probably need to be adjusted for any variance in cuts to capture the most dust
• Unless you’re processing wood at a commercial scale, the price is not often justified
• You will need a shop vac that can create enough suction via two tubes

An overarm dust collector is sometimes referred to as a ‘dust collection guard’ or ‘blade dust collection.’ These terms refer to a design where the design of the blade guard is combined with the dust collection system.

Commercial Dust Collection System - The best table saw dust collection system

If your wallet, space, and electrical panel allow for it, implementing a dedicated commercial dust collector is the best and most efficient way to trap as much particulate matter as possible. 

A commercial collector acts as a single source for all of your woodworking tools. You will run PVC vinyl and plastic tubes across your shop so that the collector can reach the exhaust port of each tool. 

This requires careful planning, so you have a design that is efficient, as well as it is practical and aesthetically pleasing. 

Commercial dust collection systems start around $800 for smaller wall-mount units, but can run well into the thousands for larger systems with larger motors. Be prepared to budget at least a couple hundred dollars more for tubing, switches, fittings, and even electrical upgrades. 

The downsides to using a dedicated dust collection system are:

• They’re expensive - often running at least a few thousand dollars to be fully running
• They require significant planning - You’ll need to spend a few weeks strategize the layout
• They’re power hungry - you’ll need to have a dedicated 110/220v breaker for it. 
• You’ll need to do some calculations to determine the size of tube and pipe to use

Hanging Shop Air Filter - A passive method to capture airborne particles

Regardless of how you actively collect dust from your tools, a hanging filter helps to capture the particulate that still floats around after the day is done. Even simple actions, like opening the garage door, can stir up dust that gets into the air and ultimately your lungs. 

As the name suggests, a hanging shop air filter is just that - an air filter that hangs and passively filters the air whether you’re in the shop or not. 

These systems are relatively affordable and are an excellent addition for anyone that has a close-quarters, enclosed shop. 

For those looking for an economical option, a box fan, some rubber bands, and any standard air filter will do. While it’s not nearly as effective as a purchased model, it’s still somewhat effective at removing particulate from the air. 

For those that are particularly sensitive to dust and other air contaminants, an air scrubber will be needed. These air purifiers are your standard home air purifiers on steroids. These are primarily used by professionals on construction or restoration sites.  

3 Reasons Why Dust Collection Matters

The main reason for dust collection is safety, with shop efficiency being a close second. These are the 3 reasons why dust collection matters. 

• Respiratory Health
• Shop cleanliness
• Project finishes

It goes without saying, breathing in fine dust particles over any period is unhealthy and is damaging to your respiratory system. The effect is multiplied when you work with any material that is processed or contains other additives. Think plywood, any type of fiberboard, and pressure treated wood. 

Less dust in the air generally equates to better air quality, hence the reason there are several types of dust collectors available for purchase.

Apart from the health effects, shop cleanliness is a factor as it relates to safety and how your projects look when they’re done. 

Mounds of sawdust lying around are both a fire hazard and a slipping hazard. 

Dust that sits on shelves, ledges, and other areas is easily kicked up any time a tool is turned on or the garage door is opened. That dust can get on any piece as its finish is curing and ruin the overall look. 

FAQs

Does a table saw need a dust collector?

No, a table saw does not require a dust collector to operate. A dust collection bag can be used to help mitigate the dust that is expelled through the table saw’s exhaust port. 

Can you use a shop vac for dust collection on a table saw?

Yes, a shop vac can be used for dust collection on a table saw. It is recommended to use a cyclonic filter in addition to your shop vac for dust collection.