Best Woodshop Air Filtration System in 2023 Details Buying Guide

According to recent statistics, 85-percent of lung cancer is caused by smoking.

Well, what about the other 15-percent?

Surprisingly, the rest of it, to a large degree, is caused by inhaling carcinogenic particles. We don’t mean to scare you but this is a fact worth considering.

Working in a woodshop by default creates a large amount of wood dust, which contains various harmful chemicals. And by using a dust collector you may get rid of the larger bits of residue but the atmosphere can still contain particles as small as a single micron (0.001-millimeter).

So, what do you do?

You get a filtration system that can purify your workspace’s air to a degree of at least 80 to 95-percent, ensuring your lungs are safe even from the specks of wood dust that can’t be seen.

Which is why we’ve decided to create this guide to help you choose the best woodshop air filtration system out of a zillion mediocre options available in the market.

Our goal is to ensure the maximum amount of protection for your health without compromising the efficacy and flow of your work.

Benefits Of Using Woodshop Air Filtration System

Keeps Your Lungs Healthy

As a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast, an unavoidable issue is dealing with wood dusts. Specifically, artificial wood can contain a number of chemicals that cause severe damage to your lungs and nasal passage.

Inhaling wood dust has been connected to a number of diseases, such as Dermatitis, Asthma, various allergies, and Cancer. However, simply keeping a dust collector in your workshop won’t provide sufficient protection against such serious consequences.

Air Filtration systems designed to be used in woodshops, can purify the air by catching particles as tiny as 0.001-millimeter. A dust collector isn’t able to capture particles of this size. Thus, without using an air filter you may expose yourself to life-threatening specks of wood too tiny to be captured by other purification systems.

Cleans Your Workshop Even When You’re Not Around

Majority of the air filters have an adjustable timer built into them. The purpose is to allow the system to shut itself down after a certain period of time that can be pre-programmed by you.

This way you can, for example, set the timer at a 2-hour period and leave the workshop. The filter will purify your workspace’s air for 2 hours then automatically turn itself off. As a result, aside from saving a chunk on electricity bills, you also get to come to your workshop the next day, already cleaned and ready for use.

Offers Easy Installation, Simple Operating And Low Maintenance 

Air filters are quite easy to install. They come preassembled, you simply have to decide where you’ll hang/set the device.

They also have a fairly simple operating mechanism, which doesn’t require much time to learn. And, in terms of maintenance, other than a few occasional filter replacement and weekly cleaning, the system doesn’t require much attention.

What is the Best Woodshop Air Filtration System?

1. WEN 3410, 3-Speed Remote-Controlled Air Filtration System

The ELT certified Filter can purify your workstation’s air down to a single micron, while making as little noise as a nearby conversation in a restaurant.

It can cover a 37-square meter area, 71/2 times per hour. The top surface has 4 bolted hooks to hang the filter from the ceiling, and a carrying handle to let you move around the device with ease.

Weighing at 31-pounds, it is light enough to be conveniently portable. It has a metal frame construction with a strategic multi-screw design. The 17×20.5×16-inch purifier is surprisingly compact in comparison to how much airflow it can vent.

With a 5-micron external filter and a 1-micron internal filter, the device offers 3 airflow speeds to choose from. You can use 300, 350, and 400 CFM, depending on the amount of particle density in the atmosphere.

You can set the adjustable timer to automatically turn the filter off in 1, 2, and 4-hour interludes. An inclusive, infrared remote allows you to wirelessly control the timer, speed of the fans, and start/shut down the filter.

Wen claims that the filter can trap 99-percent of the miniscule particles floating in your workshop’s air.

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2. XtremepowerUS, Black 3-Speed Remote Controlled Air Filtration System

This product deserves attention due to its admirable attention to detail. For example, a dedicated infrared detector with thermal protection on the manual control to allow better signal reception for the remote.

The filter can cover an area of 37.16-square meter, 8 times per hour. It has 4 mounting hooks on top to chain the device to your roof, along with a foldable carrying handle.

Despite using a combination of industry-grade steel and plastic for construction, the filter weighs only 31-pounds. The system is powered by a 1/6 HP machine with a voltage of 120V/60hz. You’ll need to connect the electric cord to a power source for running the device.

It offers a 5-micron External filter and a 1-micron internal filter. The filters can vent 300, 350, and 400 CFM of airflow speed to adjust to your purification needs.

The timer can be programmed to shut down the system by itself at 1, 2 or 4-hour interims. The remote control included in the package lets you set the timer and airflow speed, along with turning the filter on/off when the device is out of reach.

The system is significantly quiet, generating a noise level between 50 to 60-dB at best.

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3. WENWEN 3415T- Best Industrial-Strength Air Filtration System

The 3415T takes the game to a whole new level with a triple-mode airflow speed system, ranging from 556 to an impressive 1044 CFM.

The device can purify a 93-square meter room, 7 and a half times every hour.

The filter is set in a black metal casing with a crisscross steel net to include an additional layer of protection over the filters. Along with 4 silver-polished eyebolts on the top surface, you also get 2 side handles.

The 5-micron external filter catches the bigger particles, while the 1-micron internal filter catches the smaller ones to provide maximum purification. The external filter can withstand multiple washing and the internal filter can be cleaned with a blow drier. Both of the filters are replaceable.

You also get an inclusive remote to control the airflow speed and program the timer, along with starting/shutting off the system from a maximum distance of 26-feet.

The system is run by a motor with a voltage of 120V/60hz and a power output of 360-watts.

Another reason for which we consider the device to be among the best shop air filtration system models out there, is its ability to run a quiet operation despite providing a high range of CFM.

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4. JET 708620B, 3-Speed Air Filtration System With Electrostatic Pre-Filter

Generosity is the first sign of greatness.

Well, if that’s the case then Jet certainly is on the right path. Along with providing a powerful device, the manufacturer also includes a ton of extra tools with the package, such as- 4 mounting brackets, 2 “AAA” batteries, etc.

It can cleanse the air of a 37.16-square meter room under 300 seconds and can repeat this cycle 12 times an hour.

The 57-pound filter uses an off-white steel casing with thermoplastic coating, allowing the product to resist corrosion, discoloring, and scratches. It also offers an adjustable timer, along with a remote for wireless control.

The system is run by a 1/5 HP, single phase, ball bearing motor with overcharge protection. The motor is completely sealed to prevent explosion/fire hazards.

The 5-micron external filter is electrostatic, which allows it to pull in more particles through electric charge than a standard filter. The 1-micron inner filter has 3 pockets to collect the finer particles. Together they ensure an 85 to 98-percent purified atmosphere.

The product offers 550, 702 and 1044 CFM airflow speed. This feature enables the filter to keep providing clean air whether your work is generating a small, medium or massive amount of residue particles.

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5. Jet 708615 Best 3 Filter Air Filtration System

This air filter by Jet is designed to play in the big leagues.

The filter can purify a 148.64-square meter area with a 3.048-meter height, 14 times in one hour.

It has 4 eyebolts on the top and ergonomic carrying handles, allowing you to either use the device in a locked position (e.g. chained from the ceiling) or on the go.

Weighing at 121-pounds, there is no denying that the product is heavy. However, an industry-grade steel construction, a thermoset polymer coating, and the 1700 CFM of airflow speed can compensate for the product’s weight.

The filter is powered by a 1/5 HP, single phase motor and can be safely used with a 15-ampere circuit breaker. It runs on AC current by plugging the power cord to a socket.

It has a unique 3 filter system. There is a diffuser, a 5-micron electrostatic filter for catching larger particles, and a 1-micron internal filter with 8 bags. The multiple bags allow the filter to store more particles than a standard filter before it needs to be cleaned/replaced.

The product also includes an adjustable timer (with a 2, 4, and 8-hour auto-shutoff feature) and a remote to control the airflow speed, timer, and turning the system on/off.

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6. Grizzly Industrial G9956, Best Double Air Filter with Remote Control

If you want an air filter with a massive airflow speed and a simple interface, the G9956 won’t disappoint.

The filter can purify a 37.16-sqaure meter room, 26 times per hour.

It has 4 sturdy eyebolts, which you can use to hang the purifier from the ceiling of your workshop and 2 side handles to increase the ease of portability.

The squirrel type cage is made from 24-gauge steel, protected by a steel frame and an enamel coated finish. With a dimension of (33x23x20)-inches and a weight of 73-pounds, the filter is suitable to function as an effective purifier for a middle-sized workstation.

It has a 1/3 HP, single phase motor with a voltage of 120V/60hz, which can spin the fan at a speed of 800, 900, 1000, 1100 and 1200 RPM. The motor is powerful enough to vent an airflow speed up to 1400 CFM.

The filter system is consisted of a 5-micron external filter to intercept larger particles and a 1-micron internal filter to catch smaller particles. The internal filter is equipped with 3 pockets, allowing it to increase its particle storage capacity. Thus, the filter will require less cleaning and replacing than regular filters.

However, some users had issues about the noise generated by the machine to be a bit loud.

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7. Rikon Power Tools 62-400 3-Speed Remote Control Air Filtration System

Rikon has chosen to design this device for smoothly blending in with the décor of any tool-garage or industrial workshop, while ensuring you get the best workshop air filtration system in the market with all the necessary features.

The squirrel cage is constructed from a 20-gauge steel cabinet, along with a premium white finish. This design choice delivers a compact device, which fits in naturally at almost any type of worksites.

The filter can cover a 38-square meter room, 7 times per hour.

It has 4 bolted hooks to attach the purifier at an optimum location, for example, the ceiling of your workshop. The device also offers a carrying handle to help you carry the device while traveling or doing an outdoor job.

The 1/6 HP motor with a voltage of 120V/60hz effortlessly spins the steel-made blower wheel to generate 300, 350, and 450 CFM airflow speed.

The air of your atmosphere goes through a 5-micron external filter and a 1-micron internal filter to become 75 to 85-percent purified. It is then pushed back out as a clean output through your chosen CFM speed.

The product includes a timer that can be programmed at 1, 2, and 4-hour interims to shut down the system automatically. This feature allows you to keep the workplace breathable and ready for the next session after a heavy residue producing job without being physically present.

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8. Shop Fox W1830 3-Speed Hanging Air Filter

Shop Fox brings you a lightweight filter with multiple effective features that you can buy without breaking the bank.

The product comes with a foldable carrying handle, 4 mounting hooks, and chains. So, you won’t need to make any additional purchase to set the filter at your workspace’s ceiling.

The filter uses a steel-made, squirrel cage with an off-white finish.

Inside the cage, a 1/8 HP, single phase motor with a voltage of 120V/60hz is used to rotate the fan. However, it is not completely sealed, which may concern some users.

The motor is capable of creating an effective amount of airflow speed, giving you 260, 362, and 409 CFM to suit a variety of atmospheric needs. The 5-micron external filter and 1-micron internal filter are both easily washable and can be replaced.

The manufacturer also includes an adjustable timer, along with an infrared remote, which wirelessly controls the speed of the fan, timer, and can turn the system on/off.

The CSA certified air filter is praised by most users for generating a small amount of noise.

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9. POWERTEC AF4000 Remote Controlled 3-Speed Air Filtration System

Powertec lives up to its name by not compromising both the power and the technology used to manufacture this device.

The filter has 4 hanging hooks to help you to set it on your ceiling through chains or durable nylon ropes. It also has a foldable carrying handle to improve the efficacy of portability.

The product features a light design with a weight of only 33.6-pounds. It is made of industry-grade metal and uses a dual-clip lock to keep the filters in place.

A 5-micron, disposable outer filter along with a 1-micron, quick wash inner filter does a fine job of purifying your workspace’s atmosphere.

The 1/6-HP motor can spin the fan at a speed of 1200, 1400, and 1700 RPM. This allows the filters to push out clean air at 300, 350, and 400 CFM.

The infrared remote allows you to control the speed of the airflow and fan, along with the timer within a 26-feet radius. You can set the timer at 1, 2, and 4-hour intervals, allowing the system to shut off on its own when you leave the worksite.

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How To Choose The Right Woodshop Air Filtration System

Area Coverage

The area coverage speed of a woodshop air filter is measured in CFM.

CFM (which is an abbreviation for “cubic feet per minute”) describes how many cubic feet of space the purifier can clean in 1 minute. The higher the CFM rating the bigger space a filter can purify per minute.

If you operate from a garage/home style workshop, a filter with a range of 300 to 450 CFM should be enough for effective purification. However, if you want to install a filter for an industrial workshop (e.g. an area with a 90 to 140-square meter space or more) you should buy a filter with a range of 1000 to 1700 CFM.

You can check the product’s description segment to figure out how much area the device can cover, how many purification cycles it can run per hour, and the range of CFM it offers. This will give you a general idea about the filter’s purification capability and help you decide the optimum CFM range for your needs.

Filtration System

Filtration system of an air filter is, without a doubt, one of the prime factors to look into.

The standard is using a 5-micron external filter with a 1-micron internal filter to ensure a 80 to 95-percent air purification. However, there are a few additional factors that we think are worth checking out.

For example, you should opt for an electrostatic outer filter as it is capable of attracting more particles through electronic charges. Also, choose an internal filter with multiple pockets, which minimizes the need to clean it on a regular basis.

The best woodshop air filtration system should have a diffuser and a movable exhaust as well. The diffuser will help to disperse the purified air over a wider space and a movable exhaust will let you direct the airflow to your preferred direction.

Motor Capability

The filtration system of an air filter is certainly an important factor, but don’t let that distract you from the mechanism that allows the filters to function in the first place, the motor.

We recommend a minimum of 1/3 to 1/5 HP motor for small and medium sized woodshops. Motors with this range of horsepower can function safely with a 15-amp circuit breaker, which is the standard for most home electronics system.

For an industrial workshop, you should choose a minimum of 1/6 to 1/8 HP motor.

Also, make sure to choose a filter that provides a motor with an overload protection. Otherwise, an absence of this seemingly minor feature can cause potential fire/explosion hazards in your workspace.

Another factor to consider about the motor is its RPM. RPM (short for “revolutions per minute”) describes how fast the motor can spin the blower wheel/fan. The fan is responsible for sucking the polluted air inside the device through the filters and then pushing out the purified output. Thus, a motor with a high RPM means faster airflow.

We recommend choosing a filter that offers a range of RPM (e.g. a motor with 1200, 1400 and 1700 RPM) for you to choose from. This way you can adjust the speed of the airflow in accordance with the demand of the situation.

Noise Level

Generally, woodshops are situated in marketplaces or a residential area rather than in an industrial sector. Therefore, a loud air filter can become a cause for concern.

Specifically, if you work from home then a loud filter may cause a bit of domestic irritation and neighbor complaints. It’ll also prevent you to keep the device on at nighttime.

So, for home workshops, we recommend choosing a filter with a maximum noise level of 25 to 35-dB. For a marketplace woodshop, you can get away with a noise level of 40 to 60-dB.

However, for industrial use, you may need to go up to 70-dB as industrial filters generate a massive amount (up to 1700 CFM) and speed (up to 1700 RPM) of airflow.

Arrangement And Portability

If you intend to set the filter at your ceiling, then make sure it comes with sturdy eyebolts or mounting hooks on the top surface. Some manufacturers include chains in the package as well, so you won’t need to buy them separately.

The popular method is to hang the filter from the center of the ceiling, as this placement usually ensures the most optimum level of circulation. Some people prefer to set the filter by using a bolted metal frame instead of hanging, presumably to have a more secure setting.

If you intend to travel with the filter, make sure it has an ergonomic and padded carrying handle which is strong enough to carry the load of the device. For using it on your workbench/table, we recommend getting a filter with padded feet to avoid scratches on your work surface.

Construction Of The Cage And Air Vent

Most manufacturers use a squirrel cage to case the filter. We recommend choosing a filter that uses an industry-grade metal cage with a steel net protected air vent.

Control Options

Go for an air filter that has a board for manual control, along with a remote to allow a wireless operation. This way you won’t have trouble operating the device whether it’s hanging from the ceiling or sitting on your worktable.

Automatic Features

Lastly, be sure to check that the filter has features like time delay and auto-shutdown. These features will help to keep your workstation clean and breathable even when you’re not physically present there, along with reducing a significant amount of cost on electricity bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s The Difference Between A Dust Collector And An Air Filter?

Answer: A dust collector is typically used in an industrial setting but they can be an important safety accessory in a personal workshop as well. However, it is designed to collect larger particles, directly from the source, thereby, leaving the air still impure with smaller particles (e.g. 0.005 to 0.001-millimeter particles).

An air filter is better equipped to refine the air of these smaller particles. Thus, using an air filter along with a dust collector can provide you foolproof protection against pollution.

What Is The Difference Between CFM And RPM?

Answer: CFM (short for “cubic feet per minute”) determines how many cubic feet of space the purifier can clean under 1 minute. The higher the CFM rating the bigger space a filter can purify per minute.

RPM (short for “revolutions per minute”) describes how fast the motor can spin the blower wheel or fan, which sucks the polluted air inside the device through the filters and then pushes out the purified output.

By knowing the CFM and RPM rating of an air filter, you can precisely determine its efficacy and decide if the device meets your expected requirement.

What Size Air Filter Should I Get?

Answer: Air filters come in a diverse range of diameters. Some are taller but thin, while some are shorter but wide. However, the depth of the filters stays more or less the same ranging from 10 to 20-inches.

The shape and size of the filter also largely depends on its CFM and RPM rating. Industrial air filters with high CFM (up to 1700 or more) and high RPM (up to 1700 or more) naturally take up more space, along with being heavier than filters designed for personal woodshops.

According to most woodshop air filtration system reviews, assessing features like the diameter of your workspace, type of your shop, the number of particles required to be purified per minute, etc. can help you determine the perfect size.

How Do I Clean My Air Filter?

Answer: Air filters are fairly easy to clean and maintain. You can wash most 5-micron external filters and use a blow drier to clean 1-micron internal filters once a week to keep the filter running at an optimum level.

However, after a while, you may need to consider replacing the filters if they become too clogged up despite a normal, regular wash. Most manufacturers offer replacement filters for their products that you can buy separately.

Is It Better To Hang The Filter Or Place It On My Workbench?

Answer: That is entirely a matter of preference.

If you want an equal circulation all over your workspace then it is better to set the filter at the center of your ceiling (however, the shape of the room also needs to be considered in this case).

On the other hand, if you want the filter to flow purified air in a particular direction, or close to the tools you’re working with, placing it on your workbench would be a better choice. However, in that case, make sure the filter has padded feet to avoid scratches and stains on your worktable.

Final Word

“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist”

This famous quote is apt to describe why you need an air filtration system. Because, they can save you from particles which are too tiny to see yet capable of causing massive damage to your health.

However, if you choose an air filter that can’t do its job properly, then you’ll be back in the same situation.

In this guide, we’ve tried to provide the facts you need to know for buying the best woodshop air filtration system in the market, while avoiding the ones that fail to deliver what they promise.

So, stay happy, stay healthy, and choose your filters carefully!