If you are looking for a cleaning solution, you may be deciding between a dust collector and a shop vac, or shop vacuum. However, it is important to note that the two have completely different functions so it is unlikely you will ever need to choose between one or the other. Neither is “better” than the other – they simply serve different purposes. We highlight some of the differences between dust collectors and shop vacs in this article.
Dust Collectors
Dust collectors serve a very specific purpose: to clean the air of your working environment, making it safe and breathable for your workers. They are mainly used in industrial settings to filter harmful particles out from the air, releasing them in a safe place. This ensures that the air left to breathe in is safe from harmful particles and reduces the health and safety effects of working within the setting.
Below are just some features of dust collectors:
- Provide fresh, clean and breathable air
- Filter out harmful particles
- Collect dust from the air automatically
- Noise free to ensure little to no disturbance
- Remove dust quickly
- Portable – can be used in different areas of the facility
Dust collectors are used in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to:
- Food processing
- Metalworks
- Woodworks
- Sandblasting
- Welding fumes
- Pharmaceutical
- Power generation
- Cement production
- Industrial boilers
- Smelting and processing
- Ferrous and nonferrous production
- … and many more
Shop Vacs
Although shop vacs also serve the important function of cleaning, they do not clean the air. They may help to keep your facility free from dirt and dust, this is not the same as removing harmful particles from the air to make it clean, fresh and breathable. It is also known as a bucket vacuum because of its appearance.
Below are some features of shop vacs:
- Come with wheels for easy portability around the facility – however, as they tend to be heavy and bulky, they may not be ideal for moving up and down stairs
- Cheaper than dust collectors
- Suction process allows for cleaning and removal of larger types of waste
- Can be used as a pump
- Produce a noise when turned on, which can potentially cause disturbance to others around you
Dust Collector or Shop Vac?
As you can see, choosing between a dust collector and shop vac is simply a matter of what your facility requires. If harmful particles in the air are posing a health and safety hazard to your workers, a dust collector is what you need. If you simply need to clean up the dust and dirt in your shop, a shop vac will suffice.
Purchase Used Dust Collectors from Pacific Dust Collectors
Are you looking to purchase a dust collector? As a leading provider of dust collectors and industrial vacuums in the West Coast, Pacific Dust Collectors is committed to helping our clients find solutions for their cleaning tasks. If you have any queries or would like a recommendation, please feel free to contact us today.
