jet air filtration system

If you have a dust collection system in your shop, you may think you’re in complete control of your workshop dust situation. In reality, you’re only half way there. Unfortunately, dust collection systems don’t often do a very good job with the most pernicious aspect of the dust control problem: fine dust particles. And many actually make matters worse by letting minute particles of dust pass through their filter.

A “Respirable” dust particles 10 microns and smaller are invisible to the unaided eye, and are extremely difficult to capture with a typical dust collection set-up. In the significant quantities kicked out in most woodshops, fine dust particles also pose a serious threat to the human respiratory system, with health consequences ranging from cold and flu-like symptoms and moderate allergic reactions to the risk of certain forms of cancer.

particles comparison chart

To really get on top of the woodshop dust control problem, you need to take a two-pronged approach: You need a dust collection solution for the bulky chips, shavings and large particle saw dust, and you need a ventilation or air filtration solution to keep the fine dust in check. And unless you live in the most favorable of climates where fresh air can be continually brought in from outside, air filtration will be the most practical solution. Air filtration systems are outfitted with continuous duty motors and high surface-area filters that make them uniquely suited for cleansing shop air of fine dust particles. They’re fairly simple, unobtrusive machines.

Jet air filtration system handing from workshop


How Much Air Filtration Does Your Shop Need?


  • Find the total volume of air in your shop in cubic feet (if your ceilings are more than 12’ high, use 12’ as your height): volume = length x width x height.
  • Divide the result by 60 (an air filtration system's capacity is rated in cfm or “cubic feet per minute”; dividing by 60 translates the time factor into minutes instead of hours): necessary air moving capacity (cfm) = volume x cycles / 60
