Skip to content
Menu

Single-stage vs cyclone dust collectors: how the makers describe them

A cyclone separates particles by spinning the airstream: the EPA describes centrifugal and inertial forces separating particulate as the stream spirals through the cyclone. WEN sells a separator lid it says converts a single-stage dust collector to a two-stage version, and it lists its 3403 bag collector at 1,500 CFM with a 5-micron rating.

What does two-stage mean on a dust collector?

WEN describes its DCA022 cyclone-style separator lid as designed to convert a single-stage dust collector to a two-stage version: the lid creates a cyclone in a trash can, forcing large chips and shavings to the bottom while small particles pass on to the dust collector. (WEN Products)

WEN says this helps extend the life of the dust collector's filter and keeps it from clogging as easily. (WEN Products)

The U.S. EPA, writing about industrial air-pollution control, describes a cyclone as using centrifugal and inertial forces to separate particulate from a gas stream as it spirals through the cyclone. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Taikra doesn't rank or test tools; every figure here is from the maker's own page or manual, linked.

Bag or canister: how are the filters rated?

RIKON lists 5 Microns bag filtration on the single-stage 60-200. (RIKON Power Tools)

RIKON's cyclone manual lists a 1 Micron canister filtration rating for both the 60-1750 and 60-2500. (RIKON Power Tools)

Rated airflow and horsepower: single-stage models

RIKON lists the 60-200 at 2 HP with air flow of 1189CFM at a 4" diameter. (RIKON Power Tools)

WEN lists the 3403 at 1,500 CFM with a 5-micron filter bag and a 50-gallon collection bag. (WEN Products)

Rated airflow and horsepower: cyclone models

RIKON's cyclone manual lists 900 CFM and 9.5" maximum static pressure for the 60-1750, and 1470 CFM and 13.2" for the 60-2500. (RIKON Power Tools)

The airflow figures above use different test conditions, which the sizing guide covers; compare them with the condition label in view.

Where the chips end up: bags, drums and bins

RIKON lists collection drums of 32 Gal. on the 60-1750 and 46 Gal. on the 60-2500, each with a plastic bag inside. (RIKON Power Tools)

WEN's 3403 single-stage collector uses a 50-gallon collection bag. (WEN Products)

Other separation designs

Harvey calls the GYRO AIR G-700 a 'Dust Processor' and says it spins the air and dust stream at up to 4,000 RPM to separate dust into two internal bins before the air reaches the filters. (Harvey Woodworking)

Harvey lists the G-700 at 2 HP (1.5 kW), a max air flow of 1110 CFM, and a 32 gallon (120 liter) dust bin capacity. (Harvey Woodworking)

Setup and operating instructions are in each maker's manual.

Single-stage vs cyclone dust collectors: questions answered from the sources

Can a single-stage collector be converted to two-stage?

WEN sells the DCA022 separator lid for that purpose; it sits on a trash can between the tools and the collector and drops large chips into the can.

Source: WEN DCA022 21-Inch Cyclone-Style Dust Collection Separator Lid with 4-Inch Dust Ports

Sources

  1. WEN DCA022 21-Inch Cyclone-Style Dust Collection Separator Lid with 4-Inch Dust Ports — WEN Products
  2. Monitoring by Control Technique - Cyclone — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  3. GYRO AIR G-700 Dust Processor — Harvey Woodworking
  4. Model 60-200: 2 HP Dust Collector — RIKON Power Tools
  5. 60-1750 / 60-2500 Cyclone Dust Collectors Operator's Manual — RIKON Power Tools
  6. WEN 3403 1,500 CFM 16-Amp 5-Micron Woodworking Dust Collector with 50-Gallon Collection Bag and Mobile Base — WEN Products