Rockler has recently come out with a new mobile dust collector with a 750 CFM airflow rating.
Rockler isn’t a stranger to the dust collection scene – they’ve had a 650 CFM wall-mounted Dust Right collector for quite some time now. Still, this looks to be their first mobile unit, or at least their first dust collector that’s specifically designed to be mobile.
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I had been tempted by Rockler’s Dust Right collector for a while, considering it as an upgrade to my dust collector vacs. After a couple of years of temptation, I ultimately passed on it, instead opting for a Jet dust collector.
Rockler’s wall-mounted dust collector had some good selling points, and could be upgraded with a canister-style filter similar to what their new mobile dust collector features. But, I really wanted a mobile dust collector, and although Rockler featured some mobilizations of their Dust Right wall-mount dust collector, they weren’t exactly elegant. Plus, I was a bit concerned about performance and went with the more powerful Jet unit, which is rated as having 1100 CFM of airflow.
With all that in mind, knowing that I was tempted by Rockler’s wall-mounted dust collector but ultimately went with a mobile and more powerful Jet solution, I can say that Rockler’s new mobile dust collector does look to be a step in the right direction.
From the looks of it, Rockler’s new mobile dust collector is compact. There’s a caged-in lower compartment that looks like it can hold a couple of feet of hosing, and a large handle that doubles as a cord-wrap.
The dust collector features a 1-micron canister-style filter with crank-style agitator to help dislodge dust, a 4″ diameter inlet port, 10′ power cord, and 2″ caster wheels.
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It uses clear plastic collection bags.
- 750 CFM airflow
- 4″ inlet port
- 10′ power cord
- 75 dB noise rating
- 110V, 12A
- 11 gallon bag capacity
- 1µm Canister-style filter
- Weighs 88 lbs
- Approximate dimensions: 16-1/2″ wide x 30″ deep x 54-1/2″ tall
Read Also: Dust Collector Purchasing Decision Woes
Price: $550
Note: You’ll need to add a 4″ hose to your order, as well as any adapters you might need.
Discussion
In my experience, there aren’t very many options when it comes to 110V dust collectors, and so every new addition to the market is notable.
Should you buy this? Or rather, who should buy this?
I like canister-style filters like the one that comes with this Rockler unit. The alternative for entry-level dust collectors are filter bags, which I never liked the idea of. Canister-style filters are often rated for finer filtration levels, such as 1 micron for this Rockler model, which in theory keeps the air cleaner than with filter bags.
The Jet dust collector I purchased, with canister-style filter, is regularly priced at $750, which is $200 more than the price of this Rockler unit. Jet also has a 650 CFM dust collector with canister filter, and that machine is priced at $550, the same as this Rockler dust collector. But compared to that Jet, this Rockler has a higher airflow rating (750 CFM).
This is all to say that the Rockler dust collector seems to be competitively priced.
Yes, you can get less expensive dust collectors, but I personally don’t like the idea of filter bags – canister filters are a worthwhile upgrade.
Rockler’s canister filter looks to be smaller than what other brands use on their collectors, but it looks proportional to what Rockler has used on their wall-mounted dust collector previously.
I think that this Rockler model might serve as a decent first dust collector for small workshops or users who want more premium features (such as the canister filter) at a lower price point.
The 750 CFM airflow rating isn’t impressive, but is probably the best you could hope to see at this price point and electrical power level.
Rockler’s wall-mounted 650 CFM dust collector is regularly $270, and their canister filter is $230. The only bundle I could find on their website is a $500 kit of both items, so it doesn’t save you any money. For just $50 more than that bundle, you switch from getting a basic wall mount to a newly designed mobile base.
If 750 CFM is adequate for your needs, this new mobile dust collector looks like it could be a good option. It’s priced higher than lower-featured entry-level models, but lower than higher-powered models from Jet and other traditional woodworking dust collector brands. And once you go above $1000, power requirements usually get bumped up a notch as well.
I wonder how sturdy the base is on this Rockler unit, but then again nothing could be flimsier than my Jet with its 4 small vertical support rods.
Keeping in mind that I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few years yo-yoing between different dust collector options, I think that Rockler’s new mobile system is well-featured for its price. It looks like the canister could stand to be bigger, but that would also mean a higher center of gravity, necessitating greater support and wider footprint. As it is, this looks like it could be the Goldilocks of entry-level models.
It’ll be interesting to see if this model gains popularity and what users eventually have to say about it.
John
Buy the Jet 1100 series. Been there done that with the smaller CFM units. 1000-1200 should be minimum to consider.
RKA
I take the CFM ratings with a grain of salt. I’ll compare the size of the impeller and motor amp draw to get a better idea how they might compare. And as you suggested, the size of the filter is curiously small, which might choke the airflow on this one (or confirms its intended for lower airflow). But what is smart is they flipped the orientation of the motor and provided hose storage inside the cart, which is very appealing in a small shop. All the other collectors have the motor underneath leaving you to drape the hose all over the top of the unit or trip over it on the floor. I’ve considered it for a temporary solution but still haven’t made up my mind. My second choice is in a different price category and needs 220v which would make it my permanent or long term solution.
And Rockler has a $50 anniversary coupon going right now which could be applied to this one.
Darrell
It looks like a improved/repackaged Laguna B Flux. I also have a small shop – my tools are like mice that come out to play when my wife’s cat (I mean car) is away from the garage. Stuart, your site & reviews are great (thank you). I was looking for a small(er) mobile 2-stage with enough CFM to keep a Jet 10/20 sander under control. Last year I ran across the ” Dust Collector Purchasing Decision Woes” review (link above courtesy Stu)-it’s a good discussion. Two years ago there was limited # of reviews on the B flux, and still very few reviews today. As has been mentioned, there are few choices among mobile, high CFM dust collectors. Agree with both John and RKA- it’s not worth experimenting with small devices and there is probably little difference between the 650 B flux/Rocker wall mount and this 750 CFM. I finally went with an Oneida Mini Gorilla. It’s expensive, but it does the trick (including saving my lungs). Good luck out there.
Kurt
One thing I’ve learned the hard way is to know the price of consumables before purchasing anything. Does anyone know the price of the filter cartridge?
Stuart
These filters are generally not considered consumable.
Joel A.
The filter is cleaned by spinning the handle on top, which spins vanes on the inside and scrapes the dust away. Safer bet would be to spray air at it from the outside, but it should last a really long time either way.
Bill Sung
WEN 3401 660 CFM for only $99 is a much better option.
How can this be a better mobile Dust Collector?
Stuart
Better filter, much more powerful motor. The Wen is rated at 5.7A – how’s that going to compare with a 12A motor?
Wen for reference: https://www.amazon.com/WEN-3401-Collector-12-Gallon-Optional/dp/B07D9YHZ87/?tag=toolguyd-20
DRT
It’s a nice appearing unit, but the bag capacity is far too small. If you hook that thing up to a planer, it will fill up in about a half hour (just a cynical guess). I have the JET 1100 which has much more capacity, and at times I have wished for a bigger unit.