Are you one of those people who can’t stand a messy workshop? Routing and sanding can be some of the messiest jobs you can do in your workshop, and if you can’t stand seeing sawdust lying on the floor, you’ll be cleaning your workshop every single day. Not only that, but a messy workshop can be unhealthy and unsafe as well.
Fortunately, if you don’t want to waste all that time, you can invest in dust collectors. These will help keep your workshop clean for much longer.
Benefits of Using Dust Collectors
There are several reasons why you’d invest in a power tool that also has a dust collection and containment system:
- Cleaner and safer work environment
- Less time spent cleaning
- Less router bit wear and tear by eliminating dust buildup
- Finer detail work by keeping the routing path clear
If you’re looking to invest in some tool with dust collectors, look no further than Porter-Cable. The Porter-Cable Router Dust Collection solutions are some of the best that you can find in the market today.
PORTER-CABLE 450 1.25 HP Compact Router
Buy on Amazon
The Porter-Cable 450 is a fixed base compact router that, despite its size, can handle even the most challenging jobs out there. With a price of around $100, depending on where you buy it from, this compact router will probably give you the best value for your money. What’s also great about it is that you can use it together with a DNP615 Compact Router Dust Collection Adapter to keep your workspace as clean as possible.
The router has a durable 1.25HP fixed speed motor, making it an excellent choice when you have some tough jobs. The motor is protected by aluminum housing for long term durability. The brand is well known for its reliable motors. Although it’s fixed speed, the router has a soft start feature, so you won’t have to worry about it flying out of your hand when you start it.
One Handed Use
This Porter-Cable router has an ergonomic design that allows you to use it with just one hand easily. The adjustment ring allows you to change the bit depth by 1/64 in increments, making it much more precise than other routers. The bits are also easy to change, with just a single wrench.
Dust Collector
Buy on Amazon
As we mentioned earlier, the Porter-Cable 450 is compatible with the DNP615 Compact Router Dust Collection Adapter. This accessory is straightforward to set up thanks to its quick thumbscrew attachment. It is entirely made out of transparent plastic, which provides excellent visibility from every angle.
The only downside of it is that it’s not compatible with all vacuum hose sizes. But don’t worry. If your hose is too large, you can just use some ducktape to create a perfect seal instead of investing in a new one.
If you’re looking for a compact router, the PORTER-CABLE 450 1.25 HP Compact Router with DNP615 Compact Router Dust Collection Adapter for Fixed Base Routers is an excellent choice. Although compact and with a small motor, it can handle anything you throw at it. It’s easy to use and can be fitted with a dust collector so you can maintain your workspace clean.
PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander with Dust Collection
Buy on Amazon
If you are looking for a tool to use for sanding large areas, like tabletops or large cabinet, the PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander with Dust Collection, 5-Inch (97455) is one of the best tools that you can buy. This is a variable speed random orbit sander that can operate between 2,500 and 6,800 OPM. It uses 5-inch sanding or polishing pads.
The random orbit sander has excellent ergonomics and can easily be used by both left-handed and right-handed people. It has a large on and off switch on top of the tool, which can be easily used even if you have gloves.
To use this tool, you’ll always need to use both of your hands. The only downside here is the grip on the handle on the top of the tool, which could be better.
Easy Use
The tool is easy to control, especially at high speeds, although at low, one can sometimes jerk and jump op if the surfaces are very uneven. The vibration is also pretty low, but this depends on the surface and how flat it is.
The sander does an excellent job at smoothing out any surface and even removing large amounts of material. Compared to a palm sander, this tool will help you save hours on each project.
Dust Collector
As mentioned earlier, the random orbit sander comes with a dust collector. This means that you no longer have to worry about all the dust flying around while you work. The dust collection hood is easy to mount, and the 10-foot hose is long enough, so you don’t have to worry about dragging the vacuum while you work around on a large surface.
This is a great tool to use, especially when working on-site in a client’s house, where dust control is even more critical.
The PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander with Dust Collection, 5-Inch (97455) is one of those tools that you’ll never regret buying. In fact, after using it only a couple of times, you’ll probably ask yourself why you haven’t bought one sooner. It’s powerful, easy to use, does a great job at sanding any wood, and keeps all the dust out of the air.
Final Remarks
Investing in router dust and containment solutions is a great way to improve your workspace by keeping it cleaner, safer, and healthier. The next time you want to buy a power tool, search for one that has a dust collection system.
The PORTER-CABLE 450 1.25 HP Compact Router with DNP615 Compact Router Dust Collection Adapter for Fixed Base Routers is an excellent choice for keeping your shop cleaner while working. The PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander with Dust Collection, 5-Inch (97455) is also an excellent tool you can invest in if you want to stop cleaning after sanding.