No shop vacuum has the power or longevity to replace a dedicated dust-collection system, but a number of them will work well enough as portable dust collectors for benchtop machines in small shops or as backups to larger systems. The 13 vacuums I looked at were quieter than those of a few years ago, and all had adequate power as long as I kept the filter from clogging. I found that the better performers had filters situated horizontally above the tank. Hose diameter also is critical to the function of a vacuum, particularly when the machine is used as a dust collector.  A 2-1/2-in.-dia. hose is good for planers and routers, but a small hose diameter is best for small portable tools like sanders and saws.

I found the Porter-Cable to be a well-designed machine. Though a little louder than some, its accessible filter system, relatively light weight, large collection tank, bayonet-style locking hose connector, exhaust diffuser, static grounding, and auto-start feature made it a strong finisher. I just wish a larger-diameter hose were standard equipment.

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Ridgid R4331 Planer

Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.

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Shop Fox W1826

The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.

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JessEm Mite-R Excel II Miter Gauge

The gauge has a quick and easy method for fitting the guide bar precisely to your tablesaw’s miter slot. This means the gauge can be recalibrated if necessary for continued accuracy. The face of the protractor head can be adjusted square to the table and also square to the guide bar. This ensures accurate cuts, and it, too, can be readjusted if the need arises. The protractor head has stainless-steel knobs and fittings and high-contrast, easy-to-read white numbers and increments.

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