The Complete Guide to Dust Extraction Systems: What Every Trade Professional Needs to Know

Dust is everywhere on construction and job sites. Activities like cutting concrete, sanding drywall, or drilling wood can throw fine particles into the air. A dust extraction system is a specialized vacuum system that sucks up dust and debris at the source and filters the air. It works by capturing harmful dust before you breathe it in or it settles all over the job site.

On any active jobsite, whether you're cutting concrete, sanding wood, mixing drywall compound, or demoing old tile, there will be dust kicked up into the air. Although it may be invisible to the naked eye at times, fine dust can remain suspended in the air for hours at a time and spread throughout the work areas. Here's why controlling that dust with an extraction system is so important: 

Inhaling construction dust can lead to serious respiratory diseases. Workers who inhale very small silica dust particles are at an increased risk of developing silicosis (an incurable lung disease), lung cancer, COPD, and even kidney disease. Wood dust can cause allergies, asthma, or even nasal cancers over time. These affect thousands of workers every year.

In fact, approximately 2.3 million U.S. workers are exposed to respirable silica dust at work, mostly in construction. And according to Chart Industries, 500 construction workers are believed to die each year from long-term silica dust exposure. Thousands more suffer from irreversible lung diseases caused by dust on job sites. To put it simply, if you aren't properly protected from harmful dust and debris, it can lead to long-term health issues and even death.

To protect workers, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has strict rules for dust control on job sites. For example, OSHA's silica dust standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) requires employers to keep respirable silica dust below a very low limit – only 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an 8-hour day. (That's a tiny amount, about 0.05 mg/m³, roughly equivalent to a small pinch of dust in a big room.)

HSE chief health inspector of construction, Michael Thomas, put it perfectly, stating that, "Every year we see construction workers die from diseases caused or made worse by their work. This is unacceptable in the 21st century, when occupational lung disease is preventable." In other words, with the right equipment (like dust extraction), no one should be getting sick or dying from dust in today's world, especially with the advanced technology we have.

Beyond health, dust affects the work itself. A layer of dust on floors can make surfaces slippery or hide hazards. Dust in the air can reduce visibility when you're trying to make precise cuts. Settled dust means more cleanup time at the end of the day, which is time you could spend on actual work.

Now that we know why it's important, let's define it clearly: A dust extraction system is a setup of equipment that captures dust from the air (or directly from a tool) and filters it out before releasing cleaner air back into the environment. It's often composed of a few key parts:

This is the heart of the system, usually a powerful motor creates suction (like a vacuum cleaner) that pulls in dust and debris. The unit often looks like a canister or box on wheels (for portable jobsite extractors) or a large barrel or baghouse (for stationary industrial systems). For example, a portable jobsite dust extractor might look similar to a wet/dry shop vacuum canister, often with an 8–10 gallon capacity tank and a long hose.

Hoses connect the extractor to the source of dust. You might attach a hose directly to a power tool (like a sander or saw) using a special adapter, or use a wand/nozzle to vacuum dust from floors and surfaces. There are also on-tool extraction attachments – for instance, a shroud around a grinder wheel or a drilling dust cap – that channel dust into the hose as you work. Many modern tools (rotary hammers, grinders, etc.) have optional dust extraction accessories to capture dust at the point of generation.

Inside the extractor unit, the air passes through filters that trap the dust particles. HEPA filters ("High Efficiency Particulate Air" filters) are common in quality dust extractors because they capture extremely fine particles. A true HEPA filter traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size – that includes the most dangerous respirable dust.

Some extractors use multiple stages of filtration: for example, a fabric or fleece bag to catch larger chips and dust, then a HEPA filter for the finest particles. The goal is that the air blowing out of the machine is clean and safe to breathe. Many dust extractors also have automatic filter cleaning features; the machine periodically shakes or reverses airflow on the filter to knock off caked dust, maintaining suction performance.

The dust and debris that get sucked in have to go somewhere. Portable dust extractors usually collect dust in a bag or a container that you can empty. Some use disposable fleece bags that also act as a pre-filter. Larger industrial systems might deposit dust into drums or have rotary valves into bins. The key is easy and safe disposal of the collected dust (for hazardous dust like silica, you'd want minimal exposure when emptying it – e.g. use bags and wear protection).

Dust extraction systems can be portable or fixed/central. A portable dust extractor is what most contractors use a mobile unit you can roll around, bring to the job, and plug your tools into. For example, a contractor might use a portable Milwaukee 8-Gallon Dust Extractor, which provides 148 CFM of suction with an automatic filter cleaner and a HEPA filter for OSHA-compliant silica dust control.

On the other hand, industrial or central dust extraction systems are common in workshops and factories, think of a large dust collector hooked up to ductwork that runs to each machine in a woodshop, or big vacuum units used on commercial construction sites for concrete grinding. These larger systems handle high volumes of dust and often have bigger motors, large collection bins, and sometimes cyclone separators (which spin out heavy dust before the filter).

Not all dust extractors are the same. They come in different types and sizes to suit different tasks and industries.

These are the vacuum-style dust extractors that most contractors use on construction sites or in workshops. They are designed to be moved around easily and often have wheels and a handle like a small drum dolly or hand truck. Key features of portable extractors include a strong motor, a dust-tight container (usually 8-14 gallon capacity), and HEPA filtration.

Uses: Connecting to handheld power tools (grinders, circular saws, sanders, drills), vacuuming floors and work areas, and general dust control for a single operator or task.

Examples: The DeWalt 10-Gallon HEPA Dust Extractor is a portable unit with 155 CFM suction and an automatic filter cleaning cycle every 30 seconds – great for concrete dust or drywall sanding. Milwaukee offers an 8-Gallon Dust Extractor (8960-20) that is OSHA compliant for silica dust and has an on-board outlet for tool activation.

Corded vs. Cordless: 

Traditionally, these vacuums are corded and plug into 120V power. However, now there are cordless dust extractors too – for example, DeWalt's FlexVolt 60V MAX dust extractor or Milwaukee's M18 FUEL 9-Gallon Dual-Battery extractor. Cordless models trade unlimited runtime for mobility (no cord needed) – they are excellent for quick jobs, small tasks, or locations without easy power.

HEPA is not a type of machine by itself; rather, it's a quality or feature of an extractor. However, many manufacturers will label an extractor as "HEPA Dust Extractor" to indicate it's equipped to handle dangerous fine dust.

When do you need HEPA? If you are dealing with lead paint, silica dust, asbestos, or other toxic/nuisance dusts, a HEPA filter is often required by regulations. For example, the EPA's RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rule for lead paint requires using a HEPA-filtered vacuum for the cleanup and removal of lead dust.

Type: Onboard extractor

Compatible With: DeWalt L-Shape SDS hammers (listed models)

Key specs: The manufacturer lists it as a powered onboard extractor with a HEPA-ready filter and a 2-second post-run extraction delay, but does not publish a CFM figure on the product page. Use as a tool-mounted capture device; pairs with DWV-series vacuums for big jobs.

Filtration: HEPA-ready / includes HEPA option per product docs

Type: Dedicated onboard extractor (inline)

Compatible With: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1-1/8" SDS+ rotary hammer (2715-22)

Key specs: Milwaukee's product page confirms certified HEPA filtration (99.97% @ 0.3 µm). The manufacturer does not publish a CFM on the product spec page; the M18 HAMMERVAC is positioned as a compact inline, battery-powered extractor.

Notes: If you need a numeric airflow spec for procurement, Milwaukee tends to publish size/weight and HEPA rating for Hammervacs but not CFM; use the HEPA certification and compatibility as the compliance driver.

Type: Demolition hammer shroud/kit

Compatible With: 1-1/8" hex demolition hammers (DeWalt models listed)

Key specs: Product documentation describes a powered dust capture shroud that connects to a vacuum; DeWalt does not list a standalone CFM for the shroud because it's an attachment (it relies on an external extractor for suction). Use with an 8–10 gal HEPA extractor for effective capture.

Type: Universal onboard extractor (M12)

Compatible With: Most SDS-Plus rotary hammers (up to ~8" depth drilling)

Key specs: Milwaukee lists up to 57 CFM and 27" water lift for the M12 HAMMERVAC kit (M12 kit listing), with an AutoPulse filter-cleaning mechanism and certified HEPA filtration on the replaceable filter. If you're using the tool-only variant (2509-20) those performance targets apply when powered by an M12 battery pack.

Type: Dedicated onboard extractor (Table 1 package)

Compatible With: DeWalt DCH273 1" hammer

Key specs: DeWalt states the dust box assembly is OSHA Table 1-compliant and includes a HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of particles ≥0.3 µm. DeWalt does not publish a CFM on the product page (this is a tool-mounted extractor designed to meet Table 1 capture performance rather than list CFM). The unit includes a 2-second post-run extraction delay and a filter-cleaning mechanism.

Type: Telescoping dust attachment (hose + nozzle)

Compatible With: DeWalt SDS rotary hammers (fits typical 5/32"–5/8" ranges per spec)

Key specs: Lightweight (~2.6 lb listing), telescoping length tailored for common bit depths; this is an attachment that relies on a vacuum's CFM (connect to an 8–10 gal extractor or larger). Manufacturer does not publish its own airflow figure because it's not a powered extractor.

Type: Dust shroud for demolition/chiseling

Compatible With: DeWalt demolition hammers and chisels (10"–18" chisel lengths)

Key specs: Multi-boot kit that matches chisel length; shroud is an attachment and thus has no CFM spec—it's designed to be used with a HEPA extractor (8–10 gal or larger) to capture chisel dust.

Type: Dedicated onboard extractor (Table 1)

Compatible With: DeWalt DCH293 and D25333 1-1/8" rotary hammers

Key specs: OSHA Table 1 compliant dust box; includes HEPA filtration (99.97% @ 0.3 µm) and a 2-second after-run delay. No discrete CFM published on DeWalt's product page because it's a tool-mounted system. Use with DeWalt's recommended vacuums for larger aggregate capture.

Type: Inline dedicated extractor (kit pairing)

Compatible With: Milwaukee 2912 rotary hammer (1" SDS+)

Key specs: Milwaukee confirms the HAMMERVAC uses a certified HEPA filter (99.97% @ 0.3 µm) and integrates into the M18 platform. Milwaukee does not provide a published CFM for the inline Hammervacs on the product pages; they are spec'd by compatibility and HEPA rating.

Type: Inline dedicated extractor

Compatible With: Milwaukee 2915 rotary hammer (1-1/8" SDS+)

Key specs: HEPA certified filter (99.97% @ 0.3 µm). As with other Hammervacs, Milwaukee emphasizes HEPA and tool fit; numeric airflow (CFM) is not published on the product page.

Type: Kit (rotary hammer + HAMMERVAC extractor)

Compatible With: Included tool + extractor (M18 system)

Key specs: Includes the HAMMERVAC (HEPA filter) and ONE-KEY fleet/asset features. Specific CFM for the extractor is not listed on Milwaukee pages; rely on certified HEPA filtration and tool compatibility for compliance.

Many onboard tool-mounted extractors (DeWalt Table 1 units, Milwaukee HAMMERVACs) emphasize HEPA certification and Table 1 compliance rather than a published CFM number. That's because their real-world capture performance is defined by matching the shroud/extractor combination to the specific tool and drill depth per OSHA Table 1. When numeric airflow is required for procurement, the M12 HAMMERVAC family (M12 kit listings) shows ~57 CFM / 27" water lift, but the dedicated inline M18 HAMMERVAC pages typically publish HEPA rating and fit — not CFM.

Type: Corded jobsite HEPA extractor

Tank Size: 10 gallons

Airflow: Up to 155 CFM; 90 in. water lift (static) published

Filtration: Certified HEPA (captures 99.97% @ 0.3 µm), automatic filter-cleaning pulses to maintain suction

Notes: DeWalt product page lists 155 CFM and 90" water lift and the HEPA rating. Good all-around extractor for sustained sanding/grinding and RRP/silica tasks.

Type: Corded HEPA extractor (compact)

Tank Size: 8 gallons

Airflow: ~155 CFM (manufacturer lists 155 CFM for DWV010 as well)

Filtration: Certified HEPA; Automatic Filter Clean (pulses ~every 30 seconds). RRP-compliant for lead renovation work

Notes: DeWalt lists 155 CFM and RRP/HEPA compliance on product pages. Use for finish carpentry, drywall sanding, and moderate concrete drilling when portability matters.

Type: Corded HEPA extractor

Tank Size: 9 gallons

Airflow: Up to 150 CFM; ~97 in. water lift (max) listed

Filtration: Ships with HEPA filter (99.97% @ 0.3 µm); automatic on-board filter-clean every ~15 seconds to sustain suction

Notes: Bosch product specs list 150 CFM and the HEPA filter; unit is widely recommended for drywall, sanding, and light concrete tasks.

Type: Cordless HEPA extractor (40V XGT)

Tank Size: 4 gallons

Airflow: ~148 CFM; ~92 in. water lift (Makita lists 148 CFM / 92" lift)

Filtration: Three-stage HEPA system, captures 99.97% @ 0.3 µm. Supports AWS (Auto-Start Wireless) tool activation

Notes: Makita lists 148 CFM and HEPA capture; works well for punch-list jobs and interior finish work where cord runs are inconvenient.

Type: Cordless HEPA extractor (AWS-capable)

Tank Size: 4 gallons

Airflow: ~148 CFM; ~92 in. water lift per Makita spec

Filtration: Three-stage HEPA (99.97% @ 0.3 µm). AWS-capable for wireless tool auto-start (requires AWS transmitter on some tool setups)

Notes: Same performance class as the PMUX model — excellent small-crew option.

Type: Cordless / battery HEPA extractor (industrial)

Tank Size: Medium/large (industrial collection capacity; Husqvarna lists as heavy-duty cart)

Airflow: ~241 CFM (manufacturer published)

Filtration: HEPA-class filtration; e-flow auto adjustment and PACE battery compatibility (94 V)

Notes: Husqvarna spec sheet lists 241 CFM — this is a high-output cordless extractor for heavy grinding/cutting without mains power.

Type: Corded HEPA extractor (compact model)

Tank Size: Compact / mid (manufacturer lists compact form)

Airflow: Manufacturer lists ~265 CFM for some DE120 variants (vendor specs vary by configuration); check exact SKU as Husqvarna publishes multiple DE120/DE120H variants with airflow in the 240–265 CFM range.

Type: Corded industrial extractor

Tank Size: Large industrial capacity (drum/Longopac compatible on some variants)

Airflow: ~224 CFM (Husqvarna lists 224 CFM for DE130 H variant)

Filtration: HEPA-class filtration; built for continuous heavy use on floor grinders and shot-blasters.

Type: Wet/dry extractor with HEPA option (professional)

Tank Size: Medium (typical Turbo II drum size ~9–14 gal)

Airflow: Fein lists strong suction (manufacturer marketing: comparable to 140–150 CFM in this class) — the Turbo II models are specified around ~151 CFM / ~98" lift on many retailer spec pages. The HEPA Pro Set includes a certified HEPA filter.

Note: Fein publishes model variants and accessories — confirm the exact part number for precise CFM on a specific kit.

Type: Wet/dry extractor (professional)

Tank Size: Medium

Airflow: Comparable suction to the HEPA set; retailers list performance in the ~140–155 CFM range depending on configuration. If HEPA is required, pick the HEPA Pro Set model.

You might be thinking, "This dust extractor sounds a lot like my regular Shop-Vac... can't I just use a shop vac for dust on the job?" It's a great question because on the surface, a dust extractor and a standard wet/dry shop vacuum look and function similarly; both suck up debris into a canister. However, some important differences in performance and design set a true dust extractor apart.

Dust extractors have superior filters. Most professional dust extractors come with HEPA filters capable of trapping 99.97% of fine dust. They are designed to capture the really fine, hazardous particles (like silica or drywall dust) that ordinary shop vacs might blow back out. A typical shop vac uses a standard filter or foam sleeve that isn't as fine. It'll catch larger dust, but the most dangerous fine dust can pass through and get recirculated into the air.

Shop vacuums often advertise very high peak horsepower or strong suction in terms of "water lift" for picking up heavy debris or liquids. They do have high initial suction, great for large debris and general cleanup. However, shop vacs tend to lose suction quickly as the filter clogs with fine dust or the bin fills. They're not optimized for continuous collection of fine dust; you might notice a drop in performance after only a short while sanding or grinding.

Dust extractors, on the other hand, are engineered for consistent airflow (CFM) even when dealing with powdery dust. Many have automatic filter cleaning that pulses every few seconds or on demand to keep suction strong. They also often have higher static pressure to pull dust through small tool ports. The result: a dust extractor can run for extended periods, capturing fine dust without clogging up or losing power, whereas a shop vac might start to struggle or need frequent filter banging/cleaning.

Dust extractors are built to work with your power tools. Nearly all professional dust extractors have an "auto-start" feature or tool-triggered outlet. This means you can plug your saw, sander, or drill into the extractor, and when you turn your tool on, the vacuum automatically turns on and starts extracting, then shuts off a few seconds after you stop. This makes dust collection seamless – you don't have to walk over and flip the vacuum switch each time. Shop vacuums typically do not have this auto-start feature (they're just manually switched).

If you've ever run a big shop vac, you know they can be pretty loud – often over 90 decibels. Dust extractors tend to be quieter. They are engineered for jobsite use where you might have them running for hours, so sound-dampening is often built-in. For example, the Milwaukee 8 Gal dust extractor operates at about 69 dB, which is much less obnoxious than a typical shop vac that "screams" when turned on.

Most shop vacs are wet/dry, meaning they can suck water and wet messes as well as dry material (very handy for floods or slurry). Many dust extractors are also wet/dry capable, but check the specs. Some jobsite extractors can handle concrete slurry or drilling water (they might have a sensor to cut off when water reaches a certain level). Others are meant for dry use only or require a special filter for wet use.

Choosing the right dust extractor doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on four key factors that affect performance and compliance on the job:

1. Tool Integration
Match your dust extractor to the tools you actually use. Onboard extractors attach directly to rotary hammers, grinders, or saws, capturing dust at the source. Portable jobsite units with hoses work well for handheld tools or smaller tasks. Auto-start or tool-triggered features make your extractor turn on and off with your power tool—no extra steps, no wasted suction.

2. Size vs. Portability
Consider how mobile you need to be. Smaller 4–6 gallon extractors are lightweight and easy to maneuver—perfect for finish carpentry or punch-list jobs. Larger 8–14 gallon units handle heavy-duty concrete cutting or grinding but are bulkier. For workshops or central collection, stationary systems give maximum dust-handling capacity but aren’t meant to move between jobs.

3. HEPA Filtration for Hazardous Dust
If you’re working with silica, lead, asbestos, or fine wood dust, a HEPA-rated extractor is non-negotiable. True HEPA filters trap 99.97% of particles ≥0.3 microns, keeping dangerous dust out of the air and helping you stay OSHA-compliant. For general dust, a standard filter may suffice, but for hazardous materials, HEPA is required.

4. Corded vs. Cordless
Corded extractors provide unlimited runtime and typically stronger suction—ideal for long jobs or continuous concrete and drywall work. Cordless models trade some suction for mobility, letting you tackle quick jobs, tight spaces, or sites without easy access to power. Many modern cordless extractors use dual-battery platforms to extend runtime while keeping portability.

Bottom Line: Pick an extractor that fits your tools, workflow, and dust type. If you work heavy concrete or masonry, go larger with HEPA. If you’re doing finish carpentry or smaller renovations, a compact, possibly cordless unit may be all you need. Always confirm HEPA ratings and tool compatibility before buying.