Shop Fox W1685 1.5 HP Dust Collector Review
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Introduction
The Shop Fox W1685 1.5 HP Dust Collector is a beast — 1,280 CFM of suction makes it one of the most powerful dust collectors in its price range. If you need serious dust collection for a small to medium shop, this unit delivers.
Related: For smaller capacity, see the Shop Fox W1727.
The Power You Need
With a 1.5 HP motor pushing 1,280 CFM through a 12-inch steel impeller, this collector can handle multiple machines at once. Table saw, planer, jointer, band saw — you can run them all and still get effective dust collection.
Pro Tip: Add an air filtration system for complete workshop air quality.
Shop Fox W1685 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | 1.5 HP single phase |
| Voltage | 110V (16 amp) |
| Airflow | 1,280 CFM |
| RPM | 3,450 |
| Impeller | 12″ balanced steel |
| Weight | 99.8 lbs |
| Finish | Powder-coated |
| Filter Rating | 2.5 microns |
Key Features
- 1,280 CFM — Handles multiple machines simultaneously
- 1.5 HP Motor — Powerful enough for demanding tools
- 12″ Steel Impeller — Balanced for smooth, quiet operation
- Powder-Coated Finish — Professional look, rust-resistant
- Stable Base — 99.8 lbs provides solid, safe operation
- Portable — Can be moved between machines despite the weight
Pros & Cons
✅ Massive 1,280 CFM — one of the best in class
✅ Handles multiple tools at once
✅ Powerful enough for planers, jointers, saws
✅ Smooth and quiet operation
✅ Excellent customer ratings
✅ Great value for the power
❌ Heavy (99.8 lbs) — not easily portable
❌ Some users report cheap nuts/bolts in hardware
❌ May need upgraded bag filters for very fine dust
How It Compares
The W1685 is a significant upgrade from the W1727 (1 HP, 800 CFM). If you need even more power, you might look at 2 HP+ units, but for most small to medium shops, 1,280 CFM is plenty.
Final Verdict
The Shop Fox W1685 earns 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s widely regarded as one of the best-value dust collectors on the market. If you need serious suction for your shop without spending a fortune, this is the unit to get.
Pro Tip: Add a remote switch for convenient on/off control.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Shop Fox W1685 | Shop Fox W1727 | WEN DC1300 | JET DC-650 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 1.5 | 1.0 | 1.75 | 1.0 |
| CFM | 1,280 | 800 | 1,300 | 650 |
| Filtration | 2.5 micron | 2.5 micron | 5 micron | 5 micron |
| Impeller | 12″ steel | 9″ steel | 10″ steel | 10″ steel |
| Voltage | 110V | 110V/220V | 120V | 110V |
| Weight | 99.8 lbs | ~50 lbs | 65 lbs | 55 lbs |
| Multi-Tool | Yes | Limited | Yes | Single tool |
| Safety Switch | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$ |
Related Articles You’ll Want to Read:
- Shop Fox W1727 1 HP Dust Collector — Smaller capacity option
- Shop Fox W1830 Air Cleaner — Air cleaning companion
