
Understanding your dust collection needs is crucial to maintaining an efficient and safe woodworking shop. Dust collection systems not only improve air quality but also ensure equipment longevity and a safer working environment. This guide walks you through how to determine the right dust collection setup for your specific woodworking shop by calculating airflow requirements, determining the best duct sizes, and considering static pressure loss.
Step 1: Calculate Your Airflow Needs
The first step in determining your dust collection needs is understanding your airflow requirements, typically measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). Each piece of equipment in your shop has a specific CFM rating necessary to extract dust effectively. For example, a typical table saw might require about 400 CFM, whereas a CNC router might need upwards of 3,200 CFM. Adding up the required CFM for each piece of equipment will give you an idea of the airflow needed for your dust collector.
Example Airflow Requirements for Common Tools:
- Table Saw: 400 CFM
- Edge Bander: 1,200 CFM
- CNC Router: 3,200 CFM
For small shops, it’s essential to determine which machines will run simultaneously to avoid oversizing the dust collector. This practice helps reduce energy costs while ensuring the system is adequate to handle peak requirements.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Duct Sizes
Once you understand your airflow needs, the next step is to determine the appropriate duct size. The diameter of ducting affects the airflow and velocity, which are critical to ensure efficient dust extraction. Proper duct size minimizes resistance, thereby reducing the overall load on your dust collection system.
General Guidelines for Duct Sizing:
- 4-inch Diameter: Suitable for small tools with moderate dust output.
- 6-10-inch Diameter: Necessary for larger tools such as planers or CNC machines.
For most setups, you’ll want to minimize sharp turns and keep duct runs as short as possible to reduce pressure loss, which can compromise dust extraction performance.
Step 3: Understanding Static Pressure Loss
Static pressure is the resistance to airflow in the ducting system, which impacts the efficiency of dust collection. Factors contributing to static pressure include duct length, number of bends, and the presence of fittings like blast gates.
To keep static pressure low:
- Use smooth, rigid ductwork where possible.
- Limit the number of elbows and fittings.
- Ensure your duct sizes are appropriate for the CFM requirements.
Proper static pressure calculations ensure that the dust collection system provides sufficient suction at each tool, even at the farthest point from the dust collector.
Diagram: Static Pressure Loss Factors

Why Choose the WNS Dust Collection Systems?
WNS dust collection systems offer several advantages for both small and large woodworking shops. During an interview with Randy Majerus, a dust collection expert at Wurth Baer Machinery, we learned that the WNS line is known for its cost-effectiveness, streamlined design, and advanced features. For example, WNS dust collection systems include standard built-in motor starters and manual or automated filter shakers—features that are often costly add-ons for competitors.
"I was looking for a dust collector that was more affordable in the market than what we had. Too many times there were customers in need of good dust collection but just couldn't afford it," explains Majerus.
The WNS dust collectors are particularly well-suited for small to medium shops with machines like table saws, edge banders, and CNC routers. The built-in filter cleaning mechanism ensures that filters remain clear of debris, reducing the manual labor often required to maintain older or less advanced systems.
WNS Dust Collector Models Overview
All WNS dust collectors with the same series number (e.g., 65 or 100) have the same CFM capacity, ensuring consistent performance across the product line. According to Majerus, "The 65’s are 10 horsepower units and the 100’s are 15 horsepower units. For example, let's say I'm a small shop. I have a CNC router, an edge bander, and some other miscellaneous machines like a table saw. The 100 series collectors will cover those three or four machines quite easily."
- E-Series: The E-Series is the entry-level option, featuring a basic manual shaker, a manual starter, and plastic collection bags. It is ideal for small shops or those on a budget who need reliable dust extraction at an affordable cost.
- S-Series: The S-Series builds on the E-Series, adding a design for better cleanliness and noise reduction, a soft starter for energy efficiency, and a motorized shaker to automate filter maintenance. This series is suitable for medium to large shops that require additional convenience and performance.
- K-Series: The K-Series includes all the features of the S-Series, plus metal collection bins instead of plastic bags, adding durability and simplifying waste disposal. This model is perfect for larger operations needing efficient dust collection.
- MC-Series: The MC-Series takes the features of the K-Series and adds forklift dump bins, making it even easier to manage dust collection waste for high-volume shops. It is designed for industrial-grade applications where heavy-duty capacity and ease of handling are crucial.
What Differentiates the WNS Dust Collectors from Competitors?
WNS dust collectors stand out from competitors in several key ways. First, their design is both practical and aesthetically appealing. As Randy Majerus puts it, "One of the things is the appearance. If you look at these collectors compared to what else is sold in the market, they just look good. And the way they’re built makes it easier to keep clean."
Additionally, the S-Series and K-Series models come standard with a part separator—a feature that prevents large debris from reaching the impeller, which is not commonly offered by U.S. competitors. Majerus explains, "The part separator includes a steel grid that keeps anything large from entering the impeller, which is a crucial added feature not often seen in the U.S. but very common in Europe."
This combination of thoughtful design, robust construction, and practical features differentiates WNS from many other dust collectors available today.
Practical Considerations for Filter Maintenance
WNS dust collectors have a unique built-in motor shaker or a manual shaker mechanism for cleaning filters, depending on the model. This feature is often an optional upgrade in other brands, but comes standard with WNS. The filter shaker is essential for maintaining airflow and prolonging the life of the filter bags, which are prone to clogging without regular maintenance.
Majerus notes that, "With other machines you need to buy this feature as an upsell. If you can’t afford it, most guys take a broom handle and beat the bags or they use compressed air and blow them out. Not the best solution."
The WNS MC-100 model, designed with industrial-grade features, includes a forklift bin, built-in soft start, and a design to minimize noise and improve safety—ideal for larger shops that need efficient and heavy-duty dust collection.

Conclusion
Selecting the right dust collection system involves careful planning and understanding your specific requirements. By calculating the total CFM needs, choosing the appropriate duct sizes, and minimizing static pressure, you can ensure your dust collection system is both efficient and cost-effective.
WNS offers a range of systems suitable for different shop sizes, all with features that simplify installation and maintenance, providing excellent value for both small and large-scale operations.
Interested in learning more? Contact Würth Baer Machinery today to discuss which WNS dust collection system fits your needs best, or explore detailed product specifications and diagrams in the WNS Machinery products.