From what I saw the Powermatic is the quietest on the market. Almost just as important is the filters and replacement cost over time. I could be wrong but I do believe the Powermatic will come out to be the cheapest over the years, since the filters are easily cleanable, and last for 3,000 hours. Someone might be able to say roughly what the Jet, Wen, etc filters typically last?
I would say these are not (directly) comparable though.
Long term cost is fully comparable. Just need pricing and longevity. What do you use, and how long do the filters last? How much for filter replacements? I paid $487 US dollars OTD for a brand new PM1250, a filter lasts 3,000 hours and costs $150+tax. (Of note the PM1250 typically sells for more, except occasionally on Ebay...) So who has the running costs of a more common type dust filter?
The Powermatic "fan-line" is not a "true filter" but a selective microfilter which is literally "grabbing" the microparticles from the air fluidum using static charge. I.e. it will let bigger particles pass while catching specifically the invisible microparticles. It also will require more cleaning and control.
The Dylos air quality gauge says different as it reads both course and fine air particles, for which the Powermatic does remove both. As also shown by the larger particles on the PM1250's outer screen. I don't care if it is not a "true filter" as long as harmful dust is removed. Cleaning is the best part as you don't throw the filter away. A few seconds with a HEPA vac and it is ready to go back to work. How many times can a "true filter" be cleaned?
While the "traditional" filters capture everything - that is why their motor needs to be way more powerful too.
So they are inefficient? Got it!
I think the Powermatic is excelent for that continuous capture of micro-particles in a wood shop, where these are super light and easily attracted using static charge. With the "main" dust collection being at source + all the traditional ways.
Sounds good to me! At the source dust collection is what we should all strive for, like a tablesaw using over the blade dust collection.
So I would not place it near the floor where the heavy particles are for example.
The PM1250's are literally designed to be on the work bench next to the dusty work. Heavy particles hitting the floor in seconds are not a health hazard. Mine pretty much lives in the rafters though, hanging off a couple of 2x4's it slides over.
While the bigger full-flow filters are more universal, able to handle automotive paint dust, steel dust, etc. at the price of more noise, more energy and more filter replacing. Just different tools.
Yet they all clear the air of fine particles which is what most of us are after. A box fan with a filter taped on is better than nothing.
I do find my 3HP dust collector does a superior job turning the air over and scrubbing the air clean faster than the PM1250. Unfortunately it is 4 times LOUDER. Occasionally I do turn it on though to quickly clean up the air.
Here is another option for modifying or building your own air filtration. Wouldn't be hard to use a squirrel fan blown into a HEPA filter.
