If you have machinery in your shop, you need a dust collector, and the best type to have is a cyclone, which separates the chips from the airflow before it hits the filter. This minimizes clogging and allows the dust collector to work more efficiently for a longer period of time. I’ve been testing Harvey Machinery’s Gyro Air G700, which is a new twist on the cyclone dust collector. After separating out the large chips from the airflow, the Gyro Air passes the air through two turbine vanes, spinning the air and dust up to 4,000 rpm. This forces the dust out of the airflow, allowing it to fall into a collection bin so that it never reaches the filter.

The Gyro Air was impressive. I used it while testing seven 8-in. jointers, running cherry, curly maple, and white pine through them repeatedly. It kept up without any trouble. Even more impressive than its dust collection performance, however, was how quietly it operated. Standing next to the machine, I measured its loudness at 74 db., which is comparable to a radio playing softly in your house. Standing 15 ft. from the machine, the noise dropped to 68 db. This is insanely quiet for a dust collector. I had several conversations while the machine was running and never once had to raise my voice. The less noise in the shop, the better. (Of course, you should still wear hearing protection while using woodworking machinery.)

Emptying the collection bins was easy and quick. I also like that the Gyro Air is rectangular (its footprint is 231⁄2 in. by 541⁄4 in.) and not too tall. At less than 34 in. high, it would fit under a counter. I would love to have the Gyro Air in my shop.

—Matt Kenney is a professional woodworker and author of 52 Boxes in 52 Weeks.