Harbor Freight launched a new Bauer woodworking dust collector that looks to be inspired by the popular JET DC-1100VX model.
It features a 2-micron canister-style filter, 1200 CFM max air flow, dual 4-inch inlet ports (via Y adapter), and 35 gallon collection bag.
Dust collectors like these are designed to be attached to table saws, jointers, planers, router tables, and other such woodworking equipment, and you can use them in other ways as well.
Harbor Freight says that their new Bauer dust collector has a “single-stage design for ultraquiet operation.” According to the specs, it has an 85 dBA noise rating, which tends to require hearing protection. In other words, the “ultraquiet” part isn’t accurate.
The dust collector is prewired for 120V operation, and HF says it can also be wired for 240V. The current draw is 11.5A at 120V, and 5.7A at 240V. Its motor is rated at 1.5 HP.
Here’s the Bauer next to the JET DC-1100VX-CK.
There are strong similarities in the designs, but the two dust collectors are distinct. That is, this is not a relabel of the JET, it’s completely different model.
Harbor Freight’s pricing – $450 plus freight – is extremely aggressive. For context, this is little more than the price for just a replacement or retrofit JET canister filter with cleaning paddles.
Harbor Freight doesn’t go into detail about whether there’s a cone-shaped separator inside, which the JET features.
It’s not clear whether the Bauer performs on-par with the JET, or if it just looks the part.
What is clear, however, is that this is a canister-filter-based dust collector, and it’s priced around the same as machines equipped with a basic filter bag.
I own the JET, and structurally-wise, it’s wobbly, especially when moved around on its tiny casters. I’d expect similar for this Bauer.
From what I can tell so far, Harbor Freight is serving higher-priced features – namely the canister filter – for less than $500. Wait for a 25% “we missed you!” coupon code or similar, and you can get the price down to ~$338.
They also have a $200-300 Central Machinery bag-style filter – with the price depending on whether you’re a paid Inside Track Club member.
Price: $449.99
Check out the Competition:
Compared to Rikon
The Bauer dust collector looks very similar to the Rikon 60-151C. There are slight differences in specs, such as power draw and dimensions, suggesting that the two are not perfectly identical.
The Rikon retails for $800.
