Can anyone recommend an option for dust collection that is plug and play? We are finally up and running, and I’d like something quick and easy that I can easily attach that will handle our sign making dust.
Have you tried a shop vac with the paper filter? I get the cloth filter paper that goes over that with a ring to secure it and find it usually works pretty well for most stuff. I have been using my shop vac without the prefilter for cleaning up my floors from making my Maslow parts and it blows some of the finer particles out. I need to put that prefilter back in. I have a yellow shop vac, which had a higher HP than the red IIRC.
What are you cutting mostly? If it is particle board you will definitely want a good filter as I understand.
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Shop vac works fine. A shop vac with a dust deputy thing works even better. And a dedicated dust collector is the ultimate.
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Words in cursive is our main focus right now. I have a shop vac, but the hose doesn’t fit snugly.
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I think I used an adapter from the router to a 2" hose. Never did have any issues. Now I have the meticulous z axis so I use 2".
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I just found this and think I’m going to pull the trigger.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-5-7-Amp-660-CFM-Dust-Collector-with-12-Gallon-Bag-and-Optional-Wall-Mount-3401/304660870
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Look forward to hearing how it works! That’s similar to what I wanted but I haven’t seen that before. The price is right.
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I use one of these and it’s pretty reliable:
https://www.harborfreight.com/13-gallon-industrial-portable-dust-collector-31810.html
I made an adapter and strain relief like this:
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Ooooo I like that one too! 
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I use a homemade system, but similar systems with a relatively small footprint can be found online as well. Here is one example.
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+1 for a cyclone setup - With a regular shop-vac, you’ll fill it up and either clog the filter (if you’re not using bags) or fill the bag and need to toss it. There’s a whole slew of ‘cyclone bucket’ clones out there and they’re a great solution - the bucket fills and you just empty it out. Shop vac filter stays relatively clean and you dont spend a fortune in bags.
I have one from my local Rockler. I think I paid <$30 for it on sale.
One tip - if you do get one of those buckets and it’s on wheels, you’ll probably want to put a brick or two in it, they’re pretty top-heavy with all the hoses connected.
As for the connection - What router are you using? Most have some sort of clip-on hose adapter, it might be a separate piece you have to buy…
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The Harbor Freight option says it is the same CFM but is more expensive…is there a reason to go that route that I don’t understand?
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I have been using the WEN one that is mentioned above with a dust deputy inline.
The amount of dust that escapes seems to be negligible.
The only issue I had with the WEN initially was that it was tripping its internal breaker.
After adding some vibration dampening material and removing the dust bag for less resistance I have not had this issue.
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