CAT CLASS: HQ-10308

Up to 150 cfm Dust Extractor / HEPA Vacuum

Up to 150 cfm dust extractors are compact HEPA vacuums designed to connect directly to a single handheld power tool—typically a hand grinder or cut-off saw—for silica dust compliance on small-scale cutting, grinding, or surface prep work. These units sit at the bottom of the dust extractor ladder, offering portability and tool-specific extraction where larger multi-tool systems would be impractical. For work requiring simultaneous extraction on multiple tools or higher airflow demands, the 150-350 cfm class provides greater capacity.

Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Flow rate	27–124 gpm	Airflow sufficient to capture dust at the source of a single handheld tool
Filtration	HEPA (0.3 micron)	Captures respirable crystalline silica and other fine particulate to regulatory standards
Tool coupling	Single hose connection	Direct attachment to grinder, saw, or drill dust shroud for point-of-generation capture

How to choose

This size class is appropriate when the task involves one handheld tool—such as a 4½-inch or 7-inch angle grinder, a handheld cut-off saw, or a rotary hammer with dust attachment—operating intermittently or on small work areas. The compact form factor and lower airflow match the dust generation of a single tool without over-sizing the system. When work scales to multiple simultaneous tools, continuous production cutting, or floor grinders and scarifiers that generate higher volumes of dust, the 150-350 cfm Dust Extractor / HEPA Vacuum class offers the necessary capacity and multi-port capability.

What this size handles

Cutting rebar or metal studs with a handheld cut-off saw in occupied buildings
Grinding mortar joints or surface coatings with a 4½-inch angle grinder for silica compliance
Drilling anchor holes in concrete walls or slabs with a rotary hammer and dust shroud
Removing tile or thin-set in bathroom or kitchen remodels with minimal dust spread
Grinding welds or cutting concrete block on residential or light commercial sites
Surface prep on small concrete pads or sidewalk sections ahead of coating or repair

Safety & operation

HEPA filtration is required for OSHA Table 1 compliance when working with materials containing crystalline silica
Filter replacement and dust disposal must follow manufacturer procedures to prevent secondary exposure to collected silica
Hose and tool coupling integrity must be verified before each use to maintain capture efficiency
Operators should confirm the vacuum airflow rating matches or exceeds the tool manufacturer's recommended minimum CFM for dust control

Transport & logistics

Portable by hand or hand truck; most units weigh under 50 lb and include wheels or carry handles
Fits in service vans, pickup beds, or behind equipment without dedicated trailer space
Stored and transported alongside the powered tool it serves, often in the same vehicle compartment

Power & supply

Standard 120V, 15A or 20A single-phase power from job-site outlets or portable generators
Some models offer automatic tool-triggered start, drawing power only when the connected tool operates
Cord lengths typically 10–25 ft; extension cords must be sized to prevent voltage drop under combined tool and vacuum load

Frequently asked

What distinguishes a HEPA dust extractor from a standard shop vacuum?

HEPA dust extractors capture particles as small as 0.3 micron at 99.97% efficiency, meeting OSHA silica compliance requirements, whereas standard shop vacuums lack the filtration and airflow specifications necessary for regulatory compliance with respirable crystalline silica.

Can one extractor in this class serve multiple tools on the same job?

These units are designed for single-tool connection; attempting to split airflow across multiple tools degrades capture velocity below effective levels. For multi-tool applications, the 150-350 cfm class offers higher capacity and multiple inlet ports.

How is flow rate in gpm related to the cfm sizing band?

The spec_ranges report flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm), which is a liquid measure; dust extractor capacity is more commonly expressed in cubic feet per minute (cfm) of air. The models in this band deliver airflow appropriate for single handheld tools, with the cfm rating determining the size classification.