Dental Lab Dust Collectors Compared: Handler vs Vaniman vs Ray Foster

The right dental lab dust collector depends on how many stations you need to serve, what you are grinding (acrylic, metal, die stone, zirconia or blasting media) and how much noise your bench can tolerate. Chase Dental Supply carries dust collectors from Handler Manufacturing, Vaniman and Ray Foster, from single station bench units to four station central systems.

Below we explain the main types and spec sheet terms, then compare each model on its listed specs.

Key Takeaways

• Match station count first: Handler’s 60UFC serves two, the 77DC Dyna-Vac three and the Model 101 four.
• The Handler 550A and Vaniman StoneVac use HEPA filtration; the Handler Pro Tech Elite 200-MFW uses ULPA.
• For die stone and blasters, choose the Vaniman StoneVac II or the Ray Foster Deluxe Cyclone.
• Listed noise: 55 dB for the Vaniman Vanguard series, 59 dB for the Ray Foster CDC1.
• Autopilot handpiece auto-start is built into the Vanguard Platinum 2X and StoneVac II 10202.

What types of dental lab dust collectors are there?

There are five common formats, and each suits a different amount and kind of dust.

• Bench top units pair with a lathe for polishing and light grinding.
• Under bench collectors are compact units that run a hose to one or two stations.
• Multi-station central units are floor cabinets with several inlets for two to four benches.
• Cyclone and bagless collectors separate heavy debris before it reaches the filter, which suits stone dust and blasting media.
• Workstations with filtration enclose the work area so dust is captured at the source.

What do CFM, stations, filters and noise mean for a lab?

CFM (cubic feet per minute) is how much air the unit moves, shared across every open inlet. Hose diameter, hose length and inlet shape also affect what reaches the work.

Stations

The station rating is how many positions can draw suction at once. Running more benches than rated weakens capture at each one.

Filtration

Filters are rated by the smallest particle they retain. A HEPA filter captures 99.97 percent of particles at 0.3 micron, and ULPA filters are rated finer still. Bags are easy to change, while drum cartridges pack more filter area into a small space.

Noise

A collector runs whenever the handpiece runs, so noise adds up. Vaniman notes that normal conversation is about 60 dB.

Pairing a collector with a new bench motor? See our Meta Dental lab micromotors guide and types of dental handpieces.

Handler vs Vaniman vs Ray Foster: how do the models compare?

Handler covers the widest range, up to a four station central unit. Vaniman focuses on quiet one to two station and bagless stone dust units, and Ray Foster offers compact cyclones.

How do the models differ by type?

Bench top: Handler 76D-0 and the 76 series

The Handler 76D-0 pairs with a model 26A Red Wing lathe (sold separately) for light polishing and grinding. Handler notes it is not recommended for gypsum or aluminum oxide. The 76 series comes in motor and voltage variants; call to confirm.

Under bench: Handler 550A, Vanguard series and Ray Foster CDC1

The Handler 550A Porta-Vac is a compact starter unit with a disposable HEPA filter, built for light duty dry grinding.

The Vaniman Vanguard series steps up from the single station 1X to the Gold 2X with adjustable speed, then the Platinum 2X with a bag-full light and Autopilot. The Ray Foster Cyclone CDC1 is sized for under-the-counter use and serves two stations.

Multi-station central: Handler 60UFC, 60U-D, 77DC and Model 101

Handler’s central units scale in steps: 1/2 HP and 400 CFM (60UFC), 3/4 HP and 600 CFM (77DC), then 1 HP and 800 CFM (Model 101). The 60U-D is the cloth filter bag version of the 60 series.

Cyclone and bagless: Vaniman StoneVac and Ray Foster Deluxe Cyclone

The Vaniman StoneVac II is specifically designed for die stone, micro-abrasive blasters, porcelain and other dry material, with a built-in electric filter cleaning system. The StoneVac SC adds a brushless motor with speed control.

The Ray Foster Deluxe Cyclone CDC2 has a by-pass motor suitable for abrasive blasters and comes with a foot switch and mobile cart.

Workstation: Handler Pro Tech Elite 200-MFW

The 200-MFW sets an enclosed, lighted workstation top on a Handler 200C collector base with ULPA filtration. Listed applications include polishing, sandblasting and zirconia.

Which dust collector should you choose?

Start with how many benches need suction at once and what dust they make, then narrow by filter and noise.

• Single bench, general grinding: the Vaniman Vanguard 1X for quiet operation, or the Handler 550A for HEPA filtration in a small footprint.
• 2 to 4 stations: the Handler 60UFC for two, the 77DC Dyna-Vac for up to three and the Model 101 for up to four. For two quieter stations, consider the Vanguard Gold 2X, Platinum 2X or Ray Foster CDC1.
• Model trimming and stone dust: the Vaniman StoneVac II or StoneVac SC, both designed for die stone. Most model trimmers run wet, so the collector handles dry stone grinding at the bench (see our dental model trimmers comparison).
• Blasters: the StoneVac line (rated for micro-abrasive blasters), the Ray Foster Deluxe Cyclone with its by-pass motor, or the Handler 200-MFW for an enclosed station. Avoid the 76D-0 for aluminum oxide.
• Handpiece auto-start: the Vanguard Platinum 2X and StoneVac II 10202 both include Autopilot, so suction runs only when the handpiece does.

Shop the Products

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CFM does a dental lab dust collector need?

It depends on station count and hose runs. Handler rates its 60UFC at 400 CFM for two stations, the 77DC at 600 CFM for three and the Model 101 at 800 CFM for four. Single bench units such as the Handler 550A list 125 CFM.

Which dust collector is best for die stone and model trimming dust?

The Vaniman StoneVac II and StoneVac SC are designed for die stone, porcelain and other dry material, with bagless true HEPA filtration. Handler notes its 76D-0 bench top unit is not recommended for gypsum.

Can a dust collector be used with a sandblaster?

Yes, if the unit is rated for it. The Vaniman StoneVac line is designed for micro-abrasive blasters, the Ray Foster Deluxe Cyclone has a by-pass motor for abrasive blasters, and Handler lists sandblasting for the Pro Tech Elite 200-MFW. Check the instructions for use first.

What is the quietest dental lab dust collector?

Among units with a published rating, the Vaniman Vanguard 1X, Gold 2X and Platinum 2X are listed at 55 dB and the Ray Foster CDC1 at 59 dB. Handler’s 77DC and Model 101 ship with a box type silencer.

Which dust collectors start automatically with the handpiece?

The Vaniman Vanguard Platinum 2X and StoneVac II 10202 include Autopilot handpiece control. The Platinum 2X also offers an optional Air Autopilot. The Handler 550A and Ray Foster Deluxe Cyclone use a remote foot switch instead.

Chase Dental Supply carries Handler, Vaniman and Ray Foster models for labs of every size. Email sales@chasedentalsupply.com with your setup.