I don't know much about smaller units, as the only relatively small DC I've owned was the Harbor Freight, and I clearly wouldn't buy that again. I now own the 5HP Oneida. It's quite the beast, and works amazingly well. It's overkill, in some ways, for my one person shop, but within reason, you really can't have too much suction. It doesn't remove all the very fine airborne dust (that's what air cleaners are for), but it does an excellent job, per my Dylos meter.
I would recommend the Oneida very highly.
- After I ask a stranger if I can pet their dog and they say yes, I like to respond, "I'll keep that in mind" and walk off
- It's above my pay grade. Mongo only pawn in game of life.