Portable two-stage wood dust collectors direct larger sawdust particles to a collection bag while directing air and small particles to be filtered through a felt filter bag. Filter bags are made of felt and can be cleaned and reused as needed. Portable dust collectors can be moved around a shop or taken to worksites. They're lighter and have a smaller capacity than mobile dust collectors.

Mobile cyclone-style wood dust collectors have an impeller that separates large and small dust particles. Large particles are dropped into a bag or drum for collection. Smaller particles are pulled into a cartridge-style air filter before air is returned to the workspace. Pleated cartridge-style filters have more surface area than felt bags to improve air flow. They're also cleaner and remove smaller particles than felt bag-style filters.