Review - WEN 3 Speed Air Filtration System #3410 and #3415
Personal Experience
I have been using the Wen Air Filtration System Model #3415 in my workshop for over a year, and it has been great. I noticed a big improvement in the air quality and the amount of dust collecting on my tools has decreased significantly. I use the filtration system on a regular basis while I'm working on a project and typically set the timer to let it run when I close up the shop. The Wen Air Filtration System is by no means a must have but it is a great option if your looking for a less dusty workshop.
Pros
Low Cost
Great Air Movement
Replaceable Filters
2-Year Warranty
CONS
High Noise Level
Poor Quality Remote Control
Limited Warranty for Commercial Use
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Specifications
Model #3410
Room Coverage: up to 400 sqft
Outer Filter: 5-micron
Inner Filter: 1-micron
CFM: 300, 350, 400
Dimensions: 17 x 20.5 x 10 inches
Item Weight: 31 pounds
Voltage: 120 volts
Model #3415
Room Coverage: up to 1,000 sqft
Outer Filter: 5-micron
Inner Filter: 1-micron
CFM: 556, 702, 1044
Dimensions: 30.3 x 24 x 12.2 inches
Item Weight: 55 pounds
Voltage: 120 volts
What’s Included
Wen includes a remote to wirelessly control the system which is nice if you are planning to mount it to your shop ceiling. However, I would be careful with the remote because it is very low quality and could break easily. They also include 4 eye bolts that are directly screwed into the top of the air filter for mounting points. You do however need to buy lag hooks or something to mount on your ceiling to attach the supplied eye bolts. The Wen Air Filtration System uses 2 separate filters which are included in the machine.
Assembly
The Wen Air Filtration System comes fully built, but you will have to do some minor assembly. Wen includes within the body of the filter styrofoam blocks to keep the fan from being damaged during shipping which needs to be removed. Also, if you wish to hang the air filter from your shop ceiling you'll need to install the 4 eye bolts on the top of the filter. The only other assembly step is to install both filters within the main body of the air filter system. I personally had no issues with the assembly and getting it ready for installation. However, something to note is that if you plan to hang it from the ceiling you will need someone to help you as the system weighs 55 pounds or 31 pounds if you go with the smaller unit.
Features
The Wen Air Filtration System comes in 2 variations which have the same features and functionality yet offer varying levels of performance. The system comes with a wireless remote that works up to 26 feet away, if you get the RF remote you will have to point at the front of the Wen system. My favorite feature of the system is the timer function that allows you to set the machine to turn off after 1, 2, or 4 hours. I use the timer feature every time I leave the shop after working on a project and it has nearly eliminated the inevitable layer of fine dust that collects on all my tools.
Performance
The Wen Air Filtration System is offered in two models which are #3410 and #3415 which the later is the more powerful system. I personally have the #3415 system in my 2 car garage which is close to 700sqft. The #3410 is recommended for shop sizes less than 400 square feet and has a CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating of 300, 350, and 400 depending on the set speed. The #3415 is recommended for shop sizes less than 1000 square feet and has a CFM rating of 556, 702, and 1044 depending on the set speed. I found the #3415 model has been more than sufficient for my dedicated 2 car garage, especially on the highest speed.
Both the Wen Air Filtration Systems utilize a 2 stage filter with a 5-micron outer filter and a 1-micron inner filter. Having a 1-micron inner filter is about the best you can get with an air filtration system unless you upgrade to a HEPA filter which is significantly more expensive. I found that when running the system in my 2 car garage I can notice a big difference in the air quality. I honestly didn’t realize how much fine dust was hanging in the air until I installed this filter. Studies show that dust particles less than 5 microns can stay aloft for 30 minutes or more and smaller particles staying in the air significantly longer. If you are looking to clean up your shop and keep fine dust particles out of the air, the performance of the Wen Air Filtration System will definitely help you.
Warranty & Support
Wen offers a two-year warranty on the air cleaner but it does come with many stipulations. The warranty only applies to the original purchaser and is good for defects in material or workmanship. The standard warranty period is 2 years for individual personal use, but if you use the product for professional or commercial use the warranty is shortened to 90 days. I think Wen products are a perfect choice for hobby woodworkers but for businesses with larger shops, there are better alternatives.
Value & Quality
The main attraction to the Wen is the value proposition with it being the cheapest entry into air filtration systems. That is the main reason I purchased the Wen #3415 system for my 2 car garage. The Wen #3410 model at the time of writing comes in at $133 with the competition at $196, $224 and $239. The Wen #3415 at the time is priced at $325 with the equivalent Jet model priced at $459. While the Wen seems like the obvious choice you also need to take into account the quality and reliability of the systems. I usually look at the manufactures warranty as a representation of confidence and quality in their products. In comparison, Wen offers a 2 year warranty and 90 days for commercial use, while Jett offers a 5 year warranty and 2 year warranty for commercial use.
Most Asked Questions
When do you need to change the filter?
It really depends on how long you have been running the unit. You can check the air circulation with ribbon or yarn to monitor the air resistance, or place sharpie marks on the filter to see the level of dust accumulation. I have yet to buy replacement filters and have just been cleaning them using compressed air.
How is the Wen different than Jet, Grizzly, Power Fox, or Powertec’s air filtration systems.
By looking at the features, filters, CFM ratings I don’t see much difference between the various products. However the warranty, support and customer service will likely vary drastically. I personally purchased the WEN for the cost factor, yet the other brands offer longer warranties and likely better customer service if parts break.
How loud is the air filtration system?
I personally think the 3417 air filter is a fairly quiet system for what it is. The larger version has a noise rating of 63 to 68 db while the smaller 3410 is rated for 50 to 60 db. When in the shop you do notice the high hp motor on the higher settings but at the lowest setting it's not much louder than a box fan. Typically I wear hearing protection and never notice the machine is on.
Where should you install air filtration units?
I installed the 3-speed remote-controlled air filtration system in my personal 2 car garage, my dedicated woodworking shop. I have moved the filter over multiple work areas, and it greatly affects where it's located. The best places to install your air filter are near the tools that create the most air particles, primarily the table saw and miter saw where traditional dust collection system is lacking. I located my filter with the front of the unit facing away from my miter saw and towards a general assembly area. This does a good job of cleaning the air around my miter saw while not blowing dust in the air from another tool. If you are installing this in smaller shops you will want to make sure the air coming out is not blowing onto your dust collector.
What are the health benefits of an air filtration machine?
Studies show that dust particles of less than 5 microns can stay aloft for 30 minutes or more and smaller particles stay in the air significantly longer which poses serious health risks. Both the Wen air filtration units use 1-micron filters and a 5-micron pre-filter which easily produces clean air. If you already suffer from health issues, working in a dusty shop can quickly degrade your health and make things worse. In the long run it’s much cheaper to buy air filtration units than hospital bills and medications.
Should You Buy It……
Yes if……
Yes, if your a hobby woodworker on a budget like myself, with the goal of limiting the airborne dust in a small shop, the Wen Air Filtration System is perfect.
No if……
No, if you plan to use this machine in a business or commercial workshop I would recommend purchasing one of the alternatives below. The Wen offers a great value but if the system is used in a professional or commercial shop the warranty is only good for 90 days, potentially leaving you with an expensive ceiling decoration.
Alternatives
There are quite a few alternatives to the Wen Air Filtration System available with near identical features. Most of the competitors like Jet, Shop Fox, Grizzly, and Powertec have identical specifications, performance, and features. However, one major difference between them are the customer service, warranty, and potentially build quality. The Wen offers one of the best values but comes with some drawbacks on warranty, parts, and service. If your looking for a commercial shop or woodworking business, I highly recommend looking into the alternatives listed here.
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