Bill, just a couple of thoughts for you. Any cyclone system will work better than a regular DC (per FWW article maybe a year ago), and this will become more of an issue in a basement. I’ve got a basement shop. I think once you move down there you’ll be wanting pretty good dust control, so spending money now might not give you equipment you’re happy with later.
While you’re in the garage, can you vent the dust outside? If so, that’s the way to go; use a DC and vent outdoors.
Overall I think a poor filtering DC is worse than nothing, as it constantly stirs up the air and puts the fine (most damaging) particles back in the air.
If I were you I think I would use a good dust mask in the garage (and keep the doors open with an exhaust fan whenever possible), skip the DC (unless you can vent outside), and save for some type of cyclone system for your move to the basement.
-- John
