You'll actually get more than just another 1/2 HP. It will also have a larger impeller, which should translate to much more airflow. That said, the 1.5 model is listed with a 13" impeller…which i find surprising. Back in the day, the 2 HP models only came with a 12" impeller. But the 2 HP Jetl has a 14.5" impeller with a larger filter (vs 1.5), that adds up to much improved airflow. To capture the finest dust takes as much airflow as you can muster…so it's likely the larger one will be more satisfactory. My disclaimer: no experience with either, just reading the specs.

 

That said, the 1.5 model is listed with a 13" impeller…which i find surprising. Back in the day, the 2 HP models only came with a 12" impeller. But the 2 HP Jetl has a 14.5" impeller with a larger filter (vs 1.5), that adds up to much improved airflow

Interesting. Only the Jet cyclone systems have the larger impeller. The original non-cyclone models still have the smaller impeller (11" on the 1.5 HP and 12" on the 2 HP). I would have thought the a 14.5" impeller would be too much for a 2 HP motor. One of the 3 reviews of the Jet 2 HP cyclone on Jets website says his is constantly tripping the 20 amp breaker, so maybe it is too big. Of course, the only spec you ever see is for the impeller diameter. The width of the blades and clearance around the blades are important for a true comparison and I never see that info

When I bought my Grizzly G05488ZP, it had the largest impeller I could find in a non- cyclone 2 HP unit. I got a super dust deputy to go with it. I stayed away from the short stubby cyclones like the jet due to some negative reviews here and elsewhere.

 

Interesting. Only the Jet cyclone systems have the larger impeller. The original non-cyclone models still have the smaller impeller (11" on the 1.5 HP and 12" on the 2 HP). I would have thought the a 14.5" impeller would be too much for a 2 HP motor.
- Aaron312

I found that interesting as well. I suppose it's possible the vanes aren't as tall as some others, but that does seem to much for the motor (both sizes).

 

I was in the same position your in a few years back and I decided to go with the JCDC-1.5 Cyclone Dust Collector. I have a small shop and just run a 15 ft flex hose to what ever tool I am using. It works very well and is a huge upgrade from the old 1hp bag unit I had. The only thing I would like is a bigger drum for the chips, it will fill up fast when I use my planer.

 

I have an Oneida Mini Gorilla (the current, molded version) cyclone connector with excellent HEPA filtering. I highly recommend it. Like you, all of my machines are on mobile bases, so fixed ducting is a non-starter, and its compact mobility is just the ticket.

It is 1.5 HP, and easily handles any single machine at a time. The long cone cyclone is much more effective at keeping dust out of the filter than similar mobile collectors. It also takes up less floor space than most other similar collectors, and still has a 22 gal bin that is easy to roll out and empty. It has a 5" inlet, and I use a 10' 5" flex hose to everything (I plan on getting Mag Port rings for all the machines).

 

I don't know the specific specs of my 3HP Jet cyclnoe (lazy) but it is quite effective. I don't run more than one machine at a time, but it would have no problem if I did. It has a large barrel container that rolls out for emptying. I've run pvc 4" down along one wall and branch off from there. Two car garage with table saw, 3Hp bandsaw mostly stationary and router table, oscillating spindle sander and jointer are mobile. The Jet I have can handle an 8" trunkline but is set up with 3 - 4" inlets. It has a remote control and is not nearly as loud as I feared

If you have the ceiling height I would go as bigger on Hp if you can.

 

Thanks for the imput everyone. You've given me a lot to think about.
Jim

 

I would get the largest motor horse power and largest impeller size that you can afford. You can always get a single stage and add your own Super Dust Deputy XL to make it into a 2 stage. If it were me I would get the 2HP Jet Cyclone with the 14.5" impeller. That would be the best option and you would never regret it. Other wise you can get a 2HP Harbor Freight model for under $190 and add a Super Dust Deputy XL for $225 and maybe upgrade to the Rikon impeller for another $115 and/or add a Wynn cartridge filter for $200. That would give you a heck of a system at far less expense than the 2HP Jet cyclone.