Sounds like both a dust collection system and a shop vac have their uses, and are not interchangeable. A dust collection system is the only way to go for large tools, while the shop vac is the best device for the hand held power tools.

Fortunately for me, the only power tool I currently have that is not hand held is the miter saw, which directs most of the sawdust through the chute the vac would attach to. So for my present situation, the shop vac is the way to go. But I will keep in mind that a dust collection system will be required if I add larger tools to the inventory.

Thanks,

Ken