You would not regret a Pentz cyclone. I would say trust me but it made an astonishing difference with cutting MDF for me. The water spritz method was told to me by an old timer that sanded drywall for years.

You might consider adding some good filters like Pentz recommends (Wynn is the supplier he suggests if I remember right.) https://wynnenv.com/woodworking-filters/

Phill my name is Don Gilman and I live close by in Simi Valley. I have been thinking about building a Mechmate for over 2 years. Your machine looks great. Do you thing it would be possible to come by your shop a take a look a your build and maybe give me some pointers before a pull the trigger a start my build.