Glowforge hooked up to Exterior Dust Collector

Here’s a good quality remote switch for a heavy duty fan (also available elsewhere):
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=67020&cat=1,42401,72660

@Mike_C makes a good point. about fumes. A further caution - my understanding is that charcoal filters primarily reduce odor, and depending what you are cutting, may do little or nothing in terms of reducing dangerous gases.

If we have a unit with an air filter can we run it with the hose as an option or are we going to be committed to using the filter unit?

It’s an option just plug in the hose and you’re good to go is the plan. Dan mentioned in another thread but I can’t find it quickly.