Dust Collectors

[Woodhacker]

I would like to know what kind of dust collectors folks are using with their machines. I know a shop vac won't do the job. I want to buy a DC, but am not sure what will work best for me. Thanks ya'll.

[fwharris]

Richard,

I have a 1 hp Delta 650 cfm with their 2 micron filter bags. I can run 1 CW and have a vac line to my sanding/detail area with that line (4") only open 1/3 of the way and still have good flow at the CW. If you plan on more tools than that then you should have a higher CFM system.

As for brand, not much difference other than $$$. The main thing to look for is the micron rating of the filters/bags. The lower the better. We just had a post about a filtration system a carver upgraded to. I think it was rated at 1 or less and it also increased the air flow of the DC because of the added filter area vs the bags. If I find it I will re post it here..

http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?16826-Dust-Collection-information&highlight=dust+collection
EDIT: Here is the post....

[cnc4me]

I have a Grizzly 1hp with the 5 micron canister filter, I think its around 600+ cfm. It works well but if the money was there I would have gone for a 2hp. I could have got the 2 hp but not with the canister and to me the filtration is important . If you have the money get both- power and filtration.

[Smoken D]

I use Floyd's DC system

http://www.ringneckblues.com/Dust_Collector_Insert.php

with grizzly's 1 1/2hp 1300 CFM 2.5 micron top bag and at the price ain't too bad. Does me well with all my machines.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-1-2-HP-Dust-Collector-with-New-Impeller/G1028Z2

Of course I go to the grizzly store once a month when we go to town for shoppen:rolleyes: No shipping fees.

[DickB]

I'm using this one: PSI DC660P 1 Horsepower 660 CFM Dust Collector with 1-Micron Bag, 110-Volt 1-Phase
It's available from Amazon. I paid about $170 at the time; I see the price is up a bit. I liked it for the size, price, and 1-micron bag. Harbor Freight carries a similar type for less, but I tried on two different occasions to order and they were out of stock.

I actually grafted this onto the top of a used Dayton 25G tank when the Dayton's motor fried. The Dayton was more like an overgrown shop vac than a dust collector. It was loud and not as powerful. But the tank is nice, because most of the dust and wood chips fall into the tank, not the bag, so the bag does not need to be emptied often. You can buy separate tanks like this, or just a tank top to fit on your container. Rockler carries them. I recommend this approach if you use a portable dust collector.

More is always better, but especially having moved up from the Dayton's 300 CFM I find 600 CFM to be adequate.

BTW I have a Y and blast gate in my system to shut off the CW when not in use. I have a Rockler Dust Right collapsible 4" hose on the other end of the Y. This hose can be connected to my table saw, router, and planer as needed. When not in use, the hose is plugged into a storage fixture that collapses the hose and seals the end, so no blast gate is needed for it. For a small shop like mine, where I have to move tools around frequently to make space, this is a workable system.

[robertdpittman]

Here is a website that has great information about dust collection, suggestions that work and helpful hints for the shop owner. Check it out http://billpentz.com/woodworking/Cyclone/index.cfm (http://billpentz.com/woodworking/Cyclone/index.cfm)
This website is referenced in another posting. That post is worth reading.

I took a hint from the Bill Pentz website: I replaced the cloth bag on my Delta model 50-760 dust collector with a filter cartridge #35A274BLOL ($106). http://www.wynnenv.com/35A_series_cartridge_kit.htm (http://www.wynnenv.com/35A_series_cartridge_kit.htm)

It increased the performance of my dust collector significantly.

I installed the Top Mount Dust Collector Insert from ringneckblues http://www.ringneckblues.com/Dust_Collector_Insert.php (http://www.ringneckblues.com/Dust_Collector_Insert.php)


In addition, I had an old hot air furnace blower that I got at a yard sale for $5 and made an air filter for the shop. http://www.rockslide.org/Images/air_filter.pdf (http://www.rockslide.org/Images/air_filter.pdf) As good as the dust collector is, there still is dust floating around the shop form table saws, sanding, and the CW. This pulls out that extra little bit and hopefully keeps it out of my lungs.

I am very happy to work in my virtually dust free shop.

[hess]

I have the 2 HP like HF with the bag and it will pull 3 cw with freds hood all running at the same time only thing I want to change is go to a canister top With Freds hoods I have very little corain left after a carve

[Woodhacker]

well, saw a coupon for a General Machinery 2 HP Industrial DC at Harbor Freight in a magazine I just got. Lists for $250, but only $140 with the coupon. Called the local store and they actually had one in stock. 1550 CFM with a 5 micron bag. Went and picked it up this morning. I think it ought to take care of any and all dust the machine kicks out. Now, one of the top-mounted inserts will have me up and running with the big dogs!! I think later on I will try to find a filter cartridge that will fit it. I understand that improves the dust pick-up considerably. Carving will be a lot better without cleaning up all that dust!! Thanks for the input ya'll.

[fwharris]

Richard,

Looks like you made a good purchase at the price! Happy dustless carving!!!

[DickB]

Congrats - nice find!