Dust collector Help?

[woodydiver]

Hello all,
I am looking for a good dust collector between 200 and $400. i dont have one right now and would like to get some suggestions on brands and types. i have some 5" metal ducting i can use, and will keep the flex tubing to a min.
I know for the budget i have set i will only be able to use one or two pieces of equipment at a time. i am pretty sure i can get something around a 1100cfm, 11" sp single stage dust collector.

i have a 10" table saw, 12"band saw, 12" planer, 6" jointer, 3 hp router table and some sanders.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
thanks

 

[DaveO]

I have heard that the HF DC system really sucks, in a good way unlike some of their offerings. Although the filter bag is rather coarse and would benefit from an upgrade. There is a lot of info on the "pimpin' of the HF DC.
I have the Jet 650 and run the same size equipment as you, generally one at a time. It does all that I ask it to do. It stays permanently attached to the TS with a branch of 4" flex pipe that I can move to the other machines as I need it. I also use it with a trashcan separator that makes the emptying much easier and farther between.
Most DC in that range are really chip collectors and don't do a lot for the fine dust that they emit or bypasses the system through the inefficiency of the connections to the machines. The best thing that I got to cut down on the sawdust boggers and other woodworking respiratory maladies is an air cleaner system. I currently have a Jet 1000s that will filter the shop air about every 10 minutes. It has really done a lot to reduce the airborne dust that is a major health hazard.

Dave

 

[Makinsawdust]

Curt,
Just about any of them Delta, JDS, Penn State, Jet, etc.. work pretty well as long as you keep the filters clean.
I can recommend the Jet 1100CK. Unless there is a deal out there it is up against your budget max. I've had one for years and it has done a good job. When I was in my garage I piped (4") it to all the machines and it worked good except when planing maple or cherry in the 15" planer. It just couldn't keep up with those long curls produced by closed grain woods. I am now using it as a secondary collector for my small sanders, down draft box and bandsaws.
Rob

 

[SteveHall]

Curt, would you rather buy than make one? I built the attached 2/3s version of a Bill Pentz design for about $225 ($75 - ancient 1.5 HP Delta DC on craigslist, $40 - sheet metal, $90 - 99.9% HEPA filter, $20 - casters, wood, tape, etc.). It isn't the power of a ClearVue, but it is worlds better than my shopvac.

Just let me know if you'd be interested, I drew the cyclone in AutoCAD and could plot full-size templates for you if you want to do the sheet metal yourself.

 

[Makinsawdust]

Curt,
Here's one posted on Craigslist today. http://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/505641475.html
Rob

 

[Bas]

Hi Curt,

I have the Harbor Freight unit, and 'pimped' it with the Wynn filter cannister (nice one Dave!). The cannister really helps capturing the fine dust, and airflow is three times better than with the stock canvas bags. Several DCs come with a cannister standard (JET has one), those tend to be in the $300-$400 range. They all look the same, cost roughly the same, and all lie about the amount of air they move.

The HF unit goes on sale regularly, for about $175. Add in a coupon for 15% or 20% off and you're out the door cheap. The Wynn filter I got for $125, including shipping and extra plastic bags. Unless you find a sale somewhere, that's hard to beat.

I haven't seen many second hand DCs, but one pops up now and then on Craigslist. That would be your best bet - I wouldn't worry about something like this being second hand.

The HF unit has a 5" inlet (plus a plastic wye to split it into two 4" ports). I ran 4" S&D (thin) PVC in my workshop. It works pretty well for collecting the chips, but the fine dust can be really stubborn. Metal ductwork should do just as well. Blast gates you can make yourself, or order them online.

I recommend you get a trash can separator, and turn whatever DC you get into a two-stage unit. It's much easier to empty a can instead of dealing with the bags. But, you can add that on later. Same for a remote to turn on the DC.

Bas.

 

[Badabing]

Hi Curt,
I have the Jet 1.5 HP canister model (1100??). I like it a lot. One thing I suggest is definitely get a canister filter. It is a world of difference. The other thing is don't get sucked in -D) by the hype around remote controls. I spent $100 less on the unit without the remote and then added this one for about $30 from Amazon.com. It works great and comes with two outlets you can control with the remote.

I use mine on one machine at a time. I put a quick disconnect fitting on the end of the hose so I can just pop it off one machine and onto another. It pops off by itself sometimes but mostly it stays put :icon_thum

Hope that helps some

 

[NCPete]

HF. sucks up almost whatever I throw at it. Adding in a trashcan separator and Wynn filter will really make it rock.

 

[junquecol]

Curt, would you rather buy than make one? I built the attached 2/3s version of a Bill Pentz design for about $225 ($75 - ancient 1.5 HP Delta DC on craigslist, $40 - sheet metal, $90 - 99.9% HEPA filter, $20 - casters, wood, tape, etc.). It isn't the power of a ClearVue, but it is worlds better than my shopvac.

Just let me know if you'd be interested, I drew the cyclone in AutoCAD and could plot full-size templates for you if you want to do the sheet metal yourself.

From the picture, I can't tell if you have the ten inch, or the twelve inch impeller. Your fan unit was originally made for Delta by Cincinnati Fan. It moves a lot more air than similar HP units with the steel impellers. I have the 1.0 HP version (10" impeller) on top of my Wood Magazine Cyclone, and love it. Probably the best part is how quiet this blower is. No loud siren!

 

[SteveHall]

Bruce, the blower and motor came off a fully functional Delta 50-179. I seem to recall the impeller measured nearly 12".

It certainly is quiet. The first time I turned it on I thought it was broken, you can actually have a reasonable conversation standing next to it.

Nice to meet another woodworker in Apex.

 

[woodydiver]

thanks again for all the great info.
and thanks also for the link to the jet dc on craigslist.

What do you guys think about the price, he wants 375 for the dc, which has little use and is 3 years old. It does have the canister filter and i think he is including some hose.
thanks

 

[PurpleThumb]

I have the delta motor and impeller I'll sell for $40.00 or I have a practicly new(I've used 3 bags of sawdust) Jet 1.5 horse power canister system I'll sell for $395 (DC1100). Both prices are picked up at my shop. Using my new Clear-vue.

 

[McRabbet]

I have the delta motor and impeller I'll sell for $40.00 or I have a practically new(I've used 3 bags of sawdust) Jet 1.5 horse power canister system I'll sell for $395 (DC1100). Both prices are picked up at my shop. Using my new Clear-vue.

Jerry,

You need to post your equipment for sale in the ads section on the left side of the Home page (Click on the Blue Classified Button on the top of the menu bar) -- it will get lost here.

 

[woodydiver]

I have the delta motor and impeller I'll sell for $40.00 or I have a practicly new(I've used 3 bags of sawdust) Jet 1.5 horse power canister system I'll sell for $395 (DC1100). Both prices are picked up at my shop. Using my new Clear-vue.

hello ,
i take it you dont have the housing for the delta motor and impeller.
can you tell me the hp of the motor and the diameter of the impeller.
thanks

 

[JimThomasson]

I have the Woodtek 961-339 - 3HP, 240V motor; UVFR 1,180 cfm; four 20" x 36" bags; 6" inlet w/three 4" adapters
I am using 4" flex hose. Even though I have it hooked up to my tablesaw, jointer, radial-arm saw, drill press and lathe I use metal blast gates to close off what I'm not currently using.

Does anyone have suggestions on how I can improve this unit? I can't afford 6" metal ducting right now.

Any suggestions or sketches would be greatly appreciated.

Merry Christmas and God's blessings to one and all!

Jim

 

[4yanks]

I have the Woodtek 961-339 - 3HP, 240V motor; UVFR 1,180 cfm; four 20" x 36" bags; 6" inlet w/three 4" adapters
I am using 4" flex hose. Even though I have it hooked up to my tablesaw, jointer, radial-arm saw, drill press and lathe I use metal blast gates to close off what I'm not currently using.

Does anyone have suggestions on how I can improve this unit? I can't afford 6" metal ducting right now.

Any suggestions or sketches would be greatly appreciated.

Merry Christmas and God's blessings to one and all!

Jim

Jim,

The single most important thing that can be done to improve the efficiency of any DC system is to hook it upgrade the ducting. Assuming the ductwork is well sealed the next consideration is velocity within it. This can be improved by making the ducting straighter and/or using a slicker material. Metal ducting is generally the slickest surface, next I would assume to be PVC, last is probably flex duct. Whether you use metal or PVC limit the use of flex duct to the last couple of feet of your run so you can make a connection to your machine if you have to. Ductwork that travels in a straight line to the machine will yield the best results. However, for stationary systems this is rarely possible. So when you install the ducting try to run it as straight as possible, use 45 degree turns instead of 90's when you can. You can try calling a local HVAC contractor about buying metal duct. You can probably get away with 28 ga.. If that is still too much check out PVC drain pipe at a building supply store. There is some debate about the dangers of static electricity and PVC, but I don't think the average small woodshop will generate enough airflow to make it a significant consideration. Good luck.

 

[JimThomasson]

I'm working on a duct solution.

What about modifications / improvements to the bag setup. It has the stock two bag set up. In an upright arrangement like this, can I effectively set up a trashcan vortex for removing chips and larger particles before they reach the impeller? Should I replace the bags with canisters?

Lots of questions and alternatives.

Jim

 

[junquecol]

Bruce, the blower and motor came off a fully functional Delta 50-179. I seem to recall the impeller measured nearly 12".

It certainly is quiet. The first time I turned it on I thought it was broken, you can actually have a reasonable conversation standing next to it.

Nice to meet another woodworker in Apex.

1999 Delta catalog list he 50-179 as 3/4 HP, with a 10" impeller. Strange thing is the 50-180 has 1.0 HP motor, but handles less static pressure.

 

[PurpleThumb]

You can use a chip can before the impeller and it is my understanding that the pleated filters of the canister are superior to bag filters.