dust collection

[paulrey27]

Hello board,

Former lurker (?) here and now I've started my build (<-- click there!) and we're talking about dust collection. I've read/seen lots of things. I've been considering a decent shop vac and hooking it up with a cyclone system of sorts ORRR buying a smaller dust collector that is on a rolling cart.
I realllly don't want to spend any money BUT I know that I should and it'll be amazing to **** away dust rather than breathe it in and have to sweep it up. That said, I would like input on this from you guys. I would like to spend no more than 200$ but I see that I could drop 300$ on a collector unit (no hoses/adapters/fittings)...
Share stories, ideas, tip, suggestions! Thanks!

 

[shoot summ]

I currently use a drum based older delta collector, roll it around, connect it to tools as needed. It does OK, I would like to have a stationary system piped in but that will come much later. One thing to pay attention to is the bag/filter, most aren't rated to smaller microns, I replaced the bag on mine with a 1 micron(I think) and it made a difference in the dust that comes out of it.

Watch craigslist for used dust collectors, I see decent deals on them all the time in my area.

 

[paulrey27]

For reference:

Shop Vac
Not a bad unit. Decent **** for a little guy.

Dust Collector1
What I'm leaning towards most if I needed to get a unit.

Dust Collector2
Not bad.

Dust Collector3
Tons of **** but HF...is it quality?

 

[deltaphisig]

The harbor freight dust collector is pretty highly regarded, esp when coupled with a cartridge filter. If buying new, get it on sale and use a 20 or 25 percent off coupon. However, you can pick up NICE used units on CL all the time.

http://workingwoods.com/hot_rodding_a_DC.htm

 

[Thumper68]

This is the one I have, and I love it

http://www.grizzly.com/products/2-H...-Aluminum-Impeller-Polar-Bear-Series/G1029Z2P

built a small enclosure on the back of the shop for it and connected it to this

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Remote-Control-220V/G4700

I have all my machines connected to it as well as a floor hose. I had planned ahead and installed a 4 inch run under the slab for the table saw, jointer and the router table, wish I had remembered the band saw.

 

[pattenp]

I've been using the Harbor Freight dust collector for a few years and have been happy with it.

 

[ed_h]

The one I have looks just like your Dust collector 3 (HF), but is a Grizzly. It's maybe 10 years old and has given me no trouble.

The best improvement I ever made to the system was to put some of the ducts under the floor (yes, it is concrete). It is a bit of work, but wow, what a difference difference in convenience. Of course, it does limit you a little more on tool placement.

Here are some pics:

http://bullfire.net/Dust_Collection/Under Floor Dust Collection.html

 

[Regnar]

I have had the HF one running on a CNC router cutting lots of MDF. It has worked just fine for the duty but I do wish it had a little more sucking power. You should really read Bill Pentz website. http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/

Seeing your in the building stages. I would dedicate a room that can be sealed and made somewhat sound proof. I cant tell you how much I hated listening to the Air Compressor and Dust Collector. I just bought a quiet air compressor so the last thing to silence is the DC.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

I bought a Penn State collector off craigslist and made a Thien collector to go with it:

 

[DustCollectors Rock]

I've seen a lot of mentions of Grizzly and Harbor Freight. Both are good. There is also Wynn Environmental. If you're looking to upgrade to a cartridge collector unit, I would go with Damn Filters or Environmental Filter.

 

[Jinks]

Floor, Bench, Unfinished projects. They all seem to collect dust amazingly well....

 

[Stuart in MN]

To be clear - what kind of dust are you talking about? Wood, metal, or something else?

 

[Toolfool]

Floor, Bench, Unfinished projects. They all seem to collect dust amazingly well....

No, they don't.
They collect chips well, not the fine dust that will damage your health and the health of your family if you have an attached shop/garage. Take the time to read through this site : http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/ .

 

[Jinks]

No, they don't.
They collect chips well, not the fine dust that will damage your health and the health of your family if you have an attached shop/garage. Take the time to read through this site : http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/ .

Hmm, Dark world where everything is a health hazard to yourself & your family, & humor isn't allowed in. I think I'll just keep that door closed.........

 

[Jeffh40]

To be clear - what kind of dust are you talking about? Wood, metal, or something else?

Considering this is a 6 year old thread, I'm guessing hte OP has his answer by now.

 

[SGKent]

Considering this is a 6 year old thread, I'm guessing hte OP has his answer by now.

that or the EPA got him for exposing the neighbors to locally created dust

 

[Kaizen]

This is the one I have, and I love it

http://www.grizzly.com/products/2-H...-Aluminum-Impeller-Polar-Bear-Series/G1029Z2P

built a small enclosure on the back of the shop for it and connected it to this

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Remote-Control-220V/G4700

I have all my machines connected to it as well as a floor hose. I had planned ahead and installed a 4 inch run under the slab for the table saw, jointer and the router table, wish I had remembered the band saw.

damn.......freight is 25 percent of the product. i can see for a large machine but this probably comes in a box right?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Considering this is a 6 year old thread, I'm guessing hte OP has his answer by now.

Argh...I usually notice the dates and don't respond to zombie threads, but missed it this time.

 

[Zeke]

Argh...I usually notice the dates and don't respond to zombie threads, but missed it this time.

So what? A lot of us missed the thread or weren't even members yet. A lot of good info here.

BTW I use my TS and jointer outside in a covered area in open air and still use a the old Delta barrel and bag. It keeps the local dust coming off the blade from getting in lungs and eyes.

We have a saying about MDF materials — "Maximum Dust Factor."

 

[Corsair4360]

I have an old Delta unit single stage, worked ok never happy with it. Have a cyclone system mounted in the basement shop now, big monster does collect nearly everything and minimal residual dust. Building a shop across the lane trying to decide how to collect dust since the current dust collector would have to be mounted outside and in Northern Utah that means heat going outside without an exhaust fan back into the shop. The shop will be for cabinet and furniture making

 

[Zeke]

I have an old Delta unit single stage, worked ok never happy with it. Have a cyclone system mounted in the basement shop now, big monster does collect nearly everything and minimal residual dust. Building a shop across the lane trying to decide how to collect dust since the current dust collector would have to be mounted outside and in Northern Utah that means heat going outside without an exhaust fan back into the shop. The shop will be for cabinet and furniture making

Maybe you could run the exhaust from an enclosed cabinet on the outside though another filter and back into the shop as make-up air. You likely won't get 100% so some fresh air will still enter.

A ceiling mounted filter recirculating shop air might be another good thing.