Wood Dust Collection

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I’m looking at some solution for dust control when doing carpentry. I’ve looked at a few options by General, King(likely similar to Grizzly), Craftex, Laguna and Forestwest.
At the moment I’m leaning to the Craftex due to selection, pricing, accessories and availability.
I’m looking at a 2hp possibly 3hp.
Are there any advantages is a twin stack?
I’m under the impression that Air flow CFM is important? The Craftex in my price range are 1600 to 1900 CFM. The twin stack is 1900.
Also the impellers range from 11 to 12 3/4”. Most are balanced steel but there is one that is Die Cast Aluminium. Larger is likely better but is metal type matter?
The best filter is good for one micron. Craftex does offer a heap filter but it is pricey. Is a hepa filter a good idea right off the bat?
They range in price from $460 to $750.
This is the one I’m kind of leaning towards.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I’ll try again.

 

[Tduby]

I like this model portability and easy to clean out and if you get a coupon you can get 25%off
https://www.zoro.com/dayton-dust-collector-1-12-hp-115230v-3aa17/i/G2029745/?q=Dayton dust

 

[dogdog]

I think the HF $200 was the most popular for DIY to small wood working shops.. I just recently got one off Craigslist for $100 with a dust loaded filter. I am hosing the dust off now for past few days. but it will work fine only a single stage setup at current moment.

This HF model. I think off HF coupons it went down as low as $150 sometime back.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-industrial-5-micron-dust-collector-97869.html


and people go either upgrade the filter or make it a dual stage dust collector. maybe both both. This is a MERV 10 filter, they have 2 other better ones for a bit more...

https://wynnenv.com/products-page/woodworking-filter-pricing/35a274blol-cartridge-kit/

There is an impeller mod upgrade people also done to it extra $150 for the impeller that fits, it's one of the youtube videos...

you can look at Oneida Air, now (new lines) they have a collections of pro dual stage setups as well.. if you just wanted something working out of the box.

https://www.oneida-air.com/dust-collectors

This youtube guy stumpy nubs have a few good videos on dust collectors...

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=stumpy+nub+dust+collection

 

[lardy1]

Oneida ended up at the top of my list after a ton of research. I didn't buy one though. It's a big investment to buy a quality machine and all the piping, gates and hardware.

I ended up with a Dust Deputy coupled with a dedicated Ridgid shop vac on a mobile cart I built. It really isn't very efficient for airborne dust particles but it does keep the sawdust manageable.

 

[Hack Fabrication]

Set aside a few hours of time: http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/

My thoughts:

First and foremost, you need to determine what machines you have now, and what machinery you will be adding in the future. All woodworking machinery produces a lot of dust. Some produce a lot more than others. And the type of dust varies. Sanders produce the finest dust, and it's difficult to contain. Planers/jointers produce a lot of chips, and they are the easiest to contain. Saws... Well this varies with machine design. Most home machines aren't designed with dust collection in mind. Miter boxes are notoriously bad for tossing dust everywhere. Bandsaws also produce a lot of dust, and most are not designed to contain the debris.

You really will want some sort of dust separation (two stage). Either a cyclone, or some sort of baffle.

With dust collection, you are looking for massive CFM. Which you will get with big impellers. Which will need big horsepower motors. Think 3hp or more. If you're running multiple machines, you'll want this for certain.

Most 2hp or under systems are 120v. If you want to go big, then you are going to need 240v. If that isn't a problem, I'd definitely go 240v for the larger setup.

Are you going to look into hard plumbing the unit? Or running it on flex hose one machine at a time?

My dust collection is a HF unit I picked up off Craig's List a few years back. I did all the 'upgrades': Rikon Impeller, Super Dust Deputy, Remote start, and filter:

In the end, I would not recommend going the modification route. Economically, you are better off buying a bigger machine. Look at Grizzly and Laguna for machines under $2000 that suit your requirements.

Enough for now, but a lot more if you want to hear it.

 

[lardy1]

Bill Pentz is the reason I didn't buy a dust collector. By his standard (it's been awhile since I studied this), there are very, very few dust collectors that qualify. And all of them are unGodly expensive.

Dust collection, the health hazards associated with it and the plethora of machines on the market just made my head spin after awhile. I worked unprotected for so many years that I decided starting to address it in my 60's probably isn't the way to go.

 

[acer66]

Stumpy nub has some good videos on that topic.

 

[cgv69]

In the end, I would not recommend going the modification route. Economically, you are better off buying a bigger machine. Look at Grizzly and Laguna for machines under $2000 that suit your requirements.

Funny you say that. I have a Delta 50-850 that I bought new years ago. Back then it was mostly for my jointer and planer and other then the bags, it was fine for what I used it for. Now in my larger dedicated basement shop, I need something central that I can plumb to all my machines.

I've done a lot of research about upgrading my current DC with a cyclone, better filter, remote start, etc. and have pretty much come to the same conclusion... instead of spending the time and money trying to make my current DC into something it isn't, I would better off just buying a better unit to start with and have been seriously looking at the Laguna's.

 

[jar944]

I have the hf version. It gets the chips. All the bag versions seem about the same. For the size of my shop I should have a 5hp Oneida or Clearview cyclone.

 

[SteveW1000]

To answer your question on metal type. If you are likely to use it for any floor cleaning and likely to pick up stray nails and screws a steel impeller will lead to sparks. How much of a problem this is in real life is moot. There are stories of all types of incident on the net but if it was a serious issue I'm sure steel impellers would have been banned in small dust collectors.

Not sure what type of filter is on the machines you listed but you really want a pleated filter. My collector which is used with a planer / thicknesser and table saw has a bag filter which will allow the smallest dust particles through which are the most dangerous to health.

 

[acer66]

To answer your question on metal type. If you are likely to use it for any floor cleaning and likely to pick up stray nails and screws a steel impeller will lead to sparks. How much of a problem this is in real life is moot. There are stories of all types of incident on the net but if it was a serious issue I'm sure steel impellers would have been banned in small dust collectors.

Not sure what type of filter is on the machines you listed but you really want a pleated filter. My collector which is used with a planer / thicknesser and table saw has a bag filter which will allow the smallest dust particles through which are the most dangerous to health.

Yes on the pleated filters, the bags seem to do almost nothing against the fine dust.

I also scrapped my idea of using old metal hvac ducting after watching stumpy nub.

 

[RTM]

It really depends on what you are connecting, and how much you care about dust where you are working,

I have a planer, and it’s the main reason for the dust collector, a missed chip will mar the finish. I will connect it to the TS and Band saw when I use them, but it doesn’t grab the same percentage of volume. I really need a cyclone for the planer.

I have a Jet DC 1500, with bags top and bottom. When it kicks on, it tosses a bunch of dust in the air. Fortunately for me, I do all my volume work in the driveway, so I don’t care.

If I was working inside, I would want the best filters I could get.

Most of my fine work is with hand tools, so I don’t sweat the wood shavings from the planes, though a DC would keep them off the ceiling.

 

[Hack Fabrication]

Funny you say that...

I've done a lot of research about upgrading my current DC with a cyclone, better filter, remote start, etc. and have pretty much come to the same conclusion... instead of spending the time and money trying to make my current DC into something it isn't, I would better off just buying a better unit to start with and have been seriously looking at the Laguna's.

Yep. I did it because I wanted to do it. It wasn't the right way to go, but it does function well as I use it. I only used 4" PVC DWV, for my hard plumbing. I might have done a bit better if I wanted to pony up for 5" metal, but I wasn't feeling all flush with cash then.

I really need a cyclone for the planer.

I made a simple trashcan separator for my DeWalt:

Only thing you need to be cognizant about is the level in the trash can. Much above 50% and you'll start blowing chips into the filter bag. I've consider connecting this to my plumbed dust collector, but haven't. I really like how the DeWalt 735 blower will support the trashcan separator lid.

 

[tarmy]

I installed my set up out of the shop area in a separate add on room so it is quieter in the shop area. Ran 4” tube to RAS and fittings for other saws and equipment.

 

[tarmy]

Thought of this after my other post...maybe look into these too...nice for extra cleaning of airborne dust of the fine type.

 

[Git]

Lot of variables to consider. Are you going to run ductwork or do you prefer a portable type machine that will only be connected to one machine at a time. CFM is important - primarily with a planer because if all the chips aren't removed, they can sometimes be pressed into the wood by the rollers. Do you even need filters? Some systems just vent to the outside - but then you need to consider if your heating or cooling your shop, you need to take the loss into consideration

Start with what machines you have and what the cfm requirement is for each machine. Here is an example:

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I like this model portability and easy to clean out and if you get a coupon you can get 25%off

Hi Tduby
Zorro doesn’t ship to Canada. That dc listed at $599 USD Without the barrel I would need at least 25% to try and break even.

I think the HF $200 was the most popular for DIY to small wood working shops.. I just recently got one off Craigslist for $100 with a dust loaded filter. I am hosing the dust off now for past few days. but it will work fine only a single stage setup at current moment.

This HF model. I think off HF coupons it went down as low as $150 sometime.

and people go either upgrade the filter or make it a dual stage dust collector. maybe both both. This is a MERV 10 filter, they have 2 other better ones for a bit more...

There is an impeller mod upgrade people also done to it extra $150 for the impeller that fits, it's one of the youtube videos...

you can look at Oneida Air, now (new lines) they have a collections of pro dual stage setups as well.. if you just wanted something working out of the box.

This youtube guy stumpy nubs have a few good videos on dust collectors

Dogdog
HF doesn’t ship to Canada but that is a good price with coupon for a dc. Once you start adding up the extra costs and labour to improve the characteristics of the dc would you really be ahead?
I did look at Oneida and quickly found they were out of my league price wise. Wonder if they are part of the silverware people?
Thanks for the homework will check out this stumpy guy.

Oneida ended up at the top of my list after a ton of research. I didn't buy one though. It's a big investment to buy a quality machine and all the piping, gates and hardware.

I ended up with a Dust Deputy coupled with a dedicated Ridgid shop vac on a mobile cart I built. It really isn't very efficient for airborne dust particles but it does keep the sawdust manageable.

Lardy
Oneida keeps popping up and definitely is pricey. You must have covered quite the volume of info when doing you research.
Haven’t ran across Dust Deputy and having a dedicated vac would be a good idea. You should see what I did for a temporary catch basin for saw dust under my table saw. I took a vinyl washtub cut a hole for my old Craftsman vac. Found some foam for a seal and mounted it under the saw. Sealed off all or most of the possible air losses and cut some lumber. Works half assed but eliminates saw dust all over the floor. I’ll probably be safe until my wife goes looking for her outdoor wash tub in the spring.

Set aside a few hours of time: http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/

My thoughts:

First and foremost, you need to determine what machines you have now, and what machinery you will be adding in the future. All woodworking machinery produces a lot of dust. Some produce a lot more than others. And the type of dust varies. Sanders produce the finest dust, and it's difficult to contain. Planers/jointers produce a lot of chips, and they are the easiest to contain. Saws... Well this varies with machine design. Most home machines aren't designed with dust collection in mind. Miter boxes are notoriously bad for tossing dust everywhere. Bandsaws also produce a lot of dust, and most are not designed to contain the debris.

You really will want some sort of dust separation (two stage). Either a cyclone, or some sort of baffle.

With dust collection, you are looking for massive CFM. Which you will get with big impellers. Which will need big horsepower motors. Think 3hp or more. If you're running multiple machines, you'll want this for certain.

Most 2hp or under systems are 120v. If you want to go big, then you are going to need 240v. If that isn't a problem, I'd definitely go 240v for the larger setup.

Are you going to look into hard plumbing the unit? Or running it on flex hose one machine at a time?

My dust collection is a HF unit I picked up off Craig's List a few years back. I did all the 'upgrades': Rikon Impeller, Super Dust Deputy, Remote start, and filter:

In the end, I would not recommend going the modification route. Economically, you are better off buying a bigger machine. Look at Grizzly and Laguna for machines under $2000 that suit your requirements.

Enough for now, but a lot more if you want to hear it.

Hack
Thanks for adding to my homework with Mr.Pentz. Grizzly is not an option in Canada but I believe our King is the same except for the name. Our Laguna dealer is limited in product but he is also a King dealer. To tell you the truth Craftex appears to be better than the King in similar $ comparisons.
I was looking at 2&3hp sizes likely will be the 2hp. I have a fairly simple method of running my cabling in tray so 240v will not be a problem.
My dust collector will be portable and on wheels. In the summer I can just roll out my tools to the driveway. Flex hose with a triple head for running more hose to more equipment if necessary. Cut offs for any hoses not being used.
I had looked at the Hepa filter add on but found these were not necessarily a good purchase. I suspect that my money would be better spent on containment systems catching the wood chips and dust and funnelling them into the 4” dust pipe with good CFM.
One guy on GJ showed a containment device either used on a Radial Arm or sliding saw. That would be great if I can find the manufacturer. A good sheet metal guy would be great to know.
By the way you have a nice setup. A nice clean space that is what I’m working toward.

Bill Pentz is the reason I didn't buy a dust collector. By his standard (it's been awhile since I studied this), there are very, very few dust collectors that qualify. And all of them are unGodly expensive.

Dust collection, the health hazards associated with it and the plethora of machines on the market just made my head spin after awhile. I worked unprotected for so many years that I decided starting to address it in my 60's probably isn't the way to go.

5

Lardy.
Maybe I don’t need any of the Pentz homework previously mentioned. I’m in my mid 60s and just getting around to it myself. But finally have the time and space to try it. Most of the time I would be outside doing woodworking not a great idea here in the winter. Years ago I could use the basement but I have slowly built these areas into a living area and had no space to do larger scale work when the winter settled in.

Stumpy nub has some good videos on that topic.

Acer
I will be checking out Stumpy as soon as I finish up this thread. Thanks.

I have the hf version. It gets the chips. All the bag versions seem about the same. For the size of my shop I should have a 5hp Oneida or Clearview cyclone.

Jar
We should see some pics of your shop. Oneida I’ve heard of but will have to check out Clearview. Guessing pretty pricey.

To answer your question on metal type. If you are likely to use it for any floor cleaning and likely to pick up stray nails and screws a steel impeller will lead to sparks. How much of a problem this is in real life is moot. There are stories of all types of incident on the net but if it was a serious issue I'm sure steel impellers would have been banned in small dust collectors.

Not sure what type of filter is on the machines you listed but you really want a pleated filter. My collector which is used with a planer / thicknesser and table saw has a bag filter which will allow the smallest dust particles through which are the most dangerous to health.

Steve.
You are likely right on the liability issues in regards to impellers. Steel impellers would be able to put up with knots flying better than even the die cast aluminium. I’ve read where some of the cheaper units have plastic impellers.
Are you talking a pleated filter in a can with the rotating arm that knocks the dust down. I was looking at a Hepa filter in a can with a rotating arm is this what you mean?

Yes on the pleated filters, the bags seem to do almost nothing against the fine dust.

I also scrapped my idea of using old metal hvac ducting after watching stumpy nub.[/QUOTE

Acer
So what are you going to use plastic flex pipe?

It really depends on what you are connecting, and how much you care about dust where you are working,

I have a planer, and it’s the main reason for the dust collector, a missed chip will mar the finish. I will connect it to the TS and Band saw when I use them, but it doesn’t grab the same percentage of volume. I really need a cyclone for the planer.

I have a Jet DC 1500, with bags top and bottom. When it kicks on, it tosses a bunch of dust in the air. Fortunately for me, I do all my volume work in the driveway, so I don’t care.

If I was working inside, I would want the best filters I could get.

Most of my fine work is with hand tools, so I don’t sweat the wood shavings from the planes, though a DC would keep them off the ceiling.

RTM
The dust is a concern, I’m not able to work outside year around. I have a 12” Hitachi Planner/Jointer. Are you saying the Jet can not keep up with the chips and the shavings are backing up?
Are you suggesting the Hepa filter. The machine I’m looking at does a standard 1 micron and the Hepa takes it to .5 micron. The cost to get the extra half micron is approx $500 extra and the appear to be on back order.

I installed my set up out of the shop area in a separate add on room so it is quieter in the shop area. Ran 4” tube to RAS and fittings for other saws and equipment.

Thought of this after my other post...maybe look into these too...nice for extra cleaning of airborne dust of the fine type.

Tarmy
I do have a power/utility room but it is getting pretty packed up. My other room would be simply being outside. Not a great idea in the winter. Thought I would keep the dc portable and then I can shove it where I need it. It likely will just be centred in the shop for ease of access and power connections.
I do like the ceiling mount filter. I’ve noticed them while looking for dust collectors but never really thought about it till you mentioned it. Thanks

Lot of variables to consider. Are you going to run ductwork or do you prefer a portable type machine that will only be connected to one machine at a time. CFM is important - primarily with a planer because if all the chips aren't removed, they can sometimes be pressed into the wood by the rollers. Do you even need filters? Some systems just vent to the outside - but then you need to consider if your heating or cooling your shop, you need to take the loss into consideration

Start with what machines you have and what the cfm requirement is for each machine. Here is an example:

Git
Portable at least for the time being. I can see at least 2 machines on it at a time. I generally have my table saw and Sliding unit being used simultaneously.
The worst offender I have on your list is a 12” planner. When I use this it pretty well is all I’m using at the time. If I had someone working with me I would make sure my bags are empty and watch my tool CFM consumption.
Appreciate the example for tool CFM consumption.
In the winter my heat is too precious to exhaust to the outdoors. So the filtration is necessary.

Thanks everyone know I will watch some of these Stumpy/Pentz videos.

 

[dogdog]

..........
Dogdog
HF doesn’t ship to Canada but that is a good price with coupon for a dc. Once you start adding up the extra costs and labour to improve the characteristics of the dc would you really be ahead?
I did look at Oneida and quickly found they were out of my league price wise. Wonder if they are part of the silverware people?
Thanks for the homework will check out this stumpy guy.

..............

They are not the silver ware people,,, Oneida is a county in Central NY.... also popular Indian tribe in that area.... not sure why the owner choose that but that name seems common there... They (the oneida air company) have a history with bill pentz law suit wise... I think they won.

as far as their product, it's pretty comparable to clear vue cyclone ...

I used the dust cyclone on 5 gallon bucket and a Ridgid vacuum and that worked fine for my needs... smaller stuff everything from dust collection to gutter clearing to outdoor drain cleaning... I am not a full time or part time wood worker at any mean, just like to tinker... so the HF 2HP DC is a no brainier for me as a hobbyist.... but if you are into wood working and don't wanted to be bother building stuff,,, then those Oneida or clear vue even grizzly, delta, Jet have their version... just define what your requirements are.. ...of cause $$ to $$$$$....

BTW this HF DC setup I bought from Craigslist is from a professional woodworker, some fancy artsy high end furniture designer .... all he did was upgrade the filter (extra $160), from the looks of it, the fitler was caked with dust since 2015 and he just wanted to get rid of it and get a new one instead of cleaning and hosing it off... so I say it would work fine for a small shop to home hobby usage.


aside from stumpy nub, this Canadian guy also builds the blower out of wood, if you are into those things.

 

[Monza Harry]

Miss the Pontiacs, Dust Deputy is sold in Canada by Busy Bee Tools, their product and their numbering system that they use/sell seem quite similar (at least to me) to the "American Grizzly" [the lathe model numbers in particular] Now that you brought up King , I can see that, now I will watch for similarities/differences with that brand. I have nothing more to add that hasn't been already stated other than the solids should never make it to the impeller, they should be separated long before hand. Harry, have a gander around their site, decent enough for most home operations, certainly not really industrial!
Main Site: https://www.busybeetools.com/
Air filtration: https://www.busybeetools.com/categories/Woodworking/Air-Cleaners/
Straight up Suction: https://www.busybeetools.com/categories/Dust-Collection/

 

[brianh]

I have a 1986 grizzly 4 bagger looks just like the one you have pictured, it runs almost every day made a ugly as hell separator with a garbage can in the box, as long as I check and the can does not overfill I can go weeks without emptying the bags.

I made blast gates they have rubber sandblasting mask on the suction side they seal perfectly when closed. Good sealing gates are important with multiple machines hooked up.

 

[jar944]

Jar
We should see some pics of your shop. Oneida I’ve heard of but will have to check out Clearview. Guessing pretty pricey.

You can just see the hf dc behind the saw. Its hooked up to one of the shapers. I don't even bother with the jointer (obviously)
View media item 108244

 

[SHAZZAM]

I have a 3hp shop fox. I added semi truck engine air filters I got for $8 each and a thien baffel. It works pretty good but takes up a lot of room.

I've been building a pentz cyclone very slowly to replace it. 5hp, 15.5 impeller. Huge metal cyclone.. all that fun stuff. In the end I wish I would have just picked up a Clearvue max and been done with it. While a decent amount of money, having it up and running already would have been really nice vs the time of building it.

I have also been working on building better hoods and such for my machines. That has been a biggest improvement i have seen overall regardless of the dust collection system I'm running.

 

[RTM]

No, no problem with the Jet keeping up with my Dewalt 733 planer. Naturally aspirated, chips will occasionally not clear, and mar the finished surface, as someone else mentioned. Never had a problem with the DC hooked up.

If I was working indoors, I would get the best filters I can afford. As others have mentioned, the other tools, LIke TS and BS and power miter saws, don’t pick up great. Add in the escapees from the DC, and the entire space is duct covered pretty quick.

 

[Toolfool]

Any cheap system will collect chips. It's the fine dust that can destroy your lungs.
Read : http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/

 

[username2]

Set aside a few hours of time: http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/

Wow, thanks for the website. I was considering putting together a wood shop and this pretty much cured any interests I have in that direction.

If I ever felt a really strong urge for one, I think I'd build an open-air shop, maybe something with roll-up doors on each side, and stick a big *** box fan on one side. I can see the sense of an indoor area for assembly.

I realize that people live in North Dakota or Mississippi probably need more temp control than we would here, but that dust problem looks pretty intractable without a serious solution from the get-go.

 

[foghorn1966]

Pontiacs,
Have a look at the Magnum models at KMS, About same build quality as Craftex & slightly better than King.
I bought one of these a while back seems to work good enough for me.
https://www.kmstools.com/magnum-industrial-1-hp-dust-collector-with-canister-118841

 

[MillerMav]

I have a HF 2hp unit with a homemade Thein baffle to create a 2 stage system. The exhaust is actually plumbed through 6” metal duct straight out of my basement window so no filter which allows for a higher flow rate. I have it plumbed throughout the shop with 5” duct, blast gates and minimal flex hose. It works well for all chip/big dust creation. For sanding and what not I use a separate HEPA filter extractor. Last I have an air scrubber in the ceiling. All that combined was fairly inexpensive and keeps me 95% dust free no problem.

 

[dogdog]

dam your neighbor must have hated you with that setup.

 

[Hack Fabrication]

Hack
Thanks for adding to my homework with Mr.Pentz.
My dust collector will be portable and on wheels. In the summer I can just roll out my tools to the driveway. Flex hose with a triple head for running more hose to more equipment if necessary. Cut offs for any hoses not being used.
I had looked at the Hepa filter add on but found these were not necessarily a good purchase. I suspect that my money would be better spent on containment systems catching the wood chips and dust and funnelling them into the 4” dust pipe with good CFM.
One guy on GJ showed a containment device either used on a Radial Arm or sliding saw. That would be great if I can find the manufacturer. A good sheet metal guy would be great to know.
By the way you have a nice setup. A nice clean space that is what I’m working toward.

Thanks! I do all my woodworking in the basement. So I need to keep the area as clean as possible. I also have one of these:

Mine is a PowerTec, which is no longer mfg'd, but is similar to the Jet, Wen, and a few others. They probably were all made at the same factory overseas.

I upgraded the outer filter to a Merv 8, and it does a great job of catching a lot of fine dust floating around. I'm considering getting another one, to enhance the flow of air, around the shop.

Here's a link to a thread I started concerning my HF dust collector mods:
https://www.lumberjocks.com/topics/303647

You will lose some CFM's by adding a second stage, whether a cyclone or baffle. Which is why you would want to start out with a bigger impeller/motor combo. I lost a little performance by not mounting the impeller directly (shorter connection) to the top of the cyclone. But, at the time, I didn't want to totally re-engineer the HF base/mounts. And overall height of the machine would have been un-acceptable. Mine works good as is, but could have been a bit better. The cyclone separates almost 100% of the dust, as my lower bag has almost nothing in it. And that's after many hours of use.

Since I only run one machine at a time, and a lot of time I need to move machines around due to limited space, I installed piping with drops. I can still move the dust collector around, but don't unless I need to clean around the area.

I have my dust collector on its own 20 amp circuit. It draws a lot of current (62 amps) on initial startup, but settles down to around 12.5 amps when running. I checked this all out with a 'breakout wire' and Klein meter:

If reading Pentz hasn't made your mind swirl enough, do some research on circuit breakers and trip curves....

My Super Dust Deputy has a 6" fitting on the impeller side and a 5" on the inlet. I reduced the 5" to a 4" to connect to my piping. I lost some performance by piping with 4" PVC. I used the drain/waste/vent (DWV) piping which is lighter/thinner (and cheaper). 5" would have been the preferred, but isn't available in DWV. Only in steel. And I don't believe I have enough impeller to support 6" DWV. Either way, you'll most likely need to reduce size at the various machines. Flex hose is notoriously bad on system performance, so you want to use the minimum amount necessary to connect to machinery. I found Menards to be a good source for all the pipe/fittings. Most of the gates, flex hose, and other fittings were Amazon purchases. To date, I have had zero issues with static build up on the PVC. But I don't want to get into that topic, as there are a lot of differing opinions on this.

As far as air flow, I'm under what was posted as recommend for each machine, but I find it adequate. And again, most machines are not designed with dust collection as a priority. Like I posted, a miter saw, bandsaw, and radial arm saw will puke dust everywhere. You can make some enclosures, that will contain a great amount of it. I've done this on my miter box and radial arm saw:

Both could use a bit more tweaking. But for now they contain and direct a large percentage of the sawdust into the collection system.

I would not recommend connecting multiple hoses in your case. You will find them a real PITA to deal with, as they will be dragging (or laying) around the floor most of the time. A real trip hazard. Since you want portability, I'd probably just settle for a single 6-10 foot length of 4" flex hose. Most machinery is setup for a 4" dust port. Some have 2.5". A lot have ******* sizes you will need to adapt to. Go with some sort of quick connect/disconnect setup on each machine. You'll find that the commercially available dust gates are rather flimsy.

 

[username2]

I really dig that enclosure system for the miter saw, I think I'll steal that idea as that same saw is my only example of a woodworking power tool.

It seems to me that you are most of the way there if you simply have negative air pressure in the enclosure, no huge CFM needed.

I was checking out the guy on youtube who built the cyclone thingie out of PVC and Home Depot buckets as an upstream prefilter for his shop vac. Cool idea, but I wonder if anyone has designed a cheap downstream shop vac outlet filter to catch all the tiny stuff. That would be generally useful I think, not just for wood people. My own situation is a great big tandem garage with any shop stuff being done at the far end away from the roll up doors, probably 60+ feet. Keeping the fine dust down even for simple bench cleaning would be a good thing(tm).

The Pentz articles were good, but the main thing that occurred to me is that not only do people (generally) have little idea of the health issues but they've got no clue how dirty their air really is. Even with a batch of hoses 'n filters, without some kind of instrumentation, everyone is just guessing as to how well their setup works.

 

[Hack Fabrication]

I really dig that enclosure system for the miter saw, I think I'll steal that idea as that same saw is my only example of a woodworking power tool.

Steal away... I designed it so if I ever decided to get a sliding miter saw (Dewalt), it would work. It contains most of the flying sawdust. What little escapes is easily cleaned up with a broom or shop vac.

It seems to me that you are most of the way there if you simply have negative air pressure in the enclosure, no huge CFM needed.

You NEED massive amounts of air flow (CFM). This will keep the junk suspended and moving. Shop vacs, and regular vacuums, are not designed for this. They produce a lot of suction, which is great for cleaning carpets, floors, and lying dust. Not so great for collection airborne dust.

I was checking out the guy on youtube who built the cyclone thingie out of PVC and Home Depot buckets as an upstream prefilter for his shop vac. Cool idea, but I wonder if anyone has designed a cheap downstream shop vac outlet filter to catch all the tiny stuff. That would be generally useful I think, not just for wood people.

You really don't want to restrict the exhaust on a shop vac. It will decrease performance. And adding any sort of pre-separator is going to decrease performance to begin with. When I added a Dust Deputy to my Sears shop vac, I noticed the decrease in suction right away. The trade off is I don't have to service the filter frequently.

The Pentz articles were good, but the main thing that occurred to me is that not only do people (generally) have little idea of the health issues but they've got no clue how dirty their air really is. Even with a batch of hoses 'n filters, without some kind of instrumentation, everyone is just guessing as to how well their setup works.

True. Air is dirty. It really is. Dust free? Maybe in the ultimate high tech factories. Interior carpeting, open windows, etc., all add to it. Toss in animals (I have a cat - he's a notorious dust (kitty litter) and dander producer), and things get even worse.

In the end, it's really a question for yourself: What minimum amount of dust collection will you find acceptable. For me, if I can collect 90%+ of the overall dust (from running my woodworking machines), that's huge.

 

[username2]

You NEED massive amounts of air flow (CFM). This will keep the junk suspended and moving. Shop vacs, and regular vacuums, are not designed for this. They produce a lot of suction, which is great for cleaning carpets, floors, and lying dust. Not so great for collection airborne dust.

If the prime directive here is keeping particles in suspension, I would think the main point is to keep air flow up *within* the enclosure, not the exhaust CFM. No doubt semiconductor cleanrooms have to worry about eddies and various dead spots, but a box around a tool seems like a more definable problem. I need to think on it.

This whole matter has me thinking about air filtration for garages rather than wood shops. What is the sizing and general value of carbon filters (for instance) when around the outgassing from vehicles, solvents, etc.

I expect that it's hard to avoid coming up with a system that simply dumps contaminated air to the outdoors...no need for filtration except for perhaps catching the big chunks upstream from the air pump (ala whole house furnaces). Just from sheer curiosity, I need to look into how a paint booth or a really clean abrasives cabinet is designed.

 

[RTM]

Guy who just came out of a Class 100 clean room here. Yeah, no relation to a woodshop, a clean laboratory, a surgical suite, an office or a house. And much more expensive to build and maintain than any of them. Some hitech spaces like hard drive mfg etc are lower particle counts than mine, but they aren't aseptic by design.

I use an older version of this to count particles in my work space. In my next cleanest lab, it goes nuts high.

http://climet.com/products/cix70_series.html

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Dogdog
When doing my homework, I did see where Pentz mentioned lost of advertising fees and indirectly lawyer fees. Probably was litigated into the ground where he had to say Uncle. Either that or lose everything or go even further into financial ruin. Big corporate $s kind of like David and Goliath.
I looked at Clearvue but way out of my price range. I am also leaning toward the 2HP DC. Sounds like you lucked out on your Craigslist purchase.
I also managed to check out Stumpy, his build sure showed he like to work with his chosen medium wood.

Monza
Found the Dust Deputy. Kind of funny as this is where I found the info on the Craftex dc. Just went straight to the dc tab. Probably wouldn’t have even known how the cyclones even tied in at the time. That is why I find GJ invaluable. None of my buddies are into dust collectors, so the only ones I’ve seen are commercial enterprises. Thanks

Brian.
I don’t know if I will go with the 2 stack. But I’m thinking of a separator as I like the idea of keeping the filters easier to maintain. Do you feel you lost any appreciable amount of CFM? I like your gates probably will try to duplicate, hope you are good with that.

Jar
Now that looks like a real working shop.
I’d put a marker on the ceiling showing where your jointer is located you sure as hell don’t want to loose it. Appears you have a separate room for assembling and gluing. Are you a bonafide cabinet maker earning a living from your trade?

Shazam
We don’t have access to the Fox brand but I did do a little reading up on them. I will probably look into semi filters as well but first have to get the basic unit and then take it from there.
Agree totally that containment straight off the tool is a great aid to dust control.

RTM
Good to know. I thought the dust collector was backing up the chips. Filters important. Gotcha. Thanks

Miller
Can’t vent through a window. Could crack the garage door and fill in the void with some 4” styrofoam I just happen to have. In the summer I just move outside and let nature take care of any residue of chips left after a quick sweep. Depending on the chip I use for compost. The 6” must be nice for additional air movement.

Foghorn
Thanks did happen to look at the Magnum at KMS. Since we don’t have a local KMS yet in our area!! We did have a BusyBee but they packed up and pulled back into Alberta.

Toolfool
You are totally right I want the dust out of the equation the chips I can sweep up. Chips on the floor actually prove to my wife that I’m actually doing something in the garage.

Hack.
You keep a nice clean area. Thumbs up I enjoyed my building in the basement as well. But when the kids came along I developed probably 90% of the area. What remained is a crowded work bench and mega filled storage area. But it isn’t like the back yard where you take out the kids area and put in a garage. The wife would kill me.
But I may borrow some of your build savvy hope you don’t mind.. The containment device on your sliding saw is exceptional. Hope you don’t have a patent on these.
Almost forgot I have a couple of squirrel cages. Wonder if I could just mount them and get with a couple of filters.
I see that you previously gave permission to borrow your ideas. Thanks.

Thumbs up guys appreciate the info.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Here is something to chew on.
One fellow I’ve chatted with says the canister pleated filters are not the answer. He says they were designed to bring air from the outside to the inside similar to your car air filter. Not designed to do the opposite. He also said the canister with the internal paddle/scraper just slowly wear out your edge of your pleat eventually blowing dust around your shop.
What he did say was containment systems similar to Hack’s bench saw was a better way to cut down on wayward dust. JHisHO

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Filter e/w paddles
Can’t add pic will try later.

 

[Hack Fabrication]

Hack.
You keep a nice clean area. Thumbs up I enjoyed my building in the basement as well. But when the kids came along I developed probably 90% of the area. What remained is a crowded work bench and mega filled storage area.
But I may borrow some of your build savvy hope you don’t mind.. The containment device on your sliding saw is exceptional. Hope you don’t have a patent on these.
Almost forgot I have a couple of squirrel cages. Wonder if I could just mount them and get with a couple of filters.
I see that you previously gave permission to borrow your ideas. Thanks.

Thumbs up guys appreciate the info.

Thanks! I've become a bit **** about keeping the basement shop area clean/organized. Too many times I've encountered the dreaded workbench cluttered with tools/debris from previous projects. It might be an 'old guy' thing (I'm 70), but I've been training myself to put stuff back in the proper place when I'm done. Even if that means another trip to the tool box. I hate setting things down, then forgetting where I laid them. I know that item is laughing at me, while I madly search for it...

There are quite a few videos in regards to squirrel cage filtration builds. Even more on box fan filter builds. I don't have the floor space for some of the more elaborate ones, but they do look interesting. I find that the PowerTec air filtration system does a decent job. I like the remote feature, and the timer feature. I will generally let the unit run for 1 hour after I'm done in the shop. Like I posted, I might eventually add a second one to keep the air flowing around the basement. Most likely it will be a Wen or Jet, as PowerTec doesn't offer them any longer.

Yes, for my attack on dust, the first prong was containment. Then removal. Keeping the flying dust contained is important. Extracting it is a close second. Of all the power tools I have, I found the table saw the easiest to tame. And it's not a fancy cabinet saw, just an old Craftsman 10" Flex-Drive.

I still need to sweep and vacuum, but not as much sawdust as there was before I started my war.

 

[Hack Fabrication]

Here is something to chew on.
One fellow I’ve chatted with says the canister pleated filters are not the answer. He says they were designed to bring air from the outside to the inside similar to your car air filter. Not designed to do the opposite. He also said the canister with the internal paddle/scraper just slowly wear out your edge of your pleat eventually blowing dust around your shop.
What he did say was containment systems similar to Hack’s bench saw was a better way to cut down on wayward dust. JHisHO

The Wynn filter I put on my HF collector is a huge improvement over the bag. Which is commonly referred to as a dust distribution device, not a filter...

With a cyclone or baffle, almost all the fine dust is collected in the barrel. I haven't seen any visible dust in the plastic bag under the filter. A 1 micron filter will catch a lot of that pesky fine dust that escapes the cyclone. A little compressed air applied to the outside of the Wynn filter will dislodge whatever might have been trapped. And I still haven't needed to do that after two years of use.

As I posted, I still need to do some tweaking on both the miter saw and the radial arm saw dust systems. But both work very good right now. I just think with a few additional mods, they will work better.

 

[Notgrownup]

I started cheap for now...I plan on doing something bigger in a adjacent room later on but for now this little portable unit works fine , it was $100 from Dust deputy and scrap wood for the space saver rack...