How Did YOU Choose A Dust Collector For Your Shop?
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Budget and space were the two biggest factors. I usually choose on quality and frequently go with name brand but with limited space and really only needing to run a DC on one machine at a time I just couldn't justify a $2,000 Oneida or Laguna or Clear Vue or whatever. I've read so many times that the 2HP Harbor Freight is one of the few hidden nuggets they offer so I bought that. It has been more than adequate. The standard 5 micron bag is horrible, though, so I changed it out for a Wynn 0.5 micron filter and it is far better.
I keep one hose and line dedicated to the CNC and one 20' hose to move to the table saw, jointer, large bandsaw, drum sander, and planer. Even if I had budget and space for a larger unit I don't know that I would gain anything. There is virtually no airborne dust in the shop because I'm catching it at the source.
David
I keep one hose and line dedicated to the CNC and one 20' hose to move to the table saw, jointer, large bandsaw, drum sander, and planer. Even if I had budget and space for a larger unit I don't know that I would gain anything. There is virtually no airborne dust in the shop because I'm catching it at the source.
David
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3,456 Posts
Not "why" Theo - "how"?
I chose mine based on price and need. Picked up a barely used Delta (for $150) because I only run one machine at a time. I've got a Ridgid vac that I hook up to smaller machines.
Original shop was restricted to size, so shop vacs and small ambient cleaner.
Current shop was able to have a bigger collector, but price was limiting.
As funds became available and I hated moving the hose from tool to tool, I dedicated shop vacs to smaller tools around the shop.
Now I am back to the dust collector for most tools because it lives outside and is much quieter.
I am almost afraid to move, I will have to start all over again.
Current shop was able to have a bigger collector, but price was limiting.
As funds became available and I hated moving the hose from tool to tool, I dedicated shop vacs to smaller tools around the shop.
Now I am back to the dust collector for most tools because it lives outside and is much quieter.
I am almost afraid to move, I will have to start all over again.
I didn't choose a DC ,I saw an ad on another forum for a 2 HP unit going cheap & bought it. When this stupid hot weather disappears I will install a 4 inch pipe along the wall behind the most dusty machines & connect a length of hose to each. I don't like the top bag which is supposed to catch all the really fine dust & would appreciate an alternative recommendation,please. Jamesjj
I got the Wynn filter, James, and it's much, much better than the bag. You do have to clean it often but that's accomplished by blowing air from the outside and only takes a few minutes. I also spent the extra $20 to get the one with the removable cap. They intended that to be for stacking units but I picked it so that I can take the cap off to clean it better from time to time and don't have to remove the filter completely. Wynn woodworking filters
David
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966 Posts
I made a common mistake by buying the least expensive I could find at the time. I bought a 1HP King DC and it has served me well for several years (10+) but at 1HP it is not powerful enough to use a run of piping with blast gates, so I switch it from machine to machine and live with my mistake. I did set up a round Rubbermaid garbage can with a sealed lid and a 4'' elbow that serves well as a type of cyclone and it works. If I lived in the USA, I would buy a 2HP Harbour Freight in a flash.
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966 Posts
Dave,
I looked at the link and those prices are so high ! I know our health is important but is there something more affordable ?
Dan
I looked at the link and those prices are so high ! I know our health is important but is there something more affordable ?
Dan
I didn't check for more affordable, Dan, I just wanted better filtration. Yes, the filter cost more than the DC by about $40 - LOL! But, the air is clean in the shop, there's no dust on anything, and I don't even think about it now. I just turn it on and it works. If I ever replace the HF unit I'll keep the filter for the next DC.
David
David
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211 Posts
I opted for excellent filtration. It was a significant quality of life improvement, and I heartily recommend the Oneida V3000. Here's the story.
I bought the smaller Delta (maybe 1 HP?) many years ago, recently upgraded with the Wynn filter and a home-made separator (using Rockler fittings) - don't think that HF was around 30 years ago, but bought the DC as part of the saw, fence, mobile base and DC package from a local supply house. It sits kind of in the middle of the shop and I move the hose from machine to machine as needed - I have the old Rockler QD fittings on the TS and router table, sure wish they still made them as the new ones don't fit nearly as well. Only need a short hose when it's hooked up to the saw, have a longer hose when I need to stretch over to the router table or miter saw - I get aggravated with the sloppy fit on the new Rockler fittings, and have considered taking them off and just using a hose clamp.
I have a "vintage" shop vac with Rockler separator that I use for the smaller machines and hand-held tools - it's old and tired and I've replaced it with a Festool/Dust deputy which I haven't managed to get out of the box yet.
I have a "vintage" shop vac with Rockler separator that I use for the smaller machines and hand-held tools - it's old and tired and I've replaced it with a Festool/Dust deputy which I haven't managed to get out of the box yet.
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4,370 Posts
Started with an old Sears shop vac that obviously didn't cut it. Added a Delta DC system followed by ceiling mounted JET filter and have updated the Delta with the Wynn NANO. As David and others have noted, the addition of the Wynn was a major factor in cleaning the air. The JET has its merits but wasn't quite effective enough.
This has been a progressive upgrade path with the NANO being added just this year along with a new Ridgid shop vac with a HEPA filter for smaller tools.
I can definitely tell the difference as can the occasional visitor.
This has been a progressive upgrade path with the NANO being added just this year along with a new Ridgid shop vac with a HEPA filter for smaller tools.
I can definitely tell the difference as can the occasional visitor.
What I'm doing is working, easy to tell due to the lack of dust on everything, but not long ago some of our neighbors came over to see the shop. When they walked in she said, "It's so clean!" I've had people ask if I actually cut wood in the shop because they don't see much evidence except that there are projects in the works. I like hearing those comments.
David
David
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32 Posts
I went with the Delta 50-760 for my basement turning area and it has worked out well.
I recently got the 2 hp HF with the intention of having fun with some of the many mods that are popular with it. I added the Wynn filter (at the very least replace the bag with the Powertec one, $30) and converted it to a 2 stage system by adding the Super Dust Deputy, although I considered making a Thien baffle. I still need to connect everything up and add a removeable base under the trash can to bring it up to the SDD. I initially planned to make a longer base and incorporate the support rods that came with the HF to support the Wynn filter but ended up making a bracket to support it, so I will remove the rods. Should make it a little easier to get the plastic bag on and off. I may eventually replace the impeller with the larger Rikon. Need to clean the shop before I can do much more.
I recently got the 2 hp HF with the intention of having fun with some of the many mods that are popular with it. I added the Wynn filter (at the very least replace the bag with the Powertec one, $30) and converted it to a 2 stage system by adding the Super Dust Deputy, although I considered making a Thien baffle. I still need to connect everything up and add a removeable base under the trash can to bring it up to the SDD. I initially planned to make a longer base and incorporate the support rods that came with the HF to support the Wynn filter but ended up making a bracket to support it, so I will remove the rods. Should make it a little easier to get the plastic bag on and off. I may eventually replace the impeller with the larger Rikon. Need to clean the shop before I can do much more.
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