Dustin, for economy it is hard to beat using a shop vac with a collection bag and the small filter bag over the filter along with a separator. This is what I use on my table saw.
You can also filter fines out of the air by building this simple filter with a box fan.
Thanks for the suggestions. I plan on using some form of separator. I figure I might just vent the discharge of the collector through the wall of the shop to help keep the air clean.
I like the idea of that air filter too! That's going on the list
I think I paid $149 for my HF DC. I added a separator upstream of the blower, and a filter for the DC itself. It has worked pretty well for me collecting the dust and chips from the planer, jointer, and drum sander. I also use a shop vac and a Dust Deputy on the other side of the shop for the miter saw, bench top belt sander and ROS, and I hook it up to the router table.
The dust collector is a good value when you catch it on sale and apply the 20% HF discount (coupon in every Wood magazine).
I don't have one but I have heard a lot of good reports on the Harbor Freight dust collectors. It even gets better if you have a 20% off coupon. You can get them off the net. Also they are very good about taking things back if you save your receipt.
I too debated between the two and decided to go with the Rockler and I couldn't be happier. I have a small shop so space and noise was a concern. The unit is compact and hangs on the wall and the noise level is very low, quitter then the machines that it is hooked up to. I use it for my table saw, planer and drum sander and it has all the power I need I'm very pleased.
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