I’ve been happy with the Oneida Air Systems 1 1/2-hp cyclone dust collector I bought several years ago, except when it comes time to clean the standard internal-cartridge air filter. That task requires the cyclone to be partially dismantled and the air filter taken outside to be blasted with compressed air, a messy and time-consuming chore.

Oneida has solved that issue with a new, exposed filter. I tried the new setup, retrofitting the external components to my older-style system. The new filter is larger than the old one, so you probably can go longer between cleanings. But what’s really great is that cleanup involves simply blowing compressed air across the exterior of the now-exposed cartridge, without the need for disassembly. Once the dust inside the cartridge settles, it is removed via a detachable dustpan.

The retrofit kit, which attaches to the exhaust port of the collector, has a side benefit in that it reduces the noise level. For 1 1/2-hp dust collectors, the kit costs $234 elbow and square-to-round connector are extra. (If you buy a new collector and choose this option, the cost is slightly less.)

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander

With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.

Buy at Amazon

Ridgid R4331 Planer

Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.

Buy at Amazon

Grizzly G0495X Industrial Helical Cutterhead 8-in. Jointer

Regardless of the board’s grain, this jointer produced excellent results. Its fence was totally flat, worked smoothly, and locked well, staying in place even after jointing multiple edges. Getting the fence to 90° was very easy, but the 90° stop was a little tricky to set and the fence did not go back to square when using it. For those who would use it, there is also a digital depth-of-cut scale.

Buy at Amazon