Delta has added a new player to its dust-collection roster. It gets you plenty of power in a lightweight, compact, easy-to-roll-around package. It also has a 1-micron bag, better than the 5-micron or 30-micron bags found on many other collectors.
Model 50-720 features a 1-hp, 10.8-amp induction motor that, according to Delta, moves air at the rate of 650 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at the collector port. This places the machine between a shop vacuum and the standard 1-1/2 hp collectors reviewed in FWW #183. This model’s capacity is enough to move dust and chips into the collector as long as you keep the hose length to under about 10 ft. (it comes with a 5-ft. hose) and connect the dust collector to only one dust-producing machine at a time. I hooked it up to a 13-in. planer, and it collected over 95% of the chips.
The big motor on this collector left the chamber under my jointer very clean. You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you. Strangely, this huge unit comes with the smallest plastic chip bag, but you can replace that with a taller one from Rockler.
The DeWalt 735X produced two faces perfectly parallel to one another, with surfaces far superior to what the other machines produced, thanks to its two feed speeds. At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy, with spacious access to the cutterhead from the top and a gib screw wrench that doubles as a magnetic lift to remove the knives. The 735X also has great dust collection, thanks to an internal blower that helps evacuate chips. The port has a 2-1/2-in.-dia. opening, but has a built-in adapter for 4-in.-dia. hoses. My only complaint is the location of the dust port. It’s on the outfeed side of the machine, and exits straight back. If you don’t pull the hose to the side, it interferes with material as it leaves the machine. The top is large and flat, so it’s a great place to set material in between passes through the machine.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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