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.
While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test. Bag changes were very easy too, thanks to a lip on the lower edge of the
canister, which holds the bag in place while you operate the clamp. The Rockler 650 also hangs very solidly on its bracket, which helps when you turn the filter-cleaning crank.
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.
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, but it created less tearout than all but one of the other machines (the DeWalt 734 was its equal). Knife changes were quick and easy with the provided T-handle wrench. Dust collection was good, assisted by an internal fan. The 2-1/2-in.-dia. port on the outfeed side of the machine is directed to the side, so the hose is out of the way. The planer’s top is flat and provides a good surface for holding stock between passes.
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.
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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