I’m about to outfit my 1 stall garage/shop with a DC. I’m planning on using a mobile system that probably won’t be more than an 8 ft run (flex tube) from the table saw, jointer (13 in), or planer (6 in).
My budget is $200 to $300, so I’m looking at 1 to 1.5 hp units that range from 650 cfm to 1150 cfm. Several FWW articles mention that the basic power tools only need between 300-450 cfm for good dust collection. I’d rather go with a 1 hp unit (Steel City, 700 cfm), since it’s smaller and cheaper. I probably plan on using a garbage can setup to filter out the big chunks.
So, is 700 cfm enough for such modest requirements?
Thanks,
Mike
Replies
Mike
Keep in mind that an 1150 cfm dust collector will probably only be 450 cfm by the time it's attached to 10ft of 4" hose. With that in mind, many feel that a 1.5hp DC is really the minimum.
One way to economize is to check craigslist for Jet or Delta 1.5hp units. Lots of folks are upgrading to cyclones and letting their old dust collectors go cheap.
Mike,
Goto Bill Pentz website and use his calculator.
http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/staticcalcfaqs.cfm
There is a separate link for the actual calculator at the top of the page.
Read all of the text and see what you come up with.
One thing you will not know going in is how does the manufacturer rate the machine.
Don
radio,
I suspect you'll be frustrated in the long run with anything less than a 1 1/2hp unit. The additional power is necessary to accommodate modifications you'll want to make to the system as you go forward such as table top dust collection on the TS.
Your budget is about half of what you need for new. However, Steel City does have a sale on now but I'd only consider it if I could upgrade to the steel cage on top in the near future. I my opinion, the steel cage is necessary to the quality of air in the shop and maintaining the efficiency of the system. good luck
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