After market dust collector bags??????
loucarabasi
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I Have a 3horse delta dust collector. My ? is do those after mark dust bags really help. Can anyone educate me on them.
Thanks, Lou
Replies
The bags work very well at pumping fine dust all over the shop. Sorry, probably not the answer you wanted to hear.
Todd
I have a 10gal shopvac and I buy the "drywall" type dust bags from LOwes. Cost is reasonable and I get absolutely no emissions into the air.
I use it constatntly and like the filterbags. Never liked using just the filter alone. Lots of dust.
Lou,
Look up American Fabric Filter through Google. These folks specialize in shaker felt aftermarket bags. There are other sources for bags but these folks will construct a bag specific to your needs from a size perspective. I purchased a 34" diameter by 43"H upper bag for my Grizzly 1029 five years ago for about $75 and it has worked very well at eliminating the fine dust. I would have gone with an even bigger bag but was restricted by the ceiling height in my basement shop. Additionally I purchased poly bags from them for the lower collection bag.
While waiting for this "custom" bag I used the stock bags and the unit was in fact a dust pump, depositing "fines" on every surface of the shop.
Lou,
Those bags don't work. Check out http://www.wynnenv.com/cartridge_filters.htm. They make a line of pleated paper or spun polyester cartridge filters that adapt directly to your dc, and replace the bottom bag with a 10 mil plastic bag. Totally air-tight refit, and it's 99.5% effective down to .05 micron. Also, it increases the efficiency of your dc markedly because of enhanced air flow. They run between $95 and $130. I have one and it works perfectly. Only have one lung, so I HAVE to be careful. For all the info on dust collection you could ever want go to http://www.billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/index.cfm. Hope this helps.
Steve
There are two secrets to keeping one's wife happy.
1. Let her think she's having her own way.
2. Let her have her own way. President Lyndon Baines Johnson
Edited 2/13/2007 5:15 pm ET by fussy
Fussy,
Tell me how your really feel. Aftermarket cartridge filters were not as prevalent when I was setting up my system years ago. They are a viable (potentially more expensive) option today,however, with some DC units I've read where blow back (or up) into the filter from the intake can be problematic. I've read where a neutral vane can minimize this but have no personal experience.
Regards,
Scott
Scott,
As I understand it, a neutral vane is used in a cyclone separator to smooth and direct the flow of air as it enters the cyclone. This keeps the air from slamming into the wall of the separator and creating turbulence that impedes the flow and defeats the purpose. In a common dc, the filter media is bags that either a. blow dust all over the place because anything over 20 microns escapes, or b. they filter well, but plug up and efficiency dies. The cartridge filter I use and that I referenced is 99.5% efficient down to .05 micron, is easily cleanable with compressed air, and because the collector bag is replaced with a 10 mil poly bag, emptying is easy, and practically no dust escapes into the shop. Because of the tremendous increase in filter area, air flow is vastly increased.
Of the two filters offered, the paper filter is more efficient with larger filter area and somewhat finer filtering ability, while the spun poly filter is forever. The paper filter doesn't like to be wet--not a problem as I don't intend to suck up water--and only tolerates 35 psi when you clean. The other is more robust, can be hosed out, but is a little less efficient. Both are really effective, the conversion was easy, and the price is in line with upgrade bags. Plus I don't have to put them in the washer. As far as blow-back into the filter, I haven't had a problem. If it does, simply ling the inside of the filter with large grid screen wire can help there. As I said, no prob so far.
As to how I really feel, I was upset to see how much dust was getting into my shop and my lungs with the bags. Now, the situation is under control and I'm much happier. I only have one lung that works, so I have to take care of it. I just rediscovered woodworking, so quitting is not an option.
Later, I plan to convert to a cyclone, and this filter, and maybe a couple others will be consigned to the outflow from that. They are definitely worth looking. Try the two web sites I mentioned. Lots of info there.There are two secrets to keeping one's wife happy.
1. Let her think she's having her own way.
2. Let her have her own way. President Lyndon Baines Johnson
Lou, Cadiddlehopper again.
I bought a used 3-hp dust collector equipped with bags like grbwood's. The original bags were also furnished. There is a world of difference in the amount of dust getting through. I tried the originals because I feared that the fine felt was restricting air flow. That does not appear to be the case. The originals let a thick cloud through, however. Paper filter media may be even better.
Isn't dust collection an awful mess? I think I hate it more than finishing.
For whatever that information is worth.
Cadiddlehopper
Edited 2/13/2007 6:02 pm ET by cadiddlehopper
Late post. Sorry. My 3 hp Delta cyclone is in a separate room. Mounted in the door between the dust collector room and my shop is a 20x25 disposable A/C filter. The fine dust bag is fitted over a 55 gal drum (as is the main cyclone). When I empty the fine dust can, I DO NOT shake the suspended bag any more than absolutely necessary.
The door filter stay almost clean meaning very little dust reenters the room.
They secret (?) I was told about the fine dust bag is it gets better with use. As it gets more clogged, the better it works. So far, no problems.
A bad day woodworking is better than a good day working -- yes, I'm retired!
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled