I have a Delta tablesaw – one of the relatively new ones – can’t recall what they call them – closed base to the floor etc but not the big unisaw thing – hope you understand what I mean. Has the hookup for the dust collector at the back at the bottom. Have my collector connected with 4 inch flexible hose. Opened it tonight to have a look and discovered quite a bit of sawdust in there. I assume that means I just don’t have a big enough dust collector. My unit is a small one – 1Hp only. Was working fairly well but I upgraded the bag to 1 micron in an effort to protect my poor old lungs and now it does not seem to be doing the job. Looked online at some bigger ones. How much bigger do I need to go? Don’t have a lot of space for it and really don’t want to spend $1k either. What is your experience telling you??
Randy
Replies
Randy,
I had a 1 hp Ridgid (not made anymore) last year and noticed a lot of dust leaking from the bag. If you have upgraded the bag, it is possible that the fine dust separated from the chips has coated the inside of the bag liner and reduced the airflow through the unit. You've improved the dust filtration but at the expense of airflow.
I didn't upgrade my bag but decided to sell the 1hp and get a 1.5hp (reference Michael Standish's article on dust collectors in FWW last year (january-february 2006?). I bought a Jet DC-1100 (1.5 hp) with 6" diameter hose (purchased separately) from Amazon and outfitted it with a Wynn filter as mentioned in Michael's article (see attached photos). It works great and has definitely improved fine dust collection on my jointer and table saw. One thing to note - I have a short 6" hose with a 4" plastic quick attach from Rockler, and I roll it to each individual tool that I am using - there is not enough airflow to operate 2 machines at a time. I believe you will need a cyclone for multi-runs to tools. Let me know if you decide to try one of the filter units and I'll let you know how I fit the cannister.
Good Luck,
Brian
Some brands and models are better than others at releasing sawdust. You could read reviews, and see what the word is on your particular hybrid. If the saw's reputation is poor, you might be able to modify the collection space (to minimize corners, etc.) with something as simple as cardboard to test for better efficiency.
Most likely, you have properly diagnosed the cause yourself. I suggest your looking at a 1.5hp DC with wireless remote. Don't buy until you can afford the canister type upper compartment (knowing that you will still want to occasionally remove and tap it "clean").
If you are looking for a place to start your reseach, you could try Jet.
jc
Edited 2/13/2007 12:44 am ET by InMyOpinion
I have the same problem with a 3-hp collector. You just can't get air to flow everywhere you need for it to flow no matter how big the collector. A guiding structure, as someone else suggested, will help, but not 100%. Why not just leave the dust lying there? Until varmints take up residence in it there is probably no harm done.
Cadiddlehopper
I really don't care if there is a bit of sawdust in the base of the saw. I was just concerned that the motor is in there and needs cleaner air or it will get clogged up. I suppose the dust collector gets the finer stuff which is most likely the problem anyway. The heavier stuff just falls to the bottom and lays there until I sweep it out.
However, having said that, I also think my existing dust collector is marginal and I should be looking for a bigger unit in any event. Was thinking I might try one of these
http://www.canadianwoodworker.com/pop1.cfm?id=38
Randy
Edited 2/13/2007 9:45 pm ET by oldsub86
Oldsub,
Your bag is clogged. As the other guys said, those felt bags filter better as they clog, but air flow dies. If you're looking for a bigger dc and money is an issue, look at harbor freight. http://www.harborfreight.com for the 45378 2 hp, 120v., dc. Especially if you're going to roll it from tool to tool as I do. It comes with an adapter, use a short 4" hose, will accommodate most any tool you have. They're on sale now at $169.00. I have one and it works fine. Replaced the bags with a cartridge filter conversion from Wynn environmental (http://www.wynnenv.com/cartridge_filters.htm) for $91 and it works fine. Air flow is increased dramatically and this combo filters down to .05 micron at about 99.5% efficiency.
Roll out the hate male, but as the late Senator Ev. Dirksen said, "A billion here and a billion there--pretty soon you're talking real money." If it's less expensive and will do the job nearly as well, I'll use it and save my money for wood. I only have one lung, and I'm not taking chances. This thing works. 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
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