Replies

1. 
   dcarrara | Nov 26, 2002 04:37am | #1

   How much do you want to spend?

   They range from about $200-$800

   Dario

1. 
   Richrhodes | Nov 26, 2002 05:00am | #2

   The range you gave is fine (200-800).  I just want a good one that will work well for his workshop.

   Thanks

1. 
   rrwood | Nov 26, 2002 11:49am | #3

   A good web site to check out:

   http://cnets.net/~eclectic/woodworking/cyclone/cyclonemods.html

   Ask yourself:

   1) How big is the shop and how many tools?  Will the shop be expanded with additional tools or size?

   2) Do you want the DC stationary or mobile? If stationary with ductwork - a system with a 11" fan or larger is recommended.  A unit with a fan less than 11 inches may not provide satisfactory performance with ductwork.

   3) What power source is available? Most 1.5 HP DC run on 110.  Most 2 HP and larger run on 220.

   4) Do want a bag system or Cyclone?  To explore the difference look a web site above.

   Personally I have been through a 1.5 hp system (+/-$300), a 2hp system ($500), and currently a 2 hp cyclone ($1100).  For me the cyclone works the best.

   If you are looking for a good mid-range system that you can use mobile or stationary with SHORT runs the Delta 50-850 1.5 hp model with a 11.5 (or 11.75") impeller (I can't remember which size) is a good deal at around $280.  You will need to upgrade the bags to 5 microns for another +/-$80 to capture the fine dust from sanding.

   A good cyclone would be the 1.5 hp Oneida or 2hp Woodsucker units  - both in the $700-$800 range (http://www.Oneida-air.com and http://www.woodsucker.com) 

   What ever you decide any DC is better than non at all - keep the lungs healthy!!

   good luck

   rrwood

1. 
   Richrhodes | Nov 26, 2002 04:44pm | #4

   Thank you so much for the help!  The checklist of info and the article were great!

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 26, 2002 05:29pm | #5

   Elf,

   Jet now makes a dust collector with a cartridge filter which sells for about $400.  I'd go with that or one of the cyclone systems mentioned above.  The more common systems (using filter bags rather than cartridge filters) are messy and let a lot of dust escape.

   Jeff

3. 
   BarryO | Nov 27, 2002 04:19am | #6

   I've been pretty happy with the Grizzly 2 HP D.C., as have alot of people.  For ~$240 the price is right.  Disadvantages are that it needs 240V power, as do all D.C.'s in this HP range, and the bags that come with it don't capture the finest dust.  If you use this or any lower-cost D.C. in the same space as the shop, you can upgrade the filter bags to high-performance ones for another ~$110, see http://store.oneida-air.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=Ductwork&category%5Fname=Retrofit+Filter+Bags&Page=1

   The Oneida cyclone systems are the "Mercedes" of home D.C. systems, and are really great if you want to spend the bucks.

4. 
   AlanTurner | Nov 27, 2002 05:34pm | #7

   Can I add a related question to this thread?  I have a DC with a 5" pickup.  Was thinking about the lee valley lid for  a trash can since the DC is a real pain to empty, and the planer and jointer fill it quickly (55 Gal. drum).  Does anyone know if this intermediate stage works well, and if any co. carries it with a  5" pickup instead of 4" or 2.5 "?

   Thanks for letting me barge in.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/27/2002 2:33:07 PM ET by s4s

1. 
   WayneL5 | Nov 28, 2002 01:28am | #8

   The Onidea Air Systems systems are very high quality.  Swipe some of his magazines and look for the ad.

2. 
   Jim42 | Nov 28, 2002 05:30am | #9

   Highland Hardware carries a kit for a dust collection pre-separator (or at least they used to - I don't have a recent catalog), and while it probably has 4" connectors, the design might make it easier than the Lee Valley to adapt to 5". In any case, the basic design is in Nagyszalanczy's book Woodshop Dust Control, so the best way might be to make one from that design with 5" fittings. The design in that book appears to me to be better than the various molded units, including Lee Valley's, even though Veritas makes some beautifully engineered items and most of the products I have bought from Lee Valley have been excellent. The idea is that the pre-separator chamber should act as a centrifuge. The outlet should be right on the central axis of the container, but the molded units tend to offset it and put it at an angle.

   Jim

3. 
   rrwood | Nov 29, 2002 05:55am | #10

   Another option is to take your 55 gallon drum and make your own lid on it with 5 " ports.   Wether it works good or not depends on how big your DC is and the lenght of your runs.  Make sure the top is sealed good.

   Plans for one can be found in Rick Peters - Controlling Dust in the Workshop.

   rrwood

   Edited 11/28/2002 9:56:40 PM ET by rrwood

5. 
   PlaneWood | Nov 29, 2002 07:07pm | #11

   I have had the Delta 1200 CFM unit for 3 years (1.5 HP) and it still works well.  I use it every day, maybe for a total of 3 hrs each day.

   Another thing to consider is what location it will set in. Will it be inside the shop or outside?  Mine sets outside, under the eve, inside a canvas covered enclosure.  And, my neighbors are far enough removed so that the noise is not an issue.  Having it set outside allows me to get by with the 25 micron bags that came with it.  And, keeps me from having to wear ear plugs.

   View Image

   View Image Delta 50-850 115 Volt, 1-1/2 Horsepower, 1200 CFM Dust Collector Delta Average Customer Review: Usually ships in 2 to 3 days $289.00 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000223BE/ref=ase_bizratecom/102-5527529-7764962

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
   PlaneWood