Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 08, 2004 04:12am | #1

   The JDS you are refering to is not a dust collector -- but an air cleaner (unless they have just come out with a DC line, which I am not aware of). It's meant to hang off the ceiling and collect ambient dust.

   The Fein bags are reuseable; these are very good vacuum cleaners, but I don't think you will find them in the same league for gathering sawdust and chips (when hooked up to a stationary machine) as a conventional dust collector.

1. 
   jc21 | Sep 08, 2004 06:29am | #2

   http://www.thejdscompany.com/Dust.html   How good are the JDS air cleaners? Thought if they had a good rep their dust collector might be worth a look.

1. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 08, 2004 07:15am | #3

   My machine could not open the link, but I assume JDS is indeed now selling dust collectors, right?

   I think their air cleaners are close to the best on the market, so if they are doing DCs, they should be good too.

   I'm no expert on DCs, but they are pretty simple; I think you can safely buy any conventional DC based on price, CFMs, and operating db level. Horsepower is such a slippery number, and CFM measures are more reliable.

   I have a Jet 1100, which is adequate; but if I were buying again, I would seriously consider the smaller Oneida cyclone system, which sells for around $600, I think. That would make it twice as expensive as the Jet, but from everything I read, and what I hear around these forums, it is the best DC for a smallish shop.

1. 
   jc21 | Sep 08, 2004 02:41pm | #4

   How effective are "trash can" cyclones? Seems like a good idea getting the big material out  before it gets to the collector itself- if they work. Or do they just compromise the system with leaks?

2. 
   donshop | Sep 08, 2004 08:28pm | #5

   My mistake, I was referring to the JDS air cleaner.  They don't make a dc.

   Don

3. 
   donshop | Sep 08, 2004 08:31pm | #6

   Mistake number two.  I checked the JDS link and they do make a dc.

   Don

1. 
   EdHarrow | Sep 09, 2004 05:35am | #7

   I have the little Fein, so my comments may not apply...

   The bags ARE expensive, and are not reusable.  Instead I use bags that I pick up from local sources for another brand.  It's a near perfect fit, and a lot cheaper.  They do not, however, have the neat little trap door that closes over the inlet of the bag.

   I also use a filter bag that installs over the actual filter.  This bag is, sort of, reusable.  It probably isn't required now that I've found a source of cheaper bags.

   The hose connection to the cannister is, I think, unique.  I did get a second, larger dia hose for mine, which does a better job dealing with larger bits.  However, the baffle at the bag entrance remains a baffling problem for some of those large bits, and they are unable to navigate their way into the bag.  I can't really complain as I'm asking it to do above and beyond its design.  However, it might be worth your while to have a peak at this particular aspect of the various Fein vacs and see if the larger ones have a larger elbow/baffle.

   It shines with a sander.  Nearly absolutely dust free. My only regret - I didn't get the bigger one.