Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Oct 27, 2008 06:46pm | #1

   I have a JDS unit. I don't know how it compares to a Powermatic. I also have a Penn State unit. The Penn State is not in the same league as the JDS. The JDS has a variety of speeds from whisper quiet to a dull roar. Washable filters and a variety of choices from charcoal for odors to standard furnace style.

   You are always better to gather as much dust as possible at the source. The ambient units do a very good job at removing the airborne dust that gets away. Some are better than others. I use an electrostatic filter on my JDS. It's easy to clean and keeps the bags inside clean. Others may require furnace style filters which need replacement. There are questions as to whether these collectors capture the unseen fine dust that causes respiratory problems. You need to wear a respirator if you want to limit exposure to this. As far as keeping the shop a bit cleaner, the ambient units help a lot. Less dust accumulating on shop surfaces but that depends on how much dust you make.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 28, 2008 09:26pm | #2

   I wear a haz-mat suit inside a haz-mat suit, just to be sure. Unfortunately, the air tank is bad for my back, and I can't move very much. But, I'm *really* safe. ;-)