Hi All,
The debate over dust collection seems as though it will never end. I’ve been pouring over the internet, read discussion threads here and elsewhere, in an attempt to having a full handle on what is required for good dust collection. I’ve read Bill Pentz’s exhaustive research.
My question, is the grizzly 2hp a capable machine? If money were no issue I’d buy an exsisting cabinet shop with all the trimmings but money is an issue and so is my health, and so space in my shop and so is power.
Has anyone done an independant review of the Grizzly machines or just a really good review of dust collection systems?
Replies
I have no direct experience with any dust collection system, but since no one else has replied, I will suggest information from studies of Wood Magazine and American Woodworker - two magazines I get. Neither study considered the Bill Pentz system. Of the ones they did consider, Grizzly was not a winner. Oneida was the top in each case. How much confidence one should put on the studies, I don't know. And of course there is the consideration of price. Ultimately, it is going to be your call. One thing I have sort of gathered is that a lot of them can pretty well clean the air but don't get the fine stuff. They say the fine stuff is what really does the damage to the lungs. I would like to do more study on the Bill Pentz thing. Is this something you have to put together yourself?
Edited 1/31/2006 9:26 pm ET by tinkerer2
Hey,
Sounds like we are in the same boat. Bill has drawn up some plans for his design but yes you have to build it. You can buy one from http://www.clearvuecyclones.com/ that is built to bill specs. They are kind of expensive but then again how much is your health worth.
Jacobs,
From my perspective, Bill Pentz has simply ended the debate over good dust collection systems. You can do it the right way, which includes adequate CFM at the source, an efficient cyclone design, and fine pleated filters with adequate surface area. Or you can debate the best way to cut corners.
To answer your question, there has been no objective test of the 2HP Grizzly (I assume you mean the cyclone), so you would be taking a gamble. From a look at the specs, I would say that it is weak in HP, its filters are too porous, its filters have to little surface area, and its intake is likely to create excessive turbulence. Simply inadequate. IMHO
Todd
I installed a 2HP Penn State cyclone with a fine-pleated filter that's work well over the past year. After you identify your layout of machine position (be sure to leave 2 ports open for 1-1/2" dust hose for portable routers, sanders, etc.) try Oneida & Penn State.
The ductwork & gates, in my case, added up to about 80% of the cyclone cost so don' t forget that. Also, depending on your layout your setup may only need a 1-1/2 HP cyclone, but addt'l capacity is always better.
I've got a pretty big home shop (24'x48') with duct runs mostly along the walls at the ceiling until they get to the tools. My dust collector is a 2hp Jet with pleated filter. Through bad experience with 4" plastic ducts and Bill Penz advice, I replaced all my 4" plastic ducting with 6" steel, modified the dust ports on tools to be 6" or added second 4" ports. Where I added a second 4" port, I split the 6" duct into two 4" ducts right at the tool. Every tool has its own blast gate.
In this environment, I found the 2hp Jet dust collector to be more than adequate for any single tool but generally not for multiple tools at once. That is especially true if the the pleated filter hasn't been cleaned in a while. So, I have to be careful to only have one blast gate open at a time.
My only complaint about the 2hp Jet, and I don't know how it compares to the 2hp Grizzly, is that it doesn't do a good job of separating the materials so that most go into the plastic bag. With the air flow through the 6" duct, any sawdust of the courseness of table saw sawdust, goes into the pleated filter and I have to clean it very frequently.
Hi,y'all, I am in the same boat and have read and understand every site/thread from anyone that could spell the word dust. I am setting up a shop 48x24' with all the big dust makers in the first third, the finishing dust and lathe in the second third with the auto, metal work, bathroom and spray booth in the last. I see a 3hp cyclone -8" main pipe on the border of the first two zones.
The $ bump from 2 to 3hp is not too great vs the performance upgrade and DC should not be a minimalst application. I did that in my garage shop in the past and it's a looser and dangerous over time.
My short list is down to Onieda who's principal business is commercial DC and the new JDS cyclone that doesn't have enough of their new stuff out long enough to get feedback on yet. Their specs look outstanding. I have some of their other stuff and their engineering and fit and finish is first class. I have till the fall to decide.
Regardless of which I select, I will also use two JDS 750 cleaners hanging overhead to maximize the air volume turn over in this size shop and to get ALL of the little stuff that no cyclone can get. Good luck, let me know if you come up with some good info, Pat
Sounds like we will have similar size shops. My shop is 24 by 42 with a stairway to the basement and the mow out of that space. The whole building is 40 by 42 so I could use it all if needs be - - I could get rid of a lot of junk. I haven't any idea how to place the machinery for most efficient usage and best dust collection. Would like to have that ironed out before drywalling. Any ideas?
You'll probably want to place the machine(s) that produce the most and heaviest dust closest to the collector. Then cascade the rest in order of how much they put out, in terms of distance and/or direction changes of the ducts. Keep the bends to a minimum since they slow the air flow significantly. If possible, avoid trying to make the dust go up as it travels to the collector. Use gravity to your advantage.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
In a rough plan of my 24x48 I see 3 -16x 24 sections. the first section by the two garage doors is for the big cut up and dimension machines, flat sheet and dry board storage, unisaw, RAS, chop saw, joiner, planner and bandsaw. The second section is all the rest of the finishing tools, sanders, drill press, mortise, router table, lathe and benches 3 +. The last third is finishing, coal stove and auto(dirty) bench.The cyclone is in and does the first two zones. good luck, Pat
Paddy,
Thanks for the info. Sounds like your shop is pretty well planned out. Suppose I should make cutouts of the machines and plot them on paper. Dadburn 600 pound machines are hard to move around by yourself. Have you considered putting them in a circle with the dust collector in the middle like someone did. I don't see how that would work for some machines - table saw for instance. I won't have the coal stove and mechanical part so I can save a little space there. Am planning an outdoor boiler with radiant heat. Some folks like that system.
I leave NY Tues.AM for Pa. then Wed AM for Harrisonberg VA on 81, Thurs. AM +4 HRS. to Bristol then 1 1/2 hrs. on 11w to the house. I guess I will pass WVA about noon on Wed. This trip ( 2 weeks+) is to laser and tape the true dimensions for equipment placement , provide a measured sketchand build two quick benches. All of this is after 6 or 7+scrapped plans-trying to get it right.
This will provide the basis for a materials list. Studs and rock for walls and ceiling, lighting placement, copper for compressor air, location of 100 amp. shop sub panel/ power distribution, DC final location/ distribution/ drops for equipment and the other lebenty seven things that I forgot. I will look for you folks in April. Pat
> I leave NY Tues.AM for Pa. then Wed AM for Harrisonberg VA on 81 ...It's Harrisonb*U*rg. We're sensitive about that kind of thing :)
OOPS, my sincerest apology. I knew better, just got sloppy. It's my favorite stop. Nice people and a Bob Evan's breakfast up the hill before hitting the road again. Regds, Pat
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