Replies

1. 
   kennedy136 | Nov 29, 2002 02:18am | #1

   Bhackford,

          Don't have personal experience with the collector in question but I can tell you that Bridgewood has a good reputation for backing up their stuff.  I have looked at several of their machines at trade shows and their overall quality appears to be excellent especially for the money. Most of this stuff (including the Delta products) is imported anyway. There are good imports and bad imports.  Bridgewood has a reputation for good stuff.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy it and just upgrade it with a better bag.

                                                                  Mark

1. 
   bhackford | Dec 01, 2002 05:00am | #2

   I read on Oneida's website that this cyclone is made of only 20ga. metal.  Is this too thin to last for say 10 years?  Are others really made out of 18ga?  Do you think this is a correct statement?  

1. 
   kennedy136 | Dec 01, 2002 06:01am | #3

   Bhackford,

         I wouldn't worry about the little bit of difference in the metal gauge even if it is true.  I would think that the heavier gauge is just a selling point Unless of course you plan to put a 20hp motor on it.  As I said  Bridgewood has a good reputation and I have looked at a lot of their stuff personally.  In fact I plan to get a couple of their machines in the next year or so. If you don't plan to run highoutput machines such as a molder or 2 sided planer their cyclone should be fine.

                                                                                Mark

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 01, 2002 10:37am | #4

   BH

      I am not familiar with the Bridgewood cyclone, but I can tell you I agree with professor that Bridgewood is good quality. Their jointers had flatter beds than the Delta and Jet I compared them to.

      The cfm can be affected in several ways an IMO, all the manufactures stretch it a little. Be sure the BW has at least a 6" in-let. A 1 1/2 HP with a 5" in-let doesn't create as much cfm as a 1 HP with a 6" in-let. Factors vary your cfm. ( Direct hook-up to machine, central system and how long, etc.)

      The 20 gauge shouldn't matter greatly. If you get a leak in the ducting (which can happen to the best of them, it can be sealed with silicone caulk).

   Good luck with your decision..

   sarge..jt

1. 
   bhackford | Dec 05, 2002 04:43am | #5

   Well, I called to order it today and there are sold out.  It just shows how effective this board real is.  So, I am going to have to wait, but I will buy one as soon as they are available.  I was even willing to upgrade to a 3hp for $100 more, but those were sold out too!.  The 3hp has a 7in intake.  PVC is not made in 7in, right?  I would have to go metal pipe.  I could use a reduce, although that makes no sense because I will reduce the 3hp cfms down to 2hp cfm! 

1. 
   kennedy136 | Dec 05, 2002 07:35am | #6

   Bhackford,

           You are better off with steel pipe anyway, also while this board is effective I think the fact that they are sold out has more to do with the west coast port strike than this board.  They still haven't gotten caught up on the backlog yet out there.  Good luck with it.

                                                              Mark

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 05, 2002 08:43am | #7

   BH

      Sorry, been in the shop building a 1st stage separator for my new DC in transit. I would not reduce. That will drop the efficiency of having the larger inlet. I would wait or there might be another choice.

      I just purchased a 1 stage DC from Penn State Ind. IMO, it is the most efficient 1 stage on the market and the cheapest. Overhead... It comes standard with 16 oz. FELT bags instead of woven cloth, which are in-efficient. Has larger ports and the price is right. Standard 5 micron felt bags and for $50 more you get the 1 micron model. Paid $249 for the 1 micron and am adding a 1st stage separator to drop larger sawdust and chips in b-4 they enter the main DC unit. I got the 1 HP as I will use direct hook-up to a machine. I'm building a roll around base that will carry the DC and the 30 gal. separator on one mobile base. It's right for me as I have ample room and don't get in a hurry. I can get maximum efficiency as the DC won't be more than 6' away from machine attached to.

      Now, they also make 2 stage cyclones and the price is reasonable. Not sure on the BW price, but have a look and judge for yourself.

   http://www.pennstateind.com

   Let me know what you think. The main thing is to not get in a hurry and shop for best price and value that suits your own shops needs. I try not to overlook any brand as I have found some of the less knowns are the same with less advertising and lower overhead. I was impressed with the Penn State one stage. By adding the 1st stage separator and not going to a central system that will lose some efficiency the farther you get from the main unit, I feel I can achieve almost the same results as a cyclone at around $300 total. After rolling over every stone in search of my best buy, the PS should be here tomorrow or Fri.

   Good luck and keep me posted as to what you decide as all this info can hopefully help others in the future.

   sarge..jt