Replies

1. 
   BG | Jan 15, 2004 10:19pm | #1

   Achome,

   Dust is a serious issue....long before the cancer there is the sinus issue...I think Norm has had one or two operations.

   The real problem is how to do it effectively....and not create other safety hazzards with tubes and pipes running all over the place..and clogged filters pretending to do a good job.  Lastly, there is the noise and loss of heat, air conditioning, etc, etc, etc.

   It seems to me the only safe unit that goes oaver your head and filters the air (about $279).  Putting that on before you enter your shop along with ear protectors would keep you safe.  Personally, I don't like that solution, wanna work with wood not scuba diving.  I do a lot by hand..including sanding...and wear the masks when working with power tools.  I will but a good DC when I'm convinced all the issues have been addressed.
2. 
   RandMCapozzi | Jan 16, 2004 06:58pm | #2

   John,

   I just recently bought a DC system. For the past few years, I was using my small Sears shop vac. The shop vac (with a Clean Stream filter) worked well when attached to my routers, palm sanders, and router table. It was worthless when attached to my TS and BS so I wouldn't bother trying to effectively capture dust for them with a shop vac.

   I probably only spend between 15 and 30 hrs a week in the shop but can very quickly fill the air with dust. If you use a quality dust mask the entire time your in the shop, you've gone a long way to protecting yourself. Niether a dust mask or air filtration unit will keep the saw dust from gathering over all your shop.

   For more me, I hate wearing dust masks all day. I find them hot and uncomfortable. I also found that saw dust likes to travel. I like a clean shop without layers of dust over everything. When I was in a garage, I could open the doors, crank up the leaf blower and blow out the "shop". Even while in the garage, (especially during winter when the door was closed) I still had to wear a mask even though I had a air filtration unit running. If I didn't, I would have brown buggers when I blew my nose!

   Now that my shop is in the basement, I don't have the option of using the leaf blower so I decided on a Dust Control System. This includes a cyclone DC, piping to all my tools/work benchs, an air filtration unit, and dust mask if working with a particullarly nasty wood (like the old CCA Presure Treated stuff).

   Bottom line, even though I am only in the shop for a few hours a week, I believe over my life-time it will add up and I am in this hobby for the long haul. Everyone needs to evaluate their own needs based on their situation, tolerances, risks, etc. I find Bill Pentz's web site a good source for DC information. http://cnets.net/~eclectic/woodworking/cyclone/

   Hope this helps,

   --Rob 

1. 
   achome | Jan 16, 2004 09:32pm | #4

   Rob-

   thanks so much.  I have visited the website you mentioned and it is a wealth  of information.  He put a ton of work into that and we are all have him to thank..

   I read a review of filtration units that I picked up at the show here in NJ from JDS (I bought their demo miter jig).  It rates theirs as best.  It indicates that dust control should also be used.  But which one?  What are you all using?

   Think I'll be spending some bucks soon....

   thanks again fellow woodworkers.

   Johnny

1. 
   RandMCapozzi | Jan 16, 2004 11:40pm | #5

   Johnny,

   No problem. Bill's site was quite the education for me as well. As far as air filtration, I'm using the JDS 750ER. Carefull on comparing the various manufactures claims of CFM. Most rate them without filters. JDS rates theirs with filters which is why it is difficult to compare JDS with others just using the literature. I liked the filter changing method on the JDS better than the Delta or Jets at the time I was looking. It was very convenient. I also like the remote control. It works very well for me. I do think that the Jet and Delta now have similar features as the JDS.

   For a DC I have an Oneida 2hp commercial cyclone with the 39" cartridge. I'm in the process of building my new workshop and just have the DC setup with 2 blast gates so that I can use the DC while I build the workshop (around 600 sq ft plus 200 sq ft for finish room). I've been very impressed with the Oneida's quality and customer service.

    --Rob

3. 
   jimmyk | Jan 16, 2004 07:57pm | #3

   At a minimum I'd recommend an overhead filter as BG has described. It's probably the biggest bang for the buck as far as dust collection.

4. 
   wrudiger | Jan 17, 2004 10:28am | #6

   I have the Jet Air Filter with remote and timer.  Does a great job, however DC is still required.  Ripped 10 2x4x4' yesterday and the shop was totally filled with dust (these are stringers for the new floor so the DC isn't in or attached yet...

   The air filter cleared things up pretty quickly but it was amazing how much dust was in the air.

   One thing I like about the Jet (probably the same with the other air filters) is that the external filter is a standard furnace filter, which can be easily replaced at the local corner hardware store. I opted for the extra $$ to get the high-efficiency 3M electrostatic filters. Not sure how much of a difference they make, and they are definately more expensive, but compared to medical costs I fugure they are a bargin.

   Once the floor is down I will be collecting a portable Delta 1 1/2 HP collector that I bought before I did enough research.  I suspect that it will meet my needs for the short term - I've already used it on the planer and it worked great - but longer term I'm planning on a cyclone unit. Just have to remodel the kitchen first to move the window where the DC is going - aint that always the way it is?

   Wayne