Replies

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Nov 06, 2007 05:17am | #1

   What's wrong with you 1 HP unit?  I have a 1 HP Jet dust collector that's hooked up to a dust collection system.  There's about a 30 foot run of hose, including 3 elbows between it and the tablesaw as well as the 13" planer.  I have no issues with dust collection.  The effectiveness could, however, most likely be improved by having the dust collector closer to the dust source.  Right now, it's in a separate room which keeps the noise from the dust collector down... no plans to change the layout.

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

1. 
   jimbell | Nov 06, 2007 10:15am | #2

   Changing from a 1.5 hp individual dust collector to a 3 hp central collector is a HUGE amount of work and the stuff that can go wrong is mind boggling.

   Jim Bell

2. 
   woodhacker | Nov 06, 2007 02:03pm | #3

   I've got a 2HP Oneida "Dust Gorilla" with close to 100 feet of ductwork connected to it and couldn't be happier. Although forced to include more bends than "correct" routing would dictate, the unit does a very adequate job of sucking up the mess made by various tools. My 12 inch planer is at the far end of the duct run and the system sucks up everything the planer spits out. Oneida now has a portable unit that has lower ceiling height requirements. One of the reasons I went with the Oneida product was that they use a Baldor motor.

3. 
   Jfrostjr | Nov 06, 2007 04:37pm | #4

   I second woodhacker's endorsement of the Dust Gorilla. I've had mine for a year and the shop has never been cleaner. Don't worry about length of piping or number of bends. From what you describe you can't run into trouble - it will suck-up anything you can throw at it.

   Frosty

   "I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

4. 
   brad805 | Nov 06, 2007 06:59pm | #5

   I have about the same equip.  I read of Mr. Pentz's site and opted for the ClearVue Cyclone.  I am still completing the install, and only have a few complaints. 

   1.  If you are fussy, and I suspect you would be given you are a knothead, the painting of the MDF is tedious. 

   2.  The electrical system leaves a little to be desired, so I opted for a professional mag switch with a H/O/A switch.

   3.  Its a lot of work to switch from individual hook up to a full system.  Make sure to take this into consideration.

   All things considered, I am happy with the decision, but I didnt expect this to be quite as big a task as it has become.  As far as hp, there is a lot of discussion regarding this.

   Good luck

    

1. 
   BradG | Nov 07, 2007 12:13am | #7

   I have the clearvue too, but I'm sure the Oneida works great. I really apprecated Bill Pentz's site and so wanted to support companies he's behind.  The kids get a total kick out of watching the dust swirl into bin, too! There are a few things to think about though:

   1. yep, it is work to install, especially getting that dang motor up on the mount!

   2. electrical: I had wired a whole subpanel for my shop so my wiring was easy; dedicated circuit, high current wall switch, twist-lock outlet on cieling for cyclone motor.

   3. dust hoods: getting the 6" white sewer line to the tool locations is just half the battle - getting the right collector hoods/ fittings to capture the dust is entirely another matter (that I am still working on to be honest). Chop saw is currently the bugger. I'll take pix tonight to show you what I mean!

   4. Biggest concern: NOISE. I ended up building an entire closet with insulation around my cyclone  and now it is tolerable.

   All in all it is a very smart investment, but like anything else requires work to get done. However, once complete you'll wonder how you did without.

1. 
   brad805 | Nov 07, 2007 12:53am | #8

   My decision to support the Clearvue was the same.  Support for Bill and his efforts as well as the end product.  I built an aluminum stand for mine and test fit things last night.  I was thinking about the noise generation and will have to re-think an enclosure (thks for the tip). 

2. 
   ted | Nov 07, 2007 06:28am | #9

   Did you enclose the filter cartridge in the closet too?

1. 
   BradG | Nov 11, 2007 10:11pm | #10

   I enclosed the whole shebang and my big ol' compressor, too. While I am working on getting every last gap where the air comes back out, I installed a baffled vent to be the "official" exit for the filtered air.

1. 
   woodhacker | Nov 13, 2007 06:19am | #11

   Does the compressor running in a confined area result in it getting hot if the dust collector isn't running at the same time?

2. 
   BradG | Nov 14, 2007 09:13am | #12

   my "closet" is 6 feet wide by 2 feet deep and 9 feet high. yes, there is a DC, filter, and 60 gallon compressor in there but that leaves quite a lot of ambient air at 65 deg. F to keep it cool. I live in the NW, so it rarely gets above 90 so I am not worried.

5. 
   AntzyClancy | Nov 06, 2007 11:00pm | #6

   You can't go wrong with the ClearVue.

   And yes, its a lot of work.

    

   Todd