Replies

1. 
   MSDMSD | Dec 06, 2002 05:37am | #1

   In my opinion this devise has two advantages, it minimizes the number of times removing the dust collection (DC) bag.  I empty my can twice before emptying the DC bag.  Secondly, everything that is heavy drops into the can, so if a nail or screw is sucked up it drops into the can reducing the possibility of damaging the impeller.

   Now if you are going to be moving your DC to each of your machines I would not bother turning your DC into a two stage system, that's just one too many things to drag around the shop.  On the other hand, if you can leave the DC and can in one location of your shop I'd go ahead and upgrade, you might also consider installing the floor sweep.

   One more thing, these lids also fit onto the shorter cans so a 32 gal. can is not required.

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 06, 2002 06:34am | #2

   Trusche2

      Did extensive shopping and home-work and got a 1 HP PS on the way with the separator lid. I think the Penn State is the state of the art for one stages. Felt bags as it should be and larger ports.

      Dog had some very good points. I have seen the dust separator used extensively at Highland Hardware here in Atlanta. Gives more efficiency to the one stage as you lose cfm as the collector bag fills. The PS is rated about 800 cfm with a direct hook-up to a machine as they have added a 10" impellor. The separator, if sealed properly will let the big chips and debri fall in the can (which is easier to empty) and the smaller microns move to the felt filter bags.

      I also will direct attach to a machine. I am going to build a base that the PS base sits on along with the can. Remove the casters from DC unit and put the whole shooting match on one rolling base for convenience. Shoot some pictures and post when I get it done. Hopefully by end of next week.

      A tip, if you use a metal can. They aren't sealed well. Shoot the seams and around where the handles connect with silicone caulk. Make sure you lid seals tight. If it doesn't, you will also lose cfm. An old bicycle inner tube or some kind of rubber weather-stripping will do the job. Just get creative. Here's a case where you can enhance the efficiency of the total oucome with a little creativity on your part.

      Thanks to Dog for info on use of smaller can. Did not know that.

   Good luck and post, be glad to compare notes. I think you selected the best one stage on the market with the best price as it comes with all the good stuff you have to purchase separately with other brands..

   sarge..jt

3. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 06, 2002 06:47am | #3

   TRUSCHE2

      Missed somthing. Sorry... A chip probaly won't hurt the impellor. Make a noise, but no real problem. A piece of metal (screw, etc.) is a different story. You could put a dent in the steel impellor and you will launch a metal projectile down-range. Also possibility of spark.

      The separator should eliminate this. To be safe, I will mount a mesh screen (about 1/8" to 1/4" squares in mesh) over the opening of the out-bound side of the separator. Should eliminate any possiblility before the metal gets to the impellor and launches through the side of the DC in who knows what direction.

   Any suggestions on anything I missed, I'm all ears...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   MajorWool | Dec 06, 2002 09:59am | #4

   Well guys (and gals), I have done more to a dust collector in a month than most of you will do in a lifetime. I recently bought a Jet DC650, eventually to use on a saw, but its first job was to remove the rockwool insulation from my attic. Not just insulation, but all the garbage and debris from countless roofing jobs since it was built in 1910 or whenever the insualtion was put in. All of this was collected in a 30 gal galvanized trash can with a separator lid, 10 ft of 4" hose between the DC and the can, and 10 ft of 4" hose plus 2-16 ft of 2.5" shop vac hose on the attic side. Alot of loose insulation made it to the DC and through the impeller, but I didn't really notice if any nails did, and I bet I sucked up at least a thousand, from 1 1/2 roofers to bent 4" framing nails. I plan on looking at the impeller one of these days to see if it took any hits. I was getting enough blowby that I replaced the lower bag on the 650 with a 42 gal 3mil plastic contractors bag and the three of them held up for about 5 hrs use each. I ended up taking out about 1000 lbs of stuff in 50 or so trash can loads. The DC has now been retired to the garage where it will be connected to a jet cabinet saw that is still covered with oil. I hate getting a new toy and then finding myself really really busy.

   So yes, the separators do work. I'd recommend either getting one with a 90 degree corner built it, or adding a downward facing 90 to the hose. I'd also caulk around where the hose fits into the lid since you have 2 of them and that can be a pretty good leak.

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 07, 2002 04:36am | #7

   wood

      Thanks for the input.. I was wondering about turning the hose downward.  Highland Hardware has galvanized elbows just for this. Be there tomorrow as the DC made it on UPS today. Should be up and running by Mon. if I can get the mobile base mounted and all consolidated.

   Thanks to alls input and post info that you feel might get these things tweaked to the max....

   Assembly awaits..

   sarge..jt

4. 
   MStehelin | Dec 06, 2002 09:38pm | #5

   I made a great separator out of a 50 gallon drum. It didn't have crimped lid, it had a removable lid. Originally it was used for glucose syrup. You can probably find these things at your local small brewery or big bakery. In any case I put two  3 inch pvc pipes through the lid. One longerin length, on the "IN" side with a elbow to direct everything in a cyclone pattern. One centered on the lid-shorter in length- on the "OUT" side. Works Great.

   Mitt

5. 
   ScottInMadtown | Dec 06, 2002 09:46pm | #6

   I have one of the seperator lids.  They work great in my case.  I have it hooked up to my 10 gallon ShopVac.  I just move it from machine to machine.  Right now I move them seperately, and it takes just a few minutes.  I suppose someday I'll make a little cart...and I suppose someday I'll even get a big-boy DC like you guys.

   Anyway....I reccommend them.

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 07, 2002 04:44am | #8

   Scott

      You'll probaly get that DC b-4 I did. 30 years of eating sawdust. ha... I had a system similar to yours. It's actually pretty good and will suffice till that bigger DC comes rolling up to your door on UPS..

   Keep the faith...

   sarge..jt