I am a hobbyist retiree working to put together a workshop in the basement of my condominium building. Total floor space is around 400 sq. ft. The condo is a former hospital and I am working in one of the former operating rooms.
I wrote to the Forum last month asking for advice on dust collection in a small shop like this. The feedback was very helpful and included several specific recommendations of systems that others had used. I realize now that a lot of folks are turning out great work in a small space like this.
I purchased the Oneida Super Cell, which I recently received, assembled, and put into service. I took advantage of a short promotion that knocked 10% off the price. Still expensive, but the build is high quality and the product is made in USA.
I somehow missed the memo in Oneida’s marketing material that the unit was intended to be mounted on a wall. That wouldn’t work for my equipment layout so I built a simple cart on wheels (picture attached). Oneida sells a cart for this purpose but it seems expensive for what it is.
I have begun using the system with a Saw Stop cabinet saw. Very pleased with the Super Cell’s performance. Noise almost identical to the large Shop Vac I had been using and less than the table saw. Remote control is a nice feature.
I’m using the Saw Stop’s auxiliary overarm dust collector that also feeds into the Super Cell. It does a nice job of collecting the sawdust at the blade. This requires that the blade guard be down, so a tradeoff on visibility of the workpiece.
Thanks again for so much good advice and recommendations from Forum members. My next ask will be about bandsaws. But that will have to wait until the workshop account is replenished after being emptied to pay for the Super Cell.
Russ
Replies
Congrats! Buy the Laguna 14SUV.
I've got a Laguna. Some of the best money I ever spent.
Very nice. Thanks for the update.
Nice setup! (happy Laguna 14/12 owner)
Take a look at the Laguna 14BX
Thanks for the bandsaw recommendations. I had been looking at the Laguna 14BX and wired the likely location in the shop for 220v. Laguna is at the high end of my budget but probably worth the wait based on your feedback.
As a hobbyist my primary focus now is on developing some experience and skill in basic joinery. Just glad to have gotten started with a great table saw and dust collector.
Thanks again for the input.
Russ
I also am very interested in the Supercell so appreciated your post. Also another very happy Laguna 14 bx user.
I've been eyeing this dust collector for my shop. Have you done any proper dust measurements with one of those Dylos type machines? Just curious. It looks to be the perfect machine to meet my needs.
I didn't know such a device existed until you asked the question. So, no I don't have data.
However, when I first used my shop with a contractor saw and Shop Vac along with the ceiling-hung Jet dust collector, I did experience dust in the air and began wearing a dust mask as a consequence.
With the Super Cell I can see a difference in both visible sawdust and the smaller dust that is suspended in the air. There is less dust on horizontal surfaces and the Jet filter seems to have lasted longer between changes. I keep the Jet running while working and leave it on for two hours on a timer after I leave the shop.
I don't use the Super Cell as a floor vacuum although I think this is possible. I sweep the floor with a broom and wear a mask while doing so.
Not exactly data but hope this helps.
Russ
1. I bought the Laguna BX 14" 220V this year and am generally very pleased with it. I've used it to re-saw 8" wide stock and needed minimal work on the inside faces. (main criticisms is iron table scratched with melamine cross cut sled so ease the edges of melamine jigs; if you "rest" the blade between uses, the blade doesn't go back to the exact same position upon re-tightening (I made a zero clearance crosscut sled and could tell the kerf moved). the Laguna BX 14" recommends a dust collector with 1100 CFM (it has 2 ports).
2. I would really be interested in knowing how well the SuperCell works with the bandsaw. I'm allergic to walnut, have some rosewood that I'd like to work with and would like a dust collector that collects almost all the dust with re-saw.
Is Laguna Tools trolling this thread? :-)... Just asking.
I purchased a slot mortiser from them several years ago. It looked like a serviceable machine in the ad. The machine that arrived used a cast iron guide and roller bearing system which should have been an upgrade to the rod and bushing arraignment on the one in the ad.
However, after unboxing and setup I attempted a test cut and the chatter was awful, the hold down clamp was a flimsy affair (I could have dealt with that) but the basic problem was slop in the bearing guide assembly which was evidently adjusted at the factory (China). This one had the typical adjustments for this purpose so I attempted to eliminate the excessive play ( I am experienced at this sort of thing.). The fit and finish was so poor that that after using all available adjustment there was still daylight between the cast iron and bearings. I called Laguna to complain, I admit I was more than unhappy, but the response I got was rude, arrogant and insulting, basic denial, I sent pictures and after their "engineer" looked at it I was told the weight of the table would be enough to cancel any chatter. I was basically hung out to dry.
The Atlanta show was shortly there after so I showed up at their booth and pitched a public fit. I let them replace it with the earlier design, another mistake, as I simply wanted to return it for a refund.
I received the 2nd machine and it wasn't much better, so I unloaded it at a fraction of what I paid.
Maybe they have upped their game a bit quality wise and I'm being a little unfair, but after dealing with their customer service, I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole. At $1300+ for a fourteen inch bandsaw there are plenty of alternatives out there.
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