Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Dec 05, 2003 02:02am | #1

   How do you define best? I can think of lots of different factors that might influence your choice of best, and people who have actually used dust collectors can probably add more. :)

   durability

   availability of repair parts

   tech support

   easy to work on

   motor voltage

   cost

   country of origin

   noise

   easy to empty bags/filters

   single source for collector, pipe, gates, funnels, etc.

   ease of automatic on/off with machines

   ability to handle larger particles

   filter pore size

2. 
   PlaneWood | Dec 05, 2003 02:59am | #2

   durability - Buy one from somewhere that gives a 1 year guarantee.

   availability of repair parts - Forget this on the cheaper DC's.  Most repair parts will cost more than the whole unit!  I was quoted more for a replacement Delta motor than what the entire unit cost. 

   tech support - Your on your own here.  Don't expect to get much help setting it up. 

   easy to work on - not much to them.  A wrench and a screwdriver is about all u need. 

   motor voltage - smaller units 110V.  Larger ones 220V.

    
   cost - anywhere from $150 up.

   country of origin - Tiawan for the cheaper units

    
   noise - put it outside

   easy to empty bags/filters  - good point, but how do you tell beforehand?  Go see one.

    
   single source for collector, pipe, gates, funnels, etc.  - Get them at Home Depot 

   ease of automatic on/off with machines - get a hand held unit that you can carry in your pocket

   ability to handle larger particles - need minimum of 1200 cfm if hoggin a 12" rough board through a planer.

    
   filter pore size - Put it outside and don't worry about it

   What you asked is about like asking what automotive vehicle is best.

   That's my 2 cents worth.  About all its worth too.  I got the Delta 1.5 hp 1200cfm unit for my 700 sq ft shop.  Cheesy unit but it works.  Expect to replace all external electrical components on the motor after 1000 hrs of operation.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

1. 
   eokie | Dec 05, 2003 10:14pm | #7

   Very good points offered. Beyond the "machine" itself, I'd suggest giving as much if not more consideration to the ductwork, connections, etc. Ductwork, and type of ducts, particularly elbows can be a nightmare installation job. Working with sheet metal isn't fun. Cheap "ain't" best. Sealing joint seams (4) on "adjustable" (and cheap) elbows can be a major problem. The machine's "size" is somewhat meaningless because of the various methods of rating suction power. Sizing the ductwork properly, eliminating leaks is far more important. If at all possible place the machine in another room or at least behind a wall; noise is an issue regardless of how "quiet" a dust collector allegedly is rated... it's not the noise while you're using it, per se, (because a say, saw is also running), but the ongoing noise generated by the collector before and after the saw is turned on and off.

3. 
   TomMGTC | Dec 05, 2003 03:27am | #3

   Oneida

   Tom

   Douglasville, GA

4. 
   TomFerreira | Dec 05, 2003 04:39am | #4

   I bought an Oneida 1 1/2HP two years ago and really like it. I have not used any others. Some of the folks around the forum have researched them fairly thouroughly. I'm sure you'll here many anecdotes.

   My suggestion would be to research what makes dust collectors work and how the specification are measured. Many manufacturers way overstate their performance becausethey quote fan performance rather than collector performance. Also you have to understand how the system ductwork will affect perfomance. It is not as simple as buying the highest stated CFM.

   This is by far the most important machine you will put in your shop. Choose wisely.

   Good Luck!

   TDF

1. 
   mitch | Dec 05, 2003 05:37pm | #5

   the current issue of Wood mag has a fairly extensive article on cyclones-  Oneida came out on top but a few others did respectably.

   m

2. 
   badoyn | Dec 05, 2003 07:25pm | #6

   I'm thinking of getting the 1.5 Oneida also. I have a basement shop and was wondering how loud it is?

   Michael

1. 
   TomFerreira | Dec 06, 2003 05:56am | #11

   You know, I don't find it loud at all, although my wife complains about the noise it makes. It has a low frequency noise so it resonates through the house but not too much radiated noise.

   TDF

5. 
   Andesign | Dec 06, 2003 12:35am | #8

   Whichever system you buy, give serious consideration to including a remote switch which you can carry on your belt.  You'll use your system for everything that way because it is so convenient.  I have an Oneida system and will be buying another Oneida system when I move my shop next month.  I went through several of the remotes Oneida sells (I do woodworking full time) and they didn't hold up.  So I switched to the Long Ranger brand about 6 years ago and have yet to have a problem.

   Good Luck!

   Rick

1. 
   smijal | Dec 06, 2003 02:17am | #9

   Rick,

   I am in the process of installing an Oneida 2hp (have cyclone mounted waiting for the duct layout schematic). Do you have a source for the Long Ranger  remote? I was planning on using the Oneida version, but your experience with it makes me interested in taking a look-see.

   Stan

   Edited 12/5/2003 6:22:23 PM ET by SMIJAL

1. 
   Andesign | Dec 06, 2003 02:28am | #10

   Stan,

   I bought my Long Ranger from Grizzly because they are located here in Bellingham.  It is shown in their catalog (and website) and I believe several of the other tool catalogs carry Long Ranger as well.

   Rick

2. 
   TomFerreira | Dec 06, 2003 05:58am | #12

   I also have had to replace the 220V remote switch that I bought from Onieda. Of course they don't make it, rather it's made by a company called Frenbrook in connecticut. Very nice folks. Had the replacement module overnight.

   TDF