Folks,
I am in the process of building a workshop for my woodworking hobby, and while I know that opinions and emotions run high on the issue of dust collection systems, can somebody help me by relating your experiences on deciding whether a cyclone type collection system is the way to go. My shop would have probably 5 or 6 machines (table saw, jointer, chop saw, etc) hooked to it, and am trying to decide whether a 2-hp collector (probably a Jet, Delta or Grizzly) with a canister filter, or a cyclone system is the best choice for my needs. Thanks
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I purchased the Grizzly, G0548 2Hp cannister collector, which was a good buy. I use a three car garage, and roll everything back into one bay, when I'm done. Have PVC pipes running against the roof and and I connect with hoses and blast gates.
Nice to have all my dust end up in the bag and it takes a few week-ends before I have to clean up and empty the bag. At 75db, the only negative is that I now wear hearing protection most of the time.
The key success factor of any system, is how you pipe and connect to your machines. Work on about 500 cfm per 4" machine port and try to maintain a velocity of around 3800 fpm in your pipes.
If at all possible, I'd set the DC outside. Things to consider are: 1) can it be covered, 2) will sucking hot or cold air out of the shop be a problem, 3) will noise be a problem for the neighbors, 4) will wiring be a problem.
Setting it outside will cut down on shop noise and eliminate residual dust (of which there will always be some). It will also eliminate the need for the higher dollar, small weave, bags.
Mine sets outside under an eve with a heavy cloth tarp surrounding it and a cover for the top. However, here in sunny south Texas, I seldom need to heat my shop. It does suck out cold air in the summer time though. That could be migitated by putting a door with filters between the shop and the DC compartment for return air.
You will want someway to separate out larger particles from the collected dust. When I'm cleaning up my shop I generally manage to suck up something non intended. Bolts, small tools, etc. You need a way to keep them from hitting the impellor blades of the DC. I use a 44 gallon Rubbermaid trash can and a homemade 'cyclone' system. Just a way to spin the air around in the barrel before it's sucked into the bag. Other than that, I seen no real need for a true cyclone system that you generally see around commercial shops.
A remote controlled switch would be nice. Remote control blast gates definitely a luxury.
Having a disposable plastic bottom bag a BIG plus. I buy the heavy ones at HD. With a tall top bag, a bottom plastic bag will not decrease air flow enough to notice.
Static electricity is not a problem for me here in humid Houston.
I plumbed my rolling workbench with that cheap 4" PVC pipe fron HD. Between the DC and the workbench I have about 8' of 4" flex tubing.
PS - Most of my tools set on a rolling workbench that is 4' x 8'. The planer, jointer, and bandsaw are on another blast gate. I do not have a table saw.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
PlaneWood
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