Another Q about DC's

[LeftyTom]

So. I've got the new vac with the 2 1/2" hose. Quieter than the old model, and even has the dust bag option. But I do not think it will be able to keep up with my planer or jointer. I've inundated my mind with the basics and finer points of dust control, to the point of numbness. That said....

I will be using the planer & jointer outside my basement, within 25 ft of the door. I've looked at the 1HP w/single bag DC's from HF (30 micron bag) to Woodtek (1 micron bag). But ye olde universal motor leads me conclude these are loud beasts. I am hoping for DC in the sub 80dB range.

SOoooo, I am wondering if a two-bagger DC, in the sub $300 range (new or used) would be suitable and practical. Keep in mind that I would be rolling it in & out of the basement, else I would be using a 30-ft length of hose to get to my planer or jointer.

[DaveO]

I have a Jet 650 (1HP) collector, I use it with about 20' of 4" hose to connect to my planer and jointer. It does and excellent job of collecting the chips. It runs much quieter than any other machine in my shop. I made a cart to allow it and my trashcan separator to roll around together, but I rarely move it. The 20' of hose will reach all my machines.
I highly recommend a trashcan separator with the set-up. A jointer/planer will quickly fill the bags and they are not fun to empty. The trashcan holds more and is much easier to empty out. I filled mine twice yesterday. I have only emptied the lower bag on the DC 3 or 4 times since I've had it (usually after I forget to empty the trashcan )

Dave

[Bas]

What Dave said. Noise-wise, a DC (with induction motor) is MUCH quieter than a shop vac. You'll barely notice the DC if the planer is running. The two models you listed have universal motors, and aren't that much better than a shop vac.

I've had great success with a trash can separator lid (and baffle), and have yet to change the bag since I added those. For a portable solution, you could do something like that:


Or something like this:


(Check out Phil Thien's forum for more successful builds)

The HF unit is frequently on sale for $170. Add in a cannister filter for $100 and a trash can for $30 (with lid), and you're good to go. Or snag one off Craig's List.

[Glennbear]

I have a Delta 50-760 with a plastic lower bag and a 1 micron upper bag . The noise is not bad and seems to work with my current setup which is 20' of hose until I can get permanent piping done. A recent series of tests by Wood Magazine put the 50-760 at the top of the heap for 110V and the Grizzly G1029Z tops for 220V. Out of all tested (15) The 50-760 had highest maximum CFM and easiest bag changing system. Whichever route you go, IMHO you should strive for a machine with 1 micron bag/ filter to catch the invisible nasties

[Bas]

Originally Posted by Glennbear

IMHO you should strive for a machine with 1 micron bag/ filter to catch the invisible nasties

I completely agree. No point in catching the dust/ chips and then spew it out again. But, Tom said he'd be using it outside:

Originally Posted by LeftyTom

I will be using the planer & jointer outside my basement, within 25 ft of the door.

which makes a cannister filter somewhat redundant. Of course, it may be a good idea anyway just in case you ever do decide to use it indoors.

[LeftyTom]

Oh yeah, I want something with a 1 micron bag, or that can be fitted with a filter, for when I do use it inside w/my table saw, or router.

[Bas]

Originally Posted by LeftyTom

Oh yeah, I want something with a 1 micron bag, or that can be fitted with a filter, for when I do use it inside w/my table saw, or router.

Well in that case, what Glenn said

If you are going with a cannister (either from the get go or to replace a bag), a trashcan separator is pretty important, to prevent chips, shavings etc. from getting stuck in the pleats. So keep that in mind before choosing between a bag and a cannister.

The airflow with a cannister is much better than a bag. After a while, the bags become dirty ("seasoned") and don't let as much air through. I have the Wynn paper filter cannister, and when it's saturated with fine dust (like it is right now), it is starting to restrict airflow (even with 4" duct work!).

(yeah yeah I need to go take it outside and clean it. I should floss every day too).

If you plan to take your DC outside regularly, then changing the bag or cleaning the filter will be a lot less involved, so you may even be motivated to do so once in a while! (I have to move furniture in order to get my DC outside...).

For $300, the HF unit/ Wynn cannister is the only viable option, unless you find a used model on Craig's List. If you have the money and 220V, I'd go with the Grizzly Glenn mentioned. Can't have too much suction.

[jtodd71]

hey Tom you could come and see my DC if you want to. its the delta 1.5 HP you can get an idea of what it would be like.

[DaveO]

Tom, check the classifieds...there might be something there for you - http://www.ncwoodworker.net/ppclass/...hp?product=417
It should handle your needs and the price is very good. Throw a trashcan separator on it and you'll be set to suck.

Dave