Dust collector vs air filtration system?

[Wloch248]

I have been looking for a good way to keep the shop clean. I initially thought that the only option was a dust collection system with the 2 big bags. I have a space constraint in my work room which would make that almost impossible.

I saw a local craigslist ad for a jet air filtration system. It was trashed and I ended up not buying it (no remote, buttons didn't work, filters missing, etc) but did some research on them. My shop area is approx 12.5' x 13' with a 7 foot ceiling. It is in a basement and has no windows. It seems like if I have my bucket of water under the grinder to catch the majority of the metal particles, an air filtration system fairly close to the grinder, and my respirator I should be good.

Any thoughts on a setup like this? The other cool thing about the filtration system I looked at is that it takes a regular size furnace filter and has a timed shutoff. It is the JET AFS-1000B. Any recommendations on this model or another model that would work?

 

[blindhogg]

I just read a woodworking magazine recently where they reviewed most air filtrations systems and Jet got the best performer award. Not sure if its the same model but probably is. I think if space is a premium it might be a good alternative. But if I had my druthers I would rather have a dust collector in the corner with line run to my grinder, I would probably use a trash can as a two stage collector to separate the majority of the metal dust and just vent the rest outside. I would not use the fabric bag collection it might come with unless you want a fire.
Chris

 

[Wloch248]

The one I looked at has 170 ratings on amazon and 4 1/2 stars out of five. That gave me a good feeling.


The other concern I had about getting a dust collection system is the fact you don't want to mix the fine wood dust from shaping handles and the sparks that come from grinding metal (poof!). I had seen the water bucket setup and most guys said it catches a lot of the stuff being ground off. And unfortunately I have no way to vent anything outside :thumbdn:

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Get 2 or 3 box fans, and attach 20 X 20 furnace filters to the intake sides. You will be amazed at how much dust they pick up.

 

[canid]

my recommendation would be both: a dust collector to keep most of it out of the air, and a filter to catch much of what makes it in there.

the ignition risk can be mitigated by emptying your wood dust before ginding steel.