Dust Collectors...Good/Bad

Joined
Jan 8, 2002
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849
I plan to get a dust collection system for my new shop when finished and would like to know what manufacturer's model you would recommend. And, if there are any you would avoid. I would also like some info on noise and would prefer one that runs as quiet as possible. Thanks for any feedback.
 
I have the one from Harbor freight that was a movable model and runs at 600 cfm.I just got it set up so I haven't had time to have any problems with it yet.
If you want it quieter than it is,You can set it outside the back of te shop and build a little shelter over it to keep it dry,and run a cord with a switch on it inside so you can turn it on and off when you need to.This keeps all the noise out side and not in the shop.
Bruce
 
I have a Stanley portable air cleaner that is a tube style. It works well but is loud and the filters are $25. I also have a $14 box fan and a $8 20"x20" allergy type furnace filter duct taped onto the box fan and it works better, faster and much quieter. I leave the box fan on low and can't even hear it. When it gets really dusty in my shop I'll turn them both on and it's like I have a breeze circulating in the shop. I'd save the money and try the box fan and duct tape thing. Darn if it doesn't work well. Not sure who mentioned it here before.
 
txwood, dust collectors are sort of like catching fish, bigger is better. Buy the biggest you can afford and don't look back.

If using for metal dust, consider the heat of ground particles. My intake accumulates bonded, vitrified metal on a 1/2" mesh screen located 16" and again in a 90 degree elbow 27" below the grinding point which has to be broken/chipped off.

Metal ducts/flex/fittings are a favorite. Keep flex ducts to a minimum. Using heating vent pipe/fittings is cheaper than buying the special stuff sold for collectors. Ground the ductwork, your crotch will appreciate this very much, believe me!

Bruce is right on with putting it outside to keep it quiet. Some of them list the decible noise levels and offer a muffler for the exhaust. I think the two stage units are best, mine dumps into a 55 gal drum first, then exhausts outside into another container, avoiding the cloth bag due to fire risk.

Even with the dust extractor, I wear a respirator and find the particle filters get dirty after a while.
 
I have a new Torit 60 series- about $2000 with the necessary pipes and fittings. Replacement filter is $350. Made for catching sparks as well as sawdust. Much quieter than the shop vac it replaced, but way too much money for a casual user.
 
I bought mine from Grizzly. It's actualy made for wood but works well for me. It has a 1 1/2 hp motor and is plumbed in 4 inch flex pipe with gate valves for each of my 2 grinders and 2 buffers. You can mix and match parts to suit your needs. I built boxes for each unit and put the exhaust in the back side of the box. I use it for when I am takeing alot of metal off and when I profile handles etc. I have it inside my shop since my shop is in the basement and it is a tad bit noisey. Only regret I have is that I waited so long to do it! Total cost with delivery was like $450.00.
 
Just some advice from a shop teacher. Do some research. There is a current article in Wood Magazine that critiques 6 different brands of dust collectors(Feb 2002, Issue 139) Provides good info on noise, efficiency, and actual testing they performed on each. Don't know if you can get it online. Only addresses I find are woodonline.com and woodmagazine.com, but it might be for other info. Hobby stores should have the magazine. 800-374-9663 for subscriptions.
 
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