Most of my google searches end up bring me here, so this seemed like the place to ask my question.
I've developed a pretty good stable of smaller tools (new dewalt jobsite table saw, router table, really old delta lunchbox planer, benchtop bandsaw, handheld sanders, etc...) After building my daughter's crib last year it became evident that I need to improve my dust/chip capture. My craftsman shopvac just isn't cutting it. The "HEPA" filter I threw in there clogs really fast when sanding, it can't keep up with the planer, and the thing is just a pain to wheel around the shop.
Based on my research, the only tool I have right now that a full-size dust collector will be useful for is my planer. The 2.5" ports on the rest of the tools will choke airflow to a full size dust collector and it just won't do anything. On top of that, I'm just not ready to install a good 2 stage collector and run all the piping. If I bought right now I'd probably just end up with a cheapo single stage that I'd end up junking or hocking for pennies in a couple years.
So, I'm looking at dust extractors. Money isn't unlimited, but I prefer to buy once and own forever where I can. I've considered a festool or even a more budget minded makita, but I think the best system that will meet my needs right now and continue to be an asset in the future is a Dust Cobra.
- 200 CFM after 25' of hose should be better than the claimed 150 or so my shop vac gets before adding a dust deputy cyclone (or similar).
- Should be a perfect fit for most of my small tools - though I know I'll probably have to find a way to control flow for my random orbit sander.
- As I upgrade my shop it should continue to be a good fit for those tools that remain small, and see service as a whole shop vacuum.
- Might improve experience collecting from the planer - though I'm mentally prepared for the fact that it likely will continue to fall short.
Besides cost... Any downsides here? Obviously not as mobile as a typical dust extractor, but I'm not going to client homes or antyhing and I still have my shop vac for those odd jobs around my house.