I read Bill Pentz' page and...

[Gary Herrmann]

For now, I fall in this category:

For those who move a dust collector from machine to machine they can get buy with a good quality 1.5 hp dust collector that turns at least an 11" impeller.

I can't get a cyclone to fit in my basement, and I hope to convert the garage in the future, so mobile DC will have to suffice for awhile.

That being said, what recommendations for a quality 1.5hp+ unit with an 11" impeller do you have? I'll upgrade the bags, filters etc, for now I'm looking for guidance on the basic unit.

Thanks for your patience on this often asked question.

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Don't completely write off the cyclone idea... Some of them are shorter than others, to fit in basements.

Anyways, I have the Harbor Freight 2 HP DC. I am very happy with it. I have a combination of 4 inch ducts and 4 inch hose. It seems to work very well. The one problem is that the stock bags only filter to 30 micron. However, for $85 you can upgrade to a canister filter and filter to 0.5 microns. So for a total of just of $200 you can have a DC that will hold your needs for awhile.

I plan on building a down draft table and using the HF DC as the power for it, when I get a cyclone.

Good luck!

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Also,

I forgot to mention, look into building an air cleaner. An air cleaner will clean the air of the suspended dust that your DC misses. With a basement shop, it should really help to keep the dust out of the rest of the house.

[Michael Gabbay]

Gary -

I have the Jet 1100 with a custom bag from American Fabric Filters. After spending more time hooking things up than actually cutting I finally installed metal duct work. It starts off as 6" from the DC and down to 5" for a short main run (12'). The TS is hooked up at 5" and everything else is 4". It does an adequate job of keep dust off the floor and surfaces. I also run an AFS while working on high dust producing machines.

If I had the money a cyclone would be my first choice. Maybe in the future.

The Jet as a single hookup did a great job. You should be able to run a 6" reduced at the tool to 4" or 5" and get better performance.

My 2 cents....

Mike

[James Carmichael]

Also,

I forgot to mention, look into building an air cleaner. An air cleaner will clean the air of the suspended dust that your DC misses. With a basement shop, it should really help to keep the dust out of the rest of the house.


Jeff,

Do you have a source for plans on the air cleaner? Also, what is your source for the cannister filter? I currently have a Cummins 1 HP DC that goes from machine to machine, but my son has asthma and we both have allergies, so I need to get serious about dust control in my garage "shop" as I am getting more into this with power tools and producing more dust. I'll probably "upgrade" to the HF (yeah, I know, that's like trading in a Yugo in an Escort). I know a cyclone is the best way to go, but doubt if I have the time, money or space to go that route.

Thanks!

[Peter Gavin]

Jeff,

You use the same math I use with my wife when justifying prices. A 2 HP HF DC is 149.99 (on sale) plus 85.00 for a canister filter equals $200.00. Now if only I could get my bank to use the same math.
Peter

[Steve Stube]

With math like that Peter, I want to know if you have anything FOR SALE.

[Steven Wilson]

An aircleaner is good for clearing the air but it will do absolutely no good in protecting your lungs. If you use an aircleaner you need to wear a respirator. Remember, if you aren't collecting the dust at the source you're not collecting it at all. As for bags, even the replacement bags usually aren't that good and most folk's don't get enough square footage. The Jet cartridge isn't too bad. You could also probably rig up something using the Oneida cartridge for their smaller DC's. http://store.oneida-air.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=OAS&Product_Code=FCS133900&Category_Code=FC . This cartridge is good and made from known, certified material. If I had to run a small DC I would probably go with the Jet DC1100C and 6" flex hose with a reducer at the tool.

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Jeff,

You use the same math I use with my wife when justifying prices. A 2 HP HF DC is 149.99 (on sale) plus 85.00 for a canister filter equals $200.00. Now if only I could get my bank to use the same math.
PeterPeter, Ask me what I paid :) My neighbor has a contractor account at HF so he was able to get me a 20% discount. I also bought it on sale so the total price will be just shy of $200 :) :) Also, not to be picky, but you started it, the Wynn Canister filter is $82.00.

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Jeff,

Do you have a source for plans on the air cleaner? Also, what is your source for the cannister filter? I currently have a Cummins 1 HP DC that goes from machine to machine, but my son has asthma and we both have allergies, so I need to get serious about dust control in my garage "shop" as I am getting more into this with power tools and producing more dust. I'll probably "upgrade" to the HF (yeah, I know, that's like trading in a Yugo in an Escort). I know a cyclone is the best way to go, but doubt if I have the time, money or space to go that route.

Thanks!
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/misc/paperclip.gif Building a Shop Built Air Cleaner(Long) (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=16883) That is the thread that I posted about building my Air Cleaner.

Wynn Environmental (http://www.wynnenv.com/35A_series_cartridge_kit.htm) is the source of the cartridge filters for HF DC's.

Finally as others said, if you both have breathing problems, you really need to look into the best in personal respirators as well. I admit that I am not good about wearing mine, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't be better!

No solution will capture all the dust, but with a decent DC, an air cleaner and a respirator, you will be much better off.

Good luck!!