First Dust Collector

[Kelly Cleveland]

I am thinking about finally getting a proper dust collector after many years with just a shop vac. My primary interest is improving the air quality, the mess I can handle considering the shop is only 10x12. My budget is small and I am currently considering these two models:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-HP-Light-Duty-Dust-Collector-Polar-Bear-Series/G1163P
http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-HP-Dust-Collector/G8027?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_medium=link&utm_source=direct
Is the 30 micron filter good enough? The smaller one also had a higher CFM and static pressure rating, but I wasn't sure how much difference that would make in a small setup. I will be hooking up my jobsite table saw and jet 14" bandsaw. My main question is if I should run a 4" hose to the table saw since it has a 2 1/2" port, or should I just use the small hose that I have been using with the vacuum? I wasn't sure if there would be an advantage to using the large hose if it was just going to step down at the saw. Thanks

[Bob Coates]

I had your second one and replaced it with this Harbor Freight one. http://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-industrial-5-micron-dust-collector-97869.html
HF has a 5 micro filter bag. I added a whyn c1425c which is .5 micro. I do a lot of sanding on the lathe and the whyn made a big improvement. With HF 20% coupons its about 170. There have been many good reviews on it here. I also add a pre collection which catches all but the powder dust.
Bob

[Matt Day]

I'm no expert but 30 micron is not good enough. 1 minimum.

[Wade Lippman]

30 micron will catch planer chips, but no dust. You will actually see a dust cloud coming from the bag. Get at least 5 micron or don't bother with a dust collector.

I had one like the top one from Penn State with a 5 micron bag. Aside from being underpowered, the bag clogged almost immediately. The lower one is a much better design.

Except used, I seriously doubt you can get anything worthwhile for under $350. Consider used.

[John Hollaway]

Kelly, can you tell us where you live? I took a real nice single-stage collector, with numerous upgrades, out of service recently, and replaced it with a cyclone. I will make you a great deal if you are close enough to pick it up. I'm in south-central PA, near Chambersburg. Thanks.

John

[Kelly Cleveland]

Hi John, I'm in Ithaca, NY. I probably wouldn't have time to make the trip anytime soon, but if you gave me some more information I could think about it. One thing I forgot to mention earlier is that i only have 6 foot ceilings, so I won't have space for much bigger than the grizzly. Thanks