Laguna C-Flux DC's

[Robert Hayward]

Does anyone have one of the new design DC's from Laguna ? The specs on the C-Flux 3hp look pretty good. I know the prior model DC's from Laguna have a bad reputation. These C-Flux models looks like Laguna has got it right this time.

I currently have no DC at all. Okay I have two shop vacs, but I call them not having DC. My little shop is probably hazardous to my health, everything in there is coated with a powder fine dust, thick to boot. The 3hp C-Flux is 10% off with $75 shipping this weekend. I think I will try one.

http://www.lagunatools.com/Industrial-Division/Industrial-Dust-Collectors

[Mark Furjanic]

I can only pony up for and fit the 1 1/2 hp c/flux and I'll have it on order this evening, I hope they got t figured out. There's a post around here concerning last years 1 1/2 hp and the owner is very happy with it. At this time the thread is right below this one.

[Robert Hayward]

From what I have read since my initial post they say the cyclone length is short compared to an Oneida or Clearvue. Most likely true that the Oneida or Clearvue are more efficient. However, the Laguna C Flux line of DC's has the specs and size that I was looking for. Already put my order in for a 3hp C Flux. The web site I ordered from said a 5-7 day wait until it ships. That is okay as it will give me next weekend to run the 30 amp 220 circuit and outlet. Also make up a 30 amp extension cord so I can move the machine around my shop.

[Brian Glendenning]

Please post your experiences with your 3 hp CFLUX when you have it in hand - I am very interested in buying the same unit!

[david salonen]

+1

I would love to hear more about cflux and/or pflux dcs

[Mark Furjanic]

My 1 1/2 horse is scheduled for delivery on Tuesday so I'll have first impressions soon. I pulled up the online manual today to see what I needed for a breaker and I found out that for me to convert the unit to 220 I'll need to get a new switch and cover. I called Laguna today because I can't find anything for sale anywhere but haven't gotten a call back yet.

[Robert Hayward]

You are ahead of me Mark. Mine has not even made it to the point of them notifying me of a shipping date. I do not have the 30 amp 220 circuit run yet anyway. If I can muster the ambition maybe tomorrow. It will be cool tomorrow in my neck of the woods so it should be a good day to crawl around in the attic.

Yes, I will post my experience with the 3hp model. Not sure how useful my information will be as I have never owned a DC before. Been around a couple of big commercial ones and that is it. The C-Flux 3 info I have read looks like the 8" inlet will give the best performance. I looked online a couple of different places at a 10 ~12' length of 8" flex with a smooth bore and got sticker shock- extreme. :eek: There has to be a cheaper way to get a few feet from the DC to my various machines.

[James Gunning]

There are lots of cheaper alternatives to the smoothbore flex pipe. PVC, metal ducting, snap lock, etc. The piping for a shop can be a significant expense and also be a liability to proper operation of the DC. The duct system needs to be properly designed. There is lots of discussion on this site and there are firms like Oneida that will design a duct system for you.

Those who are buying their first proper dust collector, there is a reason the inlets (and outlets) are so large. Dust collectors operate on very large amounts of air flow and low static pressure, (another way to characterize static flow would be restrictions to airflow) the opposite of vacuums. That's why using 4" pipe in the ducting going to the machines (and 4" or smaller pickups on the machines) is a very bad idea. That size pipe, even though it has become sort of an industry standard, is simply too small to work properly with a DC. The airflow through the DC will be choked off and you will waste the available power the DC has. Using 4" pipe, the DC will pick up some chips and dust, so it seems to work properly. Not really, when compared to how it will work with properly sized ducting. You only need to try a 4" inlet then a 6" inlet on your DC. You won't need any meters to tell the difference. The minimum size for ducting and collection ports should be 6", not 4". In larger systems, the main trunk lines may be up to 8".

The idea here is to create the largest airflow where the chips and dust is being generated. On a lot of machines, even a shop vac will get most of the chips, what we are trying to catch with a DC is the smaller particles (< 1 micron) that can be harmful to health.

[Larry Frank]

As I read this thread, I thought that the following information might be useful. I had posted it elsewhere but thought it might be good for the current discussion.

Recently, we have seen a new design dust collector and has shown up as a Laguna, Jet and a couple of others and they all look very similar. I was looking for some performance data and ran across some confusing data.

On the Jet Website, the max CFM for the JCDC-3 Cyclone Dust Collector Kit, 3HP, 230V was listed at 1240 CFM with the US method and 1963 CFM for the EU method. I had no idea how they came up with the higher number. So, I called them and found that the EU method is done with no filter on the machine. This is really a misleading way of testing and presenting numbers.

There may be some difference in the performance of the Jet version versus the Laguna one due to difference in air filters and other minor components but do not expect the differences to be large.

The data that Jet sent me also included how they tested the unit and it was a well done test done with good instruments.
However, I was able to get a performance curve for this unit from Jet. I expect that the data will be very similar for the Laguna version of this dust collector. I took the data from Jet and put it into a graph along with data for several other 3 HP cyclones. These included from Oneida the Super Dust Gorilla, the V series and Pro Series. Also, included are a Penn State, Grizzly, and the Jet.

I hope the information is useful to those looking at dust collectors.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/vs-lumberjocks.com/ohhak54.jpg

[James Gunning]

Just noticed something I hadn't seen before on the Laguna machines. Looking at the specs, Laguna uses surprisingly small filters on the 1.5 HP C/flux machines. Just 48 sq. ft. and a MERV rating of 12. The 2HP and 3HP machines get a 109 sq. ft. filter with the same MERV. The P/flux machines are the same except a claim of 16 MERV. They also claim HEPA standard which I recall from my discussion with Wynn environmental, is not possible to meet with the types of filters used. I wonder if it was strictly a money saving choice. With the design, at least a larger filter could be fitted if desired.

For comparison, the Wynn filter I use is their 9L300NANO and has 300 sq. ft. of filter area and a MERV rating of 15.

[Robert Hayward]

For comparison, the Wynn filter I use is their 9L300NANO and has 300 sq. ft. of filter area and a MERV rating of 15.

What machine do you have that takes a 300 sq foot filter ?

BTW, what I have is a small home hobby / craft shop in my garage. I will be using the DC on one machine at a time and moving the suction line from machine to machine as needed.

[Van Huskey]

My issues with the C-Flux is the 1 micron filter and the 48 sq ft of filtration area coupled with a short cyclone body. The former isn't very efficient at catching the most dangerous particle sizes, the latter leads quickly packing the filter and either lots of cleaning or significant reduction in flow.

[Mike Chalmers]

My issues with the C-Flux is the 1 micron filter and the 48 sq ft of filtration area coupled with a short cyclone body. The former isn't very efficient at catching the most dangerous particle sizes, the latter leads quickly packing the filter and either lots of cleaning or significant reduction in flow. It certainly looks to me that the cyclone cone is quite a bit longer than previous versions. Not as long or as efficient as a Clear Vue and others, but certainly a step forward. 1 micron filters are pretty standard on the more affordable machines. I reserve judgement until some actual, hands on stats become available.

[James Gunning]

Robert, I built my own from a Penn State blower, an Omega Super Dust Deputy, and the Wynn filter. The rest was cobbled together in my shop. The chief weakness is a 1 HP blower, and I'm always on the lookout for a bigger one. With that, I needed all the other pieces to allow maximum airflow which led to the big Wynn filter. It's actually smaller in diameter at 12.75" OD than the Laguna filter, but is 34" long. The pickup hose is 6" and I modified all the pickups on my machines to either 6" or several points that added up to about the same area and connected by a manifold.

I use it just like you propose to use the Laguna, on one machine at a time moving the pickup hose when necessary. Since everything is on wheels in my small garage shop, it works pretty well. I'm curious to see how the new Lagunas work in practice. since at least by the photos it looks like a good design.

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[Robert Hayward]

It certainly looks to me that the cyclone cone is quite a bit longer than previous versions. Not as long or as efficient as a Clear Vue and others, but certainly a step forward. 1 micron filters are pretty standard on the more affordable machines. I reserve judgement until some actual, hands on stats become available.

My thoughts are the same as yours Mike. I agree most likely not as efficient as a Clear Vue or Oneida, but price, size and specs were in my ball park so I pulled the trigger.

You will have the hands on experience rundown shortly. I was called by the trucking company this morning asking if a Thursday PM delivery was okay. I said okay and made arrangements to leave work early Thursday. Then a regional boss emailed about a meeting Thursday afternoon. :mad: Dang I hate it when work interferes with my hobbies. A call to the trucking company and the delivery is now scheduled for Friday afternoon. Now I have to leave work early on a Friday afternoon. :D

I ran the 30 amp 220 circuit this past weekend so all that will be left is to get whatever I need to make the connection from the 30 amp wall outlet to the machine. Of course assemble the machine also.

This machine BTW has a 109 sq ft filter, draws 22 amps and has a 15 1/2" impeller. Should out perform the new Jet cyclone easily, judging by specs alone. One big thing about me doing a test of the Laguna is I have never owned a real dust collector before so anything it does will seem great to me.

James, that is a real nice looking setup you have put together, I like it.

[Mark Furjanic]

I got my C/flux 1 assembled today. I have to pick up a tube of silicone tomorrow for the drum seams. The drum comes in 5 pieces, the bottom and 4 side pieces, and gets assembled with sheet metal screws. All the seams need to be siliconed and I didn't have any on hand.
Assembly went well and everything fit together nicely. The directions could have been a little better and a couple steps were incorrect as far as I could tell. I'll run it on 110v as soon as the silicone cures, I had to order a switch before I can convert it to 220v. They could have mentioned in the advertising that to run the c/flux 1 required an optional 220 switch. I incorrectly assumed it would be nothing more than rewiring the motor.

Robert - my manual is in the basement but tomorrow I'll post which steps in the directions I had issues with so you can watch for it.

[Alan Schaffter]

Laguna- smoke and mirrors specs with emphasis on appearance and slick marketing.

[Robert Hayward]

A review of my C-Flux3 assemble. The freight truck pulled up out front late Friday afternoon, only 45 minutes later than scheduled. I uncrated the machine and spread out the parts. Then called it quits for the day. The build would have to wait until sometime Saturday.

Other than turning it on to see if it would run I have not used the machine yet. That will have to wait a weekend or two while I figure out what method I want to use for piping and then order the materials necessary.

Overall first impression was that the machine is solidly built and well finished. The hardware, nuts bolts washers and so on were good quality. No crossed, rough or otherwise buggered threads were found. All the pieces fit together with no twisting, pulling or reaming holes. In fact everything fit together quite easily. I finished up the assemble with only three extra flat washers and one nut.

The assembly manual says to flip the machine upside down and do the bottom of the machine then flip the entire thing back upright. Definitely a two person job performing the flip back upright. The three horse motor, impeller and housing is heavy. The manual leaves a few things to the imagination. When attaching the switch box the manual shows the box being attached to the motor mount bracket. No way will the switch mount do that, there is a plate that has to be attached to the motor bracket first. Nothing in the manual mentions that.

Another thing missing in the manual is the fact that the octagon collection drum top that gets bolted to the bottom of the cyclone funnel can only go on in one orientation. The hole in the middle of the top is off center by about 1/2". I missed that and had to take the part back off the funnel and fiddle with it trying to figure out which way it went on. Also when attaching the drum top to the funnel the bolt flange on the bottom of the funnel can be rotated thirty degrees plus or minus.The manual talks about this thirty degree rotation but does not say how. I could not get the drum top lined up square to the machine no matter how I oriented the top in relation to the funnel. The flange on my machine was very tight, did not move easily and I only caught the fact that it rotated by accident. Once I realized that was how you made the drum top square with the machine I was back on my way. Not forgetting that the top is also not symetrical so you still must have the top installed one way only. No orientation marks on the lid or mention of this in the manual. Installing the drum top was the only real problem I encountered in the entire build. The switch mouning plate took only a minute to see what it needed. This drum top was a different story.

It is loud. I am used to hearing only the whir of my 3520B or at most the table saw. I guess I will get used to hearing the DC, or wear my shooters ear protectors. I really like the handle to lift the drum up against the drum lid. Raise the handle up and the drum drops down onto its wheels, easy as can be.

[James Gunning]

Robert, Good to hear you got it running with little trouble. If you are intending to use it one machine at a time, you might want to give Wynn Environmental a call about getting flex hose from them. Their hose is very good quality thick stuff. The prices are as good or better than other sources. Your machine should be powerful enough to handle a small permanent duct system if you want to go there. I realize your machines probably came with 4" ports, but DC's really need 6" (or larger in some cases) pickup hose/pipe. The cross section of a 6" pipe is over twice that of a 4" and the amount of airflow difference is staggering. Modifying your machines to have 6" ports for pickup can be a bother, but the dust collection is so much better you will not regret it. Often you can combine more than one point of pickup into a manifold that feeds a 6" pipe to get sufficient airflow. For example: a table saw with below the blade and overarm pickups. Let us know how it works out for you.

[Todd Hyman]

Robert I have a question about the remote control. I bought the 2hp Cflux and its a great unit but I'm having issues trying to get the remote control to work. The directions on how to program it aren't very good. I too have contacted Laguna Customer Service and Adam has been great with this issue but it still isn't working. They sent me a replacement remote and i just received a replacement motor switch assemble. I haven't swapped this out yet but just curious if anyone else has had an issue with this.

[Mark Furjanic]

Todd - I'm not Robert but I did get my C Flux remote programmed and the directions weren't very good. I held the button on the control box until I got 2 beeps and continued holding while I pressed the program button on the remote until I got the 3 beeps. It works like a charm.
I had to get a 220 switch from Laguna for my 1 1/2 hp and it turned out to be the entire control box, not just a switch. I just finished getting my Sawstop put together so I haven't had a chance to check the performance on my DC but I did put a 10' flex hose on it to see how it felt and it almost pulled my arm through the hose.

[Todd Hyman]

Todd - I'm not Robert but I did get my C Flux remote programmed and the directions weren't very good. I held the button on the control box until I got 2 beeps and continued holding while I pressed the program button on the remote until I got the 3 beeps. It works like a charm.
I had to get a 220 switch from Laguna for my 1 1/2 hp and it turned out to be the entire control box, not just a switch. I just finished getting my Sawstop put together so I haven't had a chance to check the performance on my DC but I did put a 10' flex hose on it to see how it felt and it almost pulled my arm through the hose.

Thanks. the directions say to turn on the unit, but you cant here the beeps when you turn it on. Am I missing something?

[Mark Furjanic]

Thanks. the directions say to turn on the unit, but you cant here the beeps when you turn it on. Am I missing something?


Yep...don't turn the unit on. Sorry I forgot that part. Power to the machine but blower off.

[Robert Hayward]

Mark has it right, from what I can tell. I did not mention the remote in my build review but I did have minor trouble with the remote. I never did hear any beeps using the method Mark outlines. I did not hear any beeps period. I guess my remote was programmed at the factory ? I had tried power on, power off but plugged in and unplugged trying to hear a beep. Nothing. Thought to myself great, broken already. :mad: Was picking up and putting tools away when a neighbor walked in. Horsing around he picked up the remote laying on the table saw table and said how does it sound and pushed the button. Well, we found out how it sounded, it turned on ! Turned it off, a few seconds wait and turned it back on again. :confused:

Went outside a short distance and tried it once more, on and back off. Worked great. I have not turned it on since. Work sure eats up my hobby time. :p Now I am wondering... I think I will go out to the garage and push the button, neighbors are too peaceful right now anyway.

[Scott Allen27]

Quick question for the cflux owners , (or anyone who may know) - can you order a better filter for this machine from Wynn or another company with higher filtration ratings, larger surface area etc?


From what I have read since my initial post they say the cyclone length is short compared to an Oneida or Clearvue. Most likely true that the Oneida or Clearvue are more efficient. However, the Laguna C Flux line of DC's has the specs and size that I was looking for. Already put my order in for a 3hp C Flux. The web site I ordered from said a 5-7 day wait until it ships. That is okay as it will give me next weekend to run the 30 amp 220 circuit and outlet. Also make up a 30 amp extension cord so I can move the machine around my shop.

[James Gunning]

Scott,

You should be able to get a replacement filter from Wynn Environmental, (there are other sources as well), that would work with your machine. Give them a call, they are knowledgeable about filters to fit most woodworking machines.

[chris penkala]

Hi all, I purchased the cflux-1, then the 220 switch. I just had an electrician install a new 220 receptacle. I plugged the DC in and immediately heard a single beep followed by a constant fast-paced chirping from the switch box. When I press and hold the program button on the bottom of the box, the chirping stops. I never get any more beeps like I would expect when you program the remote. The electrician rechecked all of his work as I stood there (I've worked with him before and he does a good job, so I trust his work). I also started the tablesaw, which is also on the same circuit.

I figured I'd post something here and call Laguna (but I've been disappointed with their support). I'm suspecting a bad switch.
Thanks in advance

***update: I got a call back from Lagunua. The tech suspects that the board in the switch is an older model that can't handle more than 235 volts. They are sending a new board which they said I could install with no trouble.

[Robert Hayward]

Did you get your new board ?

[Lou Stempien]

Sorry I didn't see this earlier -- I had the same issue. I was getting exactly 240 volts and the board couldn't handle it, giving off the chirping sounds as you mentioned. I had the issue early in the year and they didn't have a fix at the time. Took a month or two and they finally sent me a corrected board. Install was simple as they said. The unit has performed well since that time, but it wasn't a good customer experience considering the cost of the 240 conversion...