Donaldson Torit dust collector?

[Dan Coker]

I recently came across a Donaldson Torit MC-500 dust collector for what appears to be a good price ($350) and was wondering if any of you guys would recommend this unit for a wood working shop? It appears to me that these are marketed towards markets other than wood working. The thing that concerned me is that it is only a 1hp machine but I know that horse power is not always a direct indicator of CFM. The guy that is selling it told me he thought it has around 1,600cfm but wasn’t a 100% for sure. I did a brief search and couldn’t find the CFM specs for it. It is a 3 phase unit but that is fine as I have 3 phase power. It has all of the parts and accessories with it including the filters. If I buy it I would like to run a 6” main trunk line about 30-40ft with three drops reducing down to 4” at the machines. Machines include table saw, old 16” Dewalt RAS and jointer. Would this unit work with this scenario? Any advice?

[David L Morse]

No, with those specs it won't work. At that HP rating and maximum flow rate the fan curve will look more like a HVAC blower than a dust collector. The available pressure will be very low. It will be unable to push much air through your proposed ducting.

It might be useful dedicated to a miter saw hood or a downdraft table with a very short duct sized to match the inlet.

Edit to add: You might want to check the price of replacement filters too.

[Frank Pratt]

1600 cfm is fantasy, even with no ducting & filters removed. The low power and long run of duct means that it will be inadequate.

[Brian Backner]

If you ever plan to use a sandblasting cabinet, buy that beast and squirrel it away. Few units are better for clearing the air in a blasting cabinet than the smaller Torits (they come in power up to about 5hp for this usage). I have a 2hp/3P VibraShake that is fantastic - I run a single gun at 15cfm/80psi in a 6' cabinet and never have vision problems due to dust.

Donaldson also makes huge bag houses for woodworking factories - I saw one up in Lowell, MA several years ago that was 2.5 million CFM (yes, millions) channeled through 36" main ducts up to 1,200 feet long. Was surprised I didn't see workmen and machinery chained to the concrete floor to keep them in place.

[Andrew More]

Pretty sure they outlawed chaining down workmen during the 60s, but I believe some parties are arguing for it's return. :)

[Mark McClurg]

That model according to this ebay link is a Model 500 because it is 500 CFM!

https://www.ebay.com/i/152828986993?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=152828986993&targetid=870807825808&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9010762&poi=&campaignid=9250231174&mkgroupid=93059685119&rlsatarget=pla-870807825808&abcId=1145977&merchantid=101743880&gclid=CjwKCAiAhJTyBRAvEiwAln2qBw4D4OVUNwYKFK6LrMzc Gbq190XD6uscUlhAPwizFFTgaTpXyDa4IRoCwQsQAvD_BwE