Harbor freight DC setup

[Robin Rielly]

I know this topic has been beaten to death but I'm trying to get the most out of my 2hp HF DC. I added about 15 feet worth of 4 in. PVC and the suction was great to all tools. My plan was to add a cannister filter and chip separator. I added the Donaldson P181038 Filter and immediately noticed a drop off in the suction. With one blast gate open I noticed the vortex action in the bag was quite less. Opening up another increases the action but obviously reduces the suction. From what I've read, the cannister filter should have improved the suction but that's not what happened. I can use it like this but this means I'll be clogging the filter very quickly. I also tried to add a separator with a 31 gallon garbage can while venting the exhaust outside and just bypassing the filter. Same result! Actually, the suction was even worse using the separator. I've read tons of posts on the web claiming success with these mods but it seems this unit may not be up to the task. If anyone has any tips or suggestions, I'd love to hear them. It's good enough with just the donaldson filter but I was hoping for better results.

[Peter Kelly]

The cellulose media in that filter may not be oriented to flow from the inside center outward. Most if not all Donaldson Downflo style machines push air from the outside through the filter cartridge, opposite of what a conventional single stage one would do. Wynn filters have their media set up for reverse flow which is why they cost a bit more.

https://www.donaldson.com/en-us/industrial-dust-fume-mist/equipment/dust-collectors/cartridge/downflo-evolution/

[Robin Rielly]

Thanks! I was actually thinking the same thing (after the fact) but unfortunately took the advice of others on the web claiming the donaldson worked well for them. Live and learn. I'm thinking of using a dust deputy and venting outside instead.

[Peter Kelly]

Super Dust Deputy, upgrading to the Rikon impeller and venting the fines outside is the best scenario with the HF blower.

[Lisa Starr]

I have the HF 2 HP. The impeller upgrade really improved the performance and I have a super Dust Deputy connected with it. Unfortunately, I have to vent thru a Wynn filter rather than outdoors. It does fine with about 30' of metal duct to the J/P combo.

[Robin Rielly]

I have the HF 2 HP. The impeller upgrade really improved the performance and I have a super Dust Deputy connected with it. Unfortunately, I have to vent thru a Wynn filter rather than outdoors. It does fine with about 30' of metal duct to the J/P combo.

Just curious. Do you have the 4" or 5" dust deputy? What size ducts?

[Lisa Starr]

Robin,

5" Dust Deputy with 5" metal ducts. If I had it to do over, I would run a 6" main duct with 5" drops to the machines to allow for an upgrade of the DC later without replacing piping.