Compact (or at least smaller) dust collection

[alex grams]

So after research and reading, i had committed myself to the harbor freight dust collector. I went to a local store to check it out, but found it much larger than expected, and also not as impressive as I had expected in terms of construction (I can't put my finger on any particular feature, but I just wasn't that impressed with its overall construction, though from everything i have read, it gets good reviews. I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for)

So that being said, I am still looking around at other options. I have no problem with 1 machine i move from tool to tool. But i am still trying to explore other options for the ~200$ range (I could stretch it up to 300, just have to save a 'lil more). I can afford space in height, but the HF DC had a pretty decently sized footprint also. I have a double car garage i have to be able to let 1 car into.

The main tools i would be running are for a 513x2 bandsaw, and a lunchbox planer and table saw.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Bill White]

I have the HF unit. Don't know what you'll get that is "better" for the money even after you change to better filter-rate bags.
Bill

[Jim Becker]

There isn't much overall footprint differences between any of the 1-2 hp single stage DC systems. The 1hp setups are physically smaller, but not by much. What you saw in the HFT unit is about average.

[Don Bullock]

Alex,
I just bought a Jet 1 hp DC. Check out http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=69842. Since my first post I've had a chance to use it more with all my major tools with 4" DC ports - table saw, planer, jointer and bandsaw. It works great! Sure some will say that you need more power or a cyclone style DC, but for me right now my Jet is doing the job I needed it for. You'll also need to buy a DC hose because that doesn't come with the unit. I would suggest that you get some type of quick connect to make it easier to move from tool to tool. I bought one like http://www.amazon.com/Dust-Collection-Threaded-Quick-Adapter/dp/B000H555BC/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1196951382&sr=1-23, but mine isn't threaded. I found mine on the WoodCraft website, but it doesn't seem to be there anymore.

[alex grams]

Do you find that the jet 1hp 650 would be enough for a larger bandsaw? I am sure if i got the canister filter on it, it would help the CFM a lot. For a single machine DC, it could suit my needs (but more research/reading is always required).

I think getting the 650 for 239 from rockler (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17442&filter=dc%2D650) and then fitting it with the conversion kit from wynn (http://www.wynnenv.com/35A_series_cartridge_kit.htm) will give me a decent DC for 400$ (the wynn filter is slightly cheaper, and has smaller filtration size

[Bill Fellmy]

Rockler's online catalog has a 14" shaker felt bag for less than $25 advertised as 1 micron which will fit the Jet 650. You'll need to extend the bag support arm by about a foot. Click http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10001.

[Hank Knight]

This JDS unit got good reviews from FWW last year. They are well built.
http://www.amazon.com/JDS-Company-14040-Dust-Force-Horsepower/dp/B0007Y75IE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1196958630&sr=1-3

[Brian Weick]

I usually will not buy tools from HF ,I call them throw aways, but for the components- I couldn't go wrong- I have the same unit you are talking about I believe and I bought it just for the shell/motor housing- the cheap roll around stand-gone , those stanchion bars-gone, I designed a mounting harness for the split bag housing shell, mounted the motor housing directly next to it,I ran all my main feed pipe under the shop floor to different locations so i don't have all that lining up and in the way of everything. I have a 10oz weight tied to the top of the upper bag- when the DC is turned on the bag pops up out of the well , when it's off it falls down into the other lower bag - I did this so it's out of the way. I have had no problems as of yet with the motor/turbine and does better than I expected-when I run a 15" board through my 15" planner there is no backup with the waste - so it passes the test with no problem- with all the other blast gates closed-. Some guys I have heard leave them open for a few machines and then complain it is not doing a good job, if you want to have a DC system with no blast gates to deal with- you'll need a stamped space of 25' of vertical space, 5' in diameter and 440v for the 10hp motor- just don't get close to the open feeds when it's running-LOL :D
Brian

[Steven Wilson]

The DC650 (I use to have one) is fine for collecting chips but doesn't have enough CFM at the port to collect fine dust. For that you need something with a larger impellor like the Jet DC1200C

[David Beeler]

Can't get much smaller than a 5 gallon paint bucket.

http://www.dustdeputy.com/

[alex grams]

but i need more flow than my vacuum can provide. I already have my shop vac hooked up to a trash can to create a 2 stage system.

[Don Bullock]

but i need more flow than my vacuum can provide. I already have my shop vac hooked up to a trash can to create a 2 stage system.

I agree Alex. My Dust Deputy is great for sanding and my other smaller tools, but not sufficent for my table saw and planer. That's why I bought the Jet 1 hp DC. It's about the smallest true DC that is out there and when hooked up to the planer and table saw it does its job well. No, a 1 hp Dc isn't big enough for more than one tool or long runs of duct work, but that's not what you need.