Dust collection for small shop
My "shop" consists of a small shop that is used primarily for tool storage and my garage, where I move the tools that I'm using at any given time. I've reviewed the excellent comments, particularly those from Bill Pentz, in several threads about dust collection, but most deal with set-ups that are more than I can accommodate. I have tried hooking a 6 hp shop vac to 2.5" ports on the tools that I have. That works OK on a table saw and router table, but quickly clogs with my big Rikon belt sander. The Clearvue mini-cyclone for use with a shop-vac looks like it might be a good choice to solve this problem. I know I'm not going to capture a lot of the fine dust, but I wear a dust mask and much of my work is actually outside the garage. Anyone have any experience with the Clearvue cyclone for a shop vac or a good solution to dust collection in a shop situation like mine. Thanks!
Thanks for all of the information
Bill and everyone who responded to my inquiry,
Thanks for all of the information--a lot to think about! I've been visiting Sawmill Creek since July, but this was my first post and I've received many good suggestions and ideas in just a short period of time. I appreciate the long post from Bill--a real education on the problems associated with dust collection in a variety of settings.
Much of my work is either in an open garage or outside (depending, frankly, on the status of the shade and the Texas temperature). I have a 24" industrial shop fan that I position close to where I'm working--I bought it for the breeze but am pleased to find out that it probably helps move the fine dust on out into the great outdoors.
For the immediate problem I have, which is probably more coarse dust and chip related, I'm leaning towards the Clear-vue cyclone with the shop vac for now with a top quality portable unit such as the Oneida-air being put high on the list of future acquisitions that I'm negotiating with my wife (let's see, does that go ahead of the high-end 18" bandsaw--yeah, probably so). It should keep up with most of the tools I have. The idea of an inexpensive DC that will be quieter than the shop vac and move more air through a 4" hose does, however, have some appeal. Based on the threads I've read on the Harbor Freight DC, the 2hp model might be a good choice. I've printed off all of the posts and just need to review in detail, then make up my mind which way to go.
Again, thanks to everyone for your posts.
Max