I will be constructing a new shop (22x24) this Spring to be attached to my garage. My shop is now in the basement and have an Oneida dust collection system (1.5 hp) with fixed ducting along one wall with flexible duct to connect to my various machines (TS, Shaper, Woodmaster molder, J/P, sanders, lathe, etc). All of my machines are currently on casters and I anticipate keeping them mobile in the new shop (with the possible exception of the tablesaw). I have been happy with this dust collector.
I am going back and forth whether to use my existing dust collection and set up the same fixed duct system or go with a mobile dust collector (such as the Onieda portable dust collector http://www.oneida-air.com/inventoryD.asp?item_no=XXP990301H&CatId={AC1122DA-3A28-4606-9B70-189ACD0BC2E4}) and wheel the dust collector around to each machine as I need it. On one hand I like the idea of a fixed dust collector and all the machines permanently hooked up and ready to go.... On the other hand, my shop is just not big enough to have all the machines in a fixed location, so I am wondering if a more mobile dust collector makes sense. On the plus side of a mobile unit, I wouldn't have a bunch of ductwork around the shop. On the other hand, I will be committed to hooking up the mobile dust collector EVERY time I use a machine.
Any opinions or experience?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Cheers, bob