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Thread: Harbor freight DC setup

  1. #1

    Harbor freight DC setup

    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.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    New York, NY
    Posts
    2,203
    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/indu...flo-evolution/

  3. #3
    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.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    New York, NY
    Posts
    2,203
    Super Dust Deputy, upgrading to the Rikon impeller and venting the fines outside is the best scenario with the HF blower.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Waterford, PA
    Posts
    1,225
    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.

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Lisa Starr View Post
    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?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Waterford, PA
    Posts
    1,225
    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.

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