Hello all. Ive moved into a new shop. Finally in a building I own so I can do upgrades to my various systems without much anxiety about when the lease runs out. The first thing I want too get under control is proper dust management. After so many terrific comments on a previous thread, it is clear that that is where Im lacking. Made so many calls and inquiries this week. But can never get enough insights from this community.
To recap here are my primary tools:
- 20 bandsaw
- 12 jointer
- 20 planer
- 5hp industrial table saw
- 22 drum sander
- router table
- 12 bandsaw
- full size lathe
- 12 miter saw
- Drill press
Been doing a lot of research and obviously Bill Pentzs name and excellent work keeps coming up. After having read pretty much everything he wrote on the subject, I was pretty sold on the ClearVue EV5 or CV max (really same machine) but then had a few air filtration companies come to my shop to discuss duct work and several suggested I might want to look into something like the Nederman S500. Even when talking to the lovely rep at ClearVue, she said that with the EV5, you must have blast gates closed on most machines and really can run two machines at a time at best. The air filtration companies had said with something like the S500 I wouldnt have to worry about closing blast gates and could get enough draw to leave most open and all would be fine. Is this possible? Seems almost too good to be true. Bringing the Oneida 5hp Dust Gorilla into consideration they claim 3 machines with open blast gates, but not sure that is true and the numbers across the board seem very similar to EV5.
Although Im largely a one man shop I do have some interns that will often be working on different projects with me in the shop simultaneously. Being able to use several machines at the same time can be an asset.
The price disparity between EV5/Dust Gorilla and S500 is substantial S500 is about $2500 more expensive. But I see it as a lot term investment that will pay dividends if claims are true. Another consideration is that I can have the S500 within a week the EV5 is back ordered for AT LEAST 10 weeks. Ive already lost so much work time due to the move. Of course, I could use my chip collecting system and respirators for next few months, and of course theres the Oneida 5hp Dust Gorilla, which seems pretty identical to EV5, which is available immediately. The filters for the S500 are $20 whereas the ClearVue and Oneida are about 400. Footprints: S500: 7 by 4 vs EV5/Oneida: 5 by 2 but I have the space for either. Also, apparently the Nederman is quiet relatively, which is less of consideration for me as Im always wearing ear muffs and Im not sure what can be louder than my planer.
Would appreciate any insights or experiences people have with Nederman or similar products for me to consider. And of course thoughts on my points above.