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Looking to keep the dust down in the shop and would like to add a dust collector. Prefer to wheel it around rather than run pipe everywhere. I have a table saw, jointer, planer, compound mitre saw, band saw to use it with. Looking for recommendations. I am thinking two stage but unsure of brand, capacity and filter size, hp, plus whatever else i am forgetting. It can be either 110 or 220. Thought would save some research time by checking the brain trust here first.
I have a Jet DC-1100A . 1100 CFM with a dual port intake and a vortex cone .
Also has a remote control start .
Mines set up with a dual stage using a kit I bought and a 19 gallon metal trash can .
Mines all hard piped to the tools , but it's on wheels . Could be moved to where ever .
Makes a HUGE difference !! Mines all 4 " .
I think the new number is DC-1100VX-BK .
If you look to the right in that picture , there's a section of duct trunk line that I got off a job . Made it into a dual stage hook up for a shop vac . Works with 2 1/2 inch stuff . Works good . Just expands the volume when using a shop vac .
You can also look into the cyclone bucket top types of collectors . They work pretty good .
I had the Jet DC-3.
The DC-3 has a 3HP motor, three 4" ports on it, a 55 gal. drum for dust, and has a plastic bag collect dust falling out of filter when to clean it.
No experience with any others.
Been awhile since I looked into to it but there was a "cyclone lid" craze where guys were making these plywood and pvc pipe lids for a 5G bucket hooked up to their shop vac. Looks like there are number of them being made now. Not vouching just giving you an idea. Can be made for next to nothing. https://www.amazon.com/Dustopper-Lo...80c-980f-2f5bae49ea4f&pd_rd_i=B0CN7DC7N9&th=1
Being unable to convert the entire garage into a work shop and run a proper dust collection system: I use a Dust Deputy Cyclone and built a cart similar to this one:
it mostly lives parked next to my work bench, but I can wheel it around as needed.
A Cen-Tec Systems 94709 Quick Click Hose runs up to a ceiling track.
Been awhile since I looked into to it but there was a "cyclone lid" craze where guys were making these plywood and pvc pipe lids for a 5G bucket hooked up to their shop vac. Looks like there are number of them being made now. Not vouching just giving you an idea. Can be made for next to nothing. https://www.amazon.com/Dustopper-Lo...80c-980f-2f5bae49ea4f&pd_rd_i=B0CN7DC7N9&th=1
I used one of these setups for awhile. The cone is still around somewhere, probably in the rafters. It works for small jobs. Unless portability is the primary goal I'd suggest a larger system for a full blown shop.
I have a Grizzly dust collector with a 5" port. It's a single phase 220V and has plenty of power. It's not really portable. I have the 4" flexible duct, like Rockler sells, on the end of a short run of pipe and move the duct from station to station as needed.
I'm a wood turner so I needed something to collect the chips before they hit the bag. I converted a 32 gallon garbage can as the first stage, and it gets 98% of the stuff. I hardly ever touch the collector bag. Perhaps once a year or so. Even then it's only about 1/3 full.
I know you're looking for something more for shop work but if you're ever in the market for a to-go unit the Fein vac/dust extractors are top notch,I prefer them over the Festool units.
lots of good options. hard to decide. thinking need something two stage whether that is an all in one unit or utilize a shop vac or separate kit. Open to hanging something on wall and piping it which might be better, especially it it ends up being 220 unit and wouldnt take up limited floor space as I only have 16x33 to work with. The Fein is interesting but it just says hepa and doesnt really say to what micron it filters.
For function ? No question . If it fits your space and budget to do that I would .
I've been doing this a long time . You know what that means ? Nothing , nobody cares . Lol .
I make that comment because when I first started everything had to be moved , plugged in or setup . No dust collection . Painfull . Running / tripping over extension cords . Walking in sawdust .
40 years later , most of my stuff is dedicated to a spot . Flip the switch , turn on the vac . Do the process , and shut it down . Then on to the next .
Hard piped I think you'll be more inclined to use it . Just saying that if you have a couple simple cuts to do , and have to connect the vac you may get " over " that in time .
I just emptied mine yesterday . Almost 19 gallons combined , that would otherwise be in the house .
That's a lot of dust .
You probably know this , but if you go hard pipe and duct it with PVC , it should be grounded .
Mines all metal with dual rubber gasket fittings . I don't have to worry about static spark .
Keep us posted .
