Dust Collection Advice Needed

Re: Dust Collection Advice Needed

John K Jordan

One thing to consider is the ceiling height. My ClearVue cyclone works extremely well but just barely fits using a 30 gal trash can bin with my 9' ceiling. Basements sometimes have lower ceilings.

Another thing the noise. My DC would sound like a freight train running through the shop if I didn't have it in a sound-insulated closet. A basement may need special noise insulation to keep peace in the house. There was some discussion about this on the ClearVue forum.

JKJ

Re: Dust Collection Advice Needed *LINK*

Mark Wollschlager

I saw a new jet cyclone at the woodworking show last month.

Boy was I tempted. 1.5hp, cyclone with collector and a pleated filter canister w/bag ( and remote start ) that fits in the footprint of my existing jet Jet 650. 5.5ft tall. smaller than the jet and trash can cyclone I have now.

Judging the noise level was not easy, but it did not seem louder than my 650.


http://www.jettools.com/us/en/p/jcdc-1-5-cyclone-dust-collector-1-5hp-115v/717515

Re: Dust Collection Advice Needed

don stephan

"Robo Hippy" has a very informative video on Youtube describing a dust hood he made to greatly increase the effectiveness of a dust collector.

Re: Dust Collection Advice Needed *LINK*

David Walser

As the handsome and talented Mr. Jordan said, a lot depends on the space constraints. Most cyclones require more than an 8' ceiling height. However, some cyclones will fit into smaller spaces.

In addition to the space constraints are the noise issues. A 3-5hp cyclone moves a lot of air and the fan noise can be deafening. It's best if you can install such a unit behind a partition -- which means running ducts to your machines rather than bringing the dust collector to where it's needed.

If your space and budget permits a 3-5hp cyclone installed in its own closet and ducts run throughout the shop, that's definitely the way to go. Oneida's 3hp V-3000 would most likely meet your needs. It fits under and 8' ceiling and costs about $1,600 (ducts and a dedicated 220v outlet could easily double the cost).

If you cannot go the route of a 3-5hp cyclone, you're looking at a portable unit. Portable units are quieter, cheaper, and sufficient for one or two machines at a time. They're not nearly as convenient and seem to always be in the way in a small shop. However, one would easily meet your stated goal: collect the fine dust from power sanding at the lathe.

I have a Harbor Freight single-stage dust collector that I've upgraded to a canister filter and with which I use cyclonic separator. It easily handles dust collection at the lathe and can keep up with my jointer and planer. I've spent more on the upgrades than the HF dust collector -- total spent less than $500.

But, if I were doing it all over, this is the unit I'd buy: Oneida's 1.5hp Molded Mini Gorilla cyclone. It costs about $1k. It's portable and moves about the same amount of air as does my existing system. However, to move mine, I have to move both the dust collector and the 35 gallon trash can/cyclonic separator. So my system takes up twice the floor space. And, while my system, in theory, moves about the same amount of air as the Mini Gorilla, I'm using at least one extra length of flexible hose (between the separator and the DC), which reduces the air flow somewhat.

HTH


Oneida Mini Gorilla

Re: Dust Collection Advice Needed

Jeff Smith

It looks like there are two main components of dust collection - the hardware that creates the air stream and the filters used to pull particulates out of the airstream. The hardware is going to be the bulk of the investment, but a good filter can turn a moderate hardware investment into a much more capable machine.

Look into good filters. Wynn environmental makes cannister filters to replace the filters on both woodworking equipment and industrial systems. Their latest effort - the nano filter cannister) can convert many common DC units to meet Merv 15 standards - 99.99% on particles 0.5 microns and larger. Find a cheap fabric bag system, throw out the bags and get a good filter.

I've converted two systems with them and am delighted with the results - no obvious loss of airflow (increased airflow compared to the fabric bags they replaced), made in the USA and reasonably priced. They clean easily and should last a very long time by all indications. Add a cyclone to drop the large bits...

I'm not connected except as a happy customer for several years and three different systems - an ambient air filter and converting two different DC systems. Good information on their website

Re: Dust Collection Advice Needed

Barry Irby

I have a basement shop (actually a walkout at ground level) and I have a non cyclone outside in a closet. For the lathe, I just bring a hose over and attach it to the tool rest while sanding. I gave up on trying to collect the chips. Getting the noise of the unit outside is a blessing.

A couple of points. I find that in spite of my homemade ambient air cleaner and DC dust still migrates upward through the house. I recently built fifty poplar cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Got a nice even coat of fine white dust every where. There is a natural updraft through most houses. I would suggest keeping the shop cooler than the upstairs to help cut down on the up draft. And weather strip the door to the basement.

My DC exhausts outside. A good idea, but if your shop is heated, you are blowing your heat or AC outside. But you are also blowing the fines outside too. That's a good thing, its the fines that get you.

Re: Dust Collection Advice Needed

Dale Bonertz

Good advice so far. Barry hit on what I wanted to bring up and that is dust will still be generated even with a great collector and filtration system. If possible create an air lock (two doors) to go through before entering the main house. The door in the shop should be a exterior door that has weatherstripping and adjustable sill to keep in as mush dust as possible. In the air lock you may want a vacuum cleaner to vacuum yourself off prior to going upstairs or main living areas.

If the basement is unfinished put heavy plastic up on the ceiling held in place with slats along the floor joist and completely attached to the sill plate that sits atop the concrete foundation. You may consider insulating the floor prior to the plastic more for a sound barrier than insulation value. If the space is finished then this is not necessary but check for any area that may be a vacuum heading to living space and seal it (like a closet or utility room with a door). Barry is right that a home will vacuum up through the house thus dust will get everywhere if you don't take all the precautions.

Extra steps now will save you and your significant other (if there is one) a lot of frustration. Good luck.

Re: Dust Collection Advice Needed

Barry L Elder

I hope you don't smoke. Find a Pulmonary Doctor and get advice and follow it. Very few people in this world can afford lung transplants. God Bless!

Re: Dust Collection Advice Needed

Dale Bonertz

Sorry I did not mention the unfinished or finished walls that adjoin the main living areas. If they are unfinished then plastic them also, seal with caulk along the floor plate so dust won't work its way under and to the other side.. If they are finished seal along the baseboard where it meets the wall (along the top) and the floor to keep dust from migrating through to the other side. It will because again there is a bit of vacuum affect going on. Do this on the shop side for best results and aesthetics.

PS....

Barry Irby

I said its the fines that get you....

What you really should do is set up excellent dust collection and an ambient air cleaner AND wear personal protective gear. It really is the best at keeping the dust out of your lungs. I wear a mask that filters both particles and fumes. When I can smell the fumes, I change the cartridges.