So for the longest time I’ve heard how much a Shop-vac doesnt quite cut it when it comes to larger machines, and how much quieter “real” DC machines are compared to a shop-vac, but being a weekend warrior, my budget is limited, and space was a big issue for me until recently (we just moved, and I have a full garage to work with now – will be blogged soon as well).
Lately I was eyeing some Delta AP400 machines that float on craigslist once in a while for very attractive prices (sub $70) but wasn’t sure if that would quite hit the spot as I would like to have ductwork and a more permanent solution rather than plugging/unplugging and moving the DC from one machine to another.
I decided to pass on some good Delta AP400 offers, and wait for another opportunity. That opportunity came last week in the form of a Jet 1100DC unit (1.5HP) for a reasonable price off of craigslist (again). Apparently this unit has been getting rave reviews from Fine Woodworking, as well as Bill Pentz, both are reputable sources. So I know have the 1100DC in my garage, and the next step would be to setup a minimal length of ductwork that will cause the list reduction in performance while still providing me with ample access to the dust makers.
Another important upgrade that I am about to make is to replace the bag top filter with a cartridge filter. I think I will go with the Wynn Environmental Kit as they seem to have a very good customer service, and provide with a lot of information online which I appreciate (as opposed to PSI which still doesn’t really have much info on their products- surprisingly) also their kit shows to be the most effective and filters down to 0.5 micron, and is the most cost effective (I’m still trying to keep the financial expanses to the minimal). I will continue this blog as updates progress, and put up some photos once I get the filter conversion on the go.
Does anyone here have any experience with the Wynn filters? or the PSI filters? how do you like them?
-- My Drinking Club has a Woodworking Problem...
6 comments so far
Slacker
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172 posts in 228 days
posted 98 days ago
As far as duct work is concerned, Ridgid sells a complete system with gates and stuff. You can get it at Home Depot online.
-- There are three kinds of people... those who can count, and those who can't
Bigbuck
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1020 posts in 190 days
posted 98 days ago
Cool. Congrats on the bigger shop. Let us know how the dust collector works. I am still using a shop vac but would like to get a real dust collection system set up some day when I get more space.
-- Glenn, New Mexico
Toolz
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226 posts in 269 days
posted 98 days ago
I have the JET DC1100 C with canister with 4” green PVC ductwork and plastic blast gates. It is connected to a 6” jointer, Dewalt 13” thickness planer, Ridgid table saw, Ridgid bandsaw, and Triton Router in a Kreg Table. I use 4” flex hosr to the planer, jointer and JET 22/22 sander. The other tools are connected via a 4” to 2” reducer to one set of the Ridgid DC system mentioned by “Slacker” and a small 1HP portable DC is dedicated to
another set of wall mounted Ridgid tubing and gates dedicated to two drill presses, a scroll saw and a couple of small sanders. I bought one length of Loc-Line flex tubung and just move it from one gate to another depending on which of the smaller tools I am using. I really didn’t plan this set up it more or less evolved with additional tool purchases. All in all the suction of the JET DC 1100C works quite well. Take a peek at my workshop to get a better feel of what I was trying to say. LOL Afterall photos are better than words.
http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/Toolz/workshop and http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/Toolz45/Dust%20Collector%20Progress/ and
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii252/Toolz45/Workshop%20Photos/ Best wishes. Larry AKA Toolz
p.s. I also have a Ridgid shop van for general clean up and it also get connected to the bottom of the Triton router in addition to the DC line that is connected to the table fence.
-- Growing older but not up!
PurpLev
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355 posts in 175 days
posted 98 days ago
Thanx Slacker, there are actually similar sets available also from Shop-Vac, and Lee-Valley, but I’m hoping to just stick to 4” ductwork, and only reduce to 2” if I utterly have no other choice.
Toolz – thats a nice setup, I didn’t think the 1100DC can handle so much ductwork, I was planning on having something much much much shorter and with less splitting – basically have 1 single line running on the wall, and have ‘T’s off of it with gates for each separate tool- glad to see that the 1100DC can handle so much ductwork. thanx for the words, and the pics! most appreciated.
-- My Drinking Club has a Woodworking Problem...
MVWOODWORKS
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156 posts in 241 days
posted 97 days ago
I use the PSI felt bags. ( 1 micron ) They work quite well. Canister upgrades are available as well. Good luck on your dust collection.
-- Pat, Colorado
Karson
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13153 posts in 927 days
posted 97 days ago
Lev:
I upgreded to a grizly canister. Here is the blog on it.
Congratulations on the new shop. Oh and the house to go with it.
I was doing some planing yesterday and filled up the metal trash can and about 25% of the vac bag. Having a clear bag is sure nice.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com