Dust Collection

Hi Tom,

All of those 2HP DC’s are pretty much the same. I’d consider a canister filter upgrade for it instead of the filter bag on top. Some might suggest a cyclone separator as well. As a basement dweller, these things control chips, but dust is still a problem. It will be greatly improved with a canister filter setup. Other than that, these things are 220V, so make sure you got the power. Again, they are all about the same, whether they are Jet, General, or Harbor Freight.

Cheers!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

Hi Tom,

I also have a basement shop and use the Jet DC1200A with canister filter. I have to say that it does a great job collecting dust and keeping it from getting upstairs where my wife has this thing about dusty furniture! I would reccomend it based on my own experience.
I hope this helps!

-- Shane, Guttenberg, Iowa

The canister is a must. Bags just trap the dust you can see. It’s the sub-micron particles that get way down into the lungs where they cause long term damage. It is not something to worry about if you are a 85 year old woodworker. Younger folks should fingure a way to put the dust collector outside or at least in an enclosure with lots of filtration to catch the fine particles that escape the dust collector.
BTW, if you smoke you are at a much higher risk, not only because of the tobacco but also because smoking reduces the natural cough reflex that helps clear lungs.

For more info do a google search for bill pentz and take a look at his site on woodworking dust and cyclones.

-- Abe Low, Fine furniture, Sacramento, CA

Hi Tom,

I too am in the market for a Dust collector. Looked at the Jet, Delta, General, and Harbor Freight I tend to agree with Tom (mot). they all look about the same. The one at Harbor Freight is $169.99 2HP Dust collector and another $169.99 for the 1 micron canister conversion kit. Thats about $340 for a complete unit with a 1 micron canister option.

Does anyone have any experience with the products from Harbor Freight? My only experience is buying a small compressor/tank unit that had a bad reed valve after about 30 days and I called the manager and he said to bring it in and pick up a new one. That was about a year ago and all been well to date with the compressor.

Merry Christmas to All!

Jay (Dialtoneplus)

-- Jay, San Antonio, Texas - Making Sawdust Rocks!