shop dust collection

I have a Sears Craftsman 1.5 HP dust collector that I’ve made some changes on. There is a recent Wood magazine that reviews and discusses this very topic. If you buy a unit that has bags make sure they filter 1 micron particles. Many only have 30 micron bags. Anyway, you can see my dust collector and view the modifications I made.

-- Owen Johnson - aka IowaWoodcrafter

This is actually a topic I’m interested in as well b/c I too need a dust collection system but am torn about the options out there.

I was curious about the 3 HP Cyclone Dust Collector from Grizzly. Does anyone have thoughts on that unit?

At the end of the day I think dust control is pretty important if you’re spending every day out in the shop. Health problems related to fine dust particle won’t be noticeable for many years but by that point it’s too late to do much…I know I too need to skip the ‘special’ tool in lieu of a dust control system.

Interested to hear what other folks think of these, and alternative, products.

Thanks for raising!

To be clear, right now, I have a junky little dust collector that really is only for chip collection. When I get something to improve this situation, it’ll be a cyclone, possibly of this nature:

http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/index.cfm

This is an interesting site to read, and gives a lot of information that could help you build your own cyclone, if you’re so inclined. Enjoy!

-- Robb

I just bought the Grizzly 3hp model with the dual 30 micron bags. (2300 cfm) I’m going to mount it permanently in it’s own “closet”. I’m going to change the configuration a little to suit some self imposed design parameters. (I’ll probably end up voiding the warranty, but what the hay.) I should have it complete by next week sometime. I’ll post some pictures when I get it done. Sorry I’m being so vaque here, but I really want to get it together and see how well it works before I “brag” about it. (Or not, lol). I also bought the remote control for it. We’ll see. Right now, I’ve got the Delta 1hp portable. It works great as long as it’s just hooked up to one machine at a time, but I’m about tired of doing the “hose shuffle”.

Woodnut, as far as onieda goes, I’ve heard nothing but good things about their products. If you size your ducting efficiently and add a few blast gates, it ought to be the cat’s meow. The 3hp Gorilla was picked by American Woodworker Magazine as the 2006 Editor’s Pick. It’s a little out of my miserly price range, but man it sure looks very worthy. I understand Penn State makes some good stuff too. Good Luck.

-- Carl Rast, Pelion, SC

My first thought was to buy the tempest made by penn state. Actually call and talked to them and then read some things that made me second guess myself on that unit as well. As you can tell I do not know much about collectors. I have read most everthing on the net about collectors but that only leaves me more confused.

-- F.Little

I have the http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-HP-Dust-Collector/G8027 for my (former) two car garage and I do the hose shuffle but then I’m not making my living day in day out with it. When I’m running the dust collector, it does a great job and I don’t normally have dust all over everything if I run it every time I turn on a machine.

-- Brian, Virginia Beach

I am planning to buy the grizzly 2hp cyclone. After doing the math, the 3hp is overkill and not worth the difference in cost or energy consumption. I have looked at most systems out there, and this is the best choice for my use. I have not purchased it yet since I am still designing where it will go and the plumbing for the ducts will go. This part is the tricky part.

-- making sawdust....

If you can swing it go with a cyclone. They will make a huge improvement in air quaility and dust collection. Most bag type systems need to have there bags replaced to collect the fine dust. Plus they tend to release a dust colloctor when they are fired up. I have went from a habor freight 2 hp system to a woodmaster 3 hp system, which has made a huge improvement in collecting dust. Do you have 220 in your shop? They larger systems need it to run.

yes I do have 220 in the shop.I have called and talked with Bill from Pennstate about the tempest 2.5hp again, this time I think I have found what I want. If nothing happens I will order It tomorrow.

-- F.Little