Self-contained dust collector setup

I did some mods to my HF dust collector to make it easier to use. I’m not quite ready to commit to a fully piped system, so this leaves me with flexibility for the future.

The main problem with the HF unit is that it’s somewhat unwieldy to move around. It’s an effective collector, but the stand is rickety. Moreover, what about the hose? Simply draping it over something when not in use seems to result in something else to trip over.

I made this frame out of 2 X 4’s and did some additional mods to increase its usability. The overall footprint of the collector is the same:

I got the 28’ hose from Rockler, as well as the magnetic hose holder. By mounting it to this frame as opposed to the wall, I’m able to get it anywhere I want. 28’ sounds like a lot in a two-car garage, but it’s really not when you have to snake it around other tools. The Rockler holder is slick: While the collector is running, you place the hose end onto the base and all 28’ feet sucks itself into a column which is then held in place by magnets:

The Rockler hose/handle end easily fits on and off of fittings I mounted onto each of my tools:

I added a switch mounted to the frame to make it easier to turn on and off:

I made a simple locking block setup to position and secure the hose….round over the edges so it doesn’t rub the hose the wrong way:

Finally, I chucked the four small swiveling casters that came with the unit for larger ones, two fixed and two swiveling to make it easier to pull around the shop:

Up next is one of those cartridge filters referenced here: http://www.wynnenv.com/35A_series_cartridge_kit.htm