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HF Dust Collector Configuration/Upgrade

128 views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  RClark  
#1 ·
I have the beloved Harbor Freight 2 HP Dust Collector, which I upgraded with a bigger impeller, Fein Baffle and Cannister filter.
I just acquired a large shop-built cyclone to supplement the system further.
I'm a little unclear about the best way re-configure the system to include the cyclone.

Ideally, I would like to locate it in the corner where it is now, but mounted to the wall and configured to use the least possible space and optimal performance.

I would love to see some photos of what others have used to configure these major components together.

Of course, any other suggestions or comments would be very appreciated.

Thank you.
 

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#3 ·
My first DC setup was an HF that I gradually upgraded with a cyclone and Wynn filter.

Here's how I had mine configured.

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My shop has a set of stairs in the center of the space that go up to the loft over the shop. The space under the stairs isn't good for much beyond storage, so that's where I put the DC. It's mostly walled in on three sides, so it helps to reduce DC noise. Most shops won't be configured in this way, but maybe it will help give some ideas of things that can be done.

My HF setup was on a roll-around base with 2X4 framing to provide structure. I needed that roll around feature to be able to pull out the setup if it ever needed maintenance, which occasionally it did.

The HF, while good for what it was, was simply not powerful enough for the needs of my shop. I replaced it with a 3 HP Powermatic earlier this year.
 
#4 ·
From the reports I have seen, by the time a person invest in the HF machine, and does the upgrade, it doesn't cost anymore to by a better DC to start. I know your change is complete, this is for others that think going that route saves money. The only way I know of to save money on woodworking is give up the hobby. Which I won't be doing.
 
#5 ·
Now that my HF DC is gone, I think I'm generally of the same opinion. However, if one needs to start small and "grow into" a more capable solution, the HF route to start and then upgrading it over the course of some years is a viable way of doing it. If one buys the HF DC and then immediately starts to add pieces/parts to improve the capability, then, yeah, cost savings quickly become an illusion.