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If you work with wood -- even if it's just in your home workshop on weekends -- you're wise to invest in a dust collector. Wood dust (a.k.a. sawdust) is a documented health hazard. Exposure to wood dust has been linked to external and internal health problems ranging from dermatitis to cancer.
With the right piece of dust collection equipment in place, your work or hobby environment will be cleaner, more pleasant, and healthier for you and your family. (continue...)
Shop for Dust Collectors...
Jet 708613 AFS-500 Benchtop Air Filtration System with Remote Control, 3-Speed, 500 CFM
Jet 708614 AFS-1500 Air Filtration System with Remote Control, 3-Speed,
1500 CFM
More high-quality dust-collection systems for home and shop may be found here:
- Dust Collections / Filterations: Dust Bags / Filters (page 1)
- Dust Collections / Filterations: Dust Collectors (page 2)
- Dust Collections / Filterations: Dust Collectors (page 3)
- Dust Collections / Filterations: Dust Collectors- Accessories: Connectors / Hose (page 4)
- Dust Collections / Filterations: Dust Collectors- Accessories: Vacuum Cleaner Attachments and Wands (page 5)
Important Features
Airflow:
The basic standard of measure used to rate dust collectors is "the
volume of air they can move (cfm or cubic feet per minute) at a given
static, or constant, pressure (resistance to airflow measured in inches
of water)." Phew! What that means: Buy a dust collector with enough
cfm to handle the dust output of your biggest dust-generating machine.
If your shop runs more than one machine at a time, you'll need a dust
collector that can cope with their combined dust output.
Not sure how much cfm the tools you work with require? Consult the list below.
-Planer, up to 12 inches: 400 cfm
-Planer, 13 to 20 inches: 500 cfm
-Spindle shaper: 400 cfm
-Band saw: 300 cfm
-Radial-arm saw: 350 cfm
-Table saw: 350 cfm
-Jointer, 4 to 12 inches: 350 cfm
-Belt-disc sander: 300 cfm
-Floor sweep: 350 cfm
-Lathe: 500 cfm
-Drill press: 300 cfm
-Scroll saw: 300 cfm
Static pressure:
Quoted in inches, static pressure measures the strength of a machine's
air suction. The higher the cfm and static pressure numbers, the stronger
the dust collector.
Filter bag efficiency:
How good's that cloth filter bag? It all depends on the weave. The finer
the weave, the more efficient the filter: a super-fine weave will tend
to be super-efficient, trapping particles as small as one micron.
Noise level:
Measured in dbs. The lower, the quieter.
Wheels? Or not?:
Unless your shop has the ductwork required for a centralized dust collection
system, you'll probably want a machine with wheels. If and when you
do install the ductwork, many mobile units can be adapted for use as
central dust collectors.
Five Different Types
Most dust collectors fit into one of five categories. Which is right
for you? It all depends on the quantity and kind of wood debris and
dust your work or hobby generates (and, to a lesser extent, what you've
budgeted for dust collection equipment).
Shop vacuums:
Shop vacuums are ideal for light-duty dust collecting, say, for the level
of wood dust produced by a sander or router. They are not equipped
to handle the larger wood debris of jointers and planers. Vacs are
the least expensive kind of dust collection apparatus (from under $200
to over $400), but also the least effective.
Single-stage:
Single-stage dust collectors typically consist of a blower and a pair
of filter bags, stacked one atop the other. As wood debris is drawn
into the machine, heavier chips and debris fall into the bottom bag,
while the top bag catches finer dust. Clean air filters back into the
shop. Wheels make it possible to roll a single-stage collector wherever
it's needed in your work setup. Prices range from under $200 to $1,500.
Two-stage:
Using a collection drum and bag configuration, two-stage collectors cleverly
separate out larger, heavier wood debris before it passes through (and
wears out) the machine's impeller. Air is sucked in, debris falls into
the drum, finer dust is blown through the impeller and collects in
the filter bag. The only problem is, when emptying the collection drum
you have to lift off the (heavy) blower that sits on top of it. Prices
for a two-stage collector range from $400 to $1,200.
Cyclone pre-collectors:
With its distinctive funnel shape, the cyclone pre-collector is aptly
named. This highly efficient dust collector uses its shape to whirl
and separate dust, chips, and other debris. Big stuff falls into the
drum-shaped waste container. Fine dust is blown into the filter bag.
Pros with medium- to large-sized shops like this type of dust collection
system. Prices range from $500 to $2,800; for some models, the waste
container will cost you extra.
Ambient air cleaners:
Ceiling-mounted ambient air cleaners capture wood dust particles too
fine to be trapped by dust collectors. Air is sucked through a series
of filters, tiny micron-sized particles are captured, then clean air
circulates back into the shop. Most shops use this type of equipment
in combination with another dust collection system. Prices for ambient
air cleaners range from $200 to $1,000.
Major Brands
Many manufacturers make vacuums, dust collectors, ambient air cleaners,
and dust collection filters, fittings, and hoses. Some of the best-known
brands are Delta, JDS, Jet, Fein, and Powermatic.
Here are the products mentioned above:
Delta 50-850 115 Volt, 1-1/2 Horsepower, 1200 CFM Dust Collector
Amazon.com Review
Remember that annoying workplace slogan, "Your parents don't work
here--clean up after yourself"? Well, with the Delta 1,200 cfm dust
collector, you've got a powerful, well-built machine to keep the shop
clean. Built with a 1-1/2-horsepower induction motor for long life and
curved steel impellers for durability, this dust collector whisks away
debris from tools' dust ports with surprising force, so the only thing
collecting particles around the shop might be your old broom resting
in the closet. Set on a sturdy caster base for easy mobility, the dust
collector stands 88 inches tall and has two intake ports for collecting
simultaneously from multiple machines. The large 6-cubic-foot bags will
reduce your trips to the trash and filter the air of particles down to
30 microns. For cleaner air, you can always upgrade to 5- or 1-micron
bags. This is a great tool for any midsize woodworking shop. --Justin
Paul
From the Manufacturer
Perfect for smaller shops, this 1-1/2-horsepower dust collector provides
1,200 cubic feet per minute of airflow for efficient dust collection
from two machines at a time. The durable steel impeller is curved to
produce the maximum air velocity. A finned motor housing keeps the
motor running cool even during extended use. The collector bags filter
particles down to 30 microns for capturing fine dust and chips. For
more efficient operation, the motor can also be wired for use with
230-volt service. The entire unit rolls about easily on four casters,
allowing the dust collector to move from machine to machine as it's
needed.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Delta Industrial Model 50-850 1 1/2HP Dust Collector includes a 1 1/2HP
motor and blower, one 5-micron filtration bag, two plastic 6 mil. chip
bags, support drum, two 4" diameter dust intake ports, one 6-foot
hose, 1 intake port cap, base, four swivel caster assemblies, cord
and plug, and instruction manual.
DELTA DIFFERENCE
* Powerful, induction motor for long-lasting, smooth performance; totally
enclosed to protect it from damaging dust.
* Top and bottom collection bags provide large dust collection capability.
* Curved steel impeller produces maximum air velocity for efficient dust collection.
* Sturdy steel base with four easy-gliding wheels for moving from machine to
machine or for storing out of the way.
* Standard 5-micron top filtration bag with two 6 mil. plastic lower bags.
SPECIFICATIONS
MOTOR: 1 1/2 HP
MAXIMUM CFM: 1200
MAXIMUM STATIC PRESSURE (inches water): 11.4
BAG AREA (SQUARE FEET): 33.1
CHIP CAPACITY (CUBIC FEET): 6.3
STANDARD BAG FILTRATION: 5 micron
OVERALL DIMENSIONS:
Width: 27"(686 mm)
Length: 37"(940 mm)
Height: 88"(2236 mm)
WEIGHT: 100 lbs. (46 kg)
WARRANTY
Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories.
Customer Reviews:
Very nice medium price dust collector
I've had one of these for about a year now. It works well, although you do want to wear hearing protection around it. Delta was shipping 30 micron bags with it when I bought it and I immediately sold those and bought 5 micron bags. (Delta should be ashamed to give you 30 micron bags with this thing. If they are giving buyers 5 micron bags now, I raise my rating to 5 stars.)
Also, while it may kind of work on a 120 v/15 amp circuit, you are much better off wiring it as 220 v. No more circuit breaker popping then.
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A wonderful gift
My wife gave me a 50-850 for Christmas. I love it. The fit and finish are excellent. I find it to be surprisingly quiet, though you still need hearing protection for prolonged exposure.
My product manual indicates that a 20 amp, 115 volt circuit is required. Perhaps this explains the previous reviewers breaker trips when using a 15 amp service.
The castors are sized appropriately so the collector rolls well. My only complaint is over the lack of a place to easily grab the collector when moving it around the shop. The temptation to use the power cord like a dog leash is strong. This is a minor gripe, however.
Your eyes and lungs will thank you for getting one of these.
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Great Value for the price
Finally received my Dust Collector, and it was worth all the wait. Really happy that the unit now comes standard with the 1 micron bags. I do plan on upgrading to the 1 micron bags when the 5 wears out. Some have mentioned that the dual 1 micron bags allow the machine to breath a little better too. This DC has plenty of power. So far I've used it with my tablesaw, bandsaw and router station with much sucess. This machine is a solid buy, Enjoy your cleaner shop!
JET DC-1100 / 708626GK 1100 CFM Dust Collector
Features:
* Two-year warranty
* 1-1/2-horsepower, one-phase, 115/230-volt motor is permanently lubricated,
totally enclosed, and fan-cooled
* Features 4-inch and 6-inch diameter dust ports
* 7.36-cubic-foot bags collect particles 30 microns and larger
* Free accessory package includes 4-inch-by-10-foot hose, dust hood, and clamps--a
$25.99 value
Amazon.com Review
A great carpenter once referred to sawdust as "the indomitable scourge
silently mounting in woodshops nationwide." Well, now you can fight
back with Jet's 1,100 cfm dust collector. Running a powerful 1-1/2-horsepower
induction motor on either 115 or 230 volts, this handy shop tool comes
standard with 7.36-cubic-foot bags that collect particles 30 microns
and larger. The thickness of the 12-inch steel blower wheel is great
for handling larger particle-producing applications. As is standard on
most models, two 4-inch dust ports feed into a main 6-inch tube, allowing
you to connect it to multiple machines. For convenience, Jet has placed
the entire unit on easy-to-roll casters, so it can be moved around the
shop when necessary. One unique feature separating Jet's dust collector
from the competition is how easily the lower bag can be removed and reattached.
The bag is held securely in place by a flexible metal band, so it pops
in and out without the hassle of cinch straps you'll find on other models.
Standing 96 inches tall and pulling 5.34 cubic feet of air, this machine
is perfect for medium-to-large shops. A good dust collector, like this
one, improves your workplace environment and also extends the life of
your tools--two pretty compelling reasons to get one for your shop. --Justin
Paul
From the Manufacturer
Clean up with this dust-collection system from JET. It will clean your
machines and shop area of sawdust and chips and keep your lungs free
of dust. The 1.5 hp, one-phase, 115/230-volt motor is permanently lubricated,
totally enclosed, and fan-cooled for years of trouble-free operation.
The powerful performance of the 4- and 6-inch dust ports makes this
an ideal dust collector for most small shops, and the single-stage
design provides economical, quiet operation. Static pressure: 11.5
inches; 1,100 cfm. Purchase includes 30-micron filter and collection
bag, single and double hose connection, wheel casters, and quick-connect
collection bag. 4-inch by 10-foot hose included. Includes free accessory
package: 4-inch-by-10-foot hose, dust hood, and clamps. A $25.99 valuse.
Package available for a limited time only.
Customer Reviews:
Super Machine to Keep Your Shop Clean!
I have been running my DC-1100 for about 6 months now. (My previous reviews mysteriously disappeared.) It is a great machine right out of the box, but I did do one modification to improve it: I added a strip of 1/4" x 3/4" foam insulation in the groove around the center ring that seats the top bag. Without it, the top bag leaked small quantities of fine dust, but not enough to foul the air. Running off 110 volts is a real advantage if you don't want to add more 220 circuits to your shop.
I bought it mainly to use with my Jet 5 hp, left tilt table saw (reviewed separately), but have since made fixtures to use with other tools. It really keeps the table saw clean. I also purchased a Woodstock International W1044, 4" to 2-1/2" adapter which allows me to connect it to my old shop vac hose for use on the floor and my router table. This machine is so quiet that my old shop vac now sits in the corner collecting no dust!
It really is quiet - making not much more noise than the average window air conditioner. I often leave it running between cuts and setups, just because I hate to bend down to reach the switch. It would be nice if Jet could mount it higher on the machine, like on one of the legs that hold the bags.
Other than the switch location and the easily fixed dust leak on the top bag, this machine approaches perfection. It will be a real improvement to your shop, especially if you are using a screaming shop vac for dust collection now!
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A Super Sucking System
A don't know why I waited so long to put a dust collection system into my garage shop, but I am glad I did, and the Jet DC1100 is a perfect system for me. I can't beleive how quiet it is when running, and the suction power that it generates. It pulls some of my smaller scroll saw pieces 6 inches off the work bench.
The setup was easy, took about 1 hour. Directions and diagrams were very helpful. I'm not one to usually read the directions, thus the diagrams were really the most helpful. It was put into use almost immediately with my drum sander and router. Didn't take too long for the bag to fill up, and it really wasn't too bad to remove. However, I have since purchased a W1049 Dust Collection Separator, which separators the larger dust particles into a garbage can, which in turn, is very easy to empty.
I find myself leaving the machine on, because it is so quiet. I have a setup with blast gates at each machine, so it is just a matter of opening and closing each blast gate as I work on various operations and projects.
I really wanted a powerful machine, but did not want to special wire my garage with a 230 volt system. This DC works just fine on the 115 volt system. I have it plugged into a 20 amp circuit, with the overhead lights, and have not had one blown fuse.
Of all the research I did, the Delta, Jet, Ridgid and PSI, they all had about the same features and the same price, I'm glad I purchased the Jet system.
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It's what I expected plus...
...As far as the Dust Collector is concerned, it assembles easily in about 45 minutes. I've never worked with one before, but it is so much more quiet than the shop vac. That alone makes it desirable. I will need to do much work to mount ductwork, blast gates and connector hoses before I can fully evaluate it. Just sticking the hose in the wake of the radial saw discharge makes a measurable difference. The fit and finish are great. No hassles with the assembly and it looks good in the shop. Good first experience with Jet and I would recommend Amazon to anyone.
JET DC-650 / 708640 115 Volt, 1 HP, 650 CFM, Dust Collector
Amazon.com Review
Unveil this secret weapon with the flick of a switch and establish a
strong beachhead against dust in your home or shop. Powered by a 1-horsepower,
115-volt induction motor, Jet's 650 cfm dust collector comes with 2.67-cubic-foot
bags that grab particles 30 microns and larger. The 9-3/4-inch steel
blower wheel is stout enough to handle larger particle-producing applications.
The entire unit sits conveniently on easy-to-roll casters, so moving
it around the shop is no problem. A unique feature separating Jet's
dust collectors from the competition is how easily the lower bag can
be removed and reattached. There's a handy flexible metal band that
snaps quickly into place--which is a hundred times easier than wrestling
with cinch straps. The machine stands only 66 inches tall and is ideal
for small shops. There's only one dust port; you have to set up to
larger models for two ports. A great carpenter once referred to sawdust
as "the indomitable scourge silently mounting in woodshops nationwide." Well,
now there's something you can do about it. --Justin Paul
From the Manufacturer
Clean up with this dust collection system from JET. It will keep your
machines and shop area clear of sawdust and chips, and your lungs free
of dust. The 1 hp, single-phase, 115/230-volt motor is permanently
lubricated, totally enclosed, and fan-cooled for years of trouble-free
operation. The powerful performance of the 4-inch dust port makes this
the ideal dust collector for most small shops, and the single-stage
design allows economical, quiet operation. This system has a static
pressure of 7.8 inches with 650 cfm. Your purchase includes a 30-micron
filter and collection bag, single hose connection, and wheel casters.
Connecting hose not included.
FEATURES
* Industrial quality motor and construction to effectively handle the
collection of wood chips and sawdust
* Single-stage design allows economical, quiet operation
* Four casters stabilize each model and allow total mobility
* Industrial controls are designed for years of trouble-free operation
* Powerful, single phase and three phase motors are permanently lubricated,
totally enclosed, fan-cooled, and are continuous-duty rated
* High air velocity design creates a more powerful tool
* JET dust collector bags now have an elastic band for easy installation
* 4" and 6" diameter dust port accepts accessory hoses for attaching
to required machines
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: DC-650
Blower Wheel (Dia/in): 9 1/2
Sound Rating @ 3 ft.: 60 - 70 dB
Hose Connection (Dia/in): 1-Hose, 4
Bag Diameter (in): 14
Filter and Collector Bag Length (in): 31 and 23 5/8
Collector Bag Capacity (cu ft): 2.67
Air Flow @ 4" (CFM): 650
Static Pressure (inch of water): 7.80
Velocity @ 4" (FPM): 7,445
Overall Dimensions (LxWxH/in): 27 x 14 x 66
Motor (TEFC): 1 HP, 1 Ph 115V/230V Prewired 115V
Net Weight (lbs): 84
Customer Review:
Excellent collector for a small shop
I bought a Jet DC-650 from Tool Crib in December 99 and I couldn't be more pleased with it's performance. My shop co-exists with the family automobile in a two car garage. The collector is attached to one machine at a time with a 10ft flex hose; in this mode of use, it has all the power that's needed. Before I got this machine, I'd do almost anything to avoid using my thickness planer - cleaning up the mess often took longer than than the planing! And to a lesser degree, the same could be said about my jointer. Without a controlled sampling, I'd estimate that the collector easily captures better than 99.5% of the dust from these machines. Dust collection from my contractors style table saw isn't quite as efficient, but that was expected. I still capture well over 60% of the dust from it. The air is cleaner, the garage is much cleaner, and cleanup time is a fraction of what it once was. I don't fully agree with the notion that bag emptying is a snap; even with improvements to the clamping system, it's still a "pain in the butt" (and I think this comment can probably be generalized to all the Taiwanese made single stage units). This prompted me to add a first stage separator. I use the one built around a 30 gal fiber drum that's sold by Highland Hardware. Now I collect probably 6 times as much material before emptying the drum and bag - and I've devised a method of capturing a 30 gal trash bag inside the first stage drum so emptying it is truly a snap. You don't have to use these machines as they come out of the box; you can put the DC-650 on a larger base that accomodates a first stage separator and a method for holding and transporting the attached flex hose. It's generally agreed that the ultimate dust collector is some configuration of a cyclone, but I don't know where one of these can be found for the money that will equal the mobility and performance of the DC-650. It's very simply an outstanding machine for a very modest price.
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Jet DC-650 Dust Collector
Although this is on the low end of power (650 CFM) I find that it works well with my all my tools. Once I found adequate adapters for all the different connections on my sanders, shaper, joiner, table saw, etc. I have found when using cheap 4" sewer pipe for overhead delivery of the vacuum and using as little flexible pipe as possible, to keep down the air flow resistance, it has more than sufficient capacity, if running only one tool at a time.
I rate this collector 5 stars on the basis of getting a big return for the investment.
If you are looking for a great collector for the one-man shop I highly recommend the Jet DC-650.
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Great addition to my shop
After setting up the dc650, I couldn't believe i waited so long to get one. I was using a 6HP shop vac, and I figured that would be good enough for my tools. Bad idea... i ended up with a lot of saw dust clogs in my planer, band saw, and especially planer (dw 735 -- an awesome machine) which instantly clogged the shop vac pipes. this dust collector is significantly quiter and far stronger. using 4" is also much nicer than the 2" shop vac tubes.
Note that the unit doesn't come with any tubing ... you'll want to buy some lengths of 4" tubing (not dryer vent tubing get dust collector tubing, preferably clear so you can make sure there are no clogs) and some 4" hose clamps. For my set up, i've put in a variety of hard 4" pipes (sewer pvc) and then put in blast gates, t's, etc and various reducers to hook up to all of my equipment. since my shop space is limited, i move the dust collector around to hook up in to my hard runs or machines directly. my areas is way cleaner and my tools are way happier. get one!
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Great Collector For The Small Shop
I've had mine for years and it works great. I use primarily at the Miter Saw since that's the only tool in my shop that is stationary. For any small shop it works great. This used to be my DC for my basement shop before I moved into the garage. The only problem I had with it was on my belt/disc sander. It didn't pick up the dust that well but the there was roughly 25 feet of hose and PVC to go thru. Not the DC's fault. Overall, I'd recommend it for any small shop.