Cyclonic action dust collectors

[MrWild]

I've used the search engine, but have not found the article I'm looking for. After finally getting my JGRO running in a good fashion, I've discovered it produces copious amounts of dust. MDF everywhere. I picked up a Rigid 6hp shop vac and a five gallon pail with lid, but can't find any thread where someone has used a cyclonic dust separator before the shop vac. I know there are two, but keep getting thousands of hits with no clear winners.

Doing a search on eBay I found this guy.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cyclone-Separato...item414769481e

Has any one used this one? it seems a lot more robust than the plastic one I can't seem to find the thread about. It's also a third more expensive although I'd not mind if American made.

[Ernie34]

http://grizzly.com/products/5-Gallon...eparator/G6102

or

http://grizzly.com/products/30-Gallo...eparator/G3376

I am probably going to get the first one for under the router..



Ernie

[ger21]

This is supposed to be the best one.

http://www.cgallery.com/jpthien/cy.htm

[Ernie34]

I think that is what I am going to build myself now!

Thanks for the link! That looks awesome!


Ernie

[MrWild]

After quite a bit of reading, i won 't be buying or build a lid top style dust separator. I have a small amount of asthma and need a better filtering set up than the plastic lid styles. The eBay seller sent me some info and a big name in cyclone design is Bill Pentz.

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

Sadly the one place I was thinking about for a small style cyclone that can be used with a shop vac closed it's doors today
http://www.clearvuecyclones.com/

However, this guy shows how to make a small one that does a decent job with fine dust.

http://wayneswoodwork.davyfamily.com/

[ger21]

Sadly the one place I was thinking about for a small style cyclone that can be used with a shop vac........

http://store.oneida-air.com/dustdeputy.aspx

[LaserImage]

I have one of those from Ebay, had it for almost 3 years. It's very durable and seems to work pretty well. I use it for sandcarving, not woodworking, so I can't tell you how it would do with sawdust/woodchips.

Gary

[MrWild]

Thanks everyone. There is a lot of info out there once I found the right search terms, and they all look to work well in their price ranges. I tend to be rough on gear so the plastic stuff might get a pass even though inexpensive. The main thing is to get as much dust out of the air stream as possible. I'm thinking maybe having the router in the living room isn't a great idea, but I use a wheelchair and it's very accessible there.

What is looking like a plan is the eBay one with an added ramp ala Bill Pentz design. It is plenty sturdy looking with soldered joints, made in America, and the exhaust from the shop vac can be routed right out the door.

[ger21]

The most important thing is a good dust shoe that completely seals the cut and doesn't allow dust to escape. Getting the dust at the source should be the main goal. I use a 1HP dust collector with my router, and it's virtually dust free. Lots quieter than a shop vac, too.

[Ernie34]

What do you think of the harbor freight dust collectors... I was still on the fence between using a shopvac (which I have 3 of) or getting a dust collector...

[ger21]

I have the HF 2 HP, and it's a bargain. You can get coupons for it for $139 from Wood Magazine. That's $110 off the regular price. It could use better bags, though.

[bwhite505]

I have the HF 2HP with a canister modification from Wynn Environmental. Works great and the filter is washable. Here is a link to the kit.
http://www.wynnenv.com/35A_series_cartridge_kit.htm