Which dust collector would you buy? - Woodworking Talk

rocklobster · 08-05-2009, 04:12 PM

I have a hanging Delta air cleaner and shop vacs for dust control right now. Recently I got about $400 I'd like to invest in better dust control. I'm looking at these possibilities right now:

1.

Amazon.com: JET 708660 DC-500 Dust Collector:...
2.

Amazon.com: Grizzly G8027 1 HP Dust Collector:...
3.

Amazon.com: DELTA 50-720 1-Horsepower Dust...
If I buy the Jet, I could get two of them and not have to move a single collector around all the time. If I buy the Grizzly, I still get two for the same money but nearly $85 is spent on shipping (is the Jet better?). Eventually I could a little more hose/blast gates.

If I buy the Delta, I get more cfm and a 1-micron bag, but only one collector. I'd have a little left over, though, for hoses/blast gates. Which way would you guys go?

Thanks,
Rob

knotscott · 08-05-2009, 04:51 PM

Rob - All of those look barely capable of the task at hand. HF offers a basic unit that they optimistically rate at 2hp (realistically 1-1/2), 1550CFM (realistically less than half that), has 5 mic stock bag, and ~ a 10" impeller. It goes on sale often in the $180 range, and has a surprisingly large following, so it's one of the well proven HF gems. It's certainly not top of the line, can't be converted to 220v, and is known to need switch replacements, but it's got all the makings of a sufficient basic DC unit with enough HP and adequate impeller size to do the job. You'll need to add better bags or a cannister, but I think I'd rather start with sufficient capacity than to try to enter a donkey in a horse race.

Better yet, if you're willing to spend the $300 for the Jet, spend another $25 and get the Grizzly G1028Z...a well proven workhorse with an 11" impeller, and a 2.5 mic stock bag.

There's also a very similar Shop Fox W1685 for $315 shipped. If you're familiar with the Microsoft/Bing Cashback program, you can shave another 8% off. The SF has a 12" impeller, but offers 30 mic bags, so you get better capacity from the impeller but you'll want to upgrade the bag. Because of the impeller and it's strong motor, this one can be upgraded as needed later on....it's got very strong basics.

Good luck.

Dvoigt · 08-05-2009, 04:57 PM

For me... none of the above.

I'm going to go buy this one this weekend:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=97869
It is on sale at the store for like $180 or $190 and a 20% off coupon so that it would make it about $100 off.

Just saw the post above... agreed

rocklobster · 08-05-2009, 05:31 PM

Whew! I'm glad I brought this up and didn't just go by the reviews at Amazon. After talking to my wife about the things you guys said, I've gotten permission to spend a little more.

I'm now considering this one. I have a 220 outlet in the shop but there's only 60 amps going out there. I'm never running more than one machine and dust collection, though. Any thoughts on this one?

Amazon.com: Grizzly G1030 3 HP Dust Collector:...
Cool, I just found it for $450 with free shipping at grizzly. This might be the most beast for the buck. I'll need to upgrade the bags and probably enclose it (I noticed that they don't include the decibel rating on this one, but they do on the others) if I get it.

Thanks,
Rob

dbhost · 08-05-2009, 05:37 PM

If you have the permission to spend a little over $400.00, go with a Delta 50-760. You won't be sorry. If budget is tighter than that, grab that HF 2HP and shove a Wynn 35A filter on it. (Makes a HUGE difference).

FWIW, the Wynn 35A is reported to help the 50-760 breathe better too, like that one needs any help...

And yeah, I am one of the nut cases that has the HF 2HP DC. Good basic machine. My impeller measured out to somewhere between 10.5 and 11", (fuzzy memory on that right now) a bit undersized but not horrid. All of the ones you listed initially are simply too small if you want real dust collection.

Remember you are trying to capture FINE DUST, chips and shavings are nice for cleanliness, but FINE DUST is mandatory for safety. Do not buy any dust collector with filter media that does not filter 1 micron or below without replacing the bags before using it. If you do, you are effectively picking the dust up and pumping it back into the air...

Marv · 08-05-2009, 10:01 PM

I'm hoping the guy below relists the Jet DC-1100 with canister so I can use the Microsoft deal which would bring the cost down to about $460.00 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Jet-708636CK-DC1...d=p3286.c0.m14