What is best way to control MDF dust?

[jim_russell]

I have a Ridgid brand Contractor grade 6.5 HP 15 gallon Shopvac with a micro-particle filter on it. After about 15 minutes the filter gets caked with MDF dust and loses suction. Is there a way to solve this problem? Will dust bags help the filter from clogging up?

Jim

[gerald_d]

Oops, this thread goes the other way - let's try it again.....

[gerald_d]

3850 (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=312&post=15544)

[dvanr]

I dunno if these work for mdf dust , maybe some one who has used them or is using them can feedback some info.

Lee Valley Cyclone Lid (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=2&page=30282&category=1%2C 42401)

Would love to know if these are upto the job before I order some.

DvanR

[richards]

It's a scientific fact that MDF dust is militant and anti-social. Regardless of how kindly you try to treat it, it will turn against you and smear itself all over your shop. The best solution is to open a window, turn on a fan and set it free.

Actually, I use a 2-hp Jet dust collector. Most of the time it gets about 75% of the dust with the remainder left suspended in the air to slowly fail and cover everything in the shop. I have to turn off the collector about every hour and beat the top bag to unclog it. By the way, I gave up on a canister dust collector for the very reason that you've sited - clogged filters.

[rjguinn@optonline.net]

Dick,
I have 4 Lee Valley Cyclone Lids & have used them for years installed just before the dust collector.Morris Dovey also uses them with great success. I will recommend that you spend a few dollars more & buy the clear PET version. Everything but the finest MDF dust will stay in the cyclone.They are best mounted on a steel drum or a 44 gallon heavy duty RubberMaid trash can.
Jeff

[mrdovey]

Jim...

I haven't had any problems with dust since installing this DC setup:

http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/dust_collection.html

Hope this helps!