Recommended Dust collector

[keith]

I recently purchased a PRT 96 - and like everyone else said it can get dusty. Here's my simple question.....hopefully....

My Rigid shopvac is not working out. As far as using it as a dust collector, I have to clean it regularly, the filter clogs easilty, and it's just not a permanent solution and I'm looking for a replacement - a true "dust collector." I don't need it to run multiple machines at once. Currently, the 'bot is in my garage (1 car garage at that) so room is limited and I only need it to keep my garage a little cleaner. I'm confused about CFMs, etc. I'm looking for any recommendations out there for a dust collector for a few hundred dollars....if there is such a thing...that will do the job. I cut MDF signs, some lithos, and possibly sign foam.


THANKS!

[billp]

Keith,
You can get something in the 1-1.5 HP range from a few woodworking catalogs. The 1 hp units usually pull between 650-800CFM, and the 1.5 units run at close to 1200 CFM. there isn't anything fancy about them,they are just a motor running an impeller so "brand names"aren't always a gauarantee of better performance( usually just a better warranty...) The Harbor Freight 2HP unit which is on sale for $159 most of the time would suck your socks off, but it might not last as long as the 1.5 hp Jet unit. I've run a Reliant 1 hp.,Jet 1hp, and Delta 1.5 hp for years. The key to it seems to be getting the shortest,clear run of hose that you can which means your motor has less work to do.
Everyone has opinions on what kind of "dust foot" works best as well. I like mine to stay on the surface of the work,regardless of where the Z axis moves. Some people seem to prefer the unit to move up/down with the bit (though I still can't imagine the advantage). The dust foot which Steve M. posted a picture of recently looks promising as well.
Take some time and get the setup right. MDF, and sign foam are pervasive, and if you are going to be in the garage while you are cutting these materials it is VERY important that you capture as much material at the bit as you can. Once it's in the air you'll always have it in your garage, and on everything else that shares the garage with your 'Bot ( and possibly in your lungs as well...).
PS If you are running a PC router call Shopbot and buy the "air deflector" which diverts the exhaust air from your router upwards. This means that your dust collector will not have to compete with the router to collect the dust you generate...

[pierre_wessels]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cyclone-Separator-for-Dust-Collector_W0QQitemZ4447200199QQcategoryZ11704QQssP ageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Buy one of these cyclones and add it in front of the dust collector - especially if you are cutting mdf ....It works really well and is easy to clean and change. I know I have posted something on here before about this but it really does work well and the price is good.
Pierre

[hippo]

I bought one of those after seeing your previous post on it. Works MUCH better than the simple trash can separator I had been using. I've been doing some 3D work in MDF, and after vaporizing 150 cubic inches of MDF, the dust collector bags just has the lightest coating.

[keith]

Guys - thanks for the info. I'll look right into it.

[earld]

Check this site out for a pretty thorough source of info on dust removal. They also make a shopvac cyclone that I am interested in acquiring in the foreseeable future.
http://www.clearvuecyclones.com/index.html

Earl

[jeff_rowley]

Does anyone know if the air deflector will work with a Milwaukee router?

[billp]

If it doesn't you might ask Steve M. to consider making a new model as more and more people are switching over to the Milwaukee...

[stevem]

The Milwaukee has a diameter that is .020” smaller than the PC router. The tabs on the air deflector will easily bend enough to take up the slack.

[jeff_rowley]

Thanks, Steve. Ordering one now... This should help a ton with my tiny inlay parts blowing all over the place (even with double sided tape!)