Anyone use a Jet AFS-1000 B? Or DIY air filtration?

[Bob Gerritsen]

Hi all, I'm thinking about putting an air filtration unit in the shop, the Jet unit is available of the shelf here but I would like to hear how it performs. Also, I've gotten the impression Jet is sort of low end among the US brands, please correct me if I'm wrong. It will cost me probably about twice the US street price, it's not a huge amount of money but still...

Correct me if I'm wrong, essentially these things are nothing more than a couple filters and a turbine, right? Maybe DIY might be more interesting then?

Cheers, Bob.

 

[Mac]

Hi Bob,

I've used the Jet model for a couple of years and have no complaints at all; as you say it's a fairly simple piece of kit but it does the job well. I wish I'd bought one sooner. Having said that I picked mine up on eBay for significantly less than the new price.

Cheers, Rick

 

[mouppe]

Bob,

I've been using a Blueair 601 for 6 years now. Never had a single problem, can't hear it when it's on (for 2 of the first three speeds), low energy-rated and it has HEPA filtration. It's a portable floor model but I usually keep it near my workbench. My unit covers a 700 square foot room (65 square metres). You can even get filters for it that eliminate VOCs but I just use the regular filters.

http://www.subag-tech.ch/luft-reinigen/wohn-und-arbeitsraumluft-reinigen/

 

[Alan m]

i have a jet model (not sure about the numbers thow)
its great. you really do see an improvment i n the air when working with mdf ect. i feel better knowing that the air filter is taking the dust out of the air. i wear a mask doing mdf on most operations but usually forget the next day when i go back in doing something else. the filter catchs a lot of dust but you have to keep it clean

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Going on eight years with the Jet, no problems.  Great for getting the air clean.  After I have been running it in the shop and go inside, the house seems really polluted. 

DIY is definitely possible, especially if you have an old blower or fan around.  You will need a tight seal.  They work best when mounted on the ceiling, so a remote is a big help, a timer is a wise choice, too.  I usually let mine run for a couple of hours after I leave the shop to get a really good scrubbing.

 

[hobbes]

I just recently purchased a Dust Right 1200 that was being cleared from my local woodworking store and I'm very happy with it. The reason I'm teling you about this model is because the sales clerk also turned on the Jet (forgot exact model, but they only had one so whatever is common) as well and it was noticeably louder than the one I got so you might want to check the decibel rating on the unit that you plan to get. Like Jesse says, with it running going back into the house doesn't feel as clean. I also agree that the remote is useful to have when the unit is mounted up high. One other note, whatever unit you get, try to get one that has a common filter size so you don't have to special order the filters and have more options when it comes to filter replacement since that will be your on-going maintenance cost.

 

[builderbob]

+ (insert #) on the jet!  I have it mounted to the ceiling and love it!  My local woodcraft was recently clearing out a similar Laguna model as well...not sure what the decibel rating is on that one but the jet is quiet until you get to tornado mode (#3)!

Bob

 

[Bob Gerritsen]

Thanks all for the feedback! It looks like Jet gets high praise and I can see the benefit of the remote over building a DIY unit. Plus as busy as my schedule is, when am I going to do that exactly? Now all I have to do is to see if I can get a better price on it.

I've checked the Blueair unit Richard, but it is more than twice the price of the Jet and I really like the fact I can hang the Jet to the ceiling. Thanks for the suggestion though.

The Dust Right 1200 is not available here I think, it is by Rockler isn't it? I'm not overly worried about the noise, when I need it most is when I'll be making quite some noise myself and I'm expecting not to run it all day.

How long do those filters last? I understand that will differ per person and will probably start with an extra 5 filters or so when I order, that should be enough for quite a while right?

Thanks all, Bob.

 

[Alan m]

if you get the jet model run it for a small while. then look inside.
i didnt do this and just spotted that it was sucking in dust and spewing it all around the shop.
i sealed it all up and now its better

 

[leakyroof]

I vote for the JDS model in a similar size. Noise comparisons in the same store seemed to me that the JDS is quieter than the Jet unit. I also like the ability to easily slide out the prefilter on the JDS for easy cleaning or replacement.
The Jet appeared to be fussier for access . The JDS model is also designed with a remote, timer settings, 3 speeds, and hanging bolts/eyelets for a ceiling

 

[Alan m]

I vote for the JDS model in a similar size. Noise comparisons in the same store seemed to me that the JDS is quieter than the Jet unit. I also like the ability to easily slide out the prefilter on the JDS for easy cleaning or replacement.
The Jet appeared to be fussier for access . The JDS model is also designed with a remote, timer settings, 3 speeds, and hanging bolts/eyelets for a ceiling

my jet model has all those features

 

[leakyroof]

I vote for the JDS model in a similar size. Noise comparisons in the same store seemed to me that the JDS is quieter than the Jet unit. I also like the ability to easily slide out the prefilter on the JDS for easy cleaning or replacement.
The Jet appeared to be fussier for access . The JDS model is also designed with a remote, timer settings, 3 speeds, and hanging bolts/eyelets for a ceiling

my jet model has all those features

  Yes, I know that Alan. I just like the JDS unit for being quieter than the Jet unit I tested, and the slide out filter from one side. Both of them seemed quieter than the Delta unit that I also tested at another store. While so many of the filter units out there are seemingly similar, it's surprising how the little things add up. One poster on another brand talks of many remote issues with their unit, yet you don't hear that about either JDS or Jet from what I've seen.  [blink]
The noise level, without a meter to verify, is probably a subjective thing anyway... [embarassed]

 

[JayStPeter]

I've had the Jet for probably 12 years now.  I don't use it that often anymore because I have good collection at the tool for most operations.  But, when you start pattern routing MDF or something nasty like that, it keeps the dust cloud down.  If I have to turn it on, I should be wearing a mask at the time because it isn't collecting at the source (don't, but should).  But, it clears the air fairly quickly and prevents the whole shop from getting covered in a coating of dust that later becomes airborne every time you touch anything.
Filters can get expensive, but I just clean mine with a shop vac now.
To me, the remote and timer circuit are what differentiates the commercial models worth buying from a DIY solution.  In my pre Oneida/Festool days I would turn it on when I entered the shop, then hit the timer button on the way out to ensure the dust cloud I created was cleared to keep dust from settling.  These days, I mostly use it for finishing.  I clean the filters before putting on finish and run it to keep any dust I stirred up walking around from settling on the project.

 

[Bob Gerritsen]

Thank guys, I'm looking forward to getting one and will surely check for gaps. It will most likely be the Jet, that's what available to me through a shop who's rep tends to give me nice discounts. I've not yet found other units like that by other brands.

The idea there might just be less dust on the shelves in the neat future....  ;D