Cyclone advice

[ryanjg117]

I've been looking casually for a 3-5hp stationary cyclone for the new shop (about 1,100 sqft) and have been patiently waiting on the elusive Oneida Gorilla Pro for $1,000 on Craigslist. Well, that doesn't appear to be happening any time soon, but I've happened about a Clear Vue CV1800 5 HP system (this kit here), installed but hardly used due to noise (seller shares a shop wall with a neighbor, I believe). He's throwing in a filter enclosure and cyclone enclosure he made from 3/4" MDF that helps to reduce noise further, though still not quiet enough for him. For me, noise won't be an issue as I'll be locating this DC along with air compressor in the far wall of my shop, separated by a wall.

I haven't done a ton of research on Clear Vue but I know they are one of the pioneers of the cyclone design and many regard them on par with Oneida. Any thoughts on this particular DC, things I should look out for (buying used), or concerns you'd have?

I'm aware it's possible to spend as much (or more) on the ducting... I may have an affordable source for nice metal ducting (time will tell), but it also seems that CV1800 users are stating that plastic tubing (S&D or 2729), which can be found relatively cheap from your local plumbing supply store, can also work just fine. However, I'm wondering about static electricity issues? Or is this only an issue in portable DCs?

 

[Gregor]

As a data point: I have a ~10 year old, small ClearVue cyclone. The transparent material is showing no signs of aging at all (no discolouring, no cracks even after throwing the whole stack over several times) and the separation is excellent.

In case it is in good condition and the motor works I personally wouldn't have any concerns buying a used big one from that manufacturer.

 

[Birdhunter]

i have an old dual 2HP cyclone system from Oneida. I trigger it with remote control key fobs.

My ducting is heavy duty metal as Oneida says regular ducting can collapse from the extreme suction. I have manual waste gates at each machine. If I was to do this again, I'd use wire reinforced 6" clear plastic ducting. I'd also use automatic waste gates.

I did find my neighbor's outdoor lighting control was starting one of my cyclones and my remote was switching their lights off and on. It was until we went out to dinner together and my neighbor mentioned his lighting system's weird behavior that I figured out what was happening.

 

[jaguar36]

I've been quite happy with my Clearvue 1800, had it for a number of years and have no issues.  It is pretty DIY though.  Make sure you have some sort of way to tell when the bin gets full though, as its no fun trying to clean the filters out when they completely fill with saw dust :-/

As long as you use decent gauge metal ducting it won't have any problems.  The thin stuff will collapse though.

 

[Getmaverick]

I installed my 1800 last year. So far its been an awesome unit. Customer service is top notch also. I used 28 gauge metal hvac pipe from a supplier. I added a few no collapse rings in the longest runs and have no issues. Half the cost of pvc.

 

[bkharman]

Have you looked at the Laguna stuff?  Curious because I have... just looking for additional thoughts.
https://lagunatools.com/classic-machinery/dust-collectors/cflux-1-5-hp-cyclone/

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[abates]

I have owned oneida 3hp, 5ph, and a cleavue cv1800.  I am not really sure what the problems are with the Oneida but it couldn't hold a candle to the Clearvue.  My original 3hp used to run a small shop (jointer, planer, tablesaw, bandsaw).  When I moved into a larger shop I used it only to run my bandsaw and shaper and set the Clearvue up with the slider, saw stop, edge sander, jointer and planer.  The clearvue was hands down a better system.  Especially (ESPECIALLY!) hooked up to the edge sander.  It is really the fine dust where you notice the difference in the systems.  Large chips can be collected by almost anything, but the fine dust kills the suction when it makes its way over to the filter and clogs it up.  I moved out of that larger shop and into a small shop at my house.  Sold everything and wound up buying a 5hp oneida.  I am a bit disillusioned with its efficiency as I find my shop is constantly full of fine dust that is not being captured. Of course, Clearvue wants you to tape, caulk, and check for any leaks in the system.  I am sure if I took as much care on the oneida it would be a bit more efficient as well.

One thing to note, the clearvue I remember was quite a bit taller than the oneida.  That may have been why I sold it: I didn't see it fitting under my 10' ceiling height (it had double barrels).  To make it fit I would have needed a small barrel which fills up way to fast. 

With all that being said, I think I live in your area and would be happy to sell my 5hp oneida to you. I will be looking for a cleavue.  [laughing]