Cyclone Dust Collection dust level Sensor
- Thread starter 3mbjts
- Start date
I have one I got from Penn state. Coincidentally it just quit working a couple days ago. Besides that it works fine. It has a plastic paddle that turns continuously until it meets resistance from the rising level of sawdust. when the paddle meets resistance or stops, it sounds a buzzer or it can be set up to trigger a light. I just left mine with the internal buzzer. Mine is on Penn state's 35 gallon drum. It does go off before the drum is full. I have been planning on experimenting with the paddle to shorten it so I doesn't buzz as early. I just haven't taken the time to experiment.
Also I haven't taken the time yet to see why mine quit working. It buzzes still with resistance on the paddle, but it quit turning. I'm not sure if the motor that turns it is shot or if something is loose. I've had it about 5 years and it is turning all the time when my shop lights are on. They are 79.95 and you can get a 110 or 220 model depending on your needs. Mine is 110 and is plugged into a socket on the overhead lights.
I am happy with how it works and will probably replace it with the same thing unless someone chimes in on here with a better idea. I'm not familiar with anything else that is available.
One suggestion. If you get one and mount it, keep it away form the outside of the drum. I use bags inside my drum which are retained to the wall of the drum with a sheet of thick plastic rolled into a circle (also sold at penn state). I mounted my sensor a little too close and if the retaining piece of plastic isn't tight to the wall, it can hit the sensor paddle making it buzz. Usually this happens when you install a new bag. Once you adjust it correctly it is fine. But If I had put the sensor a little closer to the center it would be more fool proof.
Hope that helps.
Also I haven't taken the time yet to see why mine quit working. It buzzes still with resistance on the paddle, but it quit turning. I'm not sure if the motor that turns it is shot or if something is loose. I've had it about 5 years and it is turning all the time when my shop lights are on. They are 79.95 and you can get a 110 or 220 model depending on your needs. Mine is 110 and is plugged into a socket on the overhead lights.
I am happy with how it works and will probably replace it with the same thing unless someone chimes in on here with a better idea. I'm not familiar with anything else that is available.
One suggestion. If you get one and mount it, keep it away form the outside of the drum. I use bags inside my drum which are retained to the wall of the drum with a sheet of thick plastic rolled into a circle (also sold at penn state). I mounted my sensor a little too close and if the retaining piece of plastic isn't tight to the wall, it can hit the sensor paddle making it buzz. Usually this happens when you install a new bag. Once you adjust it correctly it is fine. But If I had put the sensor a little closer to the center it would be more fool proof.
Hope that helps.
I looked on the Oneida site and couldn't find it but just looked and here it is.
http://store.oneida-air.com/dustsentry.aspx
It's a little more money but no moving parts and adjustable sensitivity. I think I am going to order one and try it out.
http://store.oneida-air.com/dustsentry.aspx
It's a little more money but no moving parts and adjustable sensitivity. I think I am going to order one and try it out.
The Penn State and the Oneida ones were the two that I have read about. My concern with the Penn State model was the fact that the paddle was continuously moving and how durable it was. The Oneida model is new with no reviews to speak of. also there is the price. I have had great experiences with Oneida products, so may have to invest in their model. I don't want to have the filter get all plugged with saw dust again. It was no fun to clean.
Thanks.
Thanks.
NuggyBuggy
Member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2010
- Messages
- 419
I assume we're all emptying our bins after each session like they tell us to... [laughing]
Wnagle I' not familar with the Penn state model.I do have the Fine-Tek which is the same as you describe.(see attatchment).They are sold and re-named by many manufacturers.eg binmaster.
I also had a motor go out and was able to procure another from the manufacture in china. contact claire.huang@fine-tek.com
I also had a motor go out and was able to procure another from the manufacture in china. contact claire.huang@fine-tek.com
Thanks for the info! I don't know if I will try to fix it or not. I like the idea of the infrared sensor better than the moving parts. I haven't had time to call Oneida yet about theirs. I was at the Gary Katz Roadshow all day at Hartville Hardware. It was a good time!
Do it yourself...as usual Oneida is late to the game and overpriced. If I'm looking at the Oneida correctly, all it does is flash a strobe for $140 (don't forget the $10 shipping)?? This DIY photosensor based system can trigger a strobe and cut power to your cyclone, among other things. Only real "wear" item is a lightbulb, but I got around that by using a LED lightbulb. Worst case, if the bulb dies, the system just won't let the cyclone turn on.
DIY Bin Sensor on ClearVue Forum
DIY Bin Sensor on ClearVue Forum
nickao
Member
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2008
- Messages
- 4,617
I have a Grizzly cyclone 3HP.
I am very happy. When I use it the shop stays dustless. So no matter the specs or what may be advertised as better, for me in my shop 100% dust collection is 100%.
I guess I sized it right and got the correct fittings. I just do not think that I would ever have to change from the Grizzly. It is perfect.
I guess if I ever got a larger shop I could get a bigger unit, but I think I would stay with Grizzly and just go to the 5HP.
I am very happy. When I use it the shop stays dustless. So no matter the specs or what may be advertised as better, for me in my shop 100% dust collection is 100%.
I guess I sized it right and got the correct fittings. I just do not think that I would ever have to change from the Grizzly. It is perfect.
I guess if I ever got a larger shop I could get a bigger unit, but I think I would stay with Grizzly and just go to the 5HP.
Phred said:
Fred,
I've been out of the shop since I installed it and haven't filled the can to test it out yet! I'm sure it will work fine but I don't know how full the can will be when it goes off. The level is adjustable on the sensor and also on how deep it's mounted. So if it is off I can do some adjusting. I really need to get out in the shop and make some dust!
