Dust Collectors

[grbmds]

I may need to update/upgrade my dust collector - the collector I use for my planer, jointer, bandsaw, and router table. I currently have one of the first Oneida cyclones, about 18 years old now. I has a filter internal to the cyclone and which, at the time was the best out there. Given my setup, it is not practical to upgrade to HEPA and there is at least one other problem with it besides not being efficient by today's standards. It is a great collector but I think it's time to move on. (For small tools and sanding I, of course, use my CT48, but that doesn't work for these larger tools that produce more chips/dust.)

What collector do you use?
Is it portable or fixed with ducting?
Does it have a HEPA filter?
What is the CFM?
What tools do you use the collector for?
Are you satisfied with the results?

Any feedback you can give would be helpful. I'm leaning toward another Oneida but the cost is high and I'd like to know what else people have a good experience with.

Thanks.

 

[rvieceli]

If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest calling Oneida and seeing if there was any way to upgrade your existing set up.

 

[grbmds]

If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest calling Oneida and seeing if there was any way to upgrade your existing set up.

I've done that. There is. However, given my existing installation that would involve dismantling most of the collector part and redesigning and reinstalling what's already there. There is also a fair amount of expense involved in the actual upgrade, but adding that to the other work I'd have to do, means the expense, while less than a new collector, might not be worth it. It was one of my alternatives. However, it is not one of the top alternatives right now. Plus, the time I'd use I'd rather spend on other things.

 

[rst]

I would stick with Oneida.  Their units comply with industrial fire standards, most of the others do not.  Their impellers are aluminum and will not spark if ferrous metal strikes them.

 

[grbmds]

I would stick with Oneida.  Their units comply with industrial fire standards, most of the others do not.  Their impellers are aluminum and will not spark if ferrous metal strikes them.

Actually, one of my options is keeping my existing because after 18 years, it still runs just fine. There is no vibration in the fan or motor and it still runs. When you compare it to today's technology, however, it does make some sense to upgrade. The noise produced by their new units is 75 decibels compared to a much higher number for mine. The filtration is way superior and, since my shop is in my basement, that is important. Also, the Mini Dust Gorilla seems to be really good for a small hobby shop; portable  with sufficient ariflow for single use, no sacrifice in filtering or noise level, and it might fit my needs better now. On the other hand, I already have some basic ductwork in place and, to utilize it, I'd need to move up a level, causing some cost considerations.