Just curious if anyone has one of these? Trying to do what I can to handle the dust we all make.
Powermatic PM1250
Powermatic PM1250
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Powermatic PM1250 Air Cleaner
- Thread starter Grev
- Start date
Considering it. I'm a little troubled or puzzled by their specs on the particle filtration. Usually you see XX% @ 1 micron or something like that. In this case they changed it and eliminated references to the particle sizes. When I get time I'll call them to sort out why they changed the filtration specs compared to the other air filter.
That said, I like the smaller form factor and the ability to move it around as needed. I would prefer to have it somewhere in the vicinity of the active dust maker at any given time. But since I work in a basement, if I wanted it hung from the ceiling joists (7-8 ft), it hangs low enough that I'm walking around it rather than under it with some other filters. I'm unsure where I stand on that right now.
I figure I've got until cyber monday to make a decision. I'm not forking out asking price for this, and even at a discounted price (if it's eligible), it's still pricey.
That said, I like the smaller form factor and the ability to move it around as needed. I would prefer to have it somewhere in the vicinity of the active dust maker at any given time. But since I work in a basement, if I wanted it hung from the ceiling joists (7-8 ft), it hangs low enough that I'm walking around it rather than under it with some other filters. I'm unsure where I stand on that right now.
I figure I've got until cyber monday to make a decision. I'm not forking out asking price for this, and even at a discounted price (if it's eligible), it's still pricey.
Can be quite effective though to trap the respirable dust that's able to pass a mechanical (pre-)filter.williaty said:Electrostatic filters often are poor performers
Did anyone buy one of these or find out more information on the specification? Intriguing that there are no particle size removal specifications whereas the PM1200 does have ratings in the PDF manual. Makes you wonder if it's any good.
Sort of interested for a non-permanent small shop space in a basement room. I use dust extraction on tools and wear a mask when using the tools but there's always some air-bourne dust around for awhile afterwards that I'd like to get on-top of. Alternatively, maybe something designed for indoor home use with guaranteed purification rates such as (https://www.iqair.com/support/tech-specs/healthpro-series) but they have low air-volume throughput.
Sort of interested for a non-permanent small shop space in a basement room. I use dust extraction on tools and wear a mask when using the tools but there's always some air-bourne dust around for awhile afterwards that I'd like to get on-top of. Alternatively, maybe something designed for indoor home use with guaranteed purification rates such as (https://www.iqair.com/support/tech-specs/healthpro-series) but they have low air-volume throughput.
I have owned the PM1250 for a year and I really like it. Yes it's expensive, but I have never had an air filtration system that runs this quiet. Therefore I run it all the time and consequently it does a great job. With the PM1250 this is the cleanest room in my entire house.
I work in a basement shop about 13 feet by 19 feet. I also have a larger shop where I do all my milling and rough sizing of cabinet materials. So I'm working with plywood and hardwood to make furniture, built-ins and cabinetry for my wife - keeps me very busy and her happy so I can buy more Festool. I use this small shop for all my final sizing of materials with my Festool tracksaw on an MFT with various fences and dogs to make high quality cuts. I do all my joinery with the Domino, and then final sanding with various Festool sanders. With a CT Midi I capture most of the dust, except some of the blowout when using the tracksaw. But I also have a Bosch jigsaw, a couple of biscuit cutters, and a miter saw that are terrible at creating dust. I rarely use the miter saw inside.
I have a Dyson particle count meter which has really helped me monitor my airspace and utilize the PM1250. Under normal conditions most rooms in my house have a particle count of 120 small and 20 large. When I go through my normal build cycle with my Festool tools, the particle count in the shop can go up to 200 small and 60 large without any air filtration. When I use the jig saw it can quickly balloon up to 1000 small and 200 large. Under these bad conditions when I turn the PM on it will reduce the count to about 100 small in 10 minutes, and all the way down to 20 small, 1-2 large in 1 hour.
Because this unit runs so quietly I keep ahead of the dust by running it whenever I start working and after I leave the shop thanks to it's timer function I let it run for another hour. Once a week if I remember I will vacuum the face of the front screen.
I have mine on a rolling cart so I move it around to be close to where I am working.
If you are serious about dust control, this unit and the Dyson meter will help you keep everything in check to make sure you are working in a safe environment. For easily half the cost you can get one of the more traditional ceiling mounted units. I had one. It was too loud to run when I was in the shop so I just ran it for a couple hours when I left. With the PM I feel like I am keeping ahead of a bad dust situation and the Dyson confirms that for me. Bottom line - I have longer quieter sessions in my basement shop. That makes it worth the cost for me.
I work in a basement shop about 13 feet by 19 feet. I also have a larger shop where I do all my milling and rough sizing of cabinet materials. So I'm working with plywood and hardwood to make furniture, built-ins and cabinetry for my wife - keeps me very busy and her happy so I can buy more Festool. I use this small shop for all my final sizing of materials with my Festool tracksaw on an MFT with various fences and dogs to make high quality cuts. I do all my joinery with the Domino, and then final sanding with various Festool sanders. With a CT Midi I capture most of the dust, except some of the blowout when using the tracksaw. But I also have a Bosch jigsaw, a couple of biscuit cutters, and a miter saw that are terrible at creating dust. I rarely use the miter saw inside.
I have a Dyson particle count meter which has really helped me monitor my airspace and utilize the PM1250. Under normal conditions most rooms in my house have a particle count of 120 small and 20 large. When I go through my normal build cycle with my Festool tools, the particle count in the shop can go up to 200 small and 60 large without any air filtration. When I use the jig saw it can quickly balloon up to 1000 small and 200 large. Under these bad conditions when I turn the PM on it will reduce the count to about 100 small in 10 minutes, and all the way down to 20 small, 1-2 large in 1 hour.
Because this unit runs so quietly I keep ahead of the dust by running it whenever I start working and after I leave the shop thanks to it's timer function I let it run for another hour. Once a week if I remember I will vacuum the face of the front screen.
I have mine on a rolling cart so I move it around to be close to where I am working.
If you are serious about dust control, this unit and the Dyson meter will help you keep everything in check to make sure you are working in a safe environment. For easily half the cost you can get one of the more traditional ceiling mounted units. I had one. It was too loud to run when I was in the shop so I just ran it for a couple hours when I left. With the PM I feel like I am keeping ahead of a bad dust situation and the Dyson confirms that for me. Bottom line - I have longer quieter sessions in my basement shop. That makes it worth the cost for me.
Thanks for the in-depth information and some quantitative data. Your basement shop sounds very similar in size to mine, and I use a lot of the same tools, all hooked up to dust collection. But, it doesn't take much for the room to become dusty and it isn't pleasant wearing a mask for extended periods.
These have only just become available in the UK via Axminster so I'll likely take a trip and have a look at one in the next few weeks. I'd heard lots of things about the noise of the traditional roof mounted versions and also the need to replace filters often. So, this looks like a good alternative and sounds like it does the job adequately in a small workshop where nothing is fastened to the floor, walls, or roof (it was a spare basement bedroom when we bought the house and in my wife's mind still is)!
These have only just become available in the UK via Axminster so I'll likely take a trip and have a look at one in the next few weeks. I'd heard lots of things about the noise of the traditional roof mounted versions and also the need to replace filters often. So, this looks like a good alternative and sounds like it does the job adequately in a small workshop where nothing is fastened to the floor, walls, or roof (it was a spare basement bedroom when we bought the house and in my wife's mind still is)!
[member=59771]air19[/member] I received mine today from Axminster here in the UK so it may be different from US models. The fan is very quiet but there's also a buzzing sort of noise coming from maybe some electronics. Does yours make this noise too? Just trying to determine if it is normal before I contact the manufacturer.
Based on my experience and reading, air cleaners are great to remove residual small dust particles from the air after the majority of dust and chips have been collected by a dust collector. Since the Powermatic 1250 is a HEPA filtered air cleaner, I think it would work great for that function; the end of the line for dust collection. One of the cons of all other air cleaners on the market is that they are not HEPA. As long as it isn't the primary dust collection method, it would likely do better than other air cleaners because of the HEPA filter.
simonh said:[member=59771]air19[/member] I received mine today from Axminster here in the UK so it may be different from US models. The fan is very quiet but there's also a buzzing sort of noise coming from maybe some electronics. Does yours make this noise too? Just trying to determine if it is normal before I contact the manufacturer.
No buzz with mine. Just the quiet sound of the air movement. I run it on medium or high and it's quiet.
[member=59771]air19[/member] I made a little video of the sound mine makes:https://tinyurl.com/srvpzdx
[member=19734]grbmds[/member] It's an electrostatic fan rather than a HEPA filter.
[member=19734]grbmds[/member] It's an electrostatic fan rather than a HEPA filter.
Thanks for the responses.
I've listened to the other videos and people like Woodwhisper (who says they are so quiet you can film with them) and some of the Guild members who have them. Everyone, states they are very quiet.
I had read the Powermatic manual online before buying, and I've noticed there's a big difference between the US and European product. In the US the product schematic shows a BLDC fan (brushless DC), in the EU the product there's an AC fan and the schematic shows a capacitor, presumably to control fan speed.
I think we are getting two products using different fan technology and that is the problem.
I've listened to the other videos and people like Woodwhisper (who says they are so quiet you can film with them) and some of the Guild members who have them. Everyone, states they are very quiet.
I had read the Powermatic manual online before buying, and I've noticed there's a big difference between the US and European product. In the US the product schematic shows a BLDC fan (brushless DC), in the EU the product there's an AC fan and the schematic shows a capacitor, presumably to control fan speed.
I think we are getting two products using different fan technology and that is the problem.
[member=66875]simonh[/member] My mistake. I remember reading about it when first released. The information I saw indicated it was HEPA rated. Since it isn't I'd want to see specs on what percent of particles to .1 micron is takes out of the air. It may be only marginally better than other air cleaners on the market. Anyway, I doubt it's designed to be the first line of defense against dust in the shop; only secondary to a dust collector or vac.
Michael Kellough
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- Jan 23, 2007
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- 7,096
I can’t figure out why it’s so expensive. Other than the $110 filter screen it’s just a variable speed fan and a cowling/stand. Maybe there is more to it?
usernumber1
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there's nothing really special except for marketing and branding
you can hear how noisy it is at this timestamp=180 - comments are turned off LOL
fancy production values
you can hear how noisy it is at this timestamp=180 - comments are turned off LOL
fancy production values
Michael Kellough said:I can’t figure out why it’s so expensive. Other than the $110 filter screen it’s just a variable speed fan and a cowling/stand. Maybe there is more to it?
It uses an air-ioniser to charge the particles and filter screen with the opposite charge so they are attracted. Nicely built, good size fan, concept seemed to work well. Anyway, it's on its way back due to the buzz.
Michael Kellough
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- Jan 23, 2007
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- 7,096
[member=66875]simonh[/member]. I realize yours was a different voltage than that supplied in the states, but did the thing buzz in all three speeds?
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