Ultimate Dust Deputy - Video

[Stone Message]

Hi Everyone

I was approached by a UK company that imports Oneida cyclones and invited to make a video about the Ultimate Dust Deputy. I have had a cheap and cheerful Dust Deputy in use for over 3 years and so it seemed a logical thing to do.

I have created the video as a factual account of my experience with the product and if you watch the latter half you will see that I have devised a method to test the vacuum of an extractor with and without DDs in the path. I leave it to the viewer to decide whether it will meet his or her needs.

I explain that there may be warranty issues with your extractor manufacturer. I show how easy the UDD is to assemble. I explain that in order to avoid the long term cost of disposable bags that there are long life bags available (in the CT 26 case this is a Festool accessory). Then I demonstrate the relative performance of my extractor with just a 27 mm hose, with my original DD and then with the UDD. The results are interesting.

Here is the link:



Peter

 

[Ed Bray]

Enjoyed the video Peter, my only comment would be that when you measured the Ultimate Dust Deputy system it was using a 50mm hose between the CT26 and Dust Deputy however, when you tried the original Dust Deputy you had a thinner hose between the Dust Deputy and the CT26, and although you had the same thinner hose direct to the CT26, it did not have the cyclone or drop-box of the other systems thus the greater pull.

I would have been more interested in the results between the Original Dust Deputy and the Ultimate Dust deputy had you used the same 50mm hose on both between the CT26 and Cyclones.

 

[Stone Message]

Enjoyed the video Peter, my only comment would be that when you measured the Ultimate Dust Deputy system it was using a 50mm hose between the CT26 and Dust Deputy however, when you tried the original Dust Deputy you had a thinner hose between the Dust Deputy and the CT26, and although you had the same thinner hose direct to the CT26, it did not have the cyclone or drop-box of the other systems thus the greater pull.

I would have been more interested in the results between the Original Dust Deputy and the Ultimate Dust deputy had you used the same 50mm hose on both between the CT26 and Cyclones.

Hi Ed

I understand exactly but I did not have any 50mm hose when I built my DD and dropbox combo. I have used it with most of my tools and been happy with it and I wanted to see the difference moving up to the UDD would be.

When I built that DD combo it was a nightmare getting the adapters to make the various hoses fit. I suspect that my various bits of plumbing and the lid of my drop box leak a lot and that will account for the major portion of the difference.

Peter

 

[Ed Bray]

If I get out to the garage later I'll take a piccy of my franken-cyclone build with a new Antistatic Dust Deputy.

It is my 3rd Cyclone as I have one on my PT/TS and another mobile one which is typically used for my Router Table and prior to getting my Kapex, my sliding mitre saw.

The Ultimate Cyclone/CT26 works really well and has conductive AS right through the system including the inside of the dropbox (I used copper shielding tape usually used for shielding guitar pickups).

 

[Ed Bray]

Here are my Cyclones, no comments about the untidy Garage or the state of the Garage walls (they will be done this year).

Cyclone Central 100mm:



Sip 1.5HP 100mm Collector with 65mm Cyclone, the best thing about this is my auto closing relief valve. The toggle weighs enough so that when the hose is uncovered and normal flow is restored the weight of the toggle pulls the jam lid shut again onto the magnet.



Now my mobile Frankencyclone, in mobile mode:



Frankencyclone in fixed mode, this is the typical mode when using the Kapex, setup like this it does not interfere with the use of the saw or the extension rails.

 

[Stone Message]

I also have the Cyclone Central 100 mm cyclone. I use it with my Numatic NVD 750 which is perfect with my planning machine and bandsaw.

Peter

 

[Neal W]

Peter,

Nice job on the video.  I especially enjoyed your test, scientific or not, it demonstrated very well. 

I do have a question about your "old" setup vs. the newer version.  The newer version from Dust Deputy has a pretty good gasket around the top of the hinged lid.  Are you experiencing some air leakage around the lid of your homemade setup?  I just was wondering if that was a possible explanation for the difference in performance.

 

[dltflt]

Great video Peter, very informative.  I would have thought there would be a greater loss through the cyclone.  Thanks now I want one.

 

[Stone Message]

For Neal and Don

My old setup leaked at the various hose joints. I suspect there was a bit of leakage at the join between the top and bottom of my drop box. I did use some rubber draught proof material bit is was nowhere near as good as the stick on strip provided by Oneida for the UDD.

Theoretically, if there are no leaks then the performance will only be different due to greater air resistance although my un scientific test might not show that as it is a static test - ie no real air flow.

I am sure that a extractor expert could shoot holes through my testing method but I think that it does give a good impression of likely performance.

Peter

 

[Neal W]

Thanks Peter.

I purchased a couple of O rings to fit onto the hose inlets of my dust deputy (the one with the nested five gallon buckets) to eliminate the air leakage at the hose joints.  The bucket lid snaps on tightly, and seems to be pretty air tight.  My setup has better suction than my old worn out shop vac.  I didn't use my CT for anything without the dust deputy though, so I don't even have anecdotal comparisons. 

I like your test though....It makes me a feel a little better about my decision to use the dust deuty.

 

[Billedis]

Great video and presentation Peter.  Think I might entertain the UDD in my shop.  Bill

 

[Paul G]

Peter, your more scientific comparison of the suction levels echoes my DD observations, I can't notice a loss of suction when hooking up the DD

 

[Stone Message]

Peter, your more scientific comparison of the suction levels echoes my DD observations, I can't notice a loss of suction when hooking up the DD

I had to demonstrate how well or otherwise the UDD performed - it is no good to just say that it seems to work fine. Although my gadget is a bit rough and ready it was used in the same way in all tests and so is perfectly fair.

The demonstration, on video, allows everyone to draw their own conclusions.

Peter

 

[Paul G]

Peter, your more scientific comparison of the suction levels echoes my DD observations, I can't notice a loss of suction when hooking up the DD

I had to demonstrate how well or otherwise the UDD performed - it is no good to just say that it seems to work fine. Although my gadget is a bit rough and ready it was used in the same way in all tests and so is perfectly fair.

The demonstration, on video, allows everyone to draw their own conclusions.

Peter

Yes indeed, your gadget did a very fair comparison, and puts to rest any debate regarding suction loss. If the system is tight and without leaks the loss is very minor.

 

[JimD]

Thanks for the video, it is interesting.  I think the difference in the two DD setups is a combination of a larger hose between the vacuum and cyclone and leakage.  My guess is it's mainly the hose.  I'd post a picture of my setup if I knew how.  I built a cart based upon a free plan from Woodsmith.  It puts the cyclone and shop vac on the same level on a cart with 3 inch casters so it rolls easily.  I connected the shop vac to the cyclone with 2 inch PVC plumbing pipe.  Smooth walled pipe has significantly less resistance than flexible spiral wound hose.  I had to heat the PVC to get it to conform to the shop vacuum and cyclone.  Then I use a Bosch hose that is supposed to be interchangeable with the Festool - or one of my Rigid hoses (my shop vacuum is a Rigid) on the inlet to the cyclone.  With my PVC pipe connection, I think I am loosing very little suction versus direct connection to the shop vacuum.  I know I am gaining a lot less cleaning of the HEPA filter in the shop vac.  I sucked up drywall dust from a pretty good sized room and nearly filled the 4.5 gallon bucket on the cyclone and could still see the bottom of the dust container in the vacuum.  I tapped the filter on the waste can and put it back together - essentially there was nothing to dump out.  Cyclones make a major difference.

 

[Ollie]

Hi Peter

Great review of the UDD. I have had mine for quite a long time now. I found your video showed the system in a true perspective and I like your test apparatus.

I chuckled a bit when you said this set up may not be for those who work on site, because this is exactly what I do with mine, it is 50/50 between workshop and site work. I found that the handle for the CTL26 is well worth its money when using the UDD as it is a good height in relation to the  box part. When heaving it in and out of the van or up stairs you can grip the handle and the top of the hose garage bit or the handle on UDD box. Otherwise just tilt it onto its big wheels with the handle.

Having used my UDD almost every day for at least 6 months I have yet to replace the Festool self clean bag in the CTL, it has about a kilo of dust in it.
I have got through about 20 or so of the plastic bags (sometimes I use them 2 or 3 times depending on the type of dust) this has saved a fortune at £5 a bag.
Toolovation now stock the clear bags as I found normal bin bags or rubble sacks wont fit.

Another note on the plastic bags is that it is best not to let them fill right up as they become very difficult to remove from the box, sort of wedging into the corners. I have torn a couple when they were full due to trying to get them past the lip at the top of the box.

So to add to your review, the UDD seams a bit expensive at first but mine has paid for itself already in bags alone, it is a bit bulky for carrying about but I have to carry other heavier stuff anyway so it doesn`t bother me. I think getting the handle is essential if you intend to move it about a lot.

I must add I do love the various homebrew solutions too. Also I find performance better with the 36mm hose.

Cheers

Ollie

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Ollie

Many thanks for the perspective of a "road warrior" - I was worried that it might be just a dash too awkward to handle in and out of the van and on site.

Peter

 

[Drich]

Has anyone used the steel cyclone that they make? It seems that would be a better way to go with a metal box.

 

[rst]

I use two of the steel versions set on tall grease barrels and they work fantastic.  I am using Fein extractors and regular hose and have never had to clean out the vacs.

 

[Qwerty_Adelaida]

Thanks for the video.

I could only wish the same comparison video was available for Ridgid 6 HP shop vac vs Festool. As well as Oneida Dust Cobra vs Festool.

I am trying to figure out the suction strength difference between the three machines. I have Ridgid and want to upgrade to either Festool with the cyclone or the Oneida Dust Cobra.

Peter, have you ever worked with Dust Cobra by any chance?