Dust collectors

I'm looking to buy a dust collector. Has anyone tried the cylinder shaped system made by Ridgid? Sells for $139.00. Is it nessary to spend 300 to 400 hundrerd, for those others on the market or is it over kill?

Elmer

[dart]

The dust collector I have is the type that sits on the floor and has one bag. I put it on a stand and added another bag. I should have gotten the 2 bag model in the first place. I think I paid about $100 for it? Depending on how many pieces of equipment you intend to connect to the dust collector will determine how large of one you will need. I just use the one 4' hose and put it on the machine I happen to be using. I'd get more information from the folks here before buying one tho.

[AlArchie]

Can't answer for the Rigid model, but I got the Grizzly one bag standing model for around 150 bucks and it works really well. It has only one 4'' hose and I can connect it to whichever power tool I am using. Made a couple clamps for the lathe, to hold the hose, and a sading table to collect dust when sanding or power carving. This unit stands about 5 feet high and 14' in dia.

I'd bet the Rigid would work every bit as well.

If I had a lot of power tools or wanted to have dust collection on more than one at a time, I'd probably have opted for a bigger model, but fur moderate needs, the one bagger works fine for me.

I'm taking a course at a carving school. In the past I've seen table top models that others use for filtering harmful ultra-fine airborne particulates. I'm not looking for the larger shop vacs. It needs to be portable. Razertip makes one for $400. Ouch! do I need to spend that much?

[Gergie]

Hi, Be sure to check out all your options. I have a Sears with 2 bags, top and bottom. I got mine for around $300.00 I use it in the basement and I don't get dust around the shop like I use to. Also it eliminated a lot of my sinus problems. So they are a big +. I wish you luck. Gergie,

I have the Busy Bee 1 HP, two bagger model. It works fine. You can find Busy Bee Machine Tools, in BC, Ont, and Quebec. If you can't get a number from directory let me know and I will try to locate them for you. I don't remember them being expensive. Although I have had mine for a long time and prices change.

[Callynne]

I have the DC720, it's the box looking type that sits on your work table, don't think that's probably the style you're looking for though.
No matter what type you do want it's definitely a necessity, I debated for a while whether or not I really needed one since I don't do a great deal of power carving, mosty just detailing and sanding. After having this one and using it I have no doubts at all! I use my bagless sweeper to clean the filter out and it's unbelieveable how much wood dust that thing collects! Also noticed, like Gergie, my 'sinus' problems weren't flaring up as much after I started using it.
My recommendation would be buy the most powerful unit you can afford. Look at the highest CFM possible in your price range. Good luck! Callynne

[quote author=Elmer link=board=GeneralC;num=1090369443;start=0#3 date=07/20/04 at 22:29:34]I'm taking a course at a carving school. In the past I've seen table top models that others use for filtering harmful ultra-fine airborne particulates. I'm not looking for the larger shop vacs. It needs to be portable. Razertip makes one for $400. Ouch! do I need to spend that much? Â*
[/quote]

Something like this maybe?

http://shop.woodcraft.com/Woodcraft/...52362C255B495C

or you can make your own using 2-3 6 inch computer cooling fans, some plywood and plexiglass, and a furnace filter for a lot less.

[Callynne]

Sorry Elmer, don't know how I missed your reply saying you were looking for a table top model, figured from the other responses you were looking for the bag type!
Clifford is right, mine literally is three computer fans with a filter. It cost $199.99 from Christian J. Hummul Company http://www.hummul.com
I chose it over the Razortip because of size, which you might want to consider. The Razortip (at least the only one I saw) was 12' wide, this one is 20'. Since the idea is to have the piece you are working on as 'into' the plastic shield as much as possible to direct the dust into the collector, those extra inches make it easier to work on larger pieces.
Hope this helps....really hope I got the site address right....hate when I mess them up....which I ALWAYS seem to do!! :-/ Callynne

[oldbearx2]

Hey Elmer You can go to Radio Shack and buy computer fans and build your own using furnace filters. I built mine for about $70. I used three fans that I believe were about $20 a piece and made the box out of 1/2 inch plywood and two furnace filters for about $3 each. I think one of the carving magazines had an article on it. Myabe somebody out there remembers which one. have fun carve oldbearx2