I didn't take this advice when I bought my Jet canister DC, but if I had a
buddy with a sheet metal shop, I'd probably have given more serious thought
to building a cyclone. There's loads on info on it at
http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyc...ildCyclone.cfm
I'm assuming when you say trash-can cyclone that you mean trash-can
separator to drop the heavy stuff before it gets to the dust collector
impeller.

FWIW, I'd also go with an ambient air cleaner as well to pick up as much of
the stuff that the dust collector doesn't get. You should be able to get
the main component, a blower, from your HVAC buddy.

todd

"Gary" wrote in message
...
Hey, thanks everyone for the good advice. Checking my shop this morning,
I
noted that I have a corner available that I can reasonably easily build a
closet and wire for 220, so I think I will go with maybe a 2-3hp unit,
metal
duct (I have a friend in the hvac business and has a nice sheet metal
shop),
and trash-can cyclone(?).

Now to decide which brand? Filter type? I like the canister type but am
concerned about only 2 micron filtering, clearing (some reviewers say they
clogged frequently and have to be disassembled to clean), and durability/
replacement cost.

Gary


"Phisherman" wrote in message
...
I have a Penn State. Used it 120v, then later converted it to 240v.
You may want to look for that option. A pre-filter, or drop box, is
important as it protects the DC's propeller. No matter how careful,
a tool or chunk of wood will find its way into the DC. Get at least a
1.5 HP, 2 HP is better although there is a little more noise. About
$350. Grizzly is good. A shop air filter is a wise investment,
and you can build one yourself that accepts disposable furnace
filters. About $200. You can use a large box fan and bungee cord
filters to it until you build or buy one. Finally, buy a quality dust
mask, the kind that fits around your face and has a 2-way valve (about
$50)--your lungs will thank you.


On Tue, 3 Aug 2004 08:37:28 -0400, "Gary"
wrote:

I suppose I should classify myself as a newbie, still in the process of
equipping my shop. I'm planning a retirement soon and hope to spend
lots
of
time in my shop.
I am not a professional woodworker, but I like quality stuff. So far
for
major equipment, I have a Delta Unisaw w/52"Bies, Powermatic 14'
bandsaw
w/riser, and Dewalt 13" planer. I just recently ordered a Powermatic
60B
8"
jointer and Delta drillpress.

Now I'm shopping for a dust collector. I shopped and shopped but can't
make
up my mind. Maybe you folks can help.

Here are my questions:

Do I want an inexpensive 1.5 horsepower, 115 volt unit which I roll
around
in my shop, such as the Delta 50-850, or Jet 1100A, or JDS Dust Force,
or
Grizzly G1028Z?

I am concerned about health risks and want sub-micron filtering, but
should
I go with above inexpensive units and add on sub-micon bags, or
canister
filters, or is there something more suited for my shop?

Or should I go to the next level to the 2 horsepower 220 volt units
such
as
the Grizzly G1029Z with .3 Micon bags? I really like that one but the
220
circuit would have to be added, and do I want to go to that much
trouble
for
a roll around unit? If I have to add the circuit, why not go with a
stationary unit such as the Grizzly G0525 Cyclone Dust Collector?

Decisions, decisions. One of the problems I have is that it seems that
all
of the reviews I can google, are from people who have used only the
one
system which they own and have no frame of reference to compare it to
other
equivalent systems, other than the shop vac they were using before they
bought their X brand collector.

So there you have my current dilemma. I know I sound indecisive,
that's
my
nature. But any advice from the experts will certainly be appreciated.

Gary