How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill

You will likely get some different "opinions" but I would say it would
be OK. A table saw doesn't generate much volume compared to a planer
or router, etc. Also it is all fine dust. I would keep the 2.5" size
as much as possible and just expand to the larger size at the very
last to keep the air speed up to carry the fine dust.

I think you won't have enough juice to pull much of what is coming off
the top of the blade but it should be ok for inside the box. Also. I
am assuming contractors or table top saw.

On Jun 24, 2:30*pm, "Bill" wrote:
How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? *Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill

"SonomaProducts.com" wrote in message
...
You will likely get some different "opinions" but I would say it would
be OK. A table saw doesn't generate much volume compared to a planer
or router, etc. Also it is all fine dust. I

Hmmm... not quite good enough for a router, huh? I was thinking about
"going there" next... I guess I should do more "homework" concerning this.
Thank you for your reply.

Bill



On Jun 24, 2:30 pm, "Bill" wrote:
How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill

Bill wrote:
"SonomaProducts.com" wrote in message
...
You will likely get some different "opinions" but I would say it would
be OK. A table saw doesn't generate much volume compared to a planer
or router, etc. Also it is all fine dust. I

Hmmm... not quite good enough for a router, huh? I was thinking about
"going there" next... I guess I should do more "homework"
concerning this. Thank you for your reply.


Nah, my router table has a connection for the 2" shop vac hose. Gets MOST of
the dust.

As for the table saw, consider this table saw dust bag:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45794

Bill wrote:
"SonomaProducts.com" wrote in message
...
You will likely get some different "opinions" but I would say it would
be OK. A table saw doesn't generate much volume compared to a planer
or router, etc. Also it is all fine dust. I

Hmmm... not quite good enough for a router, huh? I was thinking about
"going there" next... I guess I should do more "homework" concerning this.
Thank you for your reply.

I've been pretty happy with this cobbled-up arrangement...

http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/Projects/MiniCyclone/

--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/

"Bill" wrote in message
...

"SonomaProducts.com" wrote in message
...
You will likely get some different "opinions" but I would say it would
be OK. A table saw doesn't generate much volume compared to a planer
or router, etc. Also it is all fine dust. I

Hmmm... not quite good enough for a router, huh? I was thinking about
"going there" next... I guess I should do more "homework" concerning
this. Thank you for your reply.

While I do have a dust collector, I use a shop vac for the router table.
Works just fine.

"SonomaProducts.com" wrote in message
...
You will likely get some different "opinions" but I would say it would
be OK. A table saw doesn't generate much volume compared to a planer
or router, etc. Also it is all fine dust. I would keep the 2.5" size
as much as possible and just expand to the larger size at the very
last to keep the air speed up to carry the fine dust.

I think you won't have enough juice to pull much of what is coming off
the top of the blade but it should be ok for inside the box. Also. I
am assuming contractors or table top saw.

On Jun 24, 2:30 pm, "Bill" wrote:
How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table
saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill


I have that exact (basic) setup (mine might be a 12 gallon). I have a pipe
running to my table saw (Powermatic contractor saw), and my multi purpose
station (drill press, 9" band saw, miter saw, grinder, homemade 18X20
downdraft box, etc.) and to a home made router table/outfeed table for the
table saw. I also run one detachable hose to the 14" bandsaw, a 13" Ryobi
planer, and a 6" Toolkraft jointer. With some, I need to go back and (by
hand) run a hose over stuff that didn't end up getting caught but it's
minimal (and I don't even bother with the lathe). It beats the heck out of
having nothing, but that's all I have to compare it to. I'm sure a real
dust collector would be better but I'm happy for now.

Ed

Ehh it'll work for a router but might have trouble keeping up if you
are really throwing the chips, just depends on what your doing. But a
planer for sure needs lots o' CFM or the chips start winding back into
the cutting plane and you end up with problems.

On Jun 24, 2:49*pm, "Bill" wrote:
"SonomaProducts.com" wrote in message

...
You will likely get some different "opinions" but I would say it would
be OK. A table saw doesn't generate much volume compared to a planer
or router, etc. Also it is all fine dust. I

Hmmm... not quite good enough for a router, huh? *I was thinking about
"going there" next... * I guess I should do more "homework" concerning this.
Thank you for your reply.

Bill

On Jun 24, 2:30 pm, "Bill" wrote:



How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

"Bill" wrote in message
...
How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill



You are sucking dust from a relatively large area as opposed to being
connected to a router, sander , or router fence. to tell you the truth my
1100 CFM DC does not get every thing that my TS produces. I seriously doubt
you would like to compare the results of a DC to a shop vac. Then consider
all that noise you would have to listen to.

"Leon" wrote in message
...

"Bill" wrote in message
...
How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table
saw (for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill



You are sucking dust from a relatively large area as opposed to being
connected to a router, sander , or router fence. to tell you the truth my
1100 CFM DC does not get every thing that my TS produces. I seriously
doubt you would like to compare the results of a DC to a shop vac. Then
consider all that noise you would have to listen to.


My shop vac is quieter than my DC.
Tip; when shopping for a shop vac, buy a quiet one.

"CW" wrote in message
m...

My shop vac is quieter than my DC.
Tip; when shopping for a shop vac, buy a quiet one.


I use a Festool shop vac, and while quieter than my dust collector, my DC is
probably much quieter than 90% of the typical shop vacs out there. When
shopping for a DC, buy a quiet one. ;~)

Bill wrote:

How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill


Been there, done that. One simple question, "You trying to keep your shop
neat or get rid of the dust?"

It will grab the big stuff (i.e., the stuff you can see) but it is the
little stuff that will do you in. One other simple question, "You want to
spend the money now, keeping the dust out of your lungs, or do you want to
spend it later trying to get your lungs working again?" The choice is
yours, but a fairly good dust collection set up cost a whole lot less than
a couple of trips to the doctor for lungs that don;t work so good any more.

Deb

"Leon" wrote in message
...

"CW" wrote in message
m...

My shop vac is quieter than my DC.
Tip; when shopping for a shop vac, buy a quiet one.


I use a Festool shop vac, and while quieter than my dust collector, my DC
is probably much quieter than 90% of the typical shop vacs out there.
When shopping for a DC, buy a quiet one. ;~)

I ordered the 16.5 gallon model sold at Sears this evening. It also works as
a "leaf
blower" at the rate of 265 ft^3/min. It received pretty good reviews, though
not necessarily
for being a leaf blower.

It was on sale for $20 off and I had a 10% off coupon (so $90+tax).
I registered with the new "Sears Community" (or something like that), and
got the
coupon by email after a few days (and I'm sure you can get one too ).

I don't move into my first house until next month, but I decided this
ShopVac would probably make a helpful
tool for my "new garage/yard" no matter what I do about handle dust
collection...no doubt
there is an evolutionary process to the whole thing...

A number of thoughtful responses were provided. I am grateful for your
willingness to share
your ideas and experience!

Thanks,
Bill

On Jun 24, 5:39*pm, "SonomaProducts.com" wrote:
You will likely get some different "opinions" but I would say it would
be OK. A table saw doesn't generate much volume compared to a planer
or router, etc. Also it is all fine dust. I would keep the 2.5" size
as much as possible and just expand to the larger size at the very
last to keep the air speed up to carry the fine dust.

I think you won't have enough juice to pull much of what is coming off
the top of the blade but it should be ok for inside the box. Also. I
am assuming contractors or table top saw.

Fine Woodworking last issue said that making the slot
in the throatplate wider at the heel end reduces the
amount of dust thrown up from the blade. Widening the
slot lowers the vacuum pressure by reducing air velocity
alongside the spinning blade, I'd guess.

On Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:52 -0400, Bill wrote:

How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill

Just a word of warning about the shop-vac. There is no parts for the top
that house's the motor. If something goes wrong, you have to toss it or
buy a complete new top. Unless it is something you can fix yourself.

Paul T.

--
The only dumb question, is the one not asked

"Father Haskell" wrote in message
...
On Jun 24, 5:39 pm, "SonomaProducts.com" wrote:
You will likely get some different "opinions" but I would say it would
be OK. A table saw doesn't generate much volume compared to a planer
or router, etc. Also it is all fine dust. I would keep the 2.5" size
as much as possible and just expand to the larger size at the very
last to keep the air speed up to carry the fine dust.

I think you won't have enough juice to pull much of what is coming off
the top of the blade but it should be ok for inside the box. Also. I
am assuming contractors or table top saw.

Fine Woodworking last issue said that making the slot
in the throatplate wider at the heel end reduces the
amount of dust thrown up from the blade. Widening the
slot lowers the vacuum pressure by reducing air velocity
alongside the spinning blade, I'd guess.




Maybe it's related to the "Venturi Effect". This is probably just a fancy
name what you just said... To me (NOT an expert), it seems like the
downward flying wood chips would be causing the difference in air pressure.
I can't quite sense how the spinning blade would do it by itself because of
the symetry of the blade with respect to the table. Again, I am merely
guessing about things I am not informed about.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venturi_effect

Bill

Bill wrote:
"Leon" wrote in message
...

"CW" wrote in message
m...

My shop vac is quieter than my DC.
Tip; when shopping for a shop vac, buy a quiet one.


I use a Festool shop vac, and while quieter than my dust collector,
my DC is probably much quieter than 90% of the typical shop vacs out
there. When shopping for a DC, buy a quiet one. ;~)

I ordered the 16.5 gallon model sold at Sears this evening. It also
works as a "leaf
blower" at the rate of 265 ft^3/min. It received pretty good reviews,
though not necessarily
for being a leaf blower.

Not the best leaf blower in the universe but works much, much better than
you might expect.

It was on sale for $20 off and I had a 10% off coupon (so $90+tax).
I registered with the new "Sears Community" (or something like that),
and got the
coupon by email after a few days (and I'm sure you can get one too
).

I don't move into my first house until next month, but I decided this
ShopVac would probably make a helpful
tool for my "new garage/yard" no matter what I do about handle dust
collection...no doubt
there is an evolutionary process to the whole thing...

A number of thoughtful responses were provided. I am grateful for
your willingness to share
your ideas and experience!

Thanks,
Bill

"J. Clarke" wrote in message
...
Snip

..

Not the best leaf blower in the universe but works much, much better than
you might expect.

Yes, much better than a broom, but that tail tends to hamper the savings of
time when considering total time needed to do the yard work.

On Jun 24, 4:30*pm, "Bill" wrote:
How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? *Basically adequate?

I tried it on my Unisaw and gave up on the idea. It's easier to just
clean up the sawdust after. I will get a proper dust collector in the
next few weeks (no hurry because it's too hot to make sawdust).

Leon wrote:
"J. Clarke" wrote in message
...
Snip

.

Not the best leaf blower in the universe but works much, much better
than you might expect.

Yes, much better than a broom, but that tail tends to hamper the
savings of time when considering total time needed to do the yard
work.

A while back I picked up a couple of 100' 12/3 cords and that hasn't really
been much of an issue since. Don't use it often for that purpose but in the
fall it's a godsend.

On Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:52 -0400, "Bill" wrote:

How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill

Well, I think the bottom line is that ANY dust collection is better than none...

Besides the normal considerations, I'd rate the noise of my shop vac as just
past annoying, and wouldn't want it running for long periods..

There are inexpensive "portable" DC units that would do a better job and
preserve your shop vac, IMHO..


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Bill wrote:
How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a
table saw (for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

It depends mostly on what filter you are using...

1. Paper bag filter works well, is a *huge* PITA to change. Changing is a
frequent chore, bags aren't cheap.

2. Pleated paper canister...works OK for "big" sawdust lile that from a saw,
router. No good for dust from a sander as it clogs rapidly. Hard to clean
too as the ShopVac ones have more than normal pleats.

3. Foam filter...OK for big dust and doesn't clog as much as pleated paper
with fine dust but they (mine at least) don't stay on well.

I almost never use my 16 gallon ShopVac as I bought a dust collector. Not
that much more money and worlds better.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

In article ,
Bill wrote:
How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill



If your TS is one that has a shroud around the blade that the collection
hose can directly attach to (Like the old Delta CS II among others)
then a good shop vac may work adequately. But with a more conventional
setup it won't work very well. For a contractor saw your just about as
well off with one of those "diapers" that attaches under the saw.


--
The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation
with the average voter. (Winston Churchill)

Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar. org

On Jun 25, 9:37*am, mac davis wrote:
On Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:52 -0400, "Bill" wrote:
How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table saw
(for a hobbyist)? *Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill

Well, I think the bottom line is that ANY dust collection is better than none...

Besides the normal considerations, I'd rate the noise of my shop vac as just
past annoying, and wouldn't want it running for long periods..

There are inexpensive "portable" DC units that would do a better job and
preserve your shop vac, IMHO..

Which raises the question, how much of a dust collector do I need
(having already given up on the shop vac as less than useless)? I
only need one tool operational at a time, though I'd not want to have
to disconnect one tool to attach another. Is 2.5u too much (30u seems
ridiculous)? The inexpensive portables seem to all have 30u bags. Is
1u really required? Keep in mind that this is for a hobbyiest use in
a (normally open) garage, not 8x5x40 years. SWMBO isn't liking the
tracked-in sawdust much.

"PHT" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:52 -0400, Bill wrote:

How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table
saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill

Just a word of warning about the shop-vac. There is no parts for the top
that house's the motor. If something goes wrong, you have to toss it or
buy a complete new top. Unless it is something you can fix yourself.

Paul T.

--
The only dumb question, is the one not asked

which parts do you mean? i've called shopvac and had them replace the motor
under warrantee without any problems at all. they ship you a new one in just
a few business days.

" wrote in
:


Which raises the question, how much of a dust collector do I need
(having already given up on the shop vac as less than useless)? I
only need one tool operational at a time, though I'd not want to have
to disconnect one tool to attach another. Is 2.5u too much (30u seems
ridiculous)? The inexpensive portables seem to all have 30u bags. Is
1u really required? Keep in mind that this is for a hobbyiest use in
a (normally open) garage, not 8x5x40 years. SWMBO isn't liking the
tracked-in sawdust much.


Take a look at Bill Pentz's website. His recommendations may seem a
little extreme, but someone in this thread pointed out a good DC setup
costs less than repeat visits to a doctor for lung problems. (I think it
was Dr. Deb.)

http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/index.cfm

I do use the shop vac on the router, and does an excellent job. The
router produces chips rather than fine dust, and that makes it easier for
the vac to get.

Puckdropper
--
"The potential difference between the top and bottom of a tree is the
reason why all trees have to be grounded..." -- Bored Borg on
rec.woodworking

To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at) fastmail.fm

On Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:57:33 -0700, charlie wrote:

"PHT" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:52 -0400, Bill wrote:

How good of a "dust collection" solution is a 16 gallon "Shop Vac"
(appropriately adapted from 2.5" to 4") with a good filter for a table
saw
(for a hobbyist)? Basically adequate?

Thank you,
Bill

Just a word of warning about the shop-vac. There is no parts for the top
that house's the motor. If something goes wrong, you have to toss it or
buy a complete new top. Unless it is something you can fix yourself.

Paul T.

--
The only dumb question, is the one not asked

which parts do you mean? i've called shopvac and had them replace the motor
under warrantee without any problems at all. they ship you a new one in just
a few business days.

Try ordering the on/off switch or some other small part.

Paul T.

--
The only dumb question, is the one not asked

wrote in message
...

Which raises the question, how much of a dust collector do I need
(having already given up on the shop vac as less than useless)? I
only need one tool operational at a time, though I'd not want to have
to disconnect one tool to attach another. Is 2.5u too much (30u seems
ridiculous)? The inexpensive portables seem to all have 30u bags. Is
1u really required? Keep in mind that this is for a hobbyiest use in
a (normally open) garage, not 8x5x40 years. SWMBO isn't liking the
tracked-in sawdust much.


A very common size DC is in the 1100-1200 CFM range. IIRC mine is 1100 and
uses the canister type filter. Very handy and easiy to deal with when
changing bags. The bigger the unit, the less you have to change bags and
the more effecient it is. From my collector I run a 20' clear rinforced 4"
hose to each of my machines as I need it. I used the tapered quick connect
on the end of the machine end of the hose. The DC remains stationary, the
20' reaches any where I need it. It keeps up just fine with a 15"
stationary plainer not to mention the TS, BS and all the other stuff that
produces dust.

On Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:17:48 +0000, Puckdropper wrote:

Take a look at Bill Pentz's website. His recommendations may seem a
little extreme, but someone in this thread pointed out a good DC setup
costs less than repeat visits to a doctor for lung problems. (I think
it was Dr. Deb.)

I won't argue with that, but some of us (like me) have a tiny shop with
no room for a dust collector. I did make an air cleaner that fits
between the rafters, but I use a shop vac for dust collection on my
router table, thickness sander, and bandsaw. I don't think the vac does
an outstanding job, but it's adequate. My jointer and planer aren't set
up for dust collection, so I vacuum afterwards. And my antique tablesaw
has a square dust port which I haven't gotten around to making an adapter
for - that's on the to do list.

So my opinion is, if you have room for a dust collector, try to find the
money to buy one. If not, a shop vac is a lot better than nothing.

But everyone should have an air cleaner.

--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw

"Dave Balderstone" wrote:

Mine serves as a stand for my 10" bandsaw and benchtop ROS. It's a
plywood box on casters that has an old furnace blower and space for
three 16" furnace filters on the intake side, and incorporates
plugins
for the tools.

Just curious, are you able to get pleated furnace filters or are you
limited to spun glass?

Lew

On Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:06:49 -0600, Dave Balderstone wrote:

My basement shop is about 10x20...

My freestanding one is about 11x13 - I'll trade you.

I use two filters in my air cleaner. A regular spun one backed up by a
pleated allergy one. I tried doing without the spun one, but the pleated
one clogged too quickly.

--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw

"J. Clarke" wrote in message
...
Bill wrote:
"Leon" wrote in message
...

"CW" wrote in message
m...


I ordered the 16.5 gallon model sold at Sears this evening. It also
works as a "leaf
blower" at the rate of 265 ft^3/min. It received pretty good reviews,
though not necessarily
for being a leaf blower.

Not the best leaf blower in the universe but works much, much better than
you might expect.


Mr. Clarke, This is in reply to your message from 6/25/09.

I just wanted to affirm your opinion that the ShopVac works much better
than I might have expected as a leaf blower! I was so satisfied I bought
a good (guage 12) 100' extension cord.

Picked up their $19.99 "gutter blower/vacuum accessory recently too. I think
it will
pay for itself the first time I use it.

Great value in the shop vac, IMO.

Bill