Thread: Cyclone Dust Collector

I'd strongly recommend the Clearvue.

Portability is not a strong point for any DC. Of all the DCs I tested those that were used in mobile form has more leaks than those used in a fixed position.
Moving a DC around means they bash into things and things get bashed into them - best to get the DC outside then although leaks may still develop they don't matter.

Oneida do not distribute in Oz apart from what CT sell. There are technical issues between countries and I suppose no one has been prepared to tackle them as I did with CV.

Personal Experience Here

I have a nice, two bag, 1½ HP dust collector. Four inch (~100MM) tubing. The arrangement is that the system is connected to the table saw unless needed on another machine. It only takes a minute to move the connection.

Between the dust collector and the tools is a trash can separator. It is a 33 gallon (125 L) galvanized trash can with a lid that has a couple of elbows, in and out. All the big particles of saw dust are trapped in the trash can. All the wood flour is trapped in the bottom dust collector bag.

Before everyone starts yelling blasphemy, I'll admit that the system is not perfect. But the system works rather well. I'll empty the trash can once or twice a month and the bottom bag once or twice a year.

My philosophy with dust control is that I'm not growing semiconductors but the system is used to clean a woodworking shop.

At one time I considered a cyclone system. The cyclone and minimal plumbing would cost more than the dust collector itself. I also realized that it was easier to move the hose from machine to machine rather than a huge plumbing system with blast gates.

I've had the system for about 10 years. The costs were much less than $300 for the dust collector, the trash can and separator lid about $50 and maybe another $50 for the plumbing. I know that the whole thing was less than $400.

An advantage of this system is that I keep a large plastic garbage bag in the trash can. This makes emptying the saw dust easy.
(Send me a PM and I'll send you the pictures of how to do it.)

Thanks guy's for your advice. I currently have a similar set up as Rich describes but am fed up with with clouds of fine dust constantly fogging my workshop not to mention my lungs. Sure, I could stick with what I have as it does the job and I too move the hose from machine to machine. But I want to still be able to pursue my woodworking passion for another 25 years. Can't see my lungs lasting the distance if I do nothing to improve current dust risks. For my situation I'll get the best I can afford for the best chance to safely enjoy my woodworking now and into the future. Thanks again guys. I'll get a Clearvue but will no doubt be after some more advice on plumbing the system in.

Ydna01

Good decision. There are other cyclones like Carbatec's 2hp. I have a friend who has one but to me the performance is fairly marginal. I put a clearview in about 2 years ago and while it cost a bit more I have never regreted buying it because the performance is so good.

I used to tell people how it changed the workshop environment not having dust everywhere and a clean floor with no debris on it but I am sure no one really got the full message until the cyclone was up and running. You will never regret it, that is for sure.