Thread: Basic Setup

I Have a carbatec 2hp DC with pleated filter i got used on the forum here at a very good price, they come up for Sale. Had to buy the flexible 100mm connection to my machines , a thicknesser and a band saw,huge improvement in dust collection from zero,with machines wheeled outside,now working inside my workshop and the bonus is the quality of the finish and Im sure the improvement in blade life. Some very knowledgeable forum members will fill you in tho a greater degree, just my experience , thanks Ross

dont bother with the cyclone. you will kill the already poor CFM of the 2hp dusty by adding it. the 1200cfm is no where near what the actual CFM will be (less then half that figure) and once you add the cyclone its going to plummet again.

install a few extraction fans in to the walls to help with the fine dust collection (the stuff that does the damage to your lungs)

Originally Posted by havabeer69

dont bother with the cyclone. you will kill the already poor CFM of the 2hp dusty by adding it. the 1200cfm is no where near what the actual CFM will be (less then half that figure) and once you add the cyclone its going to plummet again.

install a few extraction fans in to the walls to help with the fine dust collection (the stuff that does the damage to your lungs)

Makes sense - thanks.
Maybe the next size up? - $630/3hp/2300CFM/twin bags (claimed by H&F) 1800CFM (claimed by identical looking/priced Carbatec)
Should be “better”? Disadvantages only size/cost (less than adding the “Cyclone” I was considering)

Originally Posted by skypig

Makes sense - thanks.
Maybe the next size up? - $630/3hp/2300CFM/twin bags (claimed by H&F) 1800CFM (claimed by identical looking/priced Carbatec)
Should be “better”? Disadvantages only size/cost (less than adding the “Cyclone” I was considering)

actually not really.

BobL always explains it better. But the increase in horse power doesn't mean its going to be better.

there are only 2 ways to increase the max amount of air the DC move...
1. bigger impeller - physically bigger impeller and grab and move more air which increases the CFM
2. spin the impeller faster - more RPM = more air moved.

the 3hp DC does neither of these, it's impeller is the exact same as the 12" 2Hp machines and the motors spin at the same RPM. all the CFM figures quoted are basically numbers taken with out and restrictions on the suction or discharge of the DC so the 3HP models so have a slightly less restrictive discharge side due to the twin bag setup.

the only thing that extra HP rating gets you is that the machine can work harder for longer before burning out. the 3HP ones often have two dust collector bags and 2 filters which helps a bit with less frequent emptying. There is a sticky at the top of the page that best explains how to get the most out of the 2HP DC as they're pretty much the same from brand to brand.

i bought a laguna C flux and it actually states its claimed vs real CFM, and it strips 1000CFM straight off it.
Laguna C-FLUX 3 Series Cyclone Dust Extractor | Carbatec

• Laguna C-Flux Series Cylcone Dust Extractor
• 3HP Motor (1phase, 15 amp)
• 2250CFM comparable (1300CFM real term)
• Remote control operated on/off
• Pleated Filter Canister filters 99% of 1 micron particles
• Hand-crank paddle cartridge filter cleaning
• Unit is on castors for easy maneuverability
• Drum features easy lift and seal mechanism
• See "DETAILS" tab for more information.

just look at getting a 2hp one and modifying it and shoving it out side out of your shed if possible and ensure there is good extraction/ventilation in the shed.

Haveabeer, Good job at explaining things!

Machines like basic table saws need a real 800 cfm. Generic 2HP DCs draw about 600 cfm, as much as 45% less if a cyclone is used. 10% more if pleated filter is used. Two filters is better than one also by about 10%. But best of all is for the 2HP is the mod described in the sticky above.
BUT
You have to use 6” ducting and surgically modify machinery dust ports to utilize the extra flow otherwise they remain choke points and you don’t get any real improvement.
OR
Use the stock DC to collect chips and install enough forced ventilation to get 20 room air changes per hour.