Thread: I'm thinking about swapping my 3hp DC for this...

Originally Posted by scottbr

https://www.carbatec.com.au/carbatec...dsuNDSM.SuVvWa

My understanding is that 2HP won't pull the air through a cyclone and also maintain a sufficient volume of air flow for fine dust capture. I see that you are planning to go to 150mm ducting, but the 125mm max ducting intake for that unit points to its limitations as does the 650CFM peak air flow.

Also, no mention of the impeller size, which is another indicator for me that it is under-specced for fine dust extraction. But, if you are after chip collection it might do the job

Thanks Neil.

Chips aren't really my problem.

Seems I'm better off sticking with the old 3hp one for now - and going up to a 6 inch line. The intake will accomodate that.

Do you think an investment in pleated bags makes sense?

Originally Posted by scottbr

Do you think an investment in pleated bags makes sense?

Pleated filters provide a much larger surface area for the given floor area. That may or may not be an issue for you in your given workshop size.

They can also be rated higher on filtration efficiency (MERV). Bags are also notorious for leaking around where that attach.

If you go down the cyclone path there is the option of venting outside without any additional filtration, if your circumstances allow for that.

Disclaimer - I don't claim any 'guru' status on DE, but in the absence of one coming along to provide input to your post I've given you some things to consider.

Thanks for replying again, Neil.
My shed is 60sqm, so a decent size.
Ducting outside is too tricky for now..
I understand that dealing with dust is an incremental thing.
Adding that exhaust fan might assist in a small way.
Going from 4 inch to 6 inch ducting will have a greater impact.
Pleated bags will hopefully assist as well - I do indeed find it difficult to seal properly around both the upper and lower bags.
Scott

Originally Posted by scottbr

Adding that exhaust fan might assist in a small worthwhile way.
Going from 4 inch to 6 inch ducting will have a greater impact.

Agreed.

If you look at the image of the carbatec unit and then compare to a well made ie a Clearvue unit there's a few things that stand out.

1) collection on the filter side, the Carbatec has a huge collection bag which just tells me its bad at separating fine dust let alone chips
2) Clearvue uses 4-5hp motors, 2hp is underpowered, and Carbatec most likely uses this motor size to capture the domestic market who don't have access to 15amp or 3 phase as standard

In a nutshell waste of time particularly if you've got a 3hp already. If you want to save space you're better off relocating the unit and saving the funds and as others have said spend it on opening your ports and venting ouside.

In regards to pleated bags, they are better for air flow initially, but do clog up like any other filter system. So unless you've got a way to keep the filters clean and flowing freely the bags are work just as good.

Thanks Tony.

Pity, I liked the look and functionality of the Carbatec unit.

I'll stick with what I've got - with 6" ducting.

Ducting outside is not an option right now.

Scott