Thread: Shop vac for a table saw

I doubt the shop vac would move the volume of air required to move the dust from the saw, I'd probably opt for the 1hp option. I find the dust extraction a problem with a 2hp unit, not because of the sucking power but the flow of rubbish above the table that seems to occur when you do various cuts, especially coving on the saw which seems to create dust everywhere. You will find a number of threads on above table extraction that are quite good, and something to consider down the track.

What John said. A shop vac will not produce enough air flow. I have a 1hp Jet which I switch back and forth among tools and it does a fairly good job.

Thanks for the advice folks. In my search I found a number of people rigging up contraptions for their shop vac. They look pretty unweildly. I also learnt it's CFM (air flow) and not necessarily HP that matters here.

So, I've made some adjustments to my budget and am now tossing up between a 1HP 650cfm ($250) or the 2HP 1200cfm ($400).

For basic table saw and some bench thicknesser work, is the 1HP adequate? What difference will I notice using the 2HP model?

Originally Posted by Afro Boy

Thanks for the advice folks. In my search I found a number of people rigging up contraptions for their shop vac. They look pretty unweildly. I also learnt it's CFM (air flow) and not necessarily HP that matters here.

So, I've made some adjustments to my budget and am now tossing up between a 1HP 650cfm ($250) or the 2HP 1200cfm ($400).

For basic table saw and some bench thicknesser work, is the 1HP adequate? What difference will I notice using the 2HP model?

I had the 1hp DC and found I to upgrade when I bought a 12" GMC thicknesser. Just as well I did, as it would never have coped with the 15" thicknesser I have now, as well as the big table saw.

So my advice is, spend the extra dollars and go for the 2hp one, it is cheaper in the long run, as I found out. I also sprung for the pleated filter cartrdige as H&F had a combo special at the time, well worth the extra dollars again, but not essential.

BTW the one I have is the DC3 from Hare & Forbes (1200cfm) it will be on sale for $319 next week in their 3 day sale starting 19th, see here (pg 12)

The amount of shed space you have is always a consideration, but the 2hp if it is only $319 seems a very good option. I also run a pleated cartridge which is well worth the extra for the superior dust suppression. On a limited budget (aren't we all) I would start with the standard bagged unit and put some money aside for the pleated cartridge at a later date. Its an add on regardless, and if you wait for the specials it shouldn't cost you any more to wait.

Thanks for the tips. I think I'll go for the 2HP H&F when it comes on sale.

Cheers,
Af.

Better hurry, H&F sale ends 4pm tomorrow/Saturday.

If you click on the link in my post above (#5), you will see this:

So don't hurry too much or you'll be too early!

Yeah, sale doesn't start until next week, but I called today, and they're giving me the dusty for the sale price. Picking it up tomorrow morning!

Looked at those filters too - damn they're expensive things. Definitely something to save up for later on.

Picked up Picked up my (discounted) 2HP extractor this morning. With the huge rain (and no cover on the back of my ute) I was worried. But, the folks at H&F came to my rescue and wraped the box up in a few layers of strong plastic.

I gotta say their service there is fantastic, friendly and efficient.

Now to make some room in the garage and get it all set up.

Originally Posted by Big Shed

I had the 1hp DC and found I to upgrade when I bought a 12" GMC thicknesser. Just as well I did, as it would never have coped with the 15" thicknesser I have now, as well as the big table saw.

So my advice is, spend the extra dollars and go for the 2hp one, it is cheaper in the long run, as I found out. I also sprung for the pleated filter cartrdige as H&F had a combo special at the time, well worth the extra dollars again, but not essential.

BTW the one I have is the DC3 from Hare & Forbes (1200cfm) it will be on sale for $319 next week in their 3 day sale starting 19th, see here (pg 12)

I just bought a Jet proshop table saw and need a dust collector. I was considering the one at carbatec (2hp economy extractor for $399) but the DC3 looks like better value. Can anyone comment on the two and which one would offer the best bang for the buck?

I will be buying tomorrow.