Vacuum cleaner set up

**derekcohen** · 26th July 2010, 01:53 AM

I thought I'd post my new vacuum cleaner set up for discussion - ideas for others and thoughts on taking it further, if needed.

The primary aim for this system is to extract dust from power tools, such as a router (e.g. Elu 97e) or sander (Festools ROS), as well as general cleanup around the workshop. I do have a 2 hp Carba-tec dust extractor with paper filter and shopmade cyclone separator (into a bin). I also plan on an air cleaner - hoping to find a Special at the Perth Wood Show in a fortnight.

A couple of weeks ago I found a way to destoy my cheapie Shopvac, which I had used for about 4 or 5 years. What happened was that I got tired of it pushing out more dust than it collected (!) and bought a Dust Deputy (for thise unfamiliar, this is a small cyclone separator for vacuum cleaners). Well I was very impressed with the DD. It managed to extract everything that would otherwise have gone to the Shopvac. So I went off and bought a longer hose (the DD uses a 2 1/2" diameter), assembled the Shopvac and DD on a space saving stand, connected the new hose, switched on the system ... and prompted sucked a rubber glove into the motor of the Shopvac. It decided to cough, vomit smoke, and expire. All this happened in about 3 seconds ... after spending hours getting the hose!

I pulled the motor apart. It wasn't too bad, but the impellers (that suck air) were smashed beyond repair. It was dead. An ex-vacuum cleaner.

I looked around for a replacement, considered a few, but the choice came down to the Fein Dustex 25 (replacement for the Dustex II) or the Festools Midi. For reference, the Fein is model 9-20-24 Turbo I in the USA.

The advantage of these machines were primarily build quality (and reputation for reliability) as well as the ability to power a tool of 2000 watt (the best of the others was rated at 1200 watts) and variable suction (important if using a sander). The Fein won out as it was about half the price of the Festools, in spite of being at least its equal or better according to the reviews I found.

This is not inded as a review, per se, but I will mention that either I did not receive a manual or the manual is so poor that I did not recognise that it is there. Why does one need a manual for a vacuum cleaner? Well, there are several accessories, settings for power tools, plus a variety of filter choices.

It was the filter choice that interested me most. There is paper bag (which failed to come with my machine!), a clothe bag, and a 1 micron paper filter. Fein also offer as an extra a HEPA filter, rated at .3 micron. HEPA is an acronym for "high efficiency particulate air".

Fein charge like a wounded bull for a HEPA filter. As far as I am aware they are only available as an import, and they are about $115 USD from the USA before shipping costs. I wanted one, but not at that price. Luckily there is an alternative.

CleanStream make and sell a .3 micron HEPA filta made from Goretex. This is washable, re-usable, and much cheaper than the Fein. About $34 USD from Lee Valley. Get the one designated for "Ridgid®/Craftsman® HEPA Filter". I have ordered one.

In the meantime I have connected the Fein to my Dust Deputy, using just the paper filter and clothe bag. It sucks strongly, and the DD collects the dust. Time will say how well it does so.

I am impressed with the length and quality of the hose that came with the Fein. I could stretch it around the workshop, a double garage. The automatic startup/switch off with a router worked flawlessly.

Here is the set up ...

I managed to find a use for the base of the Shopvac. It is a perfect fit for the Dust Deputy bucket.

Here are the controls: switch on the left is the variable dust extraction. It shows the level with LEDS. At centre is the power inlet for a power tool, and at right is the choice of standard switch and automatic switch (for an added power tool) ..

Lastly, a picture of the system with router attached ..

The hose here is the standard 1 1/2" diameter Fein. You can just see hanging up in the background the 2 1/2" hose that can be attached to the DD.

Hope this helps others.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**QC Inspector** · 26th July 2010, 02:13 AM

Sorry to be the one to point it out Derek, but the hose from the router should be going into the side of the Dust Deputy, with the one to the Fein coming out the top.

Pete

**derekcohen** · 26th July 2010, 02:20 AM

Thanks Pete ... you see, there is always something new to learn!

Regards from Perth

Derek

**QC Inspector** · 26th July 2010, 02:49 AM

Your welcome. Maybe it will work a little better now.

Pete

**Al B** · 26th July 2010, 04:26 PM

Nice job Derek, its good to see that you have got your vacuum cleaner sorted out and running.

**dynoforce** · 2nd August 2010, 07:31 PM

G'day Derek,

As usual, you have a very neat and practical setup.

Do you have any issue with the vac's outlet or exhaust raising existing dust all over the workshop?

That's one of my main concern with my current setup (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f200/8...ml#post1187142) and I opted to leave them separated, allowing me to leave the vac blowing out of my garage. Not to mention the deafening noise the vac makes.

I'll be interested in your choice for an air cleaner for the workshop.

Cheers

Gunn

**derekcohen** · 2nd August 2010, 11:26 PM

Hi Gunn

Answering your question gives me a chance to provide a little feedback on the equipment, the Fein vac and the Dust Deputy cyclone.

Each is fantastic in their own right, and together as a combination they are doubly so!

The Fein has excellent suction. I have two take up hoses (from the DD to equipment), a standard 1 1/2" and a wider 2 1/2". I was a little concerned that the 2 1/2" would lose suction but it does not. Why 2 1/2"? Because I need something wide for shavings. My experience with my old Shopvac was that the 1 1/2" hose would get blocked. Having said that, the suction from the Fein is strong enough to avoid this occuring. I have connected the 2 1/2" hose to my Delta 12 1/2" thicknesser, which should not work (I generally use a 2 hp dusty), but it does and does admirally. What I find really great is that I can plug the Delta into the Fein and the vacuum cleaner switches on and off automatically when I use the thicknesser. This is equally good on a router and a ROS.

When I first got the Fein and switched it on I was disappointed with the noise level. It was not as quiet as I expected. However my wife said that it is about the same as the house Electrolux. Using it now I find it quiet enough to still hear music playing, so I guess it is quiet-ish. It becomes quieter when hoses are connected, especially the thicker hose, as it acts as a dampener.

The old Shopvac used to expell as much dust into the shop as it would suck up. The Fein does not expell any dust at all. In part - a large part I guess - this goes to the Dust Deputy. With it connected no dust goes to the Fein - everything is caught by the DD.

The only downside so far has been the shocking service from Sydney Tools - downright rude in my opinion - and Fein Australia have not contacted me (either ST did not forward my concerns as they promised to do, or FA are disinterested as well). I think that I will email FA myself.

Other than that one issue, I am well pleased with the purchases. The Fein is pricey by some standards ($450) but has a wonderful reputation for longevity. The Dust Deputy is not cheap for what you get ($185 I think) but it does its job well. I think that one could build a copy for a fraction of the price if you could get the materials, if that is your bag.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**dynoforce** · 3rd August 2010, 10:14 AM

G'day Derek,

Thanks for the feedback. It is very informative. Like you, I switch between a standard 1 1/2 inch hose for regular vac/circular saw duty and a 2 inch hose when using the thicknesser.

I have a HEPA filter and bag installed, and combined with my homemade "cyclone", they collect a lot of stuff. Thus far, I have not changed the bag.

My concern is when running the vac with the outlet in the garage, it will blow all kinds of stuff around. The "cyclone" & vac may collect all the wood dust I make, but the outlet will blow dust which currently exist, prompting me to place the vac unit with its outlet pointing outside. Hope this makes sense.

Cheers

Gunn

acmegridley · 30th August 2010, 01:38 PM

Another Sydney Tools victim I wont buy of them on principal,bought a Makita scrollsaw of them, had problems from the get go, used to fluctuate in the speed,sent irt back to them what a job getting it back,each time I rang got a different operator "Elvis is dealing with that I'll check with him" or "Liugi is doing something about that I'll just check up" and on and on,they may be a few bucks cheaper but boy does their service let them down.Never again.
I'll side with Derek on the service,B...dy rude could not care less.

**RickR** · 20th June 2011, 06:52 PM

Hi Derek,

I picked up the Fein at the Sydney Wood Show over the weekend and an used DD from a forum member at the same time. I have a question about how you hooked the stock Fein hose to the DD. It looks like you have another fitting attached to the hose. Can you tell what fitting it is and where you got it?

Cheers
Rick

**Superbunny** · 24th June 2011, 09:16 PM

Have you guys seen the set up in the latest Aust Woodsmith as I'm thinking of going that way instead.

SB

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Vacuum cleaner set up

I think you have it bas ackwards.

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