1HP dust ectractor versus compact extractor

G'day all,

I'm fairly new to woodworking and the forum. I've bought few machines now (Band saw, hybrid table saw, thicknesser, jointer - mostly second hand) and I've been dragging them outside, but it's time to think about dust collection so I can work in the shed.

I've been looking at either a 1HP extractor e.g. the carbatec version (Carbatec Economy Dust Collector - 1 HP | Carbatec) or one of the compact dust extractors such as the sherwood (https://www.timbecon.com.au/compact-dust-extractor). They're a similar enough price, but I'd probably have to add some kind of cyclone for the compact style and I'd consider getting a cartridge fillter to replace the bag on the carbatec which would make it much more expensive.

Seems like the major difference between these types is that the the compact is high pressure, low volume whereas the typical style is low pressure, high volume. Does anyone have advice as to which one might be best? My table saw and bandsaw have the 10mm port but thicknesser has 5mm. I've heard that the LPHV type units struggle on the smaller ports? That might be a good reason to go the the compact extractor? Additionally, it seems it might do a better job of filtering out the fine dust (particularly with a separator).

I'm not sure which is noisier, but probably the compact style?

I thought about a 2hp, but figured if I got a 1hp unit is I could spend the extra money on a good cartridge filter to replace the bag filter and remove more of the hazardous dust. I don't mind moving hoses between machines for now and I'm renting so setting up a nice plumbed in system isn't really an option anyway.

Thanks and appreciate any thoughts people have!

Dave

Welcome to the forum.

The best thing you can do before buying anything is head over to the dust collection forum and have a good read. Particularly the stickies. They'll answer all your questions and give you a grasp of the gravity of what you're ideally trying to archive.

In a nutshell 1 hp units are a waste of time, even without restrictions ie filters. A modified 2hp unit is generally considered the minimum requirement for adequate dust collection, thats used in conjunction with other means of hazard minimisation ie dust masks, ventilation etc.

Good luck

Do not buy either of them, they will not do what you want because you need VOLUME to get proper extraction on machinery. 1hp units are basically paperweights with a fan (IMO it shouldn't even be legal to sell them because they're not fit for their intended purpose) and high pressure units are only really good for power tools where the extraction point is only a few cm away from where the dust is being made.

2hp is the minimum viable power and you should not use a cyclone with it because that will severely reduce the extraction capacity at the machine. Cyclones need even bigger extraction units to work properly.

Consider opening all dust ports to 150mm, but at least look at making a new hood for the thicknesser with a 100mm port (I assume 10mm and 5mm are meant to read 10cm and 5cm).

Getting good dust extraction is hard.

Welcome dm hero, as others have advised your suggested purchases will not provide the outcome you're hoping for. I'll send you a PM. :2tsup:

Thanks for your advice guys. Very much appreciated 🙌

Some more details regarding the size of you machines would be useful in providing advice.

Gday Bob,

Here ya go:

- Carbatec 12.5” bench top thicknesser (Carbatec 317mm (12-1/2") Benchtop Thicknesser | Carbatec)

- ledacraft 14” bandsaw

- old total tools 6” jointer (no dust collection at all currently - will have to build a shroud)

- Sherwood 12” hybrid table saw (arriving tomorrow hence the need for dust collection)

Plus mitre saw and sanders etc, which I will use a shop vac for.

Thanks,
Dave

Agree with the statements above re: the 1hp units. I owned one and it was obvious just how quick it clogged up and became unusable and most likely caught non of the more harmful microscopic dust.

As bobl mentioned it might help to know the machines, your shed, your layout etc before giving too much in the way of recommendations, especially if you can put the dust collector outside (covered) or sectooned off is going to be one of the best things you can do for your lings

This chart will provided recommended air flows for specific sizes of machinery.

Just bear in mine that to just collect chips you need the flow from the orange column but to deal with fine dust you will need the those from the green column.
The manufacturers flow for DC are optimistic by a factor of about 2
The most a 4" duct can deliver is ~425 CFM but that will need at least a stock 2HP DC.
To get 800 CFM you will need 6" ducting and a modified 2HP DC


https://www.woodworkforums.com/attac...6&d=1610414244

Thanks again Bob. I'll need to have a rethink by the look of it. Will likely go for a 2hp unit and use it on single machines. Might still have to drag the thicknesser and jointer outside until I can come up with a better solution for them.

When you say "To get 800 CFM you will need 6" ducting and a modified 2HP DC" does this mean the ports on my machines will need to be 6" as well? Or just the ducting leading to the existing 4" ports? I'm guessing the former?

Appreciate your help with this!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BobL

This chart will provided recommended air flows for specific sizes of machinery.

Just bear in mine that to just collect chips you need the flow from the orange column but to deal with fine dust you will need the those from the green column.
The manufacturers flow for DC are optimistic by a factor of about 2
The most a 4" duct can deliver is ~425 CFM but that will need at least a stock 2HP DC.
To get 800 CFM you will need 6" ducting and a modified 2HP DC


https://www.woodworkforums.com/attac...6&d=1610414244

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Can only agree with the others comments, I am running a jointer, thicknesser, router table, and table saw, started off with a compact 1.0 HP extractor and within a month had upgraded to a 2 HP unit which works a treat, have learnt a lesson from that...cutting costs ends up costing more in the long term.

Would also say extraction comes first and filtration second, need to have the dust in the bag before worrying about filtration.

Cheers,

Rudy.