Compact Dust Collection Unit for a Small Shop
Looking for a recommendation for dedicated dust collection vac for a small shop. Specifically, I’m looking for a dust collector for a fixed location that’s pretty compact, yet has a decent amount of power to pull dust/chips from a planer, table saw and a miter saw. Runs from the unit to the furthest station will be about 30′, with 2 10′ branches. Ducting will be grounded 4″ PVC – so smooth side, with Y’s rather than T’s (yes I’ve seen setups with T’s) and long sweep L’s. I’d love to have something with a footprint on the smaller side, that runs on 110 rather than 220 that isn’t insanely expensive. I’ve combed the internet and recommendations are all over the place, often for units the are insanely expensive or huge. Anybody out there have a dust collector that fits the bill?
Replies
Shop Fox has a compact 1.5HP unit that is $380 and runs on 110V. I don't have any experience with Shop Fox products personally, but this might fit the bill. It's tall but doesn't have a huge footprint.
https://www.amazon.com/SHOP-W1685-1-5-Horsepower-Dust-Collector/dp/B001R23SS6
You could also go the Shop Vac plus Cyclone bucket route for larger chips and dust, but it won't filter out the smaller dust that's actually bad for you! It will help reduce sweeping though. =)
EDIT: Ah, I didn't see the length of runs. You might want to keep an eye out on Craiglist or similar classifieds-type website and see if you can get a beefier unit without the cost. I don't know if one of the cheapo 1.5 HP ones would be able to do the job properly for you.
EDIT: Well, on second thought, depending on how many CFM your planer calls for, you might be fine with the Shop Fox. At least on paper it produces enough suction to maintain enough flow for your longest run.