Best Dust Collector for Woodworking?
TLDRIn this woodworking video, Joshua Farnsworth shares his journey to find the best dust collection system after a health scare. He discusses his experience with cheap dust collectors and the inefficiency of his DIY cyclone system. After extensive research and consultation with Oneida Air Systems, he upgrades to the powerful Dust Gorilla system, improving air quality and preventing dust-related health issues in his workshop. The summary also highlights Oneida's customer support and the installation process, emphasizing the system's efficiency and the importance of proper dust control.
Takeaways
- 😷 Joshua Farnsworth's health scare involving lung nodules led to a focus on improving dust collection in his workshop.
- 🔍 Joshua had never smoked, but suspected that exposure to woodshop dust might have been the cause of his health issue.
- 🛠️ Joshua had previously used cheap single-stage dust collectors, but realized they were insufficient for protecting against fine sawdust.
- 🌀 He attempted to upgrade his dust collection by creating a DIY cyclone system, which unfortunately was not very efficient.
- 🆕 After researching and consulting with friends, Joshua chose Oneida Air Systems for their specialization in dust collection technology.
- 💨 Oneida's Dust Gorilla, a five-horsepower dust collector, was selected for its high efficiency and ability to handle large volumes of wood chips and sawdust.
- 🔧 Joshua installed a custom ductwork system designed in collaboration with Oneida to suit his specific workshop and machinery.
- 🔄 The Dust Gorilla features a high-efficiency cyclone with a separation rate of over 99 percent, vastly improving dust collection.
- 🛡️ Oneida offers a range of dust collection systems, and Joshua recommends contacting them for personalized system recommendations.
- 🔄 Oneida's Smart Boost technology adjusts fan speed to maintain maximum suction power, even under less-than-ideal conditions.
- 🔄 Joshua also experimented with the Dust Deputy Cyclone conversion kit for single-stage dust collectors, finding it more effective than his DIY attempt.
Q & A
What health scare prompted Joshua Farnsworth to improve his dust collection system?
-Joshua Farnsworth experienced a health scare when a CT scan revealed unusual nodules on his lung, which could potentially be a sign of lung cancer. This incident led him to consider the importance of dust collection in his workshop.
Why did Joshua initially use cheap single-stage dust collectors in his workshops?
-Joshua initially used cheap single-stage dust collectors because he was more concerned about his budget than the health risks associated with exposure to dust in his workshop.
What is the main advantage of a two-stage dust collection system over a single-stage system?
-A two-stage dust collection system, like a cyclone system, separates the bulk of wood chips and sawdust into a container first, and then filters the finest particles. This prevents the air filter from having to filter all the large particles and focuses on the fine dust, which is more dangerous.
What was the main issue with Joshua's DIY dust collection system?
-The main issue with Joshua's DIY dust collection system was its inefficiency in collecting most of the large wood chips and sawdust, leading to most of it being thrown at the air filter instead.
Which company did Joshua choose for his upgraded dust collection system and why?
-Joshua chose Oneida Air Systems for his upgraded dust collection system because they specialize only in dust collection and are widely considered leaders in the industry.
What is the significance of CFM in the context of dust collection systems?
-CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is a measurement of airflow that indicates the capacity of a dust collection system to handle the volume of dust and wood chips produced by woodworking machines.
What is the 'Dust Gorilla' dust collector and how does it benefit Joshua's workshop?
-The 'Dust Gorilla' is a five horsepower dust collector from Oneida Air Systems. It benefits Joshua's workshop by providing high suction power, a high-efficiency cyclone with a separation rate of over 99 percent, and the ability to handle large volumes of wood chips and sawdust.
What is the 'Smart Boost' technology used in Oneida's dust collection systems and how does it work?
-Oneida's 'Smart Boost' technology is a patented feature that increases the fan speed under conditions such as when machines are far away, hoses and ports are smaller, or multiple blast gates are closed. This maintains maximum suction power even in less than optimal conditions.
What is the purpose of the 'Dust Sentry' bin fill level indicator in Joshua's dust collection system?
-The 'Dust Sentry' is a sensor that points down toward the sawdust in the drum and triggers a warning light when the drum is getting full, helping Joshua to know when it's time to empty the drum.
What are the benefits of using a steel drum for collecting sawdust instead of plastic bags?
-Using a steel drum for collecting sawdust is beneficial because it is more durable, less likely to tear, and easier to manage than plastic bags. It also eliminates the need for constant replacement and reduces the risk of holes that can allow fine dust to escape.
What is the 'Super Dust Deputy Cyclone' conversion kit and how can it be useful for woodworkers on a budget?
-The 'Super Dust Deputy Cyclone' conversion kit is a product by Oneida that attaches to a single-stage dust collector, converting it into a two-stage cyclone dust collector. It can be a cost-effective solution for woodworkers on a budget who already own a single-stage dust collector and are looking to improve their dust collection efficiency.
Outlines
😷 Health Scare Leads to Dust Collection Upgrade
Joshua Farnsworth from Wood and Shop discusses a health scare that prompted him to reevaluate his workshop's dust collection system. After a CT scan revealed unusual lung nodules, possibly indicative of lung cancer, he attributed the issue to prolonged exposure to wood dust. Despite previously using a dust collection system, his reliance on cheap, single-stage collectors was insufficient for protecting his health. He experimented with a DIY cyclone system but found it inefficient. This led him to research and eventually invest in a high-quality dust collection system from Oneida Air Systems, a company known for specializing in dust collection solutions.
🛠️ Upgrading to a Powerful Dust Collection System
Joshua details his decision to upgrade to the Oneida Dust Gorilla dust collector, a five-horsepower system, due to the high volume of dust produced by his woodworking machinery, particularly his 16-inch jointer planer. His previous system struggled to manage the dust output, but the new cyclone system boasts a 99% separation rate, vastly improving his workshop's air quality. He also discusses custom ductwork to accommodate his bandsaw and table saw, the challenges of collecting dust from above the table saw, and his innovative setup for capturing dust from his lathe and drill press. He mentions the use of a 55-gallon steel drum for dust collection and the inclusion of a Dust Sentry bin fill level indicator for convenience.
🌪️ Smart Boost Technology and Oneida's Custom Solutions
The video script highlights Oneida's Smart Boost technology, which adjusts fan speed to maintain maximum suction power, especially beneficial when dealing with multiple blast gates or distant machinery. Joshua praises Oneida's customer service for helping him choose the right system for his specific needs, rather than simply selling the most expensive option. He also mentions the Super Dust Deputy Cyclone conversion kit designed for single-stage dust collectors and the smaller Dust Deputy for shop vacs, both of which are praised for their effectiveness. Additionally, he introduces Oneida's bench top personal dust collectors, which have been a significant improvement for his woodworking school.
🔨 The Installation Process and Customization
Joshua narrates the process of installing his new Oneida Dust Gorilla, from the initial discussions with Oneida engineers about his workshop's specific requirements to the actual assembly and setup. He describes the delivery, unboxing, and step-by-step installation, including electrical setup, wall mounting, and ductwork configuration. He also talks about making modifications to the ductwork and Oneida's flexibility in accommodating those changes. The installation involved assembling the wall bracket, motor assembly, fan housing, and filter system, with an emphasis on safety and precision.
🔩 Final Assembly and Dust Collector Features
The script continues with the final steps of assembling the dust collector, including attaching the plenum support brace, installing the silencer and HEPA cartridge filter, and setting up the fine dust bin. Joshua also explains the grounding process to prevent static electricity fires and the setup of the Dust Sentry sensor and indicator light. He discusses the design of the ductwork, including floor sweeps and stacks on either side of the shop, and the use of flex hoses for machine connections. The paragraph concludes with his satisfaction after using the new system for a few months.
🏠 Post-Installation Reflections and Workshop Update
In the final paragraph, Joshua reflects on the positive impact of the new dust collection system on his workshop's air quality and his health. He reports that the lung nodules have not expanded, suggesting that he may have avoided a serious condition. He concludes by inviting viewers to subscribe to his YouTube channel and visit his website for more woodworking resources, emphasizing the importance of proper dust control in the workshop.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Dust Collector
💡Health Scare
💡CT Scan
💡Oneida Air Systems
💡Dust Gorilla
💡CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
💡Cyclone System
💡HEPA Filter
💡Smart Boost Technology
💡Dust Sentry
💡DIY (Do It Yourself)
Highlights
Joshua Farnsworth discusses the health scare that led him to prioritize dust collection in his woodworking shop.
CT scan revealed unusual nodules on Joshua's lung, possibly indicating lung cancer, prompting a reevaluation of his workshop's dust exposure.
Joshua's initial reliance on cheap single-stage dust collectors was insufficient for protecting against lung diseases caused by fine sawdust.
His DIY attempt to convert a grizzly dust collector into a cyclone system proved inefficient in separating large wood chips and sawdust from fine dust.
Oneida Air Systems is recognized as a leader in dust collection systems, focusing solely on this area rather than a broad range of woodworking products.
The Oneida Dust Gorilla dust collector, chosen by Joshua, is a five-horsepower system with a custom ductwork designed to meet his workshop's specific needs.
The Dust Gorilla's high-efficiency cyclone has a separation rate of over 99 percent, vastly superior to Joshua's previous DIY system.
Joshua addresses the challenge of collecting sawdust above the table saw, a common issue even with powerful dust collection systems.
Oneida's Smart Boost technology adjusts fan speed to maintain maximum suction power, even with closed blast gates or smaller hoses and ports.
The importance of a HEPA certified filter in a dust collection system, which filters the finest dust down to 0.3 microns, is emphasized.
Joshua's experience working with Oneida's engineers to design a custom dust collection system tailored to his workshop's layout and machinery.
The Dust Sentry bin fill level indicator is highlighted as a convenient feature that alerts users when the drum is getting full.
Oneida's Super Dust Deputy Cyclone conversion kit is introduced as an affordable option for upgrading single-stage dust collectors.
Joshua's installation process of the Oneida Dust Gorilla is detailed, including the assembly and setup of the ductwork and filter system.
The innovative bench top personal dust collectors from Oneida are praised for their effectiveness in capturing dust during sanding and rasping.
Joshua's reflection on the transformational impact of the new dust collection system on his workshop's air quality and health safety.
The video concludes with Joshua's relief that the lung nodules did not expand, underscoring the importance of proper dust control in the workshop.