Popular Woodworking 2000-02 № 113, страница 37
Thanks largely to Asian imports, dust collectors are now affordable. If you own a planer or a jointer then you should have a dust collector. But what kind? A two-stage system separates larger debris from finer dust into two compartments. A single-stage collector sucks it all into one bag. If you're a home woodworker, a single stage collector is likely all you need. To choose the right single-stage collector, consider your needs. If the dust collector is for one machine, any of these will do. If you're hooking the collector up to multiple machines (even when using blast gates) then you need at least 600 cfm (cubic feet per minute). Power The method for determining a machine's cfm is not a science, so some variance is possible depending on the manufacturer's testing methods. Also, as you add more ducting, inlets and more efficient bags, you reduce the effective cfm of the machine. Another unscientific measurement of dust collectors is horsepower. Manufacturers test their motors differently. So it's more accurate to check the motor's amperage (if it's available). With all these uncertainties, we recommend you buy a brand name you're comfortable with. Other things to look for include: Impeller The impeller is the big fan blade in the collector that causes the air to move. In most cases it's made of metal, however some impellers are made of plastic and are more easily damaged by larger hunks of debris. Ask your salesperson about the impeller or check it yourself. Bag Clamp Be sure to check out the band clamp that attaches the bags to the collector. Some require you to use a screwdriver to tighten it, others need only a quick flick of the wrist. Go for the quick-release type. Bags Another consideration is the type of collection bag offered by each manufacturer. The standard appears to be a bag that captures particles 30 microns and larger. Some manufacturers offer 5-micron bags as standard equipment. And while this upgrade isn't necessary, the extra expense is worth it if you're particular about dust particles in your shop. Noise Something we consider important in choosing a collector is its noise level. Some manufacturers don't offer this information. If that's the case, try to hear the machine while it's running. In general dust collectors can be one of the noisier machines in most shops. A quiet dust collector makes a happier woodworker. pw 10 Popular Woodworking February 2000 |
