Received my HF DC

[jarhead]

The HF DC 2HP unit and the accessory kit have arrived last night and so far the LOML has not asked any questions [:0]. I know that many of you have this unit and was wondering what tips can be passed on for the setup. I have read about some sort of problems with the caster, but nothing that a BFG can't fix .
This may be a dumb question, but what can I do with the table saw and the jointer hoods that came with the kit? I have a BT3100 and a Delta 22-580 planer. TIA

-Alex

[bolson]

Throw away the instructions, upgrade the bags or convert to a canister (link to my blog below)

I made my own jointer hood with a pop riveter and aluminum gutter flashing and duct tape. Works wonders for me.

[sweensdv]

Hopefully this will make the assembly go a little easier, http://technobuyersreef.homestead.com/hfdc~ns4.html

[jarhead]

Folks like yourself make life easier . So then the 2 hoods from the accessory kit cannot be used?

[bolson]

Yes the hood can be used, but you build the hood around the dust port from the kit.

But, I will note that it is better to do a canister conversion and install 6" ducts if you have the will. 4" will work, but 6" will work better

[jarhead]

Sorry for being so thick headed, but I don't inderstand how the table saw and universal hoods from the kit can be attached to the BT3100 and the planer (not joiner as I posted originally). Why would I want to use the table saw hood anyway, if I can use a reducer and attach the hose diretly into BT3100?

[bolson]

If you are insane like me you'll cut into the side of the blade shroud to allow you to have a 4" pipe to the BT. In my opinion, the reducer reduced airflow so much that it wasn't getting the smaller fine dust. This is purely a personal preference though. Many on the board here have to problems with the reducers.

[silverfox]

yeah...the assembly instructions tell you that you need extra nuts that you don't have to put on the bolts that go through the base...that is incorrect....the bolts screw INTO the base. As bolson suggests...throw away the instructions and the assembly becomes much easier if you are at all mechanically inclined. I had mine together in no time. The casters will hit the side of the bottom lip on the base when turned...just bend the lip out a ways with a pliers and the problem is solved.
Mike

[gary]

quote:The casters will hit the side of the bottom lip on the base when turned...just bend the lip out a ways with a pliers and the problem is solved.

My caster do the same thing. Never thought of bending the frame. Where are those pliers...... Thanks for the tip

[jbalders]

I wound up bending the brake tabs. Because I work on a flat surface and the casters are essentially inaccessible when mounted to the DC, I didn't figure I'd ever be needing to use the brakes on the casters. It's the tabs that hit, not the casters.

Jeff

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by jbalders

I wound up bending the brake tabs. Because I work on a flat surface and the casters are essentially inaccessible when mounted to the DC, I didn't figure I'd ever be needing to use the brakes on the casters. It's the tabs that hit, not the casters.

Jeff

I cut 5/8" or 1/2" thick blocks to mount under the casters with matching mtg holes. Used 1" long x 1/4-20 bolts and nuts to mount them.
Now the frame's still straight, the brakes don't hit and I can reach the brakes to lock them if I want.

[JR]

Well, I got mine today, too. Woohoo!

I just beat the frame into submission with 2lb hammer. It was very satisfying after the HF experience.

The FIRST unit I got had a badly rusted base plate. Had to take it back. On Sidewalk Sale Saturday. Ugh.

The new unit was not rusted out, but had a few dings. I was determined to give it a go by that time. It went together pretty easiy after that.

I informed LOML tonight I was going to build a little shed on the side of the garage to house the thing. She said, and I'm paraphasing here, "No Way!" She'll soften up. I'm prety sure.

JR

[jarhead]

Is it me or the Chinese measurements? The caster bolts do not fit through the 16 holes in the base. Also, the hardware bag (sealed) included only 4 nuts for the 16 caster bolts. [V]
Oh, one more thing, the base of the 3 long gray supports was bent. When the box arrived, they were protruding through the packaging. Nothing a hammer and a pair of pliers couldn't fix.

[JR]

Nope, my casters fit well. Amazingly, the hardware was in two bags, with little apparent reason to the split, but all everything was there, with three washers to spare.

JR

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by jarhead

Is it me or the Chinese measurements? The caster bolts do not fit through the 16 holes in the base. Also, the hardware bag (sealed) included only 4 nuts for the 16 caster bolts. [V]
Oh, one more thing, the base of the 3 long gray supports was bent. When the box arrived, they were protruding through the packaging. Nothing a hammer and a pair of pliers couldn't fix.

the instructions call for nuts and bolts to fasten the casters but the way it was made the holes in the base are threaded now so that the nuts are not necessary.

Also IIRC the nuts for the three vertical supports are also no longer needed. Maybe others but it was 9 months ago so my memory is foggy.