HF Dust Collector Questions

[stormdog74]

I just bought the 2 hp HF Dust Collector and have been reading threads here about how to upgrade the machine. I am planning on buying a Wynn, but I am confused as to other aspects of upgrading. I have read about the neutral vane and a Thien baffle and using a garbage can. Does anyone have an idea on what combination is best? I have never used a dust collector before and would really like to get the ideal setup.

Any help would be appreciated - thanks!

[klefkow]

I read that the trash can dust collectors significantly reduce suction.

[LCHIEN]

My opinion is that you get the canister for the increased surface filter area and you don't need a bag on the bottom which is a compromise (because as it fills, it does less filtering). Plus, you get the finer particle filtering.
Then you put a plastic catch bag on the bottom- easy to remove and toss and replace. THen you don't need a trash can seperator, which will probably put an added restriction on your air path and reduce your airflow. And eat up valuable shop space. What's the big difference, emtying a can or emptying (tossing) a bag?

My canister has a beater bar to knock any fines down that get sucked up into it. It doesn't seem to suck any larger particles into it; they fall into the bag. I do have a neutral vane to improve the inflow circulation to drop the big particles into the bag.

[Rich P]

I have had the HF DC for some time and have recently done most of the recommended mods (with so far good results).

As I understand it:

1. The separator keeps a lot of larger debris out of the filter and is easier to empty than changing bags. I have not read anywhere about it significantly reducing air but I suppose it would have some impact. I would have one but need to have my collector mobile.

2. A separator needs a lid constructed per the Thein separator and baffle method, available on his web site.

3. Many folks have put a Thein baffle in the filter ring with good results in reducing clogging on the canister filter.

4. A neutral vane and the baffle are mutually exclusive.

5. You should also consider replacing the wire hose between the blower and the filter ring with 5" ducting.

I have done the Wynn filter, the Thein baffle and replaced the 5" hose and am so far very satisfied with the results.

[dbhost]

I just bought the 2 hp HF Dust Collector and have been reading threads here about how to upgrade the machine. I am planning on buying a Wynn, but I am confused as to other aspects of upgrading. I have read about the neutral vane and a Thien baffle and using a garbage can. Does anyone have an idea on what combination is best? I have never used a dust collector before and would really like to get the ideal setup.

Any help would be appreciated - thanks!

The Wynn filter gives much greater surface area. Since you have the new model don't worry about Loring's bit about the lower bag. Your clear poly bag doesn't need to be replaced. Of course I am assuming you bought new. If you have the old style with the cloth lower bag, be sure you use one of the poly bags Wynn sends with their 35A filter kit. This is without a doubt, the most immediate need of these DCs, even with the newer models 5 micron bag, the filtering is still way too coarse. That Wynn filter buys you 1 micron or better filtering...

As far as the trash can separator / Thien cyclone, I have not noticed any drop in suction with the one on my shop vac based system. I am working on one for my HF DC. Mine doesn't have to be mobile though. If mobility is required, I'd go Neutral vane, or Thien baffle in the inlet ring. Just you will get the bigger pieces banging into the impeller... The entire point of a means of separation is to keep as much material as possible from getting to the filter in the first place by dropping out of the air stream. This keeps the filter cleaner longer, and keeps it from plugging up and restricting air flow.

Another mod that is well worth the time and money is replacing the ribbed flex hose between the impeller and inlet ring with 5" stove pipe and adjustable elbows. You want to eliminate the tight 90 degree bend, AND the ribbed interior that both impact air flow....

And lastly, if you have the time, talent, and resources, there is a filter beater plan somewhere on the Wynn site that will make knocking the fines down from the filter and into the collection bag without opening the DC way easier when it does get jammed up.

[stormdog74]

Okay, thanks everyone - this helps quite a bit. I am going to do more reading and will probably be back with a couple more questions.

Thanks again!