Replacement Support Rods for Harbor Freight Dust Collector

[dkerfoot]

I figure I can't be the only one to have the support rods break loose from the mounts on my 2HP Central Machinery/Harbor Freight DC. The things are really poorly designed and tend to snap loose from their base plates if you move the DC around at all.

I was looking at a picture of the Grizzly 1.5 and 2 HP DCs and thought that their two-support system looked a lot more robust than the three supports on the HF.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-1-...lector/G1028Z2

I was right. I decided to take a chance and ordered two parts # P1028Z2023 for $10.25 ea ($28.45 total with shipping).

I didn't expect them to line up perfectly hole-to-hole and they didn't, but it was a simple job. I drilled two holes on each side of the base about 1/4" to the rear of the originals. I was then able to use one of the original bolts in the lower hole of the upper part and drill a new hole for the top-most bolt.

I didn't even need to drop the bottom bag to do it.

These supports are much better designed than the originals and even with just two of them, it is much more rigid than it ever was with three.


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[dbhost]

What are you using to plug the original holes? I would think you would want those sealed so you aren't blowing dust back out...

[greenacres2]

I've got the HF version, and the three legs are indeed wobbly at best. You've uncovered a good solution. When i saw how light the HF collector supports were, i began to plan for 1/2" black pipe or something for when the inevitable failure happened.

Since i built my separator the base unit rarely moves (and i don't have to empty the bag) so i don't have the concern i had initially. One of these days i'll get around to finding a way to shrink the footprint--currently it's the standard DC unit plus the separator on a shop built mobile base. Since adding the remote switch, i'm thinking i could suspend the DC from the rafters (10'wall height), replace the 10' hose with a 21' Dust Right to the separator (on a mobile base), and continue using existing 21' DR hose to the tool.

earl

[chopnhack]

Good solution Doug :-)

[dkerfoot]

What are you using to plug the original holes? I would think you would want those sealed so you aren't blowing dust back out...

Good question - I used some metallic foil-type duct tape because I happened to have some handy. Two layers over each hole looks like it will work very well and last a long, long time. There are only four holes to be covered. Regular duct tape would probably work fine, as would a plug of caulk, etc.

[dbhost]

Good question - I used some metallic foil-type duct tape because I happened to have some handy. Two layers over each hole looks like it will work very well and last a long, long time. There are only four holes to be covered. Regular duct tape would probably work fine, as would a plug of caulk, etc.

I was going to suggest the foil HVAC tape. But you beat me to it... Looks like a good deal to me!