about to buy a dust collector

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maxwell_smart007

maxwell_smart007

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I am renovating my old house, and found an unvented, sawdust-filled attic that I didn't know existed in the 1950s addition.

It's filled with 4+ inches of wood shavings mixed with lime - to keep bugs out, I guess - and my wife gave me the go-ahead to buy the Grizzly dust collector with the cannister filter so I can clean the room up when I cut out the ceiling and begin dealing with the shavings.

I missed the deadline for the coupons, so I can't use a coupon, but I'm excited to get a dust collector.

Just wondering what I need to think about ordering at the same time, as shipping is the expensive part, and I might as well double-up on what's needed (within reason). I was thinking a length of hose, a blast-gate or two and a reducer to move from tool to tool...

Can I use giant garbage bags in lieu of the plastic dust bags, or are they completely necessary?

Andrew
 
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The garbage bags might work but the plastic is the thick mil plastic. Not sure if a garbage bag would take the same amount of abuse.
 
Andrew, I have a Grizzly with thick plastic bag (on bottom). It has been in service several years, and I have changed the bag several times. It's also set up with a remote on-off switch (x-10). The other night I woke up to the sound of it running. Apparently rogue power line signal (not uncommon). I don't know how long it had been running, but when I got to the shop, there was about 1/2" dust coating everything (looked like it snowed in there). The thick bag had a 4" rip in it.

Long story short... don't rely on x-10 switches, and don't rely on plastic bags (especially thin ones...)

Tom
 
I use plastic bags with my DC, but the bags I use are the heavy duty bags used for job site and yard waste. Definately do not use regular trash bags, unless you like sawdust snow everywhere.
 
Costco has Contractor bags that are heavy plastic and pretty big.
However, most trash bags are black or opaque, making it difficult to easily see how full they are. If they are too full, the bag is difficult to empty or dispose of.
I just put in a DC system and you will always need one more thing than you anticipated when you order or head for the store. Connectors, silver heating tape to seal joints, hose clamps, more connectors, more hose, hose brackets, screws, and patience. It will be worth it when you turn it on - but it "sucks" :biggrin: ! +1 on the remote - Woodcraft has a great one for about $29 - made by Fastcap. Remote Control Vacuum - FastCap - Woodworking Tools The picture only shows the switch attached to a hose. However, it is on a velcro strap and can be used anywhere in the shop.
Good luck.
gordon
 
I hope you are not going to suck the dust that is laying on the ceiling. Just put a good dust mask on with some goggles and get a shovel or dust pan and put it in bags. You will put less dust in the air than with a dust collector. Take your time and do it slowly. You will be way ahead of the game.

If you are buying a dust collector for the shop, why have you not had one in the first place??? I would also think about a air cleaner too. PSI has some good ones.

I have my dust collector on a switch controlled outlet as well as my air cleaner. Walk over to the wall to turn either or both on. Remote switches now require you to not misplace them, replace batteries and they always go dead at the wrong times, and you are open for eroneous start ups. It is possible.
 
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maxwell_smart007 said:
The only thing that Duct tape isn't useful for is taping ducts, ironically! :smile: (just ask Mike Holmes)
Click to expand...

Exactly, - the best tape is a heat ducting tape which is a fairly thin silver tape that is about 2in wide. It is in the metal ducting section at Lowe's or HD. It is less porus than "duct/k tape" creating a better seal for joints.
Mike Holmes would be proud of you!!!!
gordon
 
maxwell_smart007 said:
I missed the deadline for the coupons, so I can't use a coupon, but I'm excited to get a dust collector.
Click to expand...

I would try one of their 20% or 25% off coupons that they regularly send out. I think they should work on the dust collector. If you sign up for their mailing list you will likely get coupons 2-3 times a week.

Edit: oops sorry... I was referring to Harbor Freight coupons. Grizzly coupons are pretty rare.
 
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I remember reading about someone taking HF coupons at their store. Same discount for the things they had there. I know it wasn't Grizzly but it was one of the big box stores. Does anyone remember?

"If you can't fix it with duct tape......it is really broken." LOL
 
Sale

I just got an email from woodcraft 25% off on all dust collector fittings. Don't know if it's any help to you but thought I'd let you know. No code seems to be needed.
 
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