Haynie; Here is my slant and experience with dust collection systems. I have 5 different systems in my shop, each one has it's own purpose. 1 is a two bag, 1 micron, 1 1/2 horse motor PSI system with a vortex separator and both 4 and 6 inch y outlets. I use this for the heavy use machines like the planer, shaper, or router table when doing big jobs. It's on wheels, but not easy to move around. 2 Is a setup I use for machines that may have a little larger cut offs or chips. Same dust blower, but set up with a separator made out of an old Caftsman shop vac that has a 30 gallon container. This will drop all the heavys into it without filling the dust collector bags. You can buy the lid and use a trash can for the bottom or make your own. Be sure to put a divertor on the intake to give it the vortex. A 90 degree elbow will work just fine. 3 Is a clear plastic tube system that runs to machines that are stationary or seldom moved or used. My Leigh Dovetail jig that is set on it's own table, grinders, and medium sized machines use this system. 4 Is a Wet/Dry Shop Vac on wheels that I can move around with little effort and connect to my lathes, disk grinder, and belt sanders. 5 Are small Stanley shop vacs that hook up to small machines and sit under them. I hook these up to table top machines and my mini lathe. I know this sounds like overkill, by remember I have been a tool collector for over 50 years and I like to be able to just go to the tool I need, turn it on, and use it witout any moving or attaching equipment. Most important thing to remember is bigger is better. Figure out how many cubic feet of shop space you have, and get a system that will replace that amount of air every 5 to 10 minutes. Think about what your future needs might be and buy or make a system that will handle that need the first time. I rarely use either of my large systems any more, or even the tube system anymore. I use the large Shop Vac and the little Stanley vacs ( $11 each ) for most of my work. One problem with a large system, is that you have to bring the dust to it. So the shop vac can be easily wheeled any place you want to go with it. I do a lot of work outside if it is nice, and dragging the 50 foot 6 inch hose from my large systems gets old fast. I have many of HF's mini tools and have been very satisifed with them. They stand behind everything they sell, and if you have a problem they take care of it. Hope this helps! Jim S
