DC3300: anyone convert it for use with a Wynn sub 1 micron pleated filter

algale · Post by **algale** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:36 am

A little over a month ago I bought my first Shopsmith, a used 520 with a bandsaw and all the stardard attachments/accessories The guy also threw in his DC3300. I paid $800 for the whole shootin' match and it is all in excellent condition (gloat).

Prior to the DC3300 I just used a shop vac with a HEPA filter and a Dust Deputy which worked well for getting big stuff off the floor, but did not do well for dust collection from tools.

After playing with the DC3300, I am thinking about upgrading to the 1 micron hood and would appreciate thoughts on whether it is worth the $$.

Also, has anyone yet tried to convert the DC3300 from a bag filter to a pleated sub-1 micron filter like those sold by Wynn? They make conversion kits for the Harbor Freight, Delta and Jet dust collectors but I didn't see any info about whether these pleated filters can be retrofitted to the DC3300. Maybe there's a difference in the DC3300 design/construction that won't allow it? I figure if it can be done, someone on this forum has probably already done it or at least tried it.

Thanks

Alan

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 1:07 pm

Alan, I don't think the Wynn filter will fit the DC3300, but you probably should check with the folks at Wynn. They were very helpful some years back when I got one of their filters.

The Wynn filter I have is about 17 1/2" in diameter and fits inside the metal housing or central ring of my Harbor Freight dust collector, held in place by several turnbuckle-like clips (it's been 5-6 years since I installed it so I'm not certain about the turnbuckles). The DC3300 I have is constructed differently from the HF in that the impeller is located mainly inside the upper bag area and is attached to the side of the frame. This would prevent the Wynn filter from being attached directly to the frame of the DC3300 unless some sort of adapter were available.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 1:31 pm

My original thought, based upon online information about the Wynn fillter, I concluded that it could likely be adapted BUT WHY? What is the perceived advantage of the Wynn over the DC3300?

Are the Wynn filters lifetime apparatus? How much do they cost?

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 1:37 pm

Its funny that you mention this, because I had thought about it as well. As it turns out, I saw on some of those HF hotrodding sites that there were suggestions of buying the shopsmith dust hood to get 1 micron performance. It should work, though you might have to make some adjustments.

Try it and report back!

algale · Post by **algale** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 2:08 pm

dusty wrote:My original thought, based upon online information about the Wynn fillter, I concluded that it could likely be adapted BUT WHY? What is the perceived advantage of the Wynn over the DC3300?

Are the Wynn filters lifetime apparatus? How much do they cost?

Some of the Wynn filters will filter particles less than 1 micron (which is the smallest size that the DC3300 can filter -- with optional 42 inch hood). They are lifetime filters but they are expensive. Around $180 for the sub-1 micron version.

wlhayesmfs · Post by **wlhayesmfs** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 2:08 pm

I think Bill might jump in here, I think he knows about this from other sites if I remember correctly.

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 2:16 pm

If you already have a DC3300 and want to upgrade to collecting down to the 1 micron level, then getting the Shopsmith 1 micron hood would be the least expensive and easiest way to upgrade.

The Wynn filter I have is essentially a "lifetime" filter--it's washable--as long as you don't start punching holes in it. If it gets clogged with fine dust, you can blow compressed air through the filter and the dust then settles in the bottom bag and not in the shop. The better Wynn filters I believe are about $150 today.

I bought the HF dust collector and Wynn filter long before getting a used DC3300. If I could only keep one, hands down, my choice would be the HF because of the higher CFMs, larger capacity, and ease of cleaning. And you can't beat the price when on sale and with a 20 percent off coupon.

When I mentioned earlier about not thinking the Wynn would fit directly on the DC3300, I had to remove the hood of the DC3300 to check its construction. A word of warning, if you're going to remove the upper hood, do it outside. What resulted in removing he hood was a huge mess -- the powder and chips that had collected on top of the impeller housing fell out of the machine and on to the floor and created a huge dust cloud.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 2:25 pm

Yup, pulling the hood off of the DC3300 can create a real mess.

When I plan to do that, I turn DC on and beat on the outside of the hood with a yard stick. I then turn the power off and lean the DC3300 first to one side and then the other. This sorta causes that collection to fall off into the collection bag. Then, very carefully, remove the hood.

Do this on a calm day and without fans running.

I do not clean the hood more than I have already stated. Why? Because I heard (somewhere) that the heavy accumulation on the inside of the hood is functional to filtering the fine particles.

algale · Post by **algale** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 3:01 pm

pennview wrote:What resulted in removing he hood was a huge mess -- the powder and chips that had collected on top of the impeller housing fell out of the machine and on to the floor and created a huge dust cloud.

Ugh. Sorry you went through that but thanks for the warning.

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 3:07 pm

No problem. I knew there would be some dust up there, but not the amount that was actually there. It just adds to the experience.