New (to me) DC3300

saminmn · Post by **saminmn** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:13 am

Hi all,

My 13' x 9' shop got smaller today as I added a DC3300 footprint to it. I need to know if there are any things I need to make sure I worry about before I start using it. Also, any standard sources for 30 gal., 4 mil. bags?

I guess my last question kind of answers itself. With my small space I will probably be moving Shopsmith around as it gets used, so I plan to move the DC to it. My DC came with several rigid tubes and gates that I have not figured into my plans. At this point, I have the SS, an SS Band Saw on its own stand and a router table that need DC. So, I plan to connect to the DC via flex tubing when a tool is used. Does this sound about right? Other ideas for using in small space?

letterk · Post by **letterk** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:06 am

I just picked up a DC3300 about two months ago and was in the same situation.

Things to watch out for? Remove the top dust bag and check the gasket around the back near the vent opening. If you collector is 10+ years old, it will probably crumble. If you find a lot of sawdust in the back part of the motor it probably failed. You can buy the gasket for the back, which comes in two parts and the front around the cone, or buy some closed cell foam weatherstripping from Menards. I think I used 3/4 or 1 inch width.

If you look at the exploded parts view you'll find there aren't more than 6 to 8 screws to get the motor out and clear the unit up. I gave mine a good cleaning.

As for bags, the person I bought from gave me some thicker 30 gallon outdoor bags. They seem to be fine, but they are black. You probably could find some thicker clear ones or if you need to order something else, Shopsmith sells them in quantities of 6.

If you are going to move it, you may want to get some 2 1/2" flexible dust hose.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:17 am

saminmn wrote:Hi all,

My 13' x 9' shop got smaller today as I added a DC3300 footprint to it. I need to know if there are any things I need to make sure I worry about before I start using it. Also, any standard sources for 30 gal., 4 mil. bags?

I guess my last question kind of answers itself. With my small space I will probably be moving Shopsmith around as it gets used, so I plan to move the DC to it. My DC came with several rigid tubes and gates that I have not figured into my plans. At this point, I have the SS, an SS Band Saw on its own stand and a router table that need DC. So, I plan to connect to the DC via flex tubing when a tool is used. Does this sound about right? Other ideas for using in small space?

Moving the DC to where it is needed most is the normal method. Eventually, you will develop an equipment layout that serves your specific needs best.

The foot print of the DC is, IMHO, the least of the issues. Where must the power cord lay and where are the hoses going to be. Remember, these become trip hazards.

Dust bags are available from Shopsmith. I get mine there]too big[/B]. Maybe there is a technical reason for that but I can't imagine what that would be.

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:08 am

When you take the upper bag off to clean or inspect the dust collector, do it outside or you'll wonder why you didn't do that afterwards.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:13 am

pennview wrote:When you take the upper bag off to clean or inspect the dust collector, do it outside or you'll wonder why you didn't do that afterwards.

I seldom wear a mask but I put one on when cleaning the DC or changing bags. Remember, the DC was designed to capture the dust that you really do not want to inhale.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:19 pm

I am currently using 30g trash bags with 'cinch' straps. Not as thick, but being 'force-flex', no disasters have yet occurred.

Much less frustration installing!

Since acquiiring the Dust Deputy etc. I have not emptied the bag. Now the shop-vac carcass below it has been emptied repeatedly.

They are black, but a finger poked into the side of the bag tells me as much as looking through a 'clear' bag.

letterk · Post by **letterk** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:14 pm

JPG40504 wrote:I am currently using 30g trash bags with 'cinch' straps. Not as thick, but being 'force-flex', no disasters have yet occurred.

Much less frustration installing!

Since acquiiring the Dust Deputy etc. I have not emptied the bag. Now the shop-vac carcass below it has been emptied repeatedly.

They are black, but a finger poked into the side of the bag tells me as much as looking through a 'clear' bag.

I had one of the Rockler (sp) Dust Vortex separators too before I got the collector. I try to use it too because it saves on having to empty the bag. Also the inside of the collector tends to be covered in sawdust. It doesn't all nicely drop into the collection bag, so that should help save on having to clean the machine too.

I ended up replacing my bag with a 2.5 micro 33.5" tall bag from grizzly. Seems to work pretty good, but doesn't inflate full without some help when just using one hose.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:59 pm

When I built my current shop it occurred to me that the DC3300 should sit in the center of the shop with the tools around it. I have two Mark V's one behind the other then the dust collector, a stand grinder, then a free standing bandsaw. On the end is my over arm pin router. Behind the band saw grinder and OPR sits my primary assembly station. I have another wider circle containing other tools and benches on the outside walls. With two lengths of hose attached together I can reach any tool in the shop. With only one length of hose I can reach all of the tools in the center circle. The only time I have moved the dust collector was when I had a fan issue and needed to repair it. I do buy my bags from Shopsmith. Dusty is correct they are a little big but clear so I can see when its time empty them. My son takes my full bag and empties it into his mulch pile, then returns them. I generally use each bag three times. Yeah I'm cheap. As to the fan issue, it turned out I really didin't have a fan issue at all. Simply a bolt that worked loose and scared the heck out of us. After the fact a good issue as I now have a far better understanding regarding the assembly and workings of the dust collector. Good luck and I hope you enjoy the DC3300. Jim

saminmn · Post by **saminmn** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 1:27 am

Thanks for suggestions and information. I think I will use the 30 gal drawstring bags for now and just pitch them before they get heavy. I will hope it doesn't blow apart. Planning to move the DC to the work and use flex hoses for now.

I was reading about Dust Deputy in other threads. Sounds like an idea that works. There are other vortex systems, out there, is the Dust Deputy different or just well done/reasonable price? If I added this, seems like I'd spend more time moving stuff around and have to watch trip hazard more closely. Thoughts?

tgamel · Post by **tgamel** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 7:01 am

saminmn wrote:
I was reading about Dust Deputy in other threads. Sounds like an idea that works. There are other vortex systems, out there, is the Dust Deputy different or just well done/reasonable price? If I added this, seems like I'd spend more time moving stuff around and have to watch trip hazard more closely. Thoughts?

Check out the review of three cyclone or vortex systems on the "Wood Whisperer" website. He does a small video review of three different systems of varying prices. He actually thought the Dust Deputy performed the best of the three and it is the least expensive. If you have a 5 gallon bucket you can buy a Dust Deputy (cone part only for $39.00) and attach it yourself saving you $40.00]http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/ ... -shootout/[/url]