DC3300 bag cleaning

[jmoore65]

How do I know when it is time to clean the filter bag on my DC3300?

When it is time, what is the right way to clean it?

Thanks,
Jim

[algale]

How do I know when it is time to clean the filter bag on my DC3300?

When it is time, what is the right waynto clean it?

Thanks,
Jim

It may depend on the hood. The 42 inch hood may never need to be washed and washing may actually be deleterious. Here's what the Shopsmith manual says:

[INDENT]"Because the dust-cake on this filter hood also
filters fine dust particles, this filter hood
may never need to be cleaned as described in
your Dust Collector Owners Manual. If you
choose to launder this filter, be advised it
will not filter the finest of particles until a
dust-cake builds up on the inside"
[/INDENT]

I believe the 42 inch hood is made for Shopsmith by American Filter Fabric, and here is what they say:

[INDENT]"For wood dust we most often recommend polyester felt with a singed finish. Felts are preferred for filtration due to their high breathability, fine particle separation, and excellent dust cake build/release properties. Singed felt allows a very thin layer of fine dust particles to collect and build on the surface of the bag. This "dust cake" then does the actual filtering of subsequent dust blown into the bag and prevents the bag from blinding. When the dust cake becomes heavy, it sloughs off the surface of the bag and leaves behind a thin layer to continue this self-cleaning process, thus the filter maintains high airflow and allows your collector to work at its full capacity." http://www.americanfabricfilter.com/facts.php
[/INDENT]

Al