Dust Collection Dilemma. . .

[smokeshow]

So about a month ago I got a good deal on a 2hp Harbor Freight Dust Collection System. 8'of 6" pvc, 30' of 4" pvc, 16' of 2 1/2"pvc and 48' of 4" flex hose, 8 4" blast gates, and about 40 miscellaneous Y, T, and 90° connections. Been slowly working on design and layout in my 14'x16' space. (Yes, I have way more footage of pvc than required, but it was part of the deal local woodshop closed. Tired of the hustle so he retired at 70)

Fast forward to my recent SS purchase. It came with a DC3300 and 3 2" 1/2 8' flex hoses. Been rereading up on the topic of dust collection. Now I am concerned about which direction to go. Currently the bulk of my dust/shavings come from routing, via router sled and flattening slabs. So while I have dust, it's more shavings.

I am pretty sure that the SS DC is quieter, but is it adequate for the task?

Just looking for advice from those who are more experienced/knowledgeable on the subject than myself. Thanks in advance for the input/replies/comments/suggestions...

[ChrisNeilan]

I have both, and now only use the Harbor Freight unit. Much, much, much (did I say much?) more air moved. I also upgraded the filter to a Wynns filter and got rid of the cloth bag which only stops large dust particles (like the Shopsmith one does as well). The Shopsmith unit is ok for single tool, direct connect only in my less than humble opinion.

[dusty]

We all have opinions and most times they will differ. Is the DC3300 a good and useful shop tool? My answer is yes! I won't be without one. BUT, like as always, it might not be the best for some jobs. Chose the RIGHT Tool for the job.

If you are attempting to pull debris through long PVC runs with the DC3300, forget it! Especially if you have some vertical runs. Go get the RIGHT TOOL.

For my shop, it won't come from Harbor Freight. No grounds for that statement - just MY Humble Opinion.

[ChrisNeilan]

We all have opinions and most times they will differ. Is the DC3300 a good and useful shop tool? My answer is yes! I won't be without one. BUT, like as always, it might not be the best for some jobs. Chose the RIGHT Tool for the job.

If you are attempting to pull debris through long PVC runs with the DC3300, forget it! Especially if you have some vertical runs. Go get the RIGHT TOOL.

For my shop, it won't come from Harbor Freight. No grounds for that statement - just MY Humble Opinion.

Dusty, regarding Harbor Freight- i generaly agree with you, except on this item. It seems to be the one thing they got almost right!