Shopsmith Forums

I know there is a sawdust session on the topic but I was looking for real-world feedback from someone who has built one.

I use the DC3300 to capture dust while working the wood, and also to clean the shop of the typical chips and shavings left over from drilling, sawing, routing and lathe work etc.

I'm thinking of building a DC system because:

1) I'd like to put the dust collector in my storage room to cut down noise
2) I'd like permanent connections to my stationary tools
3) I'd like to free up another 3' section of wall for something else.

I'm very careful to only use my DC3300 connected to my SS or one of my SPTs ports, if it's on the floor or general shop clean-up, I use my canister Shop Vac. I think that chips and other objects that one can pick up can be very detrimental to the DC3300. As for using it to drive a piped dust collection solution, it may be underpowered to perform that task. There are several previous threads around this subject.

I have been very pleased with the SSDC3300 system but I was concerned when cleaning the floor about damaging the fan with large wood chips or even screws that may have fallen on the floor. I solved this problem by mounting a Dust Right Separator from Rockler,(http://www.rockler.com/dust-right-dust-separator) in front of the DC3300. The separator sits on a plywood lip that I bolted to the pan of the DC3300. Also I mounted a plywood lip on the back of the pan to hold DC tools. No more worries about damaging the fan plus now I have a container that is easy to clean out without having to remove plastic bag from DC.

I don't think the 3300 has enough cfm to be used as a dust collection system. I have one that came with one of my SS's and find that it doesn't have the power to be used with a 4 or 6 inch system which is what you would typically use for a collection system. If you want to go that route it would be better to buy a larger unit. I have used Grizzly systems for years and have had no issues. I have a buddy who has the HF version and it seems to work well. Keep an eye on CL. They come up for sale fairly frequently. The 3300 I believe has a plastic impeller which means you need to careful when using it for general clean up. A separator is always a good plan. Another good idea is to restrict the cfm when doing clean up. Turn the blast gate down to where it will pick up sawdust but not the wood chunks or screws. It does not taken that much cfm to pick up the sawdust and then will allow you to pick up the articles that don't belong in the vac system.
Paul

My system has 2 1/2 inches hoses, 2 inch pvc pipe and blastgates. I only draw through one hose at a time. I'm happy with the performance.

paulrussell wrote:I know there is a sawdust session on the topic but I was looking for real-world feedback from someone who has built one.

I an not sure this is exactly what you are looking for as far as feedback but here goes.

I have bought more SS equipment than will fit into my small overcrowded work space. I was tired of always dragging the DC hose around, walking on or over the hoses. So I built an enclosure that made space to put something on top of the DC. I also ran the hoses over head and put closing gates at the end of the hoses. It works OK but don't expect it to look like a TV woodworkers sawdust free shop.

Experience = knowledge gained to late

Now for my experience. The way the enclosure is made it's difficult to connect the hoses so when the suction became a little weak I chose to ignore it and check on it later. Well when later came the suction stopped completely. The exhaust hood was so packed with sawdust that when I removed the bag the sawdust stayed in the exhaust bag and didn't fall out. The pictures tell the story.

PS: Never take the exhaust bag off without turning the DC upside down.

Wrote a long response but lost it, so some quick comments...
I have the dust deputy cyclone connected to my shop vac. Absolutely amazed at how well it works. Almost nothing at all gets through, no worries about screws etc. either. No idea how it works for the invisibly small stuff that is the real concern in any case so I have a HEPA filter on my shop vac.

Now the negatives... I got it over one of the lower profile seperators because it simply looked like it would likely be more effective. The taller format means it doesn't fit out of the way well and is very prone to tipping. I had to stick the 5 gallon bucket in s much larger container for now, until I decide where it will get mounted to the wall.
It is also made of quite fragile plastic. Mine had the protruding hose mount crack off almost right away when it tipped over. It has enough left to work, but I would definitely get the other style next time

fitzhugh wrote:I got it over one of the lower profile seperators because it simply looked like it would likely be more effective. The taller format means it doesn't fit out of the way well and is very prone to tipping.... I would definitely get the other style next time

Tell us what others you would consider. I'm in the market for one.

In general the DC3300 does an aqequate job, but I do find it underpowered at times. I'm using a Rockley dust separator, so perhaps that effects the airflow levels. I find for ease emptying the bin and the reduced maintenance of the dust collector it is well worth it. I also upgraded the top bag to the large size that SS sells, but it was a 3 micron from Grizzley.

My Rigid table saw has a 4" outlet and find that it always has plenty of dust trapped in the bottom. My recent move to a zero clearance insert probably makes it worse. I also was using my portable planer last week and it failed miserably at keeping up. Immediately when I started planning the nozzle plugged up. I also find I have to stretch the hoses to make sure the dust isn't stuck in the hoses. The impeller seems to be in good condition.

JamesT wrote:I have been very pleased with the SSDC3300 system but I was concerned when cleaning the floor about damaging the fan with large wood chips or even screws that may have fallen on the floor. I solved this problem by mounting a Dust Right Separator from Rockler,(http://www.rockler.com/dust-right-dust-separator) in front of the DC3300. The separator sits on a plywood lip that I bolted to the pan of the DC3300. Also I mounted a plywood lip on the back of the pan to hold DC tools. No more worries about damaging the fan plus now I have a container that is easy to clean out without having to remove plastic bag from DC.

James. How is this setup working for you after a couple of years? Any suction loss with the separator connected? Is there room
To actually sit the separator under the fan and shorten the bag since most of the dust should be collected in the separator? Looking to try this setup. Thanks.