PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

EFFICIENCY

Two specifications that provide an accurate measurement of a dust collector’s actual performance: 1. CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) - Volume of air a collector moves 2. SP (Static Pressure) - Number of inches of pressure created

AIR PERFORMANCE

A Fan Curve chart illustrates the genuine performance of a dust collector. It measures CFM at various levels of air resistance. As the inches of SP increase, the CFM decreases. Performance is not compromised with the addition of a finer filter.

CFM RATING

A higher CFM rating indicates that the collector can handle a higher output, either more chips or multiple machines. A higher SP rating indicates that more ductwork can be used and still be efficient. With high CFM and SP ratings, the Vortex Cone models will ensure that you achieve the power needed.

FINE DUST

98% is the industry standard for filter efficiency. When the filter catches 98% of particles of the given size (in microns) it meets accepted industry standards.

Many advertisements give a filter measurement in microns, but don’t give any information about the efficiency level. Some products advertise a 1 or 2 micron filter, yet the efficiency at that size is only 70%. Most products will filter at the 1 or 2 micron level at a deeply decreased efficiency level.

While a 30 micron filter works with larger chips, the fine dust created by sanding machines will be better captured by a 5 micron bag or a 2 micron canister.

The Vortex Cone technology improves any dust collector by significantly reducing dust particles from clogging your filter. A canister dust collector with the Vortex Cone gives you the best single stage dust collection system on the market.

MULTIPLE MACHINES

To determine what level of machine is needed, the CFM levels of the machines need to be added together. ( Table Saw (350 CFM) and Jointer (450 CFM) = 800 CFM Total ) Adding duct work or additional hosing to the dust collection unit will produce a drop in performance. This is most evident when more than one machine uses the same dust collector.

DUCTWORK

When a collector is working harder due to added ductwork fewer chips and less dust is sucked up. A good analogy is to imagine how much harder it would be to take a sip of soda through a 3-ft.-long straw than through a regular 8-in.-long straw. The increased air velocity (CFM) from the Vortex Cone allows for a higher level of performance even while the collector is working harder.

FUTURE ADDITIONS

When making a purchase, consider future plans for other shop equipment.

Buy a dust collector that will be able to perform well for all machines. Different tools, such as sanders, produce finer particles and a canister filter is more effective at capturing the particles.