Powermatic 1791076BK Model PM1900 Dust Collector
Source:Tools and Materials
Dust Collectors:
One of the Dust Collectors that I like the best is the Powermatic 1791076BK Model PM1900 Dust Collector. This dust collector is built to run a large number of tools on a daily basis. It has a large motor with several suction inputs to give you a lot of versitility.
With the twin bags, you can sand or plane down a lot of raw materials and not be constantly emptying the bags as you can do with either smaller collectors or the single bag collectors. I have my table saw, band saw, stationary belt sander, drum sander, planer and jointer all hooked up to this big guy and it sucks away the dust without any problem
I have used several different dust collectors over the years and I settled in on the Powermatic because I was so pleased with the ruggedness and reliability of their other machines that I have purchased. The PM1900 did not let me down either. It still keeps chugging away, day after day, carrying away all of that harmful dust.
When I bought my Powermatic PM2000, they were about $2,000 on Amazon, now they are up around $2,600 to $2,700. If you can swing it get one – you won’t regret it.
Guitar Making Tasks:
Collecting dust from all you stationary pieces of equipment, including, but not limited to: Table Saw, Band Saw, Drum Sander, Disk Sander, Stationary Belt Sander, Planer, Joiner.
Tool Cautions:
Do not make the mistake that dust particles are not dangerous to your health. Constantly breathing in exotic woods will definitely get to you and make you very ill. You may develop allergies or a lung disease. Do not mess with this dust and take the necessary precautions.
When you connect all of your collection piping be absolutely sure you run copper grounding wire through all of the piping and provide secure grounding to each piece of machinery. Provide a good connection to a copper grounding rod to eliminate any possibility of a static electricity explosion. They do happen and they are very dangerous.
How To Operate The Tool:
You can (and should) hook up the dust collector to come on when a piece of machinery is turned on. I did this by hooking up a wireless controller to detect when a piece of machinery that is hooked up to the dust collector is switched on, the dust collector comes on and shuts down automatically. This way you do not have a separate switch to deal with and the tendency to just leave the collector on is minimized.
Also, even though some dust collectors are meant to handle several tools at one time, this does definitely dimenish their collecting capibilities my overloading the system. Therefore, I recommend that you install a waste gate at each piece of machinery and have that located adjacent to each piece of equipment. Simply open the waste gate and turn on the machine and close it when you are done.
Accessories:
Once you purchase a dust collector, you will need to figure out how to rout the 4″ dust collection piping for the unit. If you have access below your shop, like a crawl space or basement, you could run the piping in that space. Likewise if you have an attic, you could run your piping in the attic and have your drops come down next to every machine.
If you have none of the above possibilities, try to run the piping at the ceiling of your shop and provide drops at each piece of equipment. Keep the piping distant enough from each piece of machinery so not to interfere with feeding of stock through the equipment.
Technical Details:
30-micron filter bags for improved capture of fine dust particles
All-metal duct construction for rigidity and improved air flow
Powerful 3 HP motor powers the large impeller for peak performance
Triple 4-Inch dust ports allow for several hoses to be attached at the same time
Quick connect collection bags with view window don’t require straps
Alternative Dust Collectors I Like:
JET DC-1100. This is the dust collection that I had prior to my PM1900. If you have a smaller shop, this collector will do the job for you. I will handle at least 2 tools at one time (not that there is any need for that in a one man shop, but there is in a two or more man shop).
Technical Details
1-1/2-horsepower, one-phase, 115/230-volt motor is permanently lubricated, totally enclosed, and fan-cooled
Features 4-inch and 6-inch diameter dust ports
7.36-cubic-foot bags collect particles 30 microns and larger
Free accessory package includes 4-inch-by-10-foot hose, dust hood, and clamps–a $25.99 value
Two-year warranty
Dust Collecting on a Budget:
This little vacuum is small in footprint, but large in collection abilities. I started out my shop with one just like this and by buying a well-built sturdy piece of machinery, they will pay you back. I still use my for small odds and ends and for cutting shell, which have very critical dust capturing requirement. You can manually hook this vacuum up to each piece of equipment as you use it, but you will soon tire of this as I did.
Technical Details of the Shop-Vac 9253310 18-Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Right Stuff Wet/Dry Vacuum
Large rear wheels, with carriage handle and tool storage basket for easy mobility
6.5 HP motor features quiet operation
Includes Tank drain and on board cord storage
Includes 6-foot x 2 1/2-inch LockOn, extension wands, crevice tool, utility nozzle, 14-inch floor nozzle, cartridge filter, high efficiency collection filter bag
1-year warranty
The Last Word:
Don’t underestimate the value of a good dust collection system in your shop. If you purchase a smaller shop vac system and you find yourself getting weary of dragging the vac to each piece of equipment and you start using the equipment without the vacuum, it is time to go with a central unit. Don’t risk your health by breathing in hazardous dust particles.
Please Share Your Experiences:
Do you have a favorite Shop Tool you would like to share with us? Just write a comment and we would all love to hear about it. I’m sure there are other tools that I have not touched upon that are equal in quality to my own experiences.
Tags: dust collector reviews, guitar tools, powermatic pm1900, stationary tools for guitar making
