We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.
From the August 2011 issue #191
Buy this issue now
In April 2011, I blogged about a new dust collector from JET (read it here). I also wrote about the new collector design in the August 2011 (issue #191) “Tool Test” column (download a copy here). The company hung a cone-shaped device in the housing area to improve dust collection by keeping the majority of the dust in the bag and out of the filter – an unclogged filter results in better collection due to better air movement. I was and am convinced that JET’s new design really works.
In the comments to that blog, it was suggested you could simply install an inverted salad bowl to convert any dust collector to the improved version. Half jokingly, I wrote that if anyone did install a salad bowl or other device into a dust collector, I would post photos. Someone did, and here it is.
An e-mail from Tony S:
Glen,
I have a Jet dust collector with the canister filter. I used the photos in your article as the inspiration to retrofit it with a baffle. It took me a while to find the right part at the right price. I found a 14″ wok at the store for $25. I mounted it with a piece of 1/16″ thick perforated steel from the “erector set” section at Home Depot. I mounted it with 1/4″ machine screws and put Locktite on the threads. The wok is suspended from the steel strap with two 1-1/2″ long pieces of 1/2″ copper pipe and held together with long machine screws.
I cleaned as much dust out of the canister filter as I could when I reassembled the dust collector. I planed down a few boards, most notably a 4/4 rough board down to 1/2″. Then I sized up the boards on the table saw and band saw. Milling added 6″ to 8″ of dust to the bag.
It was amazing to see the dust drop to the bottom of the bag. I don’t remember that happening before. I pulled the canister off to see if the baffle had done any good. Much to my surprise, the filter was cleaner than when I installed it! And because of the shape of the wok, no dust collected on its top side.
I think a 14″ wok most closely matches Jet’s Vortex design when compared to other household items such as salad bowls or even a flat piece of steel. The key is to shop around for a cheap wok. Most of the ones I saw were priced around $70.
Thanks,
Tony Strupulis
Nice job, Tony. It actually worked. It’s great to see woodworker innovation and someone stepping out there to give it a try.
I can’t imagine the noise you would have heard if your wok came loose and began flapping against the housing underside. If any other woodworkers attempt to retrofit their collectors with kitchen apparatuses – salad bowls, woks or spatulas – please make sure your connections are secure. And do send photos.
From the August 2011 issue #191
Buy this issue now
