Penn State DC1B-XL: 1 or 5 Micron Bag?

[David Patnaude]

I am looking to buy a 1 hp dust collector for my home workshop. From the reviews I have found, it seems that the Penn State DC1B-XL might be my best choice. Penn State offers this DC with 1 micron bags for $220 or 5 micron bags for $200. Most other brands come with 30 micron bags.

Since there is a large difference between the Penn State and the other brands, is there a big difference between the 1 and 5 micron bags? The tighter bag probably reduces the airflow even more right? Maybe not a good idea for a 1 hp DC.

My main tools to be connected will be a 13" planer, table saw, router table, and maybe something for my CMS.

Suggestions, comments?

Thanks, Dave

[Bill Rittner]

I have this DC with the 5 micron bags (the 1 micron bags were not available when I bought this machine). For $20 I would recommend the 1 micron bags.

-- Bill Rittner R & B ENTERPRISES

[e-mail]

"Don't take this life too seriously.......nobody gets out alive" (Unknown)

[Wade Lippman]

What is the difference between Penn State and other brands you referred to? I was thinking about Delta's A400. Penn State claims to be quieter, more powerful, and with a 5 micron rather than 30 micron bag, but about $60 more. Is there more to it than that?

What is involved in changing the PS to 240v? The Delta requires a new switch, which is a real turn off.

Thanks.

[David Patnaude]

"Wade Lippman" wrote in news:0cfqb.2919$ [e-mail]:

A few more differences that I see:

The PSI is a 16oz felt bag with triple stitched seams vs a woven bag with single stitch seams. To purchase the PSI 1 micron bag alone is $75.The bags are aslo larger in volume, more surface area.

Higher CFM. PSI states 850 cfm vs 650 cfm for the others. A review I saw listed actual cfm tests for a clean bag and 10' of pipe and also simulated a caked bag and more piping for a central system. The PSI had 665 and 420 cfm where the Delta 50-840 (replaced by AP400 I think) had 440 and 365 cfm.

350 cfm is needed for the majority of my tools.

I also like the option of using 2 - 4" lines from the DC or running just a

5" trunk line.

I am not sure on the noise of the Delta, but I know that this DC will be quieter than my current shop vac setup. A cousin has a Delta in a basement shop and his family does complain. I couldn't find a decibel rating for the Delta to compare the 62 db of the PSI. My shop vac is at 88 db.

I haven't really checked the issue with re-wiring to 220v. That is not an option for me right now, but PSI indicated that it is just a wiring change and not replacing parts.

One question I still have is the amps for each of these. The PSI is listed at 16/8 for 220/110. The Delta is 9/4.5. Usual ruale of thumb is 9 amps per HP. I can't believe that the Delta is that much more efficient of a motor that it can produce 1 HP on only 4.5 amps.

Dave

[Wade Lippman]

Thanks for the input. Somewhere I saw the Delta rated at 84db, though the one I heard in the store sounded more like 70 or so; you could have a conversation near it, but you had to kinda yell. I am also confused by HP and amp ratings. I am looking to buy a saw and Jet's 1.5hp is 18 amps, while deltas is 15amps. I don't know what that means.