Dust Collector Cycle Time

I turn it on when I've got the saw set up, turn it off when I'm done cutting. Meanwhile it circulates air, takes out the fines, and in the winter adds some heat (well, it does it in the summer too but that's not so much fun).

If it's a decent dust collector then it should come up to speed as fast as any other power tool. Shouldn't be an problems with letting it run except that a big one can chew up the kilowatt-hours pretty fast.

Motors have a duty cycle, or a number or times they should be starter per hour. Larger motors tend to have lower cycles, such as 6 starts per hour on a big compressor. Rather that stop and start every couple of minutes, just let it run between cuts. It puts less train on the motor, won't have that big electric draw on startup and allows all the dust to get sucked into the bag.

Get an accurate fence and you can eliminate 85% or more of your secondary cuts.

I know that the Oneida system we have actually says let it run for at least 5 minutes once started.

Once I fire up the DC, I let it run until I'm done in the shop.

A couple things that might be different for me...

2) I almost always use ear protection when I have machines going.

Even without those points, I'd still let it run...start up costs for a 2hp motor are not insignificant.

Mike

Thanks to all who replied. Since several posts mentioned running costs I wondered whether you have your dust collectors on 110 or 220 volts. As far as I know the cost is the same but I think the 220v has other advantages. Any input?

After a few years on 120v, I converted my (Penn State) DC to 220v. It was fairly easy to do as the motor has a diagram and the special plug was inexpensive. I don't really notice much difference other than smoother starts. I have a wireless remote for easy on/off. I've read that 220v is more efficient than 110v but I converted mainly to help extend the life of the motor. So far, so good--the motor is going on its 17th year of daily use.

The main advantage is that at 220 volts the motor draws 1/2 the amperage as when wired for 110 volt. This allows you to use smaller gauge wire.

My DC is from Harbor Freight and takes a pretty good surge to start/wind up, so I usually turn it on just before I turn on whatever machine it's hooked up to and leave it on after I'm done sawing or whatever.. Before I shut it down I stick a 2 1/2" vac hose with adapter into the DC hose, vacuum the tool and floor and then shut off the DC..

I've always felt that the hardest normal use for most tools is the startup, so I tend to leave things running until I'm done with them..

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing