: Does anyone have any experience with portable (or semi permanent) dust
: collection systems for a small house basement workshop? It would be used
: on one machine at a time. We're looking at a two dust bag system (2
: micron) with a 1 hp motor. We don't want to build in a major shop system
: but need to reduce the amount of dust we're producing on my boatbuilding
: and my spouse's metal working.

I used to be a shop vac fan. I had one that did a decent job keeping in the dust. Unfortunately, it wouldn't work with my planer, bandsaw, or drill press so it seemed like I was sweeping chips all the time.

Recently I got a portable DC from harbor freight. It's the $99 unit that has one bag hooked to the blower housing @ 650 CFM. WOW, was I surprised at the difference.

For the same $$$ as a new shop vac (which STILL wouldn't work with my planer anyway) I got a quieter (relatively) unit that will handle anything I throw at it (including my planer) for just a little more footprint space. The only thing I need to do is get a better bag for the finer dust from sanding and I'll be set.

For home shop weekend use I'd recommend getting a smaller DC over a shop vac. Either the one I have or something similar. For those who need a bigger unit there's no comparison with a cyclone style big HP dust collector but most of us here don't need that kind of suction or capacity.

Also, don't get sucked into the advertising game for flexible 4" DC hose from the tool store. Dryer vent hose is cheaper, the right size, and works like a charm for $5 instead of $20. It may not last if you send big chunks through the line, but for sawdust it's perfect.