Harbor Freight 2HP Dust Collector Modification Part 4/3

[@RonClark2000]

I think the canister filter upgrade is a must on these types of dust collectors. I have slight asthma and whenever I would run my HF collector with the old cloth bag, I could tell my shop was just filled with a cloud of super fine dust. For anyone looking at the Wynn filters, or any other that will set you back $200 plus, look for a Donaldson filter P181038. They are meant for the engine compartment on 18 wheelers, yet they are virtually identical to the filters marketed for woodworkers, and are half the price.

[@mikemeadows7312]

I'm looking to get this dust collector from harbor freight, You have given me a option to do instead of the vertical way great video.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Thanks, glad I could help.

[@mikedurkee7296]

Got mine done today! To say "thank you" would be a huge understatement. I just got my HF dust collector mod done CLOSELY based on of yours... I do have to say that mine is fully painted tho' :) I would love to buy you a beer or six!

[@TheSnekkerShow]

That's awesome, glad I could be a part of it. Did your do the filter upgrade too?

[@mikedurkee7296]

@@TheSnekkerShow Yes, I did... odd how the filter costs more than the rest of the FrankenDustCollector :)

[@TheSnekkerShow]

@@mikedurkee7296 On the bright side, I've been using the same filter for more than four years, and my lungs and garage have been a lot less dusty.

[@tobyw9573]

I have seen people use a box fan with a square furnace filter on it to clean their shop air. I have also just run my HF 2HP with a 1 micron bag filter

[@TheSnekkerShow]

1 micron is pretty good. I've tried the box fan method a couple times. Once when I was sanding drywall I dropped some dust on the wrong side of the fan, which then blew it around the room. It can be done, but if not done right it can have the wrong effect.

[@timtattoo100]

Out of all h.f. upgrades I've seen done yours is the simplest and the best. Do you have plans for it or a item list. Would love to this myself. Thanks

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Excellent, thanks for the compliment. I didn’t document any plans except for a rough hand-drawn sketch in the beginning. Tape measures increase the risk of error, so I prefer to just lay out the pieces and mark how long they should be. If you start by laying down the two 4-foot long 4x4 posts and set the motor on top, the rest of the measurements should reveal themselves along the way. The Thien baffle is an exception. I didn’t make a video for that yet because I’d like to record some tests with height and spacing when time permits. I’m pretty sure you can’t do one of these so wrong that it doesn’t separate, but there are a few guidelines to follow for maximum efficiency.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Explain part 4 of 3 Just kidding you added some good info, you should consider a few other things if your D.C. System is not completely living up to your expectations. Increase the size of the intake from the 5 inch on the HF D.C. Or at a minimum removed the restricters in the 5 inch hub. I made a mdf collar and removed the stock collar of the fan and added a 6 inch HVAC $6:00.00 Take off. This really improved my air flow with this connected directly to the suction side of a Supper Dust Deputy, I then used 5 inch suction pipe. Thanks you gave me some great ideas on how to make mine. Thanks for taking the time creat this series of videos. Lane

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Good ideas. If I'm feeling froggy one day I might even make a larger impeller. Without the big stuff passing through it there's less risk of damage.

[@kensvideos5303]

Great job, I just got all the parts today except for the filter, its on its way though. I had also bought the metal trash can before I seen your video. I didnt see where you showed how you cut that out or attached the wood to the metal lid. Im assuming you put caulk of some sort and maybe used sheet metal screws all the way around. I have a few days before I start my project, would like to know how you cut and attached the lid when you get time. Thanks and great job on the mod.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Apologies for the slow reply; it's been a busy week. I didn't go in to detail on the lid, but maybe I should do that in another video. To cut out the lid I just clamped a piece of scrap wood on the top of my angle grinder and used that as a guide to follow around the perimeter - More plywood and less lid is better, because then you have a flat wooden surface to work with. I attached the lid to the plywood with sheet metal screws and construction adhesive (any sealant would do). I cut the plywood diameter to fit inside the trash can so the lid can still seal normally. A circle-cutting jig on the bandsaw makes short work of it, but you could do the same thing with a jigsaw.

[@douglasthompson2740]

It often isn't mentioned but if you open the motor junction box there should be a wiring diagram (might also be a diagram in the back if the instructions). I would like to use a 240 v 20 amp dedicated circuit is why I ask. Thanks. Doug

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I just got home and checked, and I don't see a conversion label on mine. You might be able to find a maintenance manual on the Harbor Freight website.

[@1SGBob1]

What is the overal height now with the filter, not including any shelf you may have added?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

The filter is the tallest part at 68".

[@1SGBob1]

@@TheSnekkerShow Thank you. I am getting closer to finishing mine.

[@TheSnekkerShow]

@@1SGBob1 Cool, let me know how it turns out.

[@douglasthompson2740]

Hello, I was wondering as I plan in the near future to purchase the HF dust collector if that motor is one which is convertible to 240 vac as so many are of that hp? You made some very unique improvements to the system. Had you thought about making the base 'U' shaped by cutting out a slot and adding in another caster base that would 'dock' with your garbage can? Be a perfect setup with your slide fit. That way you wouldn't be carting a full can of sawdust around when dumping it. Just a thought. Very good video series. Take care. Doug

[@TheSnekkerShow]

Good question, I don't remember seeing anything about it in the instructions. That's a good idea about the docking base. I was trying to keep mine simple, and the can filled with dust weighs very little.

[@aticafloorable]

Please can you tell me the brand and model of the filter. thanks

[@TheSnekkerShow]

It's from Wynn Environmental, but I think they've changed the model numbers since I bought mine. wynnenv.com/woodworking-filters/

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I just updated the video description to include the current model number.

[@perlnut]

I haven’t check the other comments but I have the same setup. I used the band holding the 5 micron bag to hold the plastic bag on. Works great. For your overhead air filtration you can find replacements at FilterBuy.com. I got mine there and work great.

[@inocent8969]

Can you share a link for the filter?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

wynnenv.com/woodworking-filters/

[@davemcdowell6026]

How did you connect the 4 x 4 posts to the base?

[@TheSnekkerShow]

I just drilled a hole in the base, and used a 3" deck screw to attach the post. A 1/4" lag bolt would probably be better, but this has been working fine for four years now. It doesn't really get any stress once everything is assembled.

[@davemcdowell6026]

I've watched the videos 3 times. I plan on building the same setup

[@TheSnekkerShow]

@@davemcdowell6026 Thanks. I keep thinking I'll redo the videos with more detail, but time is always a challenge. Good luck with the build.