SNW58- Should you upgrade to a Wynn dust collector canister filter?

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This is an edited version of a longer video that originally appeared as episode #45. Here we present the material dealing with types of filters and why you should upgrade to a canister.

[@jamesbrunk9817]

I don’t know if comments that come in 7 years after the video are valuable, but I just upgraded to a Wynn filter on a small Jet collector and it made a world of difference. No dust escaping and greater suction too! Thanks James.

[@hardnox6655]

I upgraded a year ago because of the other video you posted, Thanks for that. Wynne makes a great filter and it improved my duct collection measurably. No fine dust either. It's a breeze to clean too!

[@cathysoldan6540]

Thank you for this video, I'm finishing up my shop and have been taking your suggestions on many things. Love your easy to understand explanations.

[@zenbooter]

A bit more hip than I was at the outset, like remembering a good deal of what I forgot, thanks to you and everyone.

[@WigWagWorkshop]

Awesome show! Been looking to upgrade the duct collection, for my workshop. I really appreciate the knowledge share. -Steven

[@jeffjohnson2792]

One thing I would recommend doing with this filter. Put some dowel rods inside that to from metal rim to metal rim. If you use threaded rod with wing nuts to hold it to your adapter (we made one out of a plywood cut doughnut), the dowels keep the filter from crushing.

[@meanders9221]

I upgraded my Delta single-stage DC with a Wynn filter, that helped. A few months later I added a large Dust Deputy cyclone/steel drum combo, big help! A few more months and I moved the whole rig outside to get more shop space, and moved the air compressor along with it. Now I don't need a filter at all, do I? Almost nothing reaches the filter now so it seems a little pointless. I might be the one woodworker who regrets buying the Wynn filter... :)

[@leapinglemurcraftworks6426]

Great information/explanation - thanks Scott

[@inthewoodworksco.9041]

Great video. Very helpful. I'm considering buying a new dust collector and the ones that I am looking at come with 2 micron or 3 micron filters. Do you think that is adequate for catching most of the fine dust? Or is it better to go with a 1 micron filter? Thanks.

[@nbichsel1]

as I do more in my house this is exactly what I needed to know!

[@martingrip1286]

Thank you, thank you, Just received my filter and what a difference. WOW

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Good info Stumpy.

[@fredmeyer3063]

I have a Delta single stage dust collector. Until a year or two ago, I had the old 'dust distributor' felt bag. When searching for an upgrade, I found a Powertec felt bag with a 1 micron rating. I'm curious if you think that such a rating is believable for a felt bag? It seems to be a real improvement over the old Delta bag, but I still don't think it is catching everything.

[@johnwinfrey9827]

Do you have the video for your "work bench", not the roubo table but the stool? I can't find it on your channel.

[@axeman2638]

potentially life saving information, thanks.

[@PaganWizard]

Considering I picked up my Jet dust collector (unused) at an estate sale for $50, one of these would be a very affordable upgrade, and I would still come in under the retail price of the collector, for the entire package.

[@fredericksworkshop4595]

So how about instead of a filter I duct out of the workshop to the great outdoors. I have a shed workshop that I am in the process of setting up, currently no dust collection yet. If I get cheap Harbor Freight system, add a chip collector and vent to outside, will this negatively affect the suctions? Or help increase since the crappy bag won't be attached?

[@robcook6120]

I ran filter bags for a long time after my home built cyclone. Then it occurred to me to just run the post cyclone air out side! No filters to clean or buy, no back pressure from the filters, and I got more room in the shop!

[@StumpyNubs]

Rob Cook Bill Pentz (whom I believe is a dust collection guru) says that the most efficient, safest way to do it is to capture the chips with a cyclone or separator INSIDE, and then vent it OUTSIDE. However, people with close neighbors, or who heat/air condition their shops may have problems doing that. So the Wynn filter is the second best option. A lot of woodworkers have done this upgrade, and I have never met one who regrets it!

[@greghetzler9266]

Hello Stumpy. I own a HF single bag dust collector and was ready to order a filter for backup. What if I store this backup bag on a dual 4" exhaust manifold at the exhaust port fitting of the dust collector? My garage collector system has a 40gal 'chip' collector barrel at the inlet. My runs are 4" SDR-21 being of 3 to 15-FT length. My thought is better to use it than lose it.

[@danaparish1644]

Stumpy, are you saying that by using that smaller round cartridge (clipped to the bottom of the main filter) that there’s no need for a main “dust bag” under the big cartridge filter anymore?

[@pamelahoward4664]

My friend was watching this Video. He saw the Canister filter and asked if this was correct. I said Yes, So he wanted to know if he had two Canister's on top of one another, would help increase the actual suction he is currently getting. He currently has a Shop Fox W1685 with a Bag filter.

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Good information.

[@321southtube]

Thanks so much. Awesome video. I have a "HF" dust collector and because of the wonderful useful information you've given me...I'm not even bothering to put on the filter bag. My dust deputy coupled with the upgraded HF unit should work well. I do have 2 questions. Wynn has two nano filters that will work. One with a fixed top....and one with a removable top. Which is better for my application? Secondly, the add on filter...can that be affixed to the area where the plastic bag goes? In advance....Thanks

[@sacredgaming3174]

Did you ever figure this out? Most of the information is years old.

[@percyfaith11]

Removable top makes it easier to clean the inside of the filter without filter removal; per Wynn site. Add on filter should be above where the dust enters the collector, not below it.

[@josephromero1596]

Can I add a cartridge filter horizontally? I have small Wen 1 hp 660 CFM mounted underneath work bench as my system is integrated into workbench, collector is mounted upside down so filter bag runs horizontally behind blower instead of vertically below it- is there a way to use canister with this set up??

[@anthonyortiz7924]

Where's the dust collection section? I couldn't find it on the website.

[@hasmukhvpatel4539]

good info.thank you Canada.

[@fubartotale3389]

There are less expensive versions of this filter. Same efficiency rating, but lacking the clamps, which you can buy separately from Wenn, or you can find something from De Sta Co.

[@jim_no_rulers]

A friend of mine removed his bag filter and put an exhaust for the dust to go outside. He just leaves it in a pile until he's ready to use it for compost etc, but I'm guessing a box or something could be built that would let the air pass freely, maximizing the airflow, while keeping the dust from blowing everywhere.

[@StumpyNubs]

jim187187 Bill Pentz (whom I believe is a dust collection guru) says that the most efficient, safest way to do it is to capture the chips with a cyclone or separator INSIDE, and then vent it OUTSIDE. However, people with close neighbors, or who heat/air condition their shops may have problems doing that. So the Wynn filter is the second best option. A lot of woodworkers have done this upgrade, and I have never met one who regrets it!

[@jim_no_rulers]

Stumpy Nubs Good points. Both seem like good systems, definitely better than dragging around the shop-vac like I do now... Thanks for sharing!

[@yt66228]

I exhaust mine to the outside. No filters no expense no problems going on 20 years now. I only clean out the collection barrel. This is 100% hepa filtration.

[@fubartotale3389]

You must not have to heat or cool your shop. Cause you're just treating the outside if you do. Not only that but where does your inside air come from? The outside where you are pushing all that dust. Just sayin...

[@l3ender15]

When you say a filter increases airflow, does that means it decreases suction? Is that better for some tools (planer, table saw) but worse for some? I am so new to dust collection I feel like I know nothing. Thanks for the info!

[@darrowfortheprosecution1404]

Don't feel alone i3ender. Suction is a misnomer in the business of dust collecting and home vacuuming. Suction has NEVER moved a single piece of dirt into a vacuum cleaner bag. The only thing that does that is airflow. Let me take you thru a sales demonstration of an in home Kirby Vacuum cleaner salesman. The first thing they sell you on in the house is the massively powerful electric motor on this machine. Yes, it IS among the MOST powerful in the industry but it has NOTHING to do with how much dirt can be taken from the floor to the bag. If the filter bag is clogged, no amount of fan power will move air thru the filter. It is clogged. Ask your wife or significant other domestic goddess about this and she will tell you that if a vacuum stops picking up dirt, just give the bag a quick shuffle with the hand (temporarily removing accumulated dust from the bags pores) and the machine will again start to pick p dirt, not for too long though. Only a clean bag will solve the issue of airflow. A new bag will instantly restore the machine back to its In House Demonstration performance. Airflow, that those technical issue which affect it are ALL you need to know in order to keep the machine going.

[@adamelekes]

Hello Stumpy, Can you tell us about the durability/lifespan of these cartridge filters? Thank you

[@11211lcb]

Mine is over 10 years old, a Jet pleated filter, so far so good.

[@tr48092]

I really like your videos and your video style, and while I consider this video to be some great advice, I have a question: Why can't I just set up a dust collector that blows all of the dust outside?

[@StumpyNubs]

Travis Fontaine - You can if your neighbors, and the EPA don't mind. :) A better idea would be to use a cyclone to catch all the mess, and vent what's left, without a filter outside.

[@brucejohnson1264]

You could, but you won't be able to heat or cool your shop effectively if you do that. Thats a ton of cold or hot air to be blowing outside.

[@robertbarcus1963]

For the ultimate dust extraction machine get a 350 600 hp chevy motor that has a K&N filter attached. That will take care of any dust you have in your shop:) Just add your choice of dust collector, to said motor.

[@StumpyNubs]

Robert Barcus - Sounds good to me!

[@ahauber11]

Robert Barcus Actually, Bob, all you need to do is to put a coat of fresh varnish on your mother in laws favorite end table and it will instantly collect any dust that may be in the shop.

[@streetgliude07]

I have a shop fox w1666 what canister can I buy

[@steverochon1620]

When you say you're putting together a new dust collection section at your web site, shall I assume it's not there yet? I looked and could not find anything. But if that section is loke my tape measure or pencil, right in front of me and I can't find it, would you mind sending a link...or really great hint? Thanks!

[@caskwith]

How do you clean the cartridge style filters?

[@StumpyNubs]

caskwith You just blow compressed air from the outside, which dislodges the dust buildup on the inside surface. They last forever.

[@kjburke58]

can you clean these type of filters to re use them

[@StumpyNubs]

Kevin B Yes, in fact the Wynn filters don't use paddles inside to beat them clean like others. You just blow compressed air from the outside, which dislodges the dust buildup on the inside surface. They last forever.

[@watermain48]

Can you clean these filters or do they have to be replaced when they clog up? Thanks

[@StumpyNubs]

You can clean them very easily without even removing them. You just blow compressed air from the outside in. The dust in the filter drops into the collection bag.

[@watermain48]

Thanks.

[@charlesbattle4380]

WHERE CAN I GET THESE FILTERS. WYNN IS IN BACKORDER STATUS.

[@tleone911]

I don't have heat or A/C in my shop. I'm up in the mountains.

[@darrowfortheprosecution1404]

"...up in the mountains." Then you are guilty of defiling the sanctity of the mountains.

[@jasonyuhase5036]

Brah has lathes on top of lathes...

[@percyfaith11]

Well to be correct it is a blower and a sucker at the same time. You can't have one without the other.

[@dbnoho]

I just scored a jet 1100 for cheap at a public auction. Now I’m torn between picking up the jet filter. The Wynn or a Donaldson. Anyone watching this video in 2022 with some input?

[@tooljunkie555]

hey stumpy, i have the harbor freight d/c ..and have a SUCKY bag. where can i get the nano cartridge filter?? PLEASE HELP!!

[@StumpyNubs]

Joe basementwoodworking - wynnenv.com/woodworking-filters/

[@tooljunkie555]

Stumpy Nubs thank you sir! Cant wait to get the cartridge now after watching this vid. I was getting ready to spray a couple cans of spray adhesive in my bag to try and prevent the dust from coming out..lol

[@tooljunkie555]

I wonder if that would actually work. Haha

[@StumpyNubs]

Joe basementwoodworking - Nope.

[@tooljunkie555]

Stumpy Nubs darn! It didnt show a price...do u know what price range om looking at for a cartridge filter?

[@AussieBobL]

I have a research background in ultra clean dust free laboratory design/construction/monitoring..A few years ago I retired from this job and tested dozens of shop filters (Cloth, needle felt (BF) and pleated filters (PF) ) and DCs using laboratory rated gear and much of what you are saying in this video is incorrect. 1) Provided all filters are kept clean the PFs I tested don't provide a DRAMATIC increase in flow, at best they provide about a 10% increase in flow. 2) The filtration efficiency (micron rating) of PF is indeed better than cloth bags, but on average only slightly better that the thinner style NFs and no better then the thicker NF bags. Some cheaper style PFs were worse than some thick PFs. Only the higher Merv Rated PFs performed better than NF. 3) The limiting factor in most small shop DC systems is not the filters, it is the use of 4" ducting and impeller and machinery inlets/outlets. 4" ducting only allows about 400 CFM to flow. If these systems are converted to 6" the increase in air flow does then rise dramatically. Far more dramatically than anything else PFs do have one major advantage over NF filters and that is they take longer to clog up and can also be cleaned in situ. The biggest factor I found with all DC systems is that no matter how good the filters and ducting were, all DCs eventually leak and some leaks will contaminate a shop in minutes. Most of these leaks could not be seen nd required a high sensitivity dust particle counter to find. All this is why locating/venting a DC outside a shop is still the best way to minimise dust in shops. Admittedly where I am located in Australia we have the weather to do this all year round. The best you guys in cold countries do is get the best filters but make sure you attend to at least the visible I have also tested shop vacs, these are even worse than DCs but that is a whole other topic

[@woodworxcreations9218]

+Bob Loss Hi Bob Loss, Have you ever tested a Wynn cannister filter or are you assuming that they are the same as other cannister filters you have tested? Since you made such a big deal out of your research background I feel that if you had tested a Wynn filter you would have referred to it specifically rather than mentioning that you have tested "dozens of shop filters" of unidentified brand or quality. Don't you think it is a bit presumptuous to cast aspersions upon a product that you have not actually tested? Did you even look at their website to see if they were any different to the ones you had tested before?

[@StumpyNubs]

+Bob Loss - You start with a faulty premise. Pleated filters are better because they provide about 10 times the surface area. The more surface area, the more air that can flow through the system, and the finer the "holes" can be without bogging the system down. Its common sense, and its backed up by hundreds of woodworkers who have actually tried it on their singe stage dust collectors and reported good results. But hey, I don't sell filters. If you don;t want to believe it, it doesn't bother me...

[@AussieBobL]

I am well aware of greater area pleated filters provide and have used hundreds of these filters in my previous job.In just one lab we had 70 medical grade pleated HEPA filters that filtered to 99.9997% at 0.3 microns. The surface area does indeed make a HUGE difference provided the DC is capable of delivering the added airflow. The problem is the use of 4" ducting - lets throw the filters out the window and look at the DC alone. My testing on a generic 2HP DC with 4" ducting attached will pull no more that about 440 CFM. Adding pleased filters CANNOT provide more air than this but inside reduces the air flow to about 430 CFM. Adding thick needle felt bags reduces the flow to about 400 CFM so a whopping 30 CFM (~7.5%) improvement. If the inlets and outlets of the 2HP DC are modified to accept 6" ducting according to this mod (www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=171247) the flow rates can be improved considerably but the % increase in air flow of a PF over a NF on such a system only incrreaes from the 7.5% to about 10%. I would hardly call that dramatic. Accurate air flow measurements are very tricky to make so 100s of woodworkers can be fooled by use of these filters because they have no way of making accurate measurements. A few have propellor type flow meters but these are not accurate for sir flow measurements in ducts. I'll believe measurements made by lab grade instrumentation well before 100's of woodworkers. As far as the better fine filtering goes that is generally the case for the more expensive PFs when the filters are brand new (thats usually how they are tested) but within minutes it's not the filter media that is producing the filtration but the fine dust itself embedded in the filter media that produces the filtration.This is called filter conditioning. In practice the longer the filter collects dust the finer the dust it collects. After about an hour of use the thicker NF filters produce the same level of filtration as the PFs. The added surface are of some of the cheaper PFs (with poorer filtration) take many hours to condition so will release sub 1 micron dust for many hours. For all new DCs and filters I recommend placing a bucket of fine saw dust into the collector bag and placing the DC outside and running it for at least a hour, 3 hours for cheaper units. Manufacturers performance specs are usually measured to an agreed standard but often the agreed standard is plain wrong. A case in point are the airflows reported for generic 2HP DCs. The standard claim is 1200 CFM. This test is perfumed without any filters or ducting attached to the impeller input and more importantly is performed using a single air speed measurement in the middle of the air flow. As soon as one 4" duct is attached the flow drops dramatically to !~400 CFM. Likewise the 3HP/13" DCs that use 6" ducting claiming 2000+CFM. 6" ducting limits the flow to about 1250 cfm - conventional DCs simply cannot pull more air through this ducting. The result of using 4" ducting is that shops are fogged with fine dust because the airflows are not high enough. After 4" ducting the next limiting step comes from the ports on machines. Just turning the 4" into a 6" port is not enough as the machines are usually too throttled to use the extra capacity. To take advantage of this machine ports have to be opened up considerably.

[@AussieBobL]

I don't need to make any measurements of specific filters to support my claims. There's nothing wrong with the filters - they are good to great but none of them produce a dramatic improvement in air flow. The problem is with the DCs they are attached to and the ducting sizes used - they simply do not provide the flow or pressure that these filters are capable of utilising. Adding a PF to a conventional small DC is like adding a 2" tap to a 1/2" hose and expecting more water to come out. Manufacturers of course won't say this. For more details look a my response below. PFS do have one major advantage in that they do not completely clog as quickly (this is where larger area counts). From this point alone I believe that makes them worth using. Most PF users I surveyed upgraded from well used bags. They were not regular cleaners of bags so instead of comparing the air flow through a clean cloth or needle felt bag with a new PF, they compare the flow through a dirty clogged cloth bag with a new PF - no wonder they think they improve air flow.

[@StumpyNubs]

+Bob Loss You are mixing several issues here. First, it is not JUST about how much airflow you get with a pleated filter compared to a bag filter, it is about how much airflow in addition to greatly improved filtration. If you were replacing a 5 micron bag with a 5 micron filter and then only get a 25 CFM increase, that would be one thing. But this is about replacing a 5 micron bag with a MUCH higher level of filtration, which is ONLY possible with a pleated filter because a bag style filter provides far too little surface area for fine filtration. Second, this video is about filters, not duct size. So I am not going to debate duct size except to tell you that it is NOT a good idea to modify these single stage collectors to accept 6" duct work because the blowers are simply not capable of generating enough pressure in larger ducts to keep them free from dust buildup, which is a fire hazard. Second, the reason people test USED & DIRTY filter bags rather than new and clean is because the manufactures REQUIRE a filter bag to be caked with dust to achieve the stated filtration level. That's why they tell you never to wash those filters. So it is pointless to test them clean. I don't think we disagree on everything you are saying, I think we are just saying it in different ways. Even so, I appreciate your well thought out point of view, and I am leaving your comments on here so others may read them and make their own decision. But I can't have this turn into a debate. If it does, I will have to delete the thread. Thank you again for taking the time to educate others with your very reasonable and well stated point of view. It will add the the volume of information available, which is the purpose of this video to begin with.

[@davidhansen2740]

I just bought one of these filters for my HF dust collector and I'm waiting for it to arrive. What's the process to clean the filter when the time comes? Do you just blow it out with a compressor?

[@StumpyNubs]

Blow from the outside with compressed air.

[@mc_pyro5269]

no cold ones waiting for stumpy heads will roll! good info on why bags suck at sucking

[@downtownbrown50]

Empazema!

[@lukejohnson2854]

(2:28) 'I'm not a doctor, but I do pretend to be one from time to time.' ZINGER... subscribe.

[@downtownbrown50]

Go tigers!

[@FlyinSwabbie]

Take it from a guy with 50% FVC IPF, which will never get better and will get worse. Filter your shop air. JustDoIt.