Two new shop additions: Hybrid Table Saw and Cyclone Dust Collector

[kahlid74]

It's been about 7 years with my Contractor starter Ryobi Table saw.  It's worked well as I've done the recommended adjustments/Freud Diablo blades etc but I decided it was time to splurge and go powerful, bigger, more accurate and quieter.  I wasn't ready to drop 1-3k on a cabinet saw as I'm still building a CNC machine so I decided a nice step up would be a Ridgid Hybrid Saw.  The hybrid saws are basically a cross between a contractor and a cabinet saw.  I got the Ridgid R4512 from Home Depot.  The price was $500 but I used the Harbor freight 20% off coupon to get it to $400 and then I had a Home Depot coupon for an additional 25% due to a previous purchase with them that never panned out.  So I got it for $300 which was a steal IMO.  The reviews are mostly positive for it as long as you do your PMs, etc.

Plugged it in and it's probably half the db as the Ryobi wass.  Cuts like a beast too.  Very happy.  Next purchase will be the Incra 52" fence system.  Also bought a diablo blade for this immediately.


I've posted on here a few times about dust in the workshop and the fine dust particles that can make your life shorter than it should be and I thought it was about time I upgraded my dust collection system.  While my air purifier works well and my Shop Vacuum I lug around works well too, I was getting tired of lugging it around and not having enough suction power to pull the really fine dust from cutting.  So I started looking at what was available.  I found the Penn State Tempest line affordable with a good amount of suction for the shop and I also found the Oneida systems good as well.  From my reading I had to have a cyclone for dust separation and I had to get Merv 15 or higher filters to really trap the fine dust flying around.

While the Penn State and Oneida systems were good, I found their price to power a little lack luster and decided to dig a little deeper.  I found the Clearvue system and liked their higher HP motor and ramp system inside the cyclone.  The price was also on par with the Penn State/Oneida systems but you had to build the Clearvue system your self.  I wasn't too keen on this but then I found a coupon for 15% off the clearvue and got their electrical box for free and purchase was made.

I mounted it to my basement wall and got it all wired up and holy crap does this thing suck.  I've got a friend in Madison whose purchasing the Spiral ducting and then we'll install it and be rocking.




Video of it in action - It's super freaking loud.

[TopJimmyCooks]

awesome.  that was a hot deal on that TS.  doesn't look like anything's wrong with the fence either.  Incra is very nice though. 

I used to have piped DC in my old shop but i never set it up in the new one.  I don't WW as much so hard to get motivated.  You're doing it right though.  Build a little closet around it to keep the Db's down. 

[wp34]

I've had my eye on that exact same saw.  I don't like the fence though and when I start thinking about upgrading it a 1k cabinet saw looks a little more affordable.  I've been on the "fence" with this purchase for months so I was real happy to see your posting.  More food for thought.

The mobile base on your saw can't be beat.  It is just fantastic.   You can move that saw around very easily with those casters and since it sits on its legs when it is stationary it is very solid.

I'm impressed you got it at that price.  That makes it a no-brainer.   

[monkeychunkuk]

I so wish I had the room for that great setup

[RandyT]

I didn't get quite the deal you did, but I also just recently invested in the Craftsman version of that saw when it went on sale.  I've seen some complaints which were a couple of years old, but am guessing that most of the initial manufacturing bugs have been ironed out by now.  I have nothing but good things to say about it.  Quiet, powerful, nearly free of vibration, excellent fence and the option to connect it up to 220v if your shop has it available.  Took a while to assemble and tune in though.

It may not be fine woodworking grade out of the box, but it's definitely the nicest tablesaw I have ever owned.  Made a few cuts on some 1/16" plexi using a 60-tooth finishing blade, and I couldn't find a single visible chip on the edges!

[wp34]

The price was $500 but I used the Harbor freight 20% off coupon to get it to $400

I've struck out at two Home Depots so far.  I've heard it is very hit and miss with them.  Any tips on how you got them to take the Harbor Freight Coupon?

Also the latest issue of Handyman has a 25% off Harbor Freight coupon in it if anyone else is interested.

[CaptainMarvel]

  Cuts like a beast too.  Very happy.  Next purchase will be the Incra 52" fence system.  Also bought a diablo blade for this immediately.

That is an awesome table saw, for sure .... and the fence system that comes with it is actually really good/strong, in my opinion.   However, seeing as how you mentioned you're looking to upgrade - and to possibly help you save some money - I thought you might be interested in the idea of constructing your own DIY TABLE SAW FENCE SYSTEM using aluminum t-slot extrusions.

Just an FYI for ya.     

[CaptainMarvel]

The price was $500 but I used the Harbor freight 20% off coupon to get it to $400

I've struck out at two Home Depots so far.  I've heard it is very hit and miss with them.  Any tips on how you got them to take the Harbor Freight Coupon?

Ironically, I asked that very same question some time ago - and managed to develop an ongoing discussion on this very topic over at the Garage Journal Forums ---> Using Harbor Freight 20% Coupon @ Home Depot



Hope that helps you out a bit.

[wp34]

LOL - I actually looked at your thread the other night when I got home from being turned down by HD.  Glad to see you are a member here as well.  Thanks for posting.   

The price was $500 but I used the Harbor freight 20% off coupon to get it to $400

I've struck out at two Home Depots so far.  I've heard it is very hit and miss with them.  Any tips on how you got them to take the Harbor Freight Coupon?

Ironically, I asked that very same question some time ago - and managed to develop an ongoing discussion on this very topic over at the Garage Journal Forums ---> Using Harbor Freight 20% Coupon @ Home Depot



Hope that helps you out a bit.

[Sparkolicious]

Way to go! Really nice deal! I have several Rigid tools in the shop. Bandsaw, Drill press, pneumatic stapler, wet/dry vac, various hand tools, etc. Have never had any trouble with any of them.

[Rick]

I love my Dust Deputy. At $75, it was a steal, and works amazingly well with my Shop Vac. Congrats on the vortex vac attachment!

[wp34]

Third time is the charm apparently .  I was able to buy my Rigid saw tonight at Home Depot using the 20% Harbor Freight coupon.  This time instead of asking a manager or floor salesman about the coupon I asked a cashier who agreed to honor the coupon.   

[kahlid74]

Third time is the charm apparently .  I was able to buy my Rigid saw tonight at Home Depot using the 20% Harbor Freight coupon.  This time instead of asking a manager or floor salesman about the coupon I asked a cashier who agreed to honor the coupon.

Yeap, it's hit or miss.  Keep your eyes out for the elusive 25% coupon too, it's more rare than the 20% but works just the same.

There is one girl who always honors it and she honors it on my whole sale, which is kind of like cheating, but $25 back for a $100 trip is awesome.

[kahlid74]

I finally started putting up the ducting for the dust collector.  The thing about it is you typically spend as much on ducting as you did on the dust collection system itself.

I choose spiral ducting as it's super strong, 24ga.  Remember if you do install a system like this NEVER use regular ducting from a big box store.  It will basically implode and can damage your dust collection system.  Only ever use high grade PVC or spiral ducting 24ga or stronger.  The main pipe system is 6" until blast gates and then after blast gates it tapers down to 4" with flexible hoses to each station/machine.  Remember when designing this you always want gradual curves as any sharp 90 degree turn can reduce your suction by half if not more.  When splitting always use 45 degree angles.  They provide the best continuous air suction.

Main Pipe leading away from Clearvue Cyclone:


Pipe continued:


Blast gate at first station, this is an air hook up for my main standing working bench:


Here's the drop for the work bench:

[TopJimmyCooks]

Are you going to put mastic or tape on the joints?  you might run it for a while without and see if you get any clogs - depends on how often you suck up little slivers and long splinters, etc.

[kahlid74]

Are you going to put mastic or tape on the joints?  you might run it for a while without and see if you get any clogs - depends on how often you suck up little slivers and long splinters, etc.

Great question, that was the start of the build.  I have since finished.  For these type of systems you want to use a super sticky Foil tape and for big areas use a silicone caulk.  I'll take some more pictures of the completed system.

Edited:
Added finished pictures:

[wp34]

Next purchase will be the Incra 52" fence system. 

Just curious if you ended up upgrading your fence?  If so would you mind posting some pics?  I'm looking to upgrade the fence on my R4512.