I debated at length before choosing to use a Dust Deputy 2.5 and the Karcher Vacuum (It’s like a Festool Vac) vs using a large cyclone.
I landed on the DD and the Vacuum because I didn’t want the noise of the cyclone, nor be running a 3HP machine for hours/days only to service the CNC.
I have to admit that I was a little concerned that it would not be effective.
I tested the system last night with a 2" surfacing bit and a deep cut (MDF top surface had got wet and swelled) and I am pleased to report that using the combination along with a Nighthawk (Sola Fide designs) dust boot, I saw ZERO dust. Really quite incredible.
In summary, a good shop vac with SMOOTH BORE 2.5" flexible tube (available from Oneida) and the Dst Deputy provides more that sufficient flow.
To eliminate any remaining doubt, look at the photograph and you will see that directly behind the machine is a 4" dust port that is one of the drops to the 3HP Cyclone (Oneida) that services the rest of the shop. It is not being used
I have the same setup except the Nighthawk (using the suck it) and it too works to fully remove all chips and dust. I have the Night hawk on order as the Suckit is a pain, I prefer the dust hood moves with the spindle.
Thanks, Pat
Super nice setup! I ordered my Elite Foreman 2 days ago. Just curious which spindle you’re using, and also how did you come to choose the Karcher Vacuum over the Festool or Fein models? I am unfamiliar with the Karcher brand and would like to hear your thought process in case it’s something I need to consider for mine as well. Thanks!
Yes. The original he sent out to me did not but before I could even use it (was waiting for the Elite). He apologized profusely that the beefier Z was causing a problem and shipped out a replacement. Really have nothing but positive things to say about the experience.
The new version has a narrower top to allow clearance with the Z axis and because it’s narrower (and to maintain strength) the new piece is cut from Polycarbonate instead of Acrylic.
So great to hear that the Karcher/Deputy/Nighthawk combo work so efficiently at dust control. I have the same setup (Foreman any day now, Karcher vac, RR Hose boom and 2.5" Nighthawk) except using Dust Stopper instead of the Dust Deputy… A few questions about your setup if you don’t mind…
What surfacing bit are you using? I was afraid to purchase a 2" surfacing bit for fear there wouldn’t be enough space to clear the brushes.
Is there any advantage to attaching the hose boom to the rear right (like you have it) vs the left side?
Also, I see you have a hose clamp attached to the spindle itself. Did your boom setup come with 5 clamps or did you find the need to add that additional clamp separately for stability?
Lastly, are you running the Karcher at full power or did you find it could be run effectively at lower speeds? In my testing of the Karcher, I find it does output quite a bit of heat when running at full power. I may switch to my Dewalt Stealthsonic vac as it’s even quieter than the Karcher and test to see if it runs any cooler.
It’s cheap and I had it lying around from a slab flattening job I had a while ago.
It did the trick with no complaints.
Boom can go on either side. Access was easier on that side for mine given the corner
I am not sure I need that clamp. The boot has strong magnets and I think I could just omit it
At the moment running on full power but i have only done one cut so not really had time to test it. It’s not that loud anyway (especially under the table). It worked so well in this case that I would not be surprised to see it turned down to 25% and still perform
Is there an 2.5" adapter required at the vacuum to connect to the hose coming off the dust deputy? Looking at a variety of vacuums and I don’t see any that come standard with 2.5" hose. I have a Festool dust extractor and it is approximately 1.5". I’d like to use it for CNC set up if possible.
Piggybacking onto this thread as I just came to a similar solution, except I am using the stock, z-axis-independent, dust boot for deep cuts like 3D carvings. And for $140 I got the DeWALT “Stealthsonic Quiet Vacuum” (DXV12P-QT). Both the DeWALT and my OG Shop Vac 2.5" hoses plugged right into the Dust Deputy 2.5 sitting on top of a 20 gallon Rubbermaid.
This vacuum’s performance is outstanding, collecting ALL dust, even for MDF surfacing. And, all I can say is WOW this vacuum is exceptionally quiet. I won’t attempt to quantify the results, as there are plenty of videos online with decibel meters demonstrating its quietness. However, I can attest first-hand that it’s as quiet, if not quieter, than the 1HP dust collector motor.
This and it’s considerably less expensive than a Fein and didn’t require a second mortgage like a Festool vacuum.
I am wondering if you have tried the Dewalt Supersonic? I am looking at options of quiet vacs to buy and I am currently debating between a makita VC4210L or the Dewalt StealthSonic. Thanks.
I am using a dedicated stealth sonic on my elite journeyman with the nighthawk dust boot and a 2 1/2” hose with a dust deputy in between and the Makita router. Works just fine and so much quieter than my rigid shop vac.
What little bit of chips that leak out over the sides of the project gets picked up on the profile pass. When cutting mdf there is virtually no dust left on the table at all.
