Bosch has a line of dust collectors that have an optional HEPA filter that meets EPA regulations for lead dust collection from .3 microns. This is for the main filter and there is an optional pre filter as well.
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/ItemResults.aspx?catid=1077
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/ItemResults.aspx?catid=13204
Thoughts on this? Do you guys think these would be suitable for CF dust collection?
I also am looking at options for dust collection. Those Bosch units look very small, but .3microns seems good. Look into OSHA health standards for composite dust exposure limits and particle size. I believe the dust we make is about as fine as it gets. Its also very hazardous for prolonged exposure.
Composites World magazine online has a good article on the subject of dust collection. I am still a bit confused as to just how fine of particle filtration we need. I grind and cut every day for at least two hours a day. I need two work stations with collection and a whole shop air system.
http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/dust-collection-expense-or-investment
I found a site that says fiberglass insulation particles can be as small as one micron (one millionth of a meter). So I would think our dust could be finer.
I was looking at the Festool units like that Bosch, and a 5 gal Dust Deputy setup pre filtration.
Dust Deputy works great. I used it for 2 years and allows the hepa filter to stay relatively clean, never had to clean out the shop vac canister.
Upgraded to a large dust collector later.