Oneida Mini Gorilla Cyclone Dust Collection

[Jeff Biss]

I am getting ready to purchase a new dust collector. I think that I am leaning towards a cyclone dust collector namely the Oneida Mini Gorilla. I have a fairly small basement shop (approximately 12X15X7ft (drop ceiling) and the portablity would be nice. I intend to use it primarily to collect lathe dust, but would also be using it to occasionally hook up to small table saw, 14 in bandsaw, 12 portable planer as I use them. I have been overwhelmed by all of the information regarding cyclones, cannister and bag systems. I am wondering if the Mini-Gorilla is going to be powerful enough for my application? Are cyclones that much better? Are cyclones that much safer in terms of human health and dust collection? Considering the expense, would I be better of buying the Powermatic 1300 that is on sale now? Or is the grizzly portable cyclone worth looking at? I guess that I really want to make sure that the Mini-G is going to perform well enough given the cost. Please feel free to offer your input.

[Adam Slutsky]

Jeff:

I have a similar sized shopt 13x18x7 and (after much deliberation) went with a 2hp super dust gorilla from Ondeida. Before that I had been using a shop vac with an Oneida Dust Deputy. I bought the larger system from them since I was really impressed with the little dust deputy. I'm glad I have it since my shop is also in the basement and I really need to contain the dust from getting into the rest of the house. However, it is probably overkill and I could have done with a portable dust collector like the one you are considering. It is convenient to have all the machines hooked up to the dust collector but the piping is also a lot of work (and cost) to install. Don't forget to purchase an air filter in addition to the dust collector to get the fine dust that inevitably escapes.

[Mike Archambeau]

Are cyclones better? You bet they are! By taking out the dust before the air hits the filter, the collector just keeps on doing its job. I went with the V3000 with Hepa filter. Now working dust free and lovin every minute of it. Oneida builds a great product. Just be sure to get one big enough to handle the job. With a small shop you can put the collector close to all your machines, so even if you move the hose from machine to machine and you switch tasks, it is no problem. You can set a V3000 stationary, but centrally located, and reach all your machines with a flex hose, one at a time. That way you dont have to move the collector, just the hose.

[Thom Sturgill]

I don't own either system, but from their sites -

The Oneida does not include the stand and is has 5" hose. It is made in America with a Baldor motor.

The grizzly G0703 includes a frame that has rollers and can handle 6" pipe but has a 5" reducer (only needed if used at 110v and results in breaker tripping at startup). It also includes a waste drum and larger filter allowing for more airflow - (770cfm vs 600cfm if you believe their measurements). It also includes a remote control and is quieter (65db vs 76db). Made in Taiwan.

Both can be wired for 220v. but come wired for 110v.

I know which one I'll go for.

[Jeff Hamilton Jr.]

I don't own either system, but from their sites -

The Oneida ... is made in America with a Baldor motor.

The grizzly G0703 includes a frame that has rollers and can handle 6" pipe but has a 5" reducer ... It also includes a waste drum and larger filter allowing for more airflow - (770cfm vs 600cfm if you believe their measurements). It also includes a remote control and is quieter (65db vs 76db). Made in Taiwan.

Both can be wired for 220v. but come wired for 110v.

I know which one I'll go for.

Ok, you've piqued my curiosity . . . by your description it's a no-brainer unless you're wedded to "American-made." Which are you "going for?"

[Thom Sturgill]

American made is a strong argument, but not strong enough I'm afraid. The Griz unit seems to have too many plusses in my mind.

This is a new unit and I had not seen it before. I would also want to compare it to the JDS units, but it looks to have the most 'complete' cyclone shape, with a cylindrical impeller space. The Oneida is completely conical which means a conical impeller cutting down on its surface area and thus its effective size, while the JDS unit seems to have a truncated cone (or even a straight body depending on model.) That would seem to affect the separation.

[Jeff Biss]

Thanks for the replies and advice. I went with the mini-gorilla and am very happy so far.

[Larry Whitlow]

Jeff, I am looking to take the plunge. My main concern and use would be handling fine dust while sanding on the lathe. If you don't mind my asking, how does the mini gorilla do with fine dust? Does the cyclone keep a fair amount of it out of the filter? Also, can you tell me about the sound level? I read the spec's but don't know what 75 or 76DB means. Kind of dumb of me to ask, but to put it in perspective, could you carry on a normal conversation when it is running? Would you say it is louder than a washing machine?

Thanks

[Jeff Biss]

It is too early for me to tell you about the fine dust. But my preliminary work would indicate that fine dust should not be a problem at all based on what I am seeing in the collection drum. I would be happy to post a reply when I have used it enough to tell. Regarding the sound, it is quiet enough to carry on a conversation or listen to the radio. I replaced my 1HP portable single stage dust collector with the Mini-Gorilla. The Mini Gorilla is a bit louder than that, but it is a low noise totally unlike the high-pitch that a shop-vac makes. I have been very happy so far. Definately compare to the V Series to if you don't need the portablility that the Mini-G offers.

[Larry Whitlow]

Jeff, thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.

Larry

[Jim Becker]

Be sure when you are comparing dust collection options you are looking at actual fan curves, not marketing materials.

[Alan Schaffter]

Be sure when you are comparing dust collection options you are looking at actual fan curves, not marketing materials.

What fan curves?

[Van Huskey]

There is a huge frustration in trying to find fan curves.

[Alan Schaffter]

There is a huge frustration in trying to find fan curves.

That is so true, and can you believe the ones you see? Are they all derived the same way? There appears to be no standard.

[Rod Sheridan]

Alan, the only experience I have is with 2 different Oneida cyclones, and they measured within 3% of calculated value once installed.

Regards, Rod.