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The second filter type makes the idea much more serviceable for a small shop. Think I'll look into it...

Here is one I found that is 20 X 20 X 5". The nominal surface area on this one is 3200 SI. I am using a 20 X 25 filter now because it is one I took out of my central air unit when I replaced it. I plan to order a 20 X 20, so that it will match up with my fan.

http://www.zoro.com/i/G3671132/?gclid=C ... 7Aod_WQAgA

James

Still, a MERV 11 rating only goes to 1 micron. Still need some sort of HEPA to get the stuff that really does the harm...

You are correct. That's why I wear my mask most of the time that I am in the shop.

http://www.mechreps.com/PDF/Merv_Rating_Chart.pdf

According to the chart, 13 is the highest rating with box type filters. Higher than 13 requires a bag type filter.

I just converted my home central air unit to Aprilaire model 213, which has a Merv of 13. This gets 89 to 90% of the .3 to 1 micron particles.

I would like to get to a higher rating for my shop air, but I am still trying to decide which route to take.

FWIW, I chucked a Honeywell HEPA filter in my main workroom and it made a world of difference. I don't know if you have an overhead air cleaner, but if you do, you can get retrofit HEPA filters from Wynn environmental..

Which Honeywell unit do you have??

I would by the taller one if I were to do it again...

But it made a real, noticeable, overnight improvement.

Perfect timing, Ken. I'm looking for dust control on a budget and the unit you put together helps me a lot. Thanks.


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The specs on the $800 Jet air cleaner/filtration units state:

Filters 99-Percent of all particles, five microns in size and 85-Percent of particles one micron in size

I believe that even the Merv 10's match that efficiency.

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Ken Cierp

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/

Right. Some of the expensive air cleaners have a 5 micron pre-filter and a 1 micron inner filter. I am looking for something to get HEPA quality.

I use my box fan filter as my sanding station for pick guards:




I don't know why it rotated my image when i uploaded it. Sorry, please tilt your head.

My head must be off kilter. Picture looks fine to me!

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

That unit looks like the one I wish I'd bought...

I just open the window and the garage door.
I use a leaf blower when the dust builds up too much.
Of course, I have no humidity control whatsoever.

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wah
Wah-wah-wah-wah
Wah

We have one of those that we use in the house. Ours is about 10 years old so possibly a different model, but same configuration and uses the same filters. We thought it was expensive when we got it, but we are glad we have it. My daughter had some respiratory issues when she was young and we felt that this made a noticeable difference in the air. We pull it out during the pollen season. You can go from sneezy to not sneezy over night. Unfortunately we use it inside to regularly for me to make the move to letting run in the shop. Its on my list of stuff to pick up used when I find one.

I agree with Ed that the taller one that uses two filters is the one to get. They have a prefilter fabric that wraps around. Mainly you just have to keep that clean.

I was experiencing some persistent respiratory problems so I ordered this Asept Air 1550 from Costco. Hepa, uv filter, VOC filter, etc and I love how it automatically senses airborne pollutants and adjusts fan speed accordingly. I only installed it two days ago but already can discern a marked improvement.
http://www.asept-air.com/product.php?productid=16



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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

Just a reminder that the post is about ideas to easily construct an inexpensive air cleaner as effective as the commercial ceiling units costing $100's --- perhaps a seperate thread rating/reviewing store bought HEPA filters could be started?

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Ken Cierp

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/

Sorry Ken we got a little carried away.

One thing I do think might be relevant, the pre-filter for those store bought units is just a roll of filter material. Sort of like a scotch brite pad. If you rigged that to go on front, it might help you from having to change out the other filters as often. Of course if you are using inexpensive filters that's not a big deal. but if you made the move to a HEPA, you'd probably want it. Then again you have that first filter on front and that acts as a pre filter.

Sorry, Ken. I helped out a little on the original topic, but am guilty as charged on the 2nd count. I didn't mean to hijack.

James

Your suggestion re: the 20x20x5 filters is a great one -- I going to order some of those today - Thanks!

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Ken Cierp

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/

That looks like a nice DIY filter. One thing I would suggest though is that you tape off the filters where the M meets at the corner points and the box side because I can imagine eddy's forming there and allowing fine particles to skip the filter.

Ford- Eddy's in the space/time continuum!

Arthur- Well, get him out!

Sorry, couldn't resist...

Arthur Dent? Great book!

One of the best...

Oops, filters, filters, filters!