Charlie Jones: Do you have a ClearVue?

[Frank Hagan]

Sort of off-topic, but related to woodworking ... do I remember correctly that you bought a ClearVue cyclone dust collector?  

My short list is down to an Oneida, Grizzley, Woodsucker or ClearVue, but I'm concerned about the amount of "some assembly required" with the ClearVue.  And some of the info seems odd ... on their forums, Ed says the motor can use a 230v 20 amp breaker, but I notice the 5 HP Leeson motor has a max load amps of 20.8.  To me, that means you need at least a 25 amp (if you can find it) or a 30 amp 230v breaker.

Anyway, I'm thinking the Woodsucker and ClearVue are really too much for my little garage shop, where only one tool at a time will be running.  But I wanted to get your opinion of the ClearVue.

[Charlie Jones]

Sorry Frank, but no I didn't. Wasn't me. I haven't GOT a dust collection system - YET!! Seriously investigating something for my new shop though.

My 230 V 3 hp Baldor motor in my table saw runs on a 30 amp breaker, just for the starting load. My 230 volt compressor uses a 20 amp breaker.

[Frank Hagan]

Sorry Frank, but no I didn't. Wasn't me. I haven't GOT a dust collection system - YET!! Seriously investigating something for my new shop though.

My 230 V 3 hp Baldor motor in my table saw runs on a 30 amp breaker, just for the starting load. My 230 volt compressor uses a 20 amp breaker.

Well, I've got a spreadsheet on the costs of several cyclone systems out there if you get into serious research.  With the combination of shipping charges, etc., you get some surprising "delivered" costs.  

I like the ClearVue because of the performance, but it has so many "extras" and a bit of assembly to make it complete.  But the info I'm getting is that I may be able to make it come out the same price as the others by discharging it outside (eliminating filter cost).  The US made motor appeals to me, as well as the fact that Bill Pentz gets a commission for the design of the unit.

[Frank Hagan]

The motor may be one off the shelf that never sees 20.8n amps in this application.

However,  20 or 30 amp breakwers cost the same,  and 10 guage wire for 30 amps is not that nmuch more expensive than 12 guage....

I think I would wire it with a 30 amp breaker (if I can get one that fits in my panel ... I'm "remote" right now so I can't check it but I think I have one more space left.)  It would be a short run, maybe 30 feet total, so the electrical requirement isn't that big a deal.  

Adding a switch that's rated 230v 30amps isn't a problem either.  With my small shop, I'm not concerned about having a remote control for the dust collection.

[Frank Hagan]

You know, that's not a bad idea.  We use only natural gas, so I may be able to temporarily steal the electric dryer outlet!

[mrthethird]

Posting seems to be working, now. Thanks, Frank.

Anyway, don't know if my message got through in any fashion or not, so I'll try again.


I have had three Grizzly products in my cabinet shop. I have had no luck with them. In short, the motors had no staying power. The slew of special features that came with them could not be kept in adjustment after a few months of use. The table saw I bought now has a General motor and arbor, and has been working fine for two years or better (although I am not jumping to  endorse General, they just happened to have a motor that fit). In all, it is just my opinion, but I believe that the flashy extras are a distraction from the quality.

Understand, this is just my experience. Fender Guitar company has issued a strong endorsement for Grizzly shapers. With Fender's liabilities, I don't believe the endorsement was "purchased", but I do not share their opinion of Grizzly's craftmanship.

For what it's worth, I would still investigate the DC, but I would be more skeptical of the motor.

[Frank Hagan]

Posting seems to be working, now. Thanks, Frank.

Anyway, don't know if my message got through in any fashion or not, so I'll try again.


I have had three Grizzly products in my cabinet shop. I have had no luck with them. In short, the motors had no staying power. The slew of special features that came with them could not be kept in adjustment after a few months of use. The table saw I bought now has a General motor and arbor, and has been working fine for two years or better (although I am not jumping to  endorse General, they just happened to have a motor that fit). In all, it is just my opinion, but I believe that the flashy extras are a distraction from the quality.

Understand, this is just my experience. Fender Guitar company has issued a strong endorsement for Grizzly shapers. With Fender's liabilities, I don't believe the endorsement was "purchased", but I do not share their opinion of Grizzly's craftmanship.

For what it's worth, I would still investigate the DC, but I would be more skeptical of the motor.

Good info, thanks!  All of the DC at this price range have imported motors, although the "ratings" are good ... it is a TEFC Class "F" motor which is supposedly rated for continuous duty.  The Oneida also has an imported motor with the same ratings, although with the Oneida you can upgrade to a US made Baldor motor and remote switch for $150.  I'll have to check and see if Oneida has a two year warranty on the motor as well as the rest of the system (they are the only ones with a two year warranty).