PM1250 Air Filtration System

[Mark Jundanian]

Has anyone had any personal experience with the PM1250 Air Filtration System?

https://www.rockler.com/powermatic-pm1250-micro-dust-air-filtration-system

I think it is an interesting solution, particularly as it can be positioned more freely, but is it worth 2 or 3 times the cost of the typical hanging box type filterration system?

 

[Randy Heinemann]

I would guess at least part of the added cost is the HEPA filter. HEPA filters aren't cheap. None of the hanging air cleaners are equipped with HEPA filters and, therefore, don't filter the finest particles, at least until the filters load up a little. I believe the Powermatic is a big improvement over the standard hanging air cleaners for that feature alone. With dust collection and filtration the question is whether you want to filter out as much of the small particles (the really harmful particles) as you can or just go less expensive. I've thought seriously of dumping my 20+ year old hanging cleaner for the Powermatic for just that reason.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

I always thought the Jet AFS 1000B was HEPA, but you are right. It filters down to 1.0 microns where HEPA is 0.3 microns.

So there's that benefit. I was thinking the 1250 might be an advantage because it is portable and can be placed where the work is being done. Still I can't say the ratio of sex appeal to cost is very favorable.

If I did go that route I'd hang on to the 1000B. Besides that is still producing significant filtration it makes a big contribution to circulating heated air in my shop.

 

[Randy Heinemann]

Some thing that having an air cleaner in the shop down low, like on the floor, is a better concept than hanging one from the ceiling because it draws the dust downward, away from the air you breathe. Plus, having a portable cleaner allows you to place the cleaner where you need it, especially good for power carvers and hand sanding. I think the Powermatic air cleaner is a big improvement. I own a JDS. I discussed HEPA filters with them several years ago. They do have HEPA filters but they are very expensive (like $200) and, according to JDS, single use. You may be able to carefully vacuum them once or twice. Powermatic's filter is single use according to their literature, which means that you would be replacing an expensive HEPA filter regularly. I don't see a lot of reviews so it appears that they don't sell too many. It was also on sale for$100 off the original price recently. I'm still thinking about it. I would also keep my other filter as it has always done a great job.