Oneida Dust Deputy Bagger
Overview
- Heavy-gauge steel wall bracket
- Separates 99% of debris before it reaches the filter
- Works with most wet/dry shop vacuums
- No bin to empty, simply replace the bag
- Replacement bags readily available
Oneida recently came out with a wall-mounted version of their popular Dust Deputy dust separator. I’ve been a fan of these small portable cyclone systems since they appeared about 15 years ago. They do a great job of separating out debris before it has a chance to clog my vacuum’s filter. My only complaint with mine is that it is one more object to drag around the shop—admittedly a small price to pay for not having to clean the filter as often. However, when given the chance to test one of the new wall-mounted units, I jumped at it. Gaining that bit of shop real estate back was most welcome.
Once I settled on a location (perhaps a challenge in a crowded shop), installation was straightforward. The supplied template made it a snap to locate the mounting screws on the wall plate I had put up. With the metal bracket in place, assembling the cyclone and accumulator bin was a simple matter of bolting things together.
I then ran the supplied hose from the top of the cyclone to my vac’s inlet and connected the vac’s original hose to the cyclone’s side inlet port. Here I noticed my first strategic error. With the unit wall-mounted, I needed a longer hose to cover my shop. Nothing a visit to Oneida’s website couldn’t remedy. (Note to marketing—why not offer a kit that includes a long hose?) The final bit of installation involved fitting the bag underneath. This proved to be one of those challenging, three-handed operations that will probably get easier with practice. To mount the bag, you have to hold its mouth in place around the bottom of the bin and trap it with a provided stretchy silicone band, then pleat the bag neatly under the band to prevent leaks.
The unit performed well, though operation seemed strange at first in that the empty bag collapsed in on itself. Don't be alarmed. This is supposed to happen. The manual recommends turning the vac off after about 15 minutes to allow the debris that accumulates in the bin to drop into the bag. Once the bag begins to fill, the contents help hold its shape. Note that hand plane shavings and other large debris can catch on the steel grate at the bottom of the bin, potentially clogging it and requiring you to pluck them free. Also note that you must use 4 mil thick bags (such as contractor’s trash bags), as lighter ones can get sucked into the grate. Despite the added cost of the hose, I am pleased with the set up and am glad my days of dragging my vac around are done.
—Tester, Ken Burton
