PRICE: $2,899.00, #188598
FEATURES:
- 5 HP
- 97.8” water column maximum suction
- 73 dBA @ 10 feet
- Filters 99.97% at 0.3 microns
- 31” w × 26” d × 60” h
I recently added an Oneida Supercell dust collector system to my shop connecting it to my jointer/planer combination machine and router table. It works just as well as you’d expect from one of the industry leading brands although there are one or two idiosyncrasies I’ll get into below.
The Supercell consists of a rolling spider-like base straddling a 14-gallon bucket. Atop the base sits a heavy-gauge steel cyclone separator and filter system. Suction comes from three 1-1/2 HP high-pressure fans working in tandem. Their motors are wired together and plug into a single 220V, 20 amp outlet. The fans draw dust and chips through the cyclone which funnels the heavy stuff into the bucket, while fine particulates are trapped by a HEPA-grade filter as air is exhausted out the top of the machine.
Like most smaller dust collectors, The Supercell has a 4” dia. inlet which plays nicely with the 4” ports on many larger shop tools. But the key difference between the Supercell and other collectors is that where traditional dust collectors move high volumes of air at low static pressure, the Supercell produces ten times more static pressure. According to Oneida, this overcomes pressure loss from ducting and simplifies ductwork design— the company claims the Supercell will pull dust and chips through 100’ of 4” hose and ductwork, and backs that up by supplying 25’ of hose with the machine. With the way I have it set up, it’s had no problem pulling chips out of my router table, about 40 feet of ductwork away. Where this added pressure really is noticeable is when the machine is connected to the 2-1/2” ports common to so many smaller machines. In my situation, I have my unit plumbed into Oneida’s 25’, 2-1/2” hose reel, allowing me to use the Supercell like a giant shop vacuum and to connect it to a lot of my power handtools.
The metal stand and legs are sturdy, set on locking casters. The collection bucket is also on casters, the two being joined with a couple of flip-locks that slightly lift the tank against a foam gasket adhered beneath the base. The bucket’s viewing window tends to get dusty quickly, both inside and out; fortunately, Oneida supplies an infrared “dust sentry” monitor pointing down into the bucket, which lights a red strobe when triggered. The sentry’s sensitivity is adjustable, but be warned: at its most sensitive, it flashes even on an empty bucket, but when turned way down, the bucket can be full with dust backed up into the cyclone without triggering the strobe.
A few other features of the Supercell are worth noting. The vacuum bag holder draws air from the bottom of the bucket, helping to keep the optional collection bag open and from being sucked up into the cyclone when empty. A quick-turn valve lets you turn this off if you choose to forego a bag. Pulse filter cleaning lets you quickly clear a clogged or dirty exhaust filter—close the blast gate and pump the handle a couple times to clean the filter without even shutting the Supercell off. And a remote control lets you start and stop the dust collector from afar; it includes a small clasp that lets you clip it to a shop apron or tool so it’s always at hand. Overall, Oneida’s Supercell is a versatile and powerful dust collector, deserving of a spot in a shop of any size
Derek Richmond, Tester
MagFitt HOSE COUPLINGS
Available in 2 1/2 and 4” diameters, these magnetic hose couplings make rearranging your dust collection system a snap. The ring with the steel insert attaches to the tool’s end, while the vacuum hose receives the magnetic fitting containing powerful rare earth magnets. No tools are required to quickly connect your collector to another tool.
woodcraft.com, $8.99 - $19.99
FLEX FX7221 10” TABLE SAW
Flex’s contractor saw runs on either AC or 24V DC power and features Cutsense™ tech that stops the blade after the cut to prolong battery run time. The rack and pinion fence includes an LED worklight. The 10” blade makes this the first cordless saw capable of cutting 4×4s in a single pass. Available as a bare tool or kitted with batteries (priced).
flexpowertools.com, $749.99
iVac MSCA-RC
Designed for dust collectors with built-in remotes, iVac’s Magnetic Switch Control Advantage RC eliminates the need to cut into any power cords, and is “plug-and-play” compatible with iVac’s Pro Tool line of remotes, sensors, and blast gates. Allows remote start of 110V, 220V or higher collectors with magnetic starters.
ivacswitch.com, $99.99
