Interesting comments Tim.Quote:
I had a Microclean 1200 (I think) when they first came out 10 years or more ago.
I only kept it for a few months then sold it. I didn't like the way it exhausted the filtered air in a rotary action.
It probably filtered ok but in a high dust level enviroment, like power sanding bowls, the circular action of the exhausted air blew dust all over the workshop.
So while it caught some of the dust it also sprayed plenty around the workshop.
I suspect this type of unit works best in a low level of floating dust.
I replaced it with a Carba-tec mid size unit. Now I have some control over the direction of the exhausted air flow. It helps create an airflow direction from one end of the workshop to the other end where there are 2 x 12" extractor fans in the wall.
With all this running there is a gentle breeze flowing through the workshop.
Unless the different units are all tested by the same independant authority I would take any claims about filteration figures with a grain of salt (or dust).
Then you could really compare apples with apples.
I think a good approach for the fine dust is to use a Negitive Ion Generator. I have one on all the time the power is on (dead man power switch). Again I can't make any claims about this as it would need independant testing.
My main line of attack is a power respirator and a ducted dust extractor to catch most of the dust at the source.
Finally one of the most important things, is good house keeping. No point in having all the above equipment, if your tools on your bench are covered in dust. Pick them up, or move them and you create a dust cloud just under your nose.
For what it's worth that's my experience.
Cheers
Tim:)
While you had the Microclene 1200, was it mounted above where you were power sanding?
Zelk