CFlux 1 Dust Collector 2023 + Review and Demonstration Laguna Woodworking Cyclone Dust Collection

The Thoughtful Woodworker
27 Jun 202307:16

TLDRThe 2023 CFlux 1 dust collector review highlights its portable cyclone design with new features like a max level indicator and dual paddles for filter cleaning. The simplified hex drum assembly and one micron pleated filter enhance usability. Despite minor drawbacks like the clear bag clean-out and noise level, the CFlux 1 offers efficient dust collection, suitable for single-tool attachment, demonstrated effectively with a bench top planer test.

Takeaways

  • 🆕 The 2023 model of the C Flex one dust collector features a max level indicator for the dust drum, helping users avoid overfilling.
  • 🔄 An updated manual filter cleaning mechanism with dual paddles makes the cleaning process more efficient.
  • 🛠️ Improved caster wheels with four swivel options, two of which are lockable, enhance the dust collector's mobility.
  • 🔄 The hex drum has been simplified to a three-piece assembly, addressing previous complaints about assembly difficulty.
  • 🔒 A unique drum lift system allows for easy docking of the 25-gallon drum, improving the user experience.
  • 🚫 The one micron pleated filter offers advantages over filter bags, such as easier cleaning and better airflow.
  • 🔌 The dust collector comes standard with a 6-inch port or two 4-inch ports with the included splitter.
  • 📞 A radio frequency remote is included for added convenience.
  • 🗑️ The clear clean out bag below the filter requires occasional emptying and uses a high-quality band clamp for attachment.
  • 🔊 The dust collector is relatively loud, which might be a consideration for those sensitive to noise in their shop.
  • 🔌 Designed as a 1.5 horsepower unit, it is suitable for attachment to one tool at a time, but can also be adapted for a small hard pipe system with blast gates.

Q & A

  • What is the model year of the C Flex one dust collector discussed in the video?

    -The model year discussed in the video is 2023.

  • What is the main purpose of the max level indicator on the C Flex one dust collector?

    -The max level indicator helps the user know exactly when it's time to empty the dust drum to avoid overfilling and to keep the filter clean.

  • How has the manual filter cleaning mechanism been improved in the 2023 model of the C Flex one?

    -The manual filter cleaning mechanism now features dual paddles for easier cleaning.

  • What is the new feature regarding the caster wheels on the C Flex one dust collector?

    -The new feature includes four swivel casters, two of which are lockable, for better mobility and stability.

  • What was the main complaint about the hex drum in earlier models of the C Flex one, and how has it been addressed in the 2023 model?

    -The main complaint was that the hex drum was difficult to assemble. The 2023 model has a simplified hex drum with a three-piece assembly, making it easier to put together.

  • What is the unique drum lift system on the C Flex one, and how does it benefit the user?

    -The unique drum lift system makes it easy to dock a 25-gallon drum, improving the efficiency of dust collection and reducing the hassle of using a flex hose between the cyclone and the dust drum.

  • What are the advantages of the one micron pleated filter over a filter bag as mentioned in the video?

    -The one micron pleated filter is easier to clean and provides better airflow compared to a filter bag.

  • What is the standard port configuration on the C Flex one dust collector, and what does the splitter allow?

    -The standard configuration includes one 6-inch port, and with the included splitter, users can get two 4-inch ports.

  • How does the C Flex one dust collector handle the clear clean out bag below the filter?

    -The clear clean out bag below the filter is emptied less frequently due to the crossbar that improves separation. It is cleaned out using a high-quality band clamp with a spring, and a trick to make it easier is to use magnets around the edge of the bag.

  • What is one of the negative points mentioned about portable cyclone dust collectors, and how does the C Flex one address it?

    -One negative point is the noise level. While the C Flex one is fairly loud, higher-end units like the P flux have noise abatement treatments. Users need to decide if noise is a significant issue for them.

  • How is the C Flex one dust collector rated in terms of horsepower, and what does this mean for its use?

    -The C Flex one is a 1.5 horsepower dust collector, designed for attachment to one tool at a time. For users with a hard pipe system and multiple tools in a large shop, upgrading to a 2 or 3 horsepower unit may be considered.

Outlines

00:00

🔄 C Flex One Dust Collector Review

The video script provides an in-depth review of the 2023 model of the C Flex One dust collector, a portable cyclone-style dust collector. The reviewer discusses updates to the model, including a max level indicator for the dust drum, dual paddles for manual filter cleaning, and improved swivel casters. The reviewer praises the simplified hex drum assembly and the unique drum lift system, which facilitates easy docking of the 25-gallon drum. The script also mentions the one-micron pleated filter, which offers advantages over filter bags, and the standard inclusion of a six-inch port or two four-inch ports with a splitter. Minor drawbacks include the cumbersome operation of the clear clean out bag and the loud noise level of the unit. The reviewer suggests that the C Flex One is suitable for single-tool attachment but advises considering a more powerful unit for larger shops with multiple tools.

05:01

🌪️ Testing Dust Collection Efficiency

In the second paragraph, the script describes a practical test of the dust collector's efficiency by connecting it to a 12.5-inch bench top planer. The reviewer observes the dust collection performance, noting that while there were a few specks of dust on the infeed side with heavy cuts, the outfeed side remained clean. The script highlights the effectiveness of the crossbar in improving separation, as evidenced by minimal dust accumulation in the filter clean out bag after processing 15 gallons of dust. The reviewer also mentions the option to use the dust collector with or without a plastic drum liner and encourages viewers to subscribe to the channel and ask questions about the product or dust collection in general.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡C Flex one dust collector

The 'C Flex one dust collector' is the central subject of the video, a portable Cyclone-style dust collector used in woodworking shops to manage and collect dust and chips produced by various tools. It is a 2023 model, indicating a recent upgrade or iteration of the product. The script discusses its features, improvements, and performance, making it a key concept for understanding the video's theme of woodworking dust collection.

💡Max level indicator

A 'max level indicator' is a feature added to the 2023 model of the C Flex one dust collector. It is designed to show when the dust drum is full, preventing overfilling which can be detrimental to the dust collector's performance. In the script, it is mentioned as a practical improvement that helps users avoid operational issues, highlighting the importance of maintenance in the effective use of dust collectors.

💡Filter cleaning

Filter cleaning is a maintenance task essential for the operation of dust collectors. The script mentions 'dual paddles' on the manual filter cleaning mechanism, indicating an updated feature of the C Flex one dust collector that facilitates this process. The manual operation is contrasted with higher-end units that offer automatic filter cleaning, showing a range of options available to consumers based on their needs and preferences.

💡Caster wheels

Caster wheels are an integral part of the dust collector's mobility. The script notes an update to the 'Caster wheels' of the C Flex one, now featuring four swivel casters, two of which are lockable. This improvement enhances the portability and stability of the dust collector, allowing for easier movement and positioning around the workshop.

💡Hex drum

The 'hex drum' is a hexagonal dust collection drum of the C Flex one dust collector. The script discusses its simplified assembly, which addresses previous user complaints about difficulty in setup. The hex drum is a key component in the dust collection process, and its ease of assembly contributes to the overall user experience with the product.

💡Drum lift system

The 'drum lift system' is a unique feature of the C Flex one dust collector that facilitates the docking of the dust drum. The script praises this system for making the process of changing the drum more efficient and user-friendly, especially when compared to setups with a flex hose, which can be cumbersome.

💡Pleated filter

A 'pleated filter' is a type of filter used in the C Flex one dust collector that offers advantages over filter bags, such as easier cleaning and better airflow. The script highlights this as a returning feature, emphasizing the importance of effective filtration in dust collection systems.

💡Ports

The term 'ports' in the script refers to the connection points on the dust collector for attaching hoses. The C Flex one comes with a standard one six-inch port, or two four-inch ports with the included splitter. This feature allows for customization and adaptability in connecting the dust collector to various tools and setups.

💡Remote control

The 'radio frequency remote' mentioned in the script is a feature of the C Flex one dust collector that allows for operation from a distance. This adds convenience, especially in larger workshops or when the user needs to control the dust collector without physically being near it.

💡Noise level

The 'noise level' is a consideration for users when choosing a dust collector. The script notes that the C Flex one, like other portable Cyclone collectors, can be fairly loud, and contrasts this with higher-end models that have noise abatement features. The noise level can be a deciding factor for some users, depending on their workshop environment and personal preferences.

💡Horsepower

Horsepower is a measure of the power output of the dust collector. The script mentions the C Flux one as a 'one and a half horse dust collector,' indicating its capacity for suction and collection. The term is used to discuss the suitability of the dust collector for different workshop sizes and tool configurations, suggesting that larger shops or those with multiple tools might need a higher horsepower unit.

Highlights

Review of the 2023 model of the CFlux 1 dust collector, a portable Cyclone style dust collector.

Introduction of a max level indicator on the 2023 model for monitoring the dust drum fill level.

Dual paddles added to the manual filter cleaning mechanism for easier operation.

Updated caster wheels with four swivel casters, two of which are lockable.

Simplified hex drum assembly with a quick three-piece system.

Pre-assembled cyclone for ease of setup.

Unique drum lift system for easy docking of the 25-gallon drum.

Advantages of the one-micron pleated filter over a filter bag, including easier cleaning and better airflow.

Standard one six-inch port or two four-inch ports with a splitter included.

Inclusion of a radio frequency remote for operation.

The clear clean out bag's operation using a high-quality band clamp, with a tip on using magnets for easier handling.

Loudness of the portable Cyclone collector and comparison with higher-end models.

The CFlux 1 is a 1.5 horsepower dust collector designed for single tool attachment.

Demonstration of the dust collector's performance when attached to a 12.5-inch bench top planer.

Observation of dust separation efficiency with minimal dust reaching the filter clean out bag.

Option to use the dust collector with or without a plastic drum liner.

Encouragement for viewers to subscribe to the channel and engage with the content.

Invitation for viewers to leave comments with questions about the product or dust collection in general.