LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Powertec Air Filter

2K views 17 replies 6 participants last post by  HackFabrication 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Finally got around to mounting my Powertec filter to the floor joists in my basement (still need to pretty up the wiring):





Has anyone used a different primary filter with this? The PowerTec is $20 a pop, but I can get these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CK04GC6/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00CK04GC6&pd_rd_w=Izow6&pf_rd_p=733540df-430d-45cd-9525-21bc15b0e6cc&pd_rd_wg=IFadU&pf_rd_r=ACTZAHNRBFV27C7GAST9&pd_rd_r=5ff22130-4e73-11e9-a88d-f3fb2fdf5a48 for $55 and that's for 6 filters. MERV 13 rated, the dimensions are the same as the P'Tec.

Thoughts?
 
See less See more
2
#2 ·
I buy these: Wen Air Filter 2 pack:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P84QE6C/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$20 for 2 pack is much more manageable. The ones you listed are far thinner than the filters that go in these things. Probably losing a decent bit of surface area for capturing fine dust and I also think the filters are in metric. I seem to recall the sizes you posted doesn't actually fit into these units.
 
#4 ·
Ah, the nominal listing. That might work then, but still too thin. I don't think your outer filter is only 7/8" thick. I have the Powertec Unit as well as a Wen and both of those are 2" thick (probably 1-7/8" thick). Maybe one on top of another might work though with the amazon one. Couldn't tell you the effect of a setup like that though.
 
#6 ·
That's the strangest thing because the Powertec $20 filter is 2" thick in the listing on amazon. Never seen one with a filter that thin. Hey, if it's 7/8" thick and designed that way, then by all means go for the amazon listing then. Can't hurt to try. I sure would.
 
#7 ·
Thanks!

Yeah, I think I'm going to head over to HD, Mennards, or Lowe's and see what the measurements really are on their 12×24 filters before I spring for $60 worth of filters on Amazon.

The PowerTec 75020 is what I have, and Amazon has the measurements wrong in their listing. No way would a 2" filter fit on the rear of the machine and the hold clips work.

At $20 a pop, there has to be an alternative. And perhaps and even better alternative.
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
I use these MERV 4 filters that are very inexpensive at around $3 apiece. I tried a single filter from the big box store to see if that level of filtration would work and it did fine keeping the inner filter very clean. Even now after going through 3 or four of them I got from Amazon, it's still staying clean inside. When I had the original filter from Home Depot and hadn't gotten around to ordering a box of them, I even took it down and knocked it clean a couple of times without any problem. Of course, with a box of them now, I just replace them.

There are also washable models if you want to go through the hassle.
 
#9 ·
Thanks Rich! I'm not going through the hassle of washing out filters. I have to do that with the electronic filter on my furnace every 4-6 months, and it's a RPITA. The OEM Powertec pre-filter is rated at 5 microns, and with only three months of usage, the inner 1 micron filter is showing signs of use. That's one of the reasons I'd like to catch some of the finer particles before they get to it. Cleaning the inner filter looks to be a summer project, as it can be washed, but needs to thoroughly dry before putting back to use. And Powertec does not recommend using compressed air on it.

On a side note, the Powertec air filtration system does work quite well. I had been using it sitting on a pair of saw horses, and it filtered a lot of airborne dust out of my basement work shop. I'm hoping, in combination with my recently acquired (and improved) HF DC and adequate tool connections/dust ports, that I will get most of the dust under control.

Like everything, it's a work in progress….
 
#12 ·
Not to hijack this thread too much, but how often do you guys replace the filters?
- Steve
I'm probably going to be on the 3-6 month rotation, depending how much time I spend in the shop making dust. I've only own the Powertec since Christmas, and I've vacuumed off the pre-filter once. The inner filter is starting to signs of accumulation, so I'm going to upgrade the pre-filter to something a bit finer.
 
#13 ·
So just an update: The filters I ordered from Amazon came and they were the wrong size and MERV rating. I was sent a 4 pack of MERV 11, 16×25x1 filters, instead of the MERV 13 12×24x1 filters. I order again, and again was sent the wrong filters (actually the same MERV 11 filters came again). A quick call to Amazon, and I got a free return and instant refund on both shipments.

No the downside: Amazon is going to remove the item pending investigation as to 'what went wrong, and where it went wrong'. I'll probably just head to a big box store and see about getting one of the finer filters to test out.
 
#16 · (Edited by Moderator)
I ended up getting a 6 pack of Merv 8 filters off Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CK00Z08/ref=ppxyodtbasintitleo01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The Powertec filter measures: 23 7/16 x 11 5/8 x 7/8. 5 micron rating

The Filter Buy actual measurements are: 23 3/8 x 11 7/16 x 3/4. Merv 8 rating





There is a little bit of space around the filter and frame, but not enough to cause any issues with air leakage. The clips, although not as snug as with the original Powertec filter, are satisfactory for holding the filter in place.

Surprisingly, or not so…., the cheap-o filter 12 x 24 x 1, I bought at Menard's was a bit oversized and was a very snug fit.

Will update when I start making dust in the shop.
 
#17 ·
Problems….

The timer seems to have taken a dump. When set for say 1 hour, the machine will continue to run and will not shut off with the remote, or by pushing the stop button. Only way to turn it off is to pull the plug. After a brief period of time, it will function using the remote.

Anyone else have this issue? I need to call Powertec and see if the circuit board is bad…
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top