Tool Talk #2: Grizzly G0703P Cyclone Dust Collector

Well over half of the emails sent to me are on the subject of tools. I have no objections to responding to them but I thought it would be beneficial to start a video library of sorts to briefly touch on what I think of a particular tool or set of tools. These won’t be in depth tool reviews as I know very few people are interested in that kind of thing and I really don’t want to go over all the details. Instead I’ll just focus on the things I like about the tool, things I don’t like about the tool, and would I buy it again. I have a huge list of “episodes” that can be made and plan on releasing one per week. Hopefully this will be helpful to some people.

Grizzly G0703p Cyclone Dust Collector

Specifications found here: https://www.grizzly.com/products/1-1-2-HP-Cyclone-Dust-Collector-Polar-Bear-Series/G0703P

I purchased mine in October 2014 for $830.95 including freight and liftgate service.

What I like:

  • Relatively small package for a mobile cyclone dust collector with canister filter.

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  • It’s on decent casters which makes mobility great.

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  • I haven’t measured with any tools but from interacting with it it feels like it has a lot more suction than my previous Harbor Freight dust collector. The Harbor Freight dust collector is rated at a higher HP number for the motor as well as a higher CFM rating. Both units run of standard 120v receptacles.
  • It has a built in remote start system with a timer. I think this is great but there’s a small catch. My remote needs to be pointed somewhat directly toward the unit which sometimes has me moving it around in the air to get a contact with the machine. Not a deal breaker though. I still give the built in remote system a thumbs up.

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  • The cyclone can be unbolted and rotated in the assembly to point the intake in a direction that better suits your shop. I’ve already moved mine twice for two different positions I’ve had it in the shop. That’s a handy option to have.

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  • It’s easy to see when the can is full because the connecting hose between the cyclone and the can is relatively clear. Emptying the bag in the can is a pretty quick process as well.
  • Assembly was really easy.

What I don’t like:

  • After first putting the machine together the filter emitted a really strong “manufacturing” smell that bothered my throat. I know this has nothing to do with sawdust as I noticed it right away the first time I turned the machine when no hoses or tools were attached to it. The smell continued for a couple months and has since gone away.

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Would I buy the Grizzly G0703p cyclone dust collector again?

The machine does everything I need it to do. You can honestly build your own custom version of this setup for less money but at the time, and even now, I had no desire to do so. This is a turn-key setup that simply works. The filter smell was a little annoying but it has since gone away. I would like to get a better filter for it down the road but in the meantime I’m satisfied with it the way it is. Yes, I would buy it again if I had to do it over.


 

11 COMMENTS

  1. Thanks for the great article! I appreciate the honest opinions you give. Refresh my memory, Jay – what prompted you to get rid of the Harbor Freight collector?

    • I didn’t want to cut a hole in my house to exhaust the air outside and I really didn’t feel like modifying it again to make some homemade cyclone/filter setup.

  2. Great format. Informative to the point as to the actual experience with the machine. Specs, anybody can read and compare to those of many other symilar machines; they are all over the net. Wunderfull smell isn’t? Call it chicken grease which is widely used on imported equipment for corrosion prevention and a general cosmetic anti-degradation substance while sitting on sea shipping docks and in/on boats crossing oceans half way across the world.

  3. Also that’s an IR for infra red type remote, it needs a direct line of sight emitter/receiver to function. There are many hacks possible to improve both angle and distance of effectiveness. Some of them very simple, as simple as relocating the receiving diode so it is not set so deep into the box, and have a greater angle of view. Extending the diod’s wires so the diod pics out of the box (will probably need to clear a hole on the box for that), or move it to the top of the box for instance. Both only require rudiment soldering skills.
    RF systems (radio frequency) don’t suffer from this malady; theor cost is far different dough, at least a couple of cents at the manufacturing Level.
    Mine is a simple home made version using the guts from a grand kid’s destroied remotely operated toy car coupled with a cheap relay. You can buy symilar systems for a few bucks, but there is another heavy cost to it; the darn thing is always on the far side of your shop. :-) :-) :-)
    Cheers

    • Nice one. Your explanation is great. I was ready to write a few things about IR and RF remote controls but fortunately took the time to read all the comments :) I made a hack on an IR receiver once, by just exposing the receiving diode out of the control box and it worked perfect from any pointing angle.

  4. Literally LOL’d. My fiance hates Harbor Freight for the sole reason of the smell in the store. Which equates to me having to go in alone. Which, in turn, relates to me spending way too much money in there.

  5. Like your new series. A lot of tool reviews on line but I like your simple approach. I vote on the SawStop for the next ToolTalk. I have a modified HF, much like your old one except with a filter, but do realize there are many that suck more. Just not for the same price.

  6. Great review Jay! I personally haven’t gotten that far yet I’m just using a good old shop vac and cyclone bucket I made myself. However you’re like the fifth craftsman I’ve heard stating that the HF dust collection was pretty decent so maybe I will start there when the time is right. Thanks

  7. 2 things

    1. About the remote, turn off the lights in then garage. See if it works from other side of garage. If it works, your florescent lights could be the cause of your issue. If it still doesn’t work. You could have received a faulty IR receiver on dust collector. No reason IR shouldn’t work from other side of room unless florescent lights causing interference.

    2. Although the video was great, for me personally. Would have been more informative. If you would’ve shown all your duct work/ fittings and so on.
    I’m having a hard time setting up mine. I think I have all the fittings I need. Then realize I have the wrong one or need more. Its a pain in the butt!

  8. Jay,
    Can you post the link for the Harbor Freight setup? I have the ability to vent outside and I would be interested in your previous setup.

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