Dust Bag Collector Set

Installation and Operation

Thank you for purchasing an American Fabric Filter air filter and dust collection bag set. You can expect a long ser-vice life from these custom designed products. Also expect improved collector performance plus much cleaner and healthier workshop air. Please take a moment to review the installation guide shown below and the maintenance / cleaning tips to ensure optimum results.

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

A.A.F. air filter bags are designed to initially have 50% to 100% excess CFM handling capacity. When they are first installed, you can expect that they will not inflate like the original bags that came with your dust collector. This is because the air flowing out of the collector is finding virtually no resistance. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in suction at your tool pick-ups. (CAUTION: If you are using blast gates, do not close all lines at the same time or you could collapse your ductwork.)

As the air filter bag(s) begin to build up a dust cake, the air permeability will decrease slightly and the bag will begin to take shape. In order to create an even dust cake layer inside, it is important that the bag be supported initially by attaching the hanging loop(s) provided to a suitable support rod or the ceiling of your work-shop. (Some bag designs may be additionally suspended by clamping onto overhead collec-tor output ducts or plenum outlets, etc.)

Use hang loops at top of bag to secure it to your ceiling or support rod. For proper breathing, and to prevent premature fabric wear, allow adequate clearance between breather bag and pipes, light fixtures, rafters, etc.

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING

For most users, felt filter bags will require little maintenance. It is a normal part of the filter process to build up a dust cake on the inside surface of the filter bag. (The combination of a large surface area to reduce the air pressure per square foot and the active dust cake layer is what actually captures the dust fines and provides filtration down to the 1-micron level. The felt surface is “singed” to harden the fibers and aid in the release of the cake when it becomes excessively thick. However, depending on many factors (dust particle size, type of wood, rip saw vs. finish sander, etc.), you may want to help dislodge some of the cake if it appears to be excessive. Try the following procedures in the order listed.

1. Shake or tap the bag with your hand.
2. Gently hit the sides and top of the bag with a broomstick, tennis racket, smooth 1x2, etc.
3. Blow compressed air against the outside of the bag, being careful not to damage the fabric.
4. Remove the bag from the collector, turn it inside out and vacuum or sweep off the dust cake.
5. If dust is beginning to “bleed through” the fabric even after trying the above steps, you can wash the bag inside-out in cold water with laundry detergent. Tumble dry the bag on AIR-ONLY setting (no heat), or hang outdoors to dry completely before using. Wash thoroughly since any dust remaining in the fabric will impede airflow.

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