Dust Collector - Why We Chose the Oneida V3000

After our last Instagram post of 2020 that included a background of our shop, we received some messages from fellow woodworkers asking things like "what is that", "do you like it", "why did you go with that one", and such. I attempted to make a video explanation, but upon playback realized I can't listen to my own voice so here we are. First blog post!

This beast is the Oneida V3000 HEPA cyclone dust collector. We purchased it about 6 months ago and use it almost daily. It's main competitor at the time of this writing is the ClearVue CV1800. I'm not going to go into specific details about their specs and how they compare in those terms, you can review that yourself. I want to tell you about the things that I couldn't find on the internet when I was doing my research.

Let's jump right into it, FAQ style.

Why did we upgrade?

• We have a shop vac and then purchased the Rockler Mobile Dust Cart that I hated. Changing the bag was difficult, the bags punctured easily, cleaning the filter on top meant spewing a ton of dust particles into the air, and it really just did not have enough suction for our needs. After less than 6 months, I was totally over it.

Why did we choose Oneida?

• Everyone knows their customer service is legendary and this purchase was no exception. I chatted on the phone with one of their reps a few times and emailed back and forth. When I told her I was comparing it with the ClearVue system and the price difference, she explained things I hadn't noticed, like the lack of what comes standard with the purchase. She also asked if I wanted certain extras removed that would lower the cost (I didn't, I wanted all the goodies). My point is, they do their best to work with you. She even offered a discount or to throw in the molded rolling drum dolly for free. I opted for the drum dolly.

• They'll draw out the ductwork for you for free. You draw your shop layout on this grid and they'll send you back the most efficient way to do your ducting. I didn't do this because I thought ours would be simple. I was wrong. Take advantage of this.

• The main goal of the purchase was to keep the air clean. Oneida's system is a MERV 16 (0.3 microns) vs ClearVue's MERV 15 (0.5 microns). I doubt that minor difference in microns is going to kill us, but you never know.

What are some of the pros?

• The Oneida comes STANDARD with the 35 or 55 gallon drum, a wall mount / freestanding leg kit / filter clean out box / wireless remote / Dust Sentry. The ClearVue doesn't come with any of that stuff and to add all of it would bring the total to $2,265. The Oneida unit is $2,499. Makes the price difference a lot smaller once I realized that. I LOVE the Dust Sentry that comes with it. It's seriously amazing.

• The remote has a sliding cover to prevent you from accidentally pressing the buttons. ClearVue's does not. A minor thing, but actually really useful.

• It's not super loud. It's technically 4dB quieter than the ClearVue, but I'm able to not wear ear protection with it turned on. It's not enjoyable, but I can if I needed to. Prepare to shout though.

What are some of the cons?

• I'm incredibly picky with my tools. I can literally find something to complain about with every tool. Not this. I don't have a single complaint. Not. One. That says a lot. They're not even paying me to type that.

What was the biggest challenge in setting it up?

• The ducting with a 7" inlet. Let me tell you, that is not a common size at hardware stores. Common sizes are in even numbers. You can buy all your ducting from Oneida, but I'm not that kind of rich. They also recommend a minimum of 26 gauge on the piping to prevent it from collapsing on itself. Home Depot sells the 5' and 2' piping in 28 gauge for a little more than $4 cheaper. While the price difference wasn't huge, shipping adds A LOT from Oneida. Home Depot offers free shipping AND free returns to the store. We were able to buy plenty of extras and just returned them to the store after we were all done. It seems to work just fine. Hasn't collapsed yet! Oh and do you REALLY need spiral ducting? That stuff is super expensive. Again, not that kind of rich, and it works without it so to each their own. Look at you, Cam from Blacktail Studio.

• Some people say getting the motor to the top is a struggle. While we don't disagree, it's more awkward than anything. We were able to simultaneously climb up two ladders and lift the motor to the top.

What do we think is missing?

• I think the rigid plastic drum liner should come standard. Who isn't using a plastic lining bag? Nobody told me about this when I purchased the unit, but in the event that the plastic liner bag gets sucked up into the vortex, you're going to have a whole world of regret. I don't know exactly what happens, but things. Bad things.

Would we choose them again today?

• You bet.

Hopefully you found this useful in some way! Dust collectors aren't the most exciting things in the world, but they're necessary to keep a shop and your lungs clean. Since we want to be doing this for decades to come, it's a worthwhile investment. Plus it looks really cool.

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Disclosures: We were not paid for our review nor did we receive this at a discount or free of charge. All opinions are our own and reflect our honest experience with the product. We don't get any kickbacks whatsoever if you purchase the item. In fact, the links take you directly to their website.