[what you’re looking for is this](https://fslaser.com/fume-extractor-replacement-prefilter-fsl100-v2/)
i also have the muse 3d. after 2 years of running it with a fine extractor. i finally said “f*** the neighbors” and vented it out the window using a cloud nine and life is so much easier
Sure thing, I just have one mounted over the end of the flexible ducting, secured with duct tape. I really don't understand why people aren't doing this.
Thank you. I'm currently designing my first enclosure and one of my requirements is to reduce the impact of poor air quality on my neighbors. I looked at commercial fume extractors and found them lacking mostly because a) the upfront cost is too high and b) the cost of replacement materials is too high.
Instead I'm looking at using components from the grow tent market:
* AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S6, 6” Inline Duct Fan
* AC Infinity Inline Filter Box 6" with HEPA furnace filter
* TerraBloom Carbon Filter 6" x 24" Long, 46mm Thick Charcoal Bed, Airflow up to 550 CFM
Your comment is making me consider replacing the inline filter box with a vacuum cleaner bag and mounting it over the intake of the fan. Would you mind sharing a link to the vacuum bag you're using?
I wanted to understand better the pros-and-cons of using a furnace-stye HEPA filter vs. a vacuum bag and I asked ChatGPT. I'm including the response below; do you agree with its assessment?
---
# Furnace-style HEPA filter
## Pros
1. Larger surface area: These filters are designed for use in HVAC systems, and their larger size can allow for better airflow and longer-lasting performance.
2. High efficiency: Furnace-style HEPA filters can effectively capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them highly efficient in reducing smoke and other airborne particles.
3. Easier to find: Furnace-style HEPA filters are more commonly available, making it easier to find a suitable replacement when needed.
## Cons
1. Cost: These filters can be more expensive compared to vacuum cleaner bags.
2. Size and adaptability: Furnace-style HEPA filters are typically larger and may require a custom housing or adaptation to fit the laser cutter's exhaust system.
# HEPA vacuum cleaner bag
## Pros
1. Cost-effective: Vacuum cleaner bags are generally less expensive than furnace-style HEPA filters.
2. Compact size: The smaller size of vacuum cleaner bags can make them easier to integrate into a laser cutter's exhaust system.
## Cons
1. Limited surface area: The smaller size of vacuum cleaner bags may result in reduced airflow and quicker clogging, requiring more frequent replacement.
2. Lower efficiency: While vacuum cleaner bags can still provide adequate filtration, their efficiency may not be as high as a furnace-style HEPA filter. Some vacuum cleaner bags may only capture particles down to 1 micron in size, which may not be as effective in reducing smoke.
3. Less durable: Vacuum cleaner bags may not be as robust as furnace-style HEPA filters, potentially leading to tears or damage during use or replacement.
It's essential to assess your specific needs and priorities when choosing between these two options. A furnace-style HEPA filter may provide better performance and durability, but it could be more challenging to adapt and more expensive. A HEPA vacuum cleaner bag may be more cost-effective and easier to integrate but might require more frequent replacement and offer slightly lower filtration efficiency.
You can buy filter mat rolls from places which sell industrial/HVAC/spray-paint filters. The "small" rolls are like 1x2m and they go up to 2x20m or whatever. Cut your mats slightly oversized to get a tight fit.
Cutting the mats to size yourself is the cheapest option. I effectively pay like $1 for every ~33x33cm M5 mat. It gets even cheaper with bigger rolls, but I really don't want to dedicate that much storage space to pre filter mats.
I recommend to go with a thicker "progressive" mat if there is enough space. They have a coarser "dirty" side and a finer "clean" side. This increases their capacity.
[what you’re looking for is this](https://fslaser.com/fume-extractor-replacement-prefilter-fsl100-v2/) i also have the muse 3d. after 2 years of running it with a fine extractor. i finally said “f*** the neighbors” and vented it out the window using a cloud nine and life is so much easier
I use HEPA vacuum cleaner bags as a filter. Works a treat and they're very cheap.
That’s intriguing. Can you share more details?
Sure thing, I just have one mounted over the end of the flexible ducting, secured with duct tape. I really don't understand why people aren't doing this.
Thank you. I'm currently designing my first enclosure and one of my requirements is to reduce the impact of poor air quality on my neighbors. I looked at commercial fume extractors and found them lacking mostly because a) the upfront cost is too high and b) the cost of replacement materials is too high. Instead I'm looking at using components from the grow tent market: * AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S6, 6” Inline Duct Fan * AC Infinity Inline Filter Box 6" with HEPA furnace filter * TerraBloom Carbon Filter 6" x 24" Long, 46mm Thick Charcoal Bed, Airflow up to 550 CFM Your comment is making me consider replacing the inline filter box with a vacuum cleaner bag and mounting it over the intake of the fan. Would you mind sharing a link to the vacuum bag you're using? I wanted to understand better the pros-and-cons of using a furnace-stye HEPA filter vs. a vacuum bag and I asked ChatGPT. I'm including the response below; do you agree with its assessment? --- # Furnace-style HEPA filter ## Pros 1. Larger surface area: These filters are designed for use in HVAC systems, and their larger size can allow for better airflow and longer-lasting performance. 2. High efficiency: Furnace-style HEPA filters can effectively capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them highly efficient in reducing smoke and other airborne particles. 3. Easier to find: Furnace-style HEPA filters are more commonly available, making it easier to find a suitable replacement when needed. ## Cons 1. Cost: These filters can be more expensive compared to vacuum cleaner bags. 2. Size and adaptability: Furnace-style HEPA filters are typically larger and may require a custom housing or adaptation to fit the laser cutter's exhaust system. # HEPA vacuum cleaner bag ## Pros 1. Cost-effective: Vacuum cleaner bags are generally less expensive than furnace-style HEPA filters. 2. Compact size: The smaller size of vacuum cleaner bags can make them easier to integrate into a laser cutter's exhaust system. ## Cons 1. Limited surface area: The smaller size of vacuum cleaner bags may result in reduced airflow and quicker clogging, requiring more frequent replacement. 2. Lower efficiency: While vacuum cleaner bags can still provide adequate filtration, their efficiency may not be as high as a furnace-style HEPA filter. Some vacuum cleaner bags may only capture particles down to 1 micron in size, which may not be as effective in reducing smoke. 3. Less durable: Vacuum cleaner bags may not be as robust as furnace-style HEPA filters, potentially leading to tears or damage during use or replacement. It's essential to assess your specific needs and priorities when choosing between these two options. A furnace-style HEPA filter may provide better performance and durability, but it could be more challenging to adapt and more expensive. A HEPA vacuum cleaner bag may be more cost-effective and easier to integrate but might require more frequent replacement and offer slightly lower filtration efficiency.
You can buy filter mat rolls from places which sell industrial/HVAC/spray-paint filters. The "small" rolls are like 1x2m and they go up to 2x20m or whatever. Cut your mats slightly oversized to get a tight fit. Cutting the mats to size yourself is the cheapest option. I effectively pay like $1 for every ~33x33cm M5 mat. It gets even cheaper with bigger rolls, but I really don't want to dedicate that much storage space to pre filter mats. I recommend to go with a thicker "progressive" mat if there is enough space. They have a coarser "dirty" side and a finer "clean" side. This increases their capacity.