I have a single-bag dust collector which is situated in a small room adjacent to my machine shop to isolate the noise. However, it’s also out of sight so I sometimes forget to check the bag. Here are some reasons not to forget emptying it:
- It is hard to handle a full bag, especially if it contains more fine dust and fewer shavings;
- A full bag can be heavy and is more likely to tear;
- If the bag is allowed to fill and the dust collector continues to be used, dust accumulates in the upper filter;
- If dust is allowed to accumulate in the upper filter, it often needs to be dug out and makes a bigger mess;
- A full dust collector, especially with dust in the upper filter has less airflow;
- Low airflow may not be enough to keep ductwork and hoses clear;
- A dust collector with restricted airflow is less effective at extracting dust;
- Dust not collected at the source ends up on the floor or in the air;
- Un-captured dust is tracked around the shop (or house), breathed in, and settles on every horizontal surface; and
- Cleaning the shop and emptying an overfilled dust collector takes several hours and makes you look like this.
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 
You must have been in my shop last Friday! That’s pretty much how I looked after first emptying the overfilled DC, then having to empty the overfilled Dust Deputy I used to clean up the first mess, then using the DD again to clean up the left-ove mess from its cleaning. [Minor note: My hair is shorter than yours… ;-) ]
Yup. (Need I say more?)
Thanks for the comment, Jim.
Chris
Reminds me of when I was emptying the dust collector and someone else turned it on by remote. What a mess! Lessoned learned now I always lock it out when cleaning it out.
Sounds advice, I know exactly what you mean!
When I do need to clean the top filter bag, I find it best to turn it inside out and to remove the dust with a vacuum. Some recommend washing them in a machine! It’s not foolproof and I still wear a mask but, it’s less messy than shaking or banging it.
Olly,
Good idea to use a vacuum.
My dust extractor has a cannister top with a pleated filter inside. To clean it, I turn a handle which knocks off the dust. I think that there was a good amount of dust caked on the inside and cleaning the filter increased the airflow, and hence the suction!
Chris