25 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Aha. I see, now. 

...said the blind man who picked up the hammer and saw

The DC inlet "cross bars" (mine has it, too) prevent big things from hitting the impeller, but the downside is occasional blockage.  A paper towel will defeat mine; also, planer shavings tend to curl around the crossbars and quickly jam the inlet.  An inlet separator would avoid that, and is handy if you find yourself emptying the bags very often.  For me the downside to a sep is floor space, and I am not a power user (empty the bag every couple/three months).  I got a dustpan on a stick thing that cleans the big hunks just fine.  For me, the DC is purposed to the very fine dust that we don't really want to breathe.  I'm ok on a broom for the rest.  The DC bag collects a dust finer than flour; glad to see it in the bag.

3 hours ago, PeteM said:

The DC inlet "cross bars" (mine has it, too) prevent big things from hitting the impeller, but the downside is occasional blockage.  A paper towel will defeat mine; also, planer shavings tend to curl around the crossbars and quickly jam the inlet.  An inlet separator would avoid that, and is handy if you find yourself emptying the bags very often.  For me the downside to a sep is floor space, and I am not a power user (empty the bag every couple/three months).  I got a dustpan on a stick thing that cleans the big hunks just fine.  For me, the DC is purposed to the very fine dust that we don't really want to breathe.  I'm ok on a broom for the rest.  The DC bag collects a dust finer than flour; glad to see it in the bag.

My DC with "cross bars" has not jambed in over 15 years, but about 10 years ago I built a drop box which catches the large stuff before air goes up to the attic thru impeller and to canister.

Cast blades scare me. I think they should be made out of malleable steel.