Opinions needed

[Manns50]

Going to set up a new Harbor Freight DC. Need opinions on whether...
1. I should create a baffle in a plastic 55 gallon barrel and position the motor above the barrel like many have done then discharge to the HF can or body with a Wynn filter.
2. Put the baffle within the body of the DC with a 30 gallon barrel below it and a Wynn filter on top.
The latter I've heard does not have any loss of Suction.
I've heard with a separator within a barrel or tophat there is slight loss in performance but the positive being the separator is before the blower fan.
On the fence. Be nice to hear from people who have one or the other. Very much appreciated.

[tommitytomtom]

1. I prefer the collector BEFORE the impeller.
2. IF shop is air conditioned and/or heated, IF you exhaust your DC outside, you'll need to have makeup air brought into the shop. Either heat or AC will have trouble this way.
3. With a filter internal to the shop, no makeup air is required.

[Manns50]

Thanks for the reply and input.  Im building a 30 gallon drum with the baffle in the top before the fan. Have all the materials to put it all on a cart have the portability.