Anyone have a 9" CDL vacuum filter?

[canaanmaple]

After 8 gallons of syrup, I still haven't figured out how to use this contraption. I'm looking for someone who has used one of the new 9" models.

-How much DE are you using?
-Are you using the finish filter + 3 prefilters?
-Do you run the shop vac the entire time syrup is in the top?

I have one and use it at a bottler mainly. I cone filter off the evaporator pretty much as syrup. Bring back to temp to check with hydrometer, and then run through filter press/canner. Just did 15 gallons and never had to clean pre-filter even. Only problem is it's too small, but again, I cone filter off the evaporator first. I think if anyone does that very simple step also, they will never have an issue with that unit.