DC ductwork cost/options? (Long)

Recommendation for WoodBurning System

Dennis J. Gooding

>Shawn, you probably c o u l d do that but I would guess that you would not be happy in the long term. One of the problems is that flexible hose causes a very large pressure loss compared to smooth metal or plastic ducts. You may not get the air flow that you require at the various machines. A further problem would be to come up with a quick-connect/disconnect interface for the various machines. If you dig into the mechanics of dust collection systems you will find that the size of each branch of ducting needs to roughly match the air flow that will be required by the associated machine. You need both enough air flow to move the dust produced and enough velocity in the ducts so that it does not settle in the ducts instead of the filter/separator. At least one of the major suppliers of dust collector equipment provides a free design service that will help you design a system based on the layout of your shop. Good luck! Dennis

DC ductwork cost options

Dennis J. Gooding

>Sorry and bout the subject line. I keep forgetting to change it between posts. Dennis

Re: DC ductwork cost/options? (Long)

Doug Trembath

>Shawn, I'm in the middle of a complete shop DC installation, and at a standstill, too. This may not be what you want to hear, but you might consider the much cheaper and more flexible option of using a regular dust collector with wheels annd set it up primarily for the lathe, then move it to the desired location for the infrequent other operation. I have been doing this in a large shop, where it's really a PITA. Since your equipment is mobile and you move it around to use it anyway, I feel this would be a much better option for your circumstance. Unless you have a designated spot for each machine, you will be moving not only the equipment, but the dust collection as well, anyway.

My very humble opinion, and it's worth exactly what you paid for it.

Doug Trembath

Studio in the Woods

Re: DC ductwork cost/options? (Long)

Les Robison

>I put up with a stand alone dust collector for several years (a 2 HP? HF model) and finally got tired of blowing the dust out of my nose. I bit the bullet and bought the 2 HP Oneida. I had them do the duct design and purchased the pipe from then. Went all metal with flex after the blast gates. My shop is small and all I have is the lathe with a 5" pipe, a bandsaw with 2 hook ups (@4"). A sweep pickup that I seldom use. A run to the bench at 4". I have very little dust problems now and consider the expenditure a great investment. If you can, bite the bullet and do it right the first time.

Re: DC ductwork cost/options? (Long)

Don Evans

>Why not think about it in these terms:

Pick a spot for the DC to be permanent. Run duct to the lathes and one 3rd drop that you will consider your temporary drop. The tempy drop will be used by all the other movable machines.

To use the system you simply run the lathes normally with gate operation.

To use one of the other machines, you wheel just that machine to the tempy spot and connect it to the DC. This way, you never move the DC itself.

Don

Thanks

Shawn - in ID

>Dennis, Doug, Les, Don,

Thanks for the good ideas. I believe I'll set up the system with good ductwork to the lathes but minimize the overall expense by doing as Don suggests and have one station that the infrequently used tools can belly up to as needed.

DC ductwork cost/options? (Long)

Dennis J. Gooding

>Shawn, one more thing. If you possibly can, put the blower and filter in different room, a closet, or outside in a shed. They get pretty noisy. You will have to provide an adequate air return. Dennis