Table of Contents
What type of pipe is best for dust collection?
PVC is commonly used in dust collection systems. Typically for longer runs you should use 6″ or larger pipe, regardless of the material. If you’re using PVC, the larger, less expensive pipe is commonly available as sewer drain pipe.
Is a 1 HP dust collector enough?
Typically equipped with a 1-hp motor and rated to generate around 700 CFM, this style is a good choice for a small shop with only a few stationary power tools. Collectors of this size also use disposable plastic collection bags for the chips and dust.
How big of a dust collection system do I need?
If it’s round, measure the diameter. For a rectangle, multiply the length by width, then multiply that number by 28 to find the flow of CFM at 4,000 feet per minute (fpm) airflow. Find the largest CFM number out of all your tools, and that’s what you’ll go on for the required rating for your dust collector.
Is PVC or metal better for dust collection?
PVC dust collection is perfectly safe, much cheaper and much easier to install than metal. The velocities and volumes generated from your average hobby or small shop dust collector is not nearly enough to cause a static discharge that could result in a deflagration of a dust cloud.
Can you use Schedule 40 PVC for dust?
What kind of PVC is best for ductwork? Schedule 40 DWV (drain, waste, vent) PVC is the heaviest and thickest wall material commonly available, and it works great. This is covered in the Popular Woodworking webinar “Dust Collection Ductwork.”May 8, 2014.
Can I use HVAC duct for dust collection?
The HVAC piping in most home centers is 30 gauge or thinner, so it is not a good choice for dust collection. But if I didn’t have good access to PVC pipe and fittings, I would be comfortable going with metal as well.
How do wood dust collection systems work?
A dust collection system works by capturing woodworking dust and debris in a stream of air and moving it through the system’s ductwork to a collection area. Together, they generate the large volume of air flow required to move the substantial amounts of dust and debris produced by woodworking equipment.
Is a shop vac good enough for dust collection?
Short answer: A shop-vac is better than nothing, but barely adequate for dust collection on almost any stationary power tool. On the other hand, a dust collector would be inappropriate and wouldn’t work very well for most handheld tools.
How far can a dust collector work?
More horsepower lets you park your collector. A 2-hp machine is strong enough to support about 18 ft. of flexible hose, which also allows for semi-permanent connection to several machines at once.
Can I put a bigger motor on my dust collector?
Simply bolting on a larger motor to the existing impeller will only ensure the motor is not working as hard as the 2HP current motor, Its not going to spin faster, but it will ramp up to speed faster and that may not be good either.
What CFM do I need for my workshop?
1. Measure your shop to determine the CFM (cubic feet per minute) needed to obtain a minimum of 5-10 air changes per hour. As an example: Shop size of 15′ x 20′ x 8’h = 2400 cubic feet shop volume x 5 air changes per hour = 12000 cf/hr. ÷ 60 minutes /hour = 200 cfm unit for this shop example would be used Page 7 2.
Do dust collection systems need to be grounded?
From the Manufacturer. All dust collection systems build up static electricity and if not grounded, that electricity becomes a hazard that could start a fire.
Can you use ABS for dust collection?
The ABS dust collection fittings fit perfectly inside the S&D pipe.
Can you ground PVC?
When electrostatic charge buildup is possible, such as in ventilation ducts, PVC pipes should be grounded. However, PVC is an insulator and, as a result, in order to ground PVC pipes a conductor must be added.
What is a blast gate for on a dust collection system?
Blast gates are used to focus a dust collection system’s vacuum pressure for maximum material extraction at the desired location. Blast gates control the air flow from one machine to another and to maximize system efficiency; specific lines in the system may be shut off to allow more air flow to another machine.
How do you calculate CFM for dust collection?
For a rectangular port, calculate the area (multiply length times width, in inches). Then, multiply that area times 28 to find the approximate flow in CFM @ 4,000 feet per minute (FPM).
What does a dust collector do?
Dust collector systems work in general by drawing dust and particulates from the air through a filter that first captures and separates the matter, and then discharges purified air back into the workplace or environment.
How much horsepower does a dust collector need?
If you regularly operate more than one machine simultaneously, it would be wise to look at 3-hp or bigger dust collectors. The 2-hp machines are no noisier than the 11/2-hp collectors. They cost more, however.
What is a 2 stage dust collector?
A two-stage dust collector consists of a first stage cyclone, a blower and a second stage after filter. The blower then relays the fine dust to the after filter. It is important to know that the longer the cyclone body and cone, the better the dust separation.
How do you control dust in a wood shop?
Frequently Asked Questions on Woodshop Dust Control The first and best way to control wood dust is to keep it out of your lungs with a high quality dust mask. Then dust mitigation focuses on use of air filtration systems, shop vacuums and dust collectors at the source of the machines generating dust.
Can I use Schedule 40 PVC for central vacuum?
There are essentially three major options for pipe choices for installing a central vacuum: Plumbing Pipe (such as schedule 40 PVC), Flexible Hose, and Vacuum Tubing designed specifically for central vacuums.
