Table of Contents
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 does a wood shop dust collector work?
There are two main types of dust collectors: single-stage and two-stage. Two-stage collectors draw air first into a separator, where the chips and larger dust particles settle into a bag or drum before they reach stage two, the filter. That keeps the filter much cleaner and free flowing, improving suction.
Can you use a dust collector as a vacuum?
Certain types of dust collectors can be used as a vacuum cleaner, but most of them fare better for a woodwork shop than for a home. On top of this, there are different dust categories to consider when choosing between the vacuum cleaner and dust collector.
Can PVC pipe be used 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.
Do you need to ground PVC dust collection?
Should you ground your dust collection system? Whatever the risks of explosion or fire, taking a “better safe than sorry” attitude and equipping your PVC ductwork with a grounding system will at least prevent you from suffering a nasty zap when you brush up against a dust collection port.
Why do dust collectors have two bags?
On the downside, the filter bag also doubles as the collection bag. This means that the air has to move through the dust on its return path into the shop. And the 30-micron bag allows quite a bit of fine dust back into the air.
How does a 2 stage dust collector work?
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 many CFM does a dust collector need?
They found most small shop stationary tools need about 1000 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow to have good fine dust collection and only need about 350 CFM for good “chip collection”.
Is a dust collector quieter than a shop vac?
From what I know, dust collectors are generally quieter, hold more chips, and can support a larger hose than a shop vac.
What is the difference between a dust collector and a vacuum?
A Vacuum is High-Pressure, Low-Volume and a Dust Collector is a Low-Pressure, High Volume. Vacuums are used mainly for precision cleaning and material conveyance, and dust collectors for full scale facility or process filtration.
Does a dust collector work better than a shop vac?
Dust collectors are simply able to pull air and dust at a much greater CFM (cubic feet per minute). A shop vac is strong enough to get the majority of dust, though.
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.
How do you discharge static electricity from PVC pipe?
Ensuring good contact with the ground can easily dissipate the static charge, effectively ‘earthing’ the PE pipe. This is achieved during normal backfilling operations or by wrapping a damp cotton cloth around the pipe and ensuring it is in contact with the ground.
Where should a dust collector be placed?
Ideally installing the dust collector should be located next to the dust generation. However, this isn’t always possible. There are space constraints, safety and noise concerns and process requirements that all affect the placement of the dust collector.
How do you get more suction from a dust collector?
Clean your filters often! When the lower bags in a two- or four-bag chip collector fill up, the unit’s filter area is effectively cut in half. This not only reduces suction significantly, but the higher air pressure inside the bag also forces fine dust particles through the fabric and into the shop air.
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.
How do I calculate cfm?
CFM = (fpm * area), where fpm is the feet per minute. To find the cubic feet per minute, substitute the FPM value with the area after the area is squared.
How many CFM is a shop vac?
Shop Vac points out that its 2½-hp., two-stage vacuum operating with a conventional motor can generate 90 inches of suction and 100 cfm.
