Dust collecting new/old idea?

L

Lynn Grififth Knives

Joined
Jul 30, 1999
Messages
724
I currently for dust collection have squirrel cage fan in a box with filters that filters larger particles out of the air. I also have a Delta air filtration system (box with a fan inside and filters ($300). And a small $50 dust vac that gets moved bewteen my beadblast cabinet, and my main burrking belt grinder. I also use the dust vac to vaccum the shop, and it has a cleanable air filter in it.

My question is, would it be better to have a dust vac at each machine that you turn on when you are using that machine? Or would it be better to have a piped system going to each machine and leading to one big dust collector?



Does any one just have dust vacs at each machine? It would seem this would allow you to empty the dustvac easily if you swicthed the type of material you were working with at that machine.


Thanks in advance,

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Lynn Griffith-Knifemaker

BG-42 is now an option

griffithknives.com
GriffithKN@aol.com
Griffith Knives Forum
 
I just bought a large dust collector with the idea in mind that I could use it at my table saw or belt grinder directly now, and have enough horse power to later pipe it around the shop from a fixed location if I wanted. I was somewhat concerned about the abrasive and metal dust getting into the bearings for the fan and have ordered a second stage separator that fits on a 20 gal garbage can. The inlet pipe from the dust source goes into the separator on a tangent to the circular can and the heavier particles drop to the bottom of the can as they slow down. The really fine dust gets sucked out the outlet pipe to the powered dust collector. I saw it work at a woodworking show and there was practically nothing getting to the main dust collector. Seems to me it should work even better with heavy metal particles. Unfortunately, it's still in the mail so I'm still waiting for final proof of the theory. Seems to be an easy way to empty the system too, instead of taking the bags off the main vacuum every time. I bought the separator from Tool Crib, which is an Amazon.com company and ordered it from their on-line site. Once i get it hooked up, I'll send a follow-up note whether it works well or not. Cost for the separator is $36 - $39 depending on source, and there are the hoses and clamps and, of course the 20 gal garbage can to buy also.
 
all my woodworker buddies that are serious (and they are Serious) have it like you said, with a big tube to each machine...and a cutoff valve at each machine..so the vac is only pulling dust from the machine being used, the simplist i have seen is just a sliding door thru a slot to open or close the air flow. but these guys generate more dust in a day than we do in a month. wow, i just noticed...i have the exact same amount of posts as you do....wierd..

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http://www.mayoknives.com




[This message has been edited by tom mayo (edited 01-22-2000).]
 
Lynn
I use a main dust collector that is piped to the dust makers.
All of my dust makers are in one spot so I use a flex pipe that I move from one to one as
needed.
The collector is next to a window with a fan and I run the fan to get rid of any dust that
may get out.
Soon I am going to build a box outside for the collector so I don’t have to use the fan in
the window.

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Edward Randall Schott
Knifemaker
edschott@rcn.com

http://www.angelfire.com/ct/schottknives/
 
Lynn I highly recommend a small book called Dust Collection Basics if you are serious about putting together a ducted system(Which I believe is the way to go)I have blast gates on each of my machines that I can close separately to make the most of the suction.Static electricity buildup in any collection system is always a danger.All hoses really need to be grounded.I found out the hard way.I lost a $400 Porter-Cable tool triggered shop vac that was the heart of my original system to a static lightningbolt.Now I have a 1Hp Jet collector and fully grounded ductwork.Also a good quality dust collector motor is rated for continuous run.I have never felt comfortable running a shop vac for very long.They always seem to run hot.
troy
 
Lynn: I have a Delta dust collector-the kind that sits on top of a 55 gallon drum. It comes with a flex pipe that goes into a big cloth bag. I installed the dust collector outside the shop (garage) I hard piped from the collector along the wall and came back thru, into the shop. this is where the bag is. Heat loss is minimal, a necessity here in the Northeast (currently -10000F!).
I used 6" duct fittings I bought from the Home depot-there are many shapes-tees, elbows and square/rectangular to round. I bought a bunch and just went at it, installing an inlet at every machine. I use the inexpensive round shutoffs that fit inside the pipe and have a little lever on the outside of the pipe. BTW, the pipe is sheet metal with a crimped edge. You'll need a pair of crimping pliers and tin snips, and your hands will get a good workout, but, the job is easy. I sheetrock screwed the pipes/fittings to the wall and eachother, and ductaped around the joints.
The shut-offs leak a little, but, it works great and the noise level is manageable-much better than the whine of a shop vac.
I have found that the heavy steel grit generally collects at the first elbow, and the light dust eventually makes it into the bag. USE METAL PIPES, for sure, so you don't blow yourself up! Also, make sure that the bag is far enough from the sparks. Mine is about 12-14 feet, and, is quite safe.
If you are clever, you can even make the inlets adjustable WRT location.

Good luck,

RJ Martin
 
I have a commercial woodworking shop with a large 5 horse 3 phase dust collector. I have asthma so dust collection is a major concern. Heckofa business to be in with asthma.
Just a couple important notes
Don't ever have a 90 degree elbow. Always make gentle curves around corners.
Never ever use pvc plastic pipe for piping. Pvc produces alot of static and can start a fire in the bag, if your collector sits outside you won't even know until its too late. Don't suck sparks up the collector for the same reason.

John Yeackley

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http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm My contribution to the world of knife fanatics.


 
i'm thinking of buying a 1 1/2hp dust collector, being in a 10x12 shop i think it'll be enough power. do you use sheetmetal screws to connect the duct, or do you crimp the pipes. my dad told me not to get 90 degree elbows too. how should i split the pipes to go to different machines. should i also buy a metal dust collector for the grinder? i seen one in delta's catalogue. i shouldn't have any problems getting fittings, my dad's a union sheetmetal worker, he does alot of work making and putting up HVAC duct.
 
Magnum-

I use as short a rivit as possible to connect my runs working away from the collector so the fittings go the right direction. Its amazing how much will collect around a long screw. I have alot of wood chips going through mine and it will clog up easy. at machines I use a T (actually more like an exit off the interstate), the straight part goes to the next machine The exit gets a blast gate and then a flex hose. I use short screws for the flex hose so I can take it apart to clean out the interstate on-ramp if necessary.
Keep runs as straight as possible. A little extra time in planning makes a world of difference. My machines are arranged for dust collection purposes more than anything else.
Also-- the cloth bag on top needs to be cleaned out often. The dust will clog the bag and make so the collector can't breath, the air needs to escape somewhere.

John Yeackley

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http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm My contribution to the world of knife fanatics.


 
thanks john,
i went looking through some catalogs and found snap and lock piping. i'm in the planning stages, and pricing. it's gonna cost me near $900 so i gotta plan this correctly. i've use y fittings to connect with machines that are in the middle of piping, and elbows, that are not 90 degrees, but a smooth curve instead. helix flex duct to machines. blast gates befor flex duct, dust collection hood at the drill press for when i'm using the drum sander attachment. my dad's helping me out too. any tips for improving dust collection? thanks
 
I have a JET 1hp dust collecter in a 8'x 18' shop. Have use it about 3 years now, and use 3" pvc pipe with 4" plastic blast gates. My machine is setting behind the shop about center. I have the machines that make the most dust closest to the collector. I use some 90 degree pieces because of limited space. I only have one blast gate open at a time. This set up works fine for me.(Note when it dosen't feel like it working good empty the bag).
 
With the dust collection systems, one concern I have is noise. I have considered putting the vacuum in the attic, in an enclosure outside, etc. Has anyone out there approached this problem?

C Wilkins
 
rdf, that's a good tip, that will help isolate the problem, if the bag being full isn't the porblem. i think i'm going to buy the delta 1.5hp, mostly 6" piping, and a little bit of HELIX flex hose. (helix bends easier, and stays bent, until you bend it another way. i have a 10x12 shop, but since i do ALOT of wood resawing i'm going with the higher hp. i think i'm going to build a platform over the collection, but connected to it, to place an air filter on. the bandsaw is the most dust producing tool, so far, since i have a resawing blade on it.
c l, you can build a smal; closet out side your shop, that will stop noise, just make sure you double sound proof it, to eliminate noise.
 
These are some great things to know especially since I just bought a dust collection system. Has anyone used magnets in conjunction with the pickup at the machine to help catch metal dust? I have been kicking the idea around before I do my complete setup. Anyone who has or can add some more tips please let me know! Thanks
 
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