separator nearest the tool or the DC?

[duncsuss]

Hi,

I'm about to get started on a dust collection setup in my garage workshop. I bought a ShopFox 1.5HP DC, and a Wynn filter (the fancy new nanofiber type). I have a 35 gallon metal trash barrel and plan to install a Thien Baffle on it to make a separator.

My question is this: which would be a better arrangement --

(1) a very short ducting run between the collection point (at the tool that's making the dust) and the trash barrel separator and a longer ducting run back to the DC

or

(2) having a very short ducting run between the separator and the DC, with a longer ducting run to the tool that's making the dust?

Thanks for any suggestions/insight/etc.

Duncan

[Negative_Zero]

Without any empirical basis, it seems to me that it would be better to have the separator close to the source of dust because there is less distance to pull the dust and debris in the air flow, so less chance for it to collect in the pipes.  However, if you can combine the separator and the DC into a single unit the increased suction may make even more difference.  Having the shortest sections of turns and flexible hose seems to make the most difference.  Also, if you have the separator near the tool, you will have to either move it around, which may not be convenient.

-Will

[duncsuss]

Thanks for responding.

My initial thought was to put the separator as close to the dust generator as possible, thinking that this would reduce the amount of material that could settle in the ducting run back to the DC. I'd really like to hear if somebody has tried the two configurations and knows the best way to do it.

Duncan

ps Chuck -- I don't intend to put the baffle in the DC -- heck, I've got $28.93 invested in a galvanized steel trash can, I'm not going to let that go to waste ...  ;)

[Negative_Zero]

combine the separator and the DC into a single unit

I think Chuck misunderstood the point I was trying to make (because I did not make it clearly, I admit).  I am thinking of having the blower and the separation chamber connected with the shortest possible fixed pipe, rather than a longer run.  For example, see what VAwoodworker did - see http://www.jpthien.com/smf/index.php?topic=262.0.  I expect that the efficiency of having fewer turns and no flexible hose in the system may improve results more than the advantage of having separation occur closer to the source of the dust, but like duncsuss I would would interested in actual test results.

-Will

[dbhost]

While I cannot say with any certainty. The logistics of hooking up, and moving, with all the flex hose that would entail, would make me think closer to the DC is better.

I can see your logic, but honestly, unless you are using WAY too small of a DC to be ducted, that isn't a problem...

[duncsuss]

The logistics of hooking up, and moving, with all the flex hose that would entail, would make me think closer to the DC is better.

Well that's a very good point that I hadn't considered fully.

The ShopFox collector has a roll-around platform; perhaps I should just leave the casters off it and put that platform on top of a larger roll-around with enough space next to it for the trash can separator.

Then there would be minimal distance between the separator and the DC *and* I'd be able to roll it to the power outlet closest to the tool to cut down on that duct length too.

Thanks!

[tvman44]

I would want it close to the DC especially if you have nore than one tool in the shop connected to the system.