Planned Side Inlet. Duct Sizing Questions

[DaveHuber]

I have a Woodsucker Cyclone.
I plan a Thein separator on my jointer and planer line using a 30 gallon plastic barrel.
I plan side inlet using a modified HVAC register boot.
However, I can only find a 6" boot locally.  I have 4" duct at the point where this separator will be located.

Will 4" to 6" expander ahead of inlet then 6" outlet to 4" piping present any huge problems?

I think I've got a handle on baffle construction otherwise.

Thanks for your input

[phil (admin)]

Will 4" to 6" expander ahead of inlet then 6" outlet to 4" piping present any huge problems?

I think I've got a handle on baffle construction otherwise.

Thanks for your input

Hard to say.  The optimum is actually an outlet that is LARGER than the inlet.  You want the incoming air to be moving fast, then slow down in rotation, then slow down a bit more on the exit.  If possible.

I suspect it will be okay.

What kind of 30-gallon can are you going to use?

[DaveHuber]

Thanks for the reply.
It is a white plastic drum.  Probably soap or some kind of cleaner in it originally.
It has two 2" bungs in it.
I have not cut the top off yet.
I'm really after the big chips from jointer and planer since my main collector is in a spot where emptying the drum is a chore.

I'm going to give this a whirl (ha ha) I think.

I'll let you know what I find.

Great site and awesome help here. Thanks.  I very much appreciate the expertise and sharing going on here.

Very refreshing!!

Dave

[Bulldog8]

You could also attempt to make your own round to rectangular inlet starting with a 4" tube. RonS posted instructions on how to make the template and then construct the inlet. I have plans to make one from his template, but haven't had the time to get to it yet.

Steve