Replies

1. 
   PlaneWood | Sep 24, 2003 07:59am | #1

   Maybe I'm wrong but isn't the purpose of a cyclone to separate the smaller dust particles from the larger particles?  For a home shop, where everything goes into one bag, why would you want that?

   I've seen large shops using cyclones but there the larger particles got piled onto the ground and later picked up with a front end loader.  The smaller dust particles went into bags to prevent polluting the neighborhood.

   I use a 1200 cfm Delta DC with blast gates and hoses running to all my tools.  I do have a separator made from a large plastic garbage can but thats just because I got tired of nails, screws, screwdrivers, wrenchs, etc, hitting the impellor of my DC.  Now, the heavy stuff drops out of the stream before hitting the impellor.

   I would like to see arguments though.  I may be missing something.

   ps - if your planer is wider than 12" then you may need more than 1200 cfm.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

2. 
   RandMCapozzi | Sep 24, 2003 09:39pm | #2

   Deciding on a DC system depends on many factors. CFM, distance, air velocity, static pressure, level of filtration, the dust collection requirements of the tool, etc. I have found Bill Pentz's web site very helpful in learning about dust collection and what factors need to be considered. Take a look and see for yourself. http://cnets.net/~eclectic/woodworking/cyclone/

   I've been developing my new shop layout for over a year now and have included a stationary DC system in the plans. For me, I think the Cyclone is the way to go. The impeler is protected from large particulate. The filter bags/cartridges only need to deal with the real small particulate and not the larger stuff which prevents the filters from clogging as fast. The larger particulate is conveniently deposited in a barrell for easy disposal. Cyclones also come in larger sizes which is important if you are looking at long runs or large dust makers (planers). I also want to have collection ports throughout the shop to plug in vacum hoses to clean up the benches and plug in portable tools to (sanders, plate jointers) around the shop as well as several floor sweeps.

   Hope this was helpful,

   --Rob