I am going to be installing a new spiral pipe system in my wood shop. I have attached a drawing of the shop layout along with the runs that I would like to make and the sizes that I have assumed would be best for my shop. The drawing should have all of the specs for the DC collector and the tools in my shop. My main questions are:
Are the pipe diameters properly sized for my shop size and collector size? I am trying to go with 6″ for all of the perimeter and diagnol runs except for the east wall.
Should I change the pipe layout to get better flow or more efficient use of materials?
Any other considerations for this type of shop?
My collector a Penn State DC-250. 2-1/2 hp, 1,350 CFM, with 5 micron bags. I want to be sure that i have adequate velocities to keep the chips moving.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Aaron
Edited 1/15/2004 2:11:18 PM ET by ABENKER
Edited 1/15/2004 2:12:26 PM ET by ABENKER
Replies
Suggest you contact Air Handling Systems or Oneida to help. I've worked in too many shops where things were done without checking with someone that knows what they are doing and allows for flexibility for future changes and expansion. Some companies will give a free consultation while Oneida I think charges $50. Still a worthwhile expense in my opinion. The worst has to be when people install airlines in a shop. Amazing how someone can make every mistake in the book without ever having seen the book.
http://airhand.com/designing.asp
Aaron, I guess you are buying your spiral pipe from Air Handling. I have dealt with a man there named Curt. He is very helpful in designing and sizing the system, if you buy the pipe from them. My first impression is that you have a lot of runs for a 2 1/2 hp collector. I know the Delta 3hp has an 8" intake port. One suggestion I will make is to do away with all the runs along the wall. Make the Diagonal Run an 8" trunk line and come off of it with a Y and a 45 with smaller pipe going to each machine. The miter saw, especially if it's a compound miter saw will need more than 4". They are one of the hardest machines to catch the dust. I have a 5" line going to my RAS.
Bill
Thanks for the response. I will actually be purchasing from Spiral Manufacturing here in Minneapolis and i have provided this to them for design help, but wanted to get some opinions from other woodworkers with similar setups to mine. I will play around with the single diaganol run. This collector has a single 6" port. Thanks
Aaron
Others have provided good advise already but I would add that in my experience:
1. I think you have too many 90 degree turns & drops to get to your bandsaw. Look at continuing the diagonal overhead to eliminate that long perimeter run.
2. I like 6" pipe to all the big machines, especially the tablesaw, jonter & planer. If possible do away with all the 4" reduction.
3. In my shop, I have 6" pvc overhead and have excellent results. I now have 6" at the mitersaw and am very impressed with the results.
You should be able to get some advice from the people selling the pipe. Try to minimize 90 degree turns, don't be afraid to use flexible hose at the connection to the machine. I like the clear type so that I can monitor the flow volume.
Check out sites like Terry Hatfield's and Bill Pentz'. I can send sites if you can't find 'em.
Good Luck, Hugh
Without analyzing your arrangement, I offer a few comments:
- Suggest a central header with branch lines as needed
- Avoid 90 deg elbows as much as possible (increases the frictional losses in the duct)
- Use 45 deg lateral connections for branch lines
- Carefull using an 8 in. main header. Dust and chip collection systems need a certain minimum air velocity to keep the materials in suspension (ie not settle in the duct). I have the Delta 1-1/2 HP DC which has a air flow rate of 1100 - 1200 CFM. I used 4 in. light gauge PVC pipe and it works fine for everything including 3 HP Delta planer.
- Check the Oneida web site for design considerations
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