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DUST COLLECTION TOUR

This dust collection tour is to hopefully inspire you. Take a look at your own dust collection system and improve upon it if it needs it. Better yet, implement dust collection if you don’t already have any in place. So, in an effort to stay healthy in the shop I wanted to improve my dust collection situation. Previously, I had a Harbor Freight unit with a Wynn Environmental filter on it. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with a HF dust collector. I just knew I wanted a better solution for my shop and tools.

This post is not sponsored by Clearvue (it’s actually sponsored by FilterBuy), I genuinely just want to share my setup in hopes of it helping others. Please comment below with any questions and I’ll be sure answer them.

*Let me acknowledge the fact that some folks are going to wonder why I didn’t show the assembly process of the cyclone or the installation of the pipes. Number one, there are other videos out there on the cyclone assembly. Secondly, the installation manual for the cyclone goes over the assembly process step by step. The installation of the pipes is a matter of connecting fittings into the pipes. The configuration will be different for everyone.

Tools:

Listed below are links (some are affiliate links) to the tools mentioned in this dust collection tour.

Dust collector, Clearvue Cyclone CV1800: http://bit.ly/stone_clearvue



Planer, DeWalt: https://amzn.to/2TNIZtE Upgraded cutterhead for DeWalt planer: https://amzn.to/2V2Hh87



Jointer, Grizzly: www.grizzly.com



Router: discontinued



Project Plans:

Listed below are the plans mentioned in this dust collection tour.

Small Shop Miter Saw Station: stoneandsons.net/shop/miter-saw-station/



Outfeed Assembly Table: stoneandsons.net/shop/outfeed-assembly-table/

Outfeed Assembly Table Bundled with Jay Bates’ Router Lift: stoneandsons.net/shop/outfeed-assembly-table-router-plan/

Dust Collection Parts

Listed below are the parts I used for the dust collection system.

Spiral metal pipe and fittings: http://shrsl.com/1g1zw

Rockler’s Dust Right quick change floor sweep: http://shrsl.com/1g205

Rockler’s expandable hose: http://shrsl.com/1g208

Aluminum duct tape: https://amzn.to/2DG06Xk

Hanging wire: https://amzn.to/2DvY3Fa

Silicon: https://amzn.to/2N4QSIC

Shark Guard: http://bit.ly/stone_sharkguard

55 gallon drum* (not exact drum): https://amzn.to/2GrmmrK

DUST COLLECTION

Clearvue Cyclone

The most important part of a dust collection system is the dust collector itself. I’m upgrading from a Harbor Freight unit to a Clearvue Cyclone CV1800. It’s a single phase, 230v, 30 amp unit with a 5hp motor.

There are two 9B300NANO Wynn Environmental filters that make up the filter stack. Let’s just say this dust collector is a beast and it’s not even their MAX version. This particular cyclone has a cool factor that I haven’t seen on any other dust collector before or at least not at this scale. It’s the funnel, it’s clear so you can see the tornado of dust funnel down into the drum.

I like this because I can see if it’s working or clogged at any given time the collector is being used. Besides that, it’s just cool to look at and to show visitors when they come over.

PIPES, FITTINGS and BLAST GATES

Solid Pipe

I decided to go with all metal dust collection pipe this time instead of some metal and some plastic. Rockler Woodworking carries the six inch solid Spiral pipe and that’s what the CV1800 calls for, so that’s what I went with.

For the main trunk line diagonal across my shop ceiling I went with six inch solid pipe. I ended up having one main trunk line with two splits, meaning I used a wye fitting in two different locations to go towards other tools. I used more six inch solid pipe from those locations as far as I could go. Some instances I had to use another lateral to gain access to more tools. I even used the six-inch flexible metal pipe to make a turn or twist down to a location I otherwise couldn’t access.

Flexible Pipe

The metal flexible pipe comes in six and four inch, both five foot lengths. One thing to take note of is the fact that the metal flexible pipe doesn’t bend like the clear flexible hose you’re thinking about. A good place for the flexible metal pipe would be in an area where you might have to move the pipe slightly in one direction or another.

For example, if you saw the video, you saw that I have a section of the metal flexible pipe over my lathe to move the dust hood I have installed around for different reasons. Another good place might be an overhead port for a table saw, but only if you support the pipe with an arm or supported with a bungee from above. I think you get the idea.

Fittings and Connectors

Fittings used in the system are laterals, forty-five degree, sweeping ninety degree, couplings, reducers, and true wye’s. I tried to use forty-five’s instead of ninety degree fittings whenever possible to cut down on the amount bends in the system, but there wasn’t getting around that in some places like the jointer, which I’ll cover in a moment. For each section of five foot solid pipe used I had to use either a coupling or a fitting of some kind to continue with the pipe. I didn’t have to modify any of the fittings, which was nice. In fact, I didn’t have to modify anything other than cut the pipe to length in some instances as I mentioned.

Blast Gates

In my previous setup plastic blast gates were used. As they served their purpose it wasn’t without remorse. I had to repair several with tape and glue because they started separating. So, using metal blast gates in this system is quite the treat.

The metal blast gates I used are so much more rigid obviously, but one thing the plastic blast gates had that these metal ones do not is the self cleaning feature. Self cleaning means the open hole would extend out past the housing of the gate in the closed position. So, when the gate was in the open position it would look like the gate was extra long. This allows for the gate itself to push any dust or debris out and avoid any clogs. Gates that are not self cleaning run the risk of pushing dust and debris into the slot where the gate closes. This causes the gate not to close all the way leaving a small opening and not sealing. I haven’t had this issue and I don’t expect to with the power of the cyclone pulling all the dust away from the source.

SPONSOR

FilterBuy

Being a dust collection project and video, I thought it was only fitting to include FilterBuy. FilterBuy is the sponsor of this post and is definitely in the business to clean the air just like my new dust collection system. Give FilterBuy a look and tell them I sent ya. 😉

FilterBuy is a family owned business and all their filters are made right here in the U.S.A. If you use their subscription service, where they will send you filters when it’s time to change them, you can save 5% on costs. Plus, all orders are shipped free within 24 hours. Check them out here.

INSTALLATION

Installing the Pipe

When installing the solid pipe, especially by yourself, it can be tricky. I started by inserting the first pipe into the cyclone intake. On the other end of that first pipe I screwed some wire to the ceiling in order to hold the pipe from falling. I did this for each piece I added including the fittings and did not tape anything other than a small piece here and there to hold things from coming loose. Doing this allowed me to figure out the best route of dust collection for my tools and it also made it easy for me to change things around before securing everything permanently with wire to the ceiling.

Because of the cyclone intake, the first pipe was lower than the rest of the pipe in the system. Clearvue actually suggests a five foot run of pipe before any drops or turns for the best performance. In my particular situation, I had a turn five feet from the beginning of the intake (against the funnel), but I’m happy with the performance so far. I would suggest trying to use more forty-five degree bends instead of any ninety degree bends. The more turns and bends you have in the system the less your system will work at full capacity.

Cutting the Solid Pipe

Both the solid pipe and the flexible pipe came in five foot sections, so in areas where I needed shorter pieces of solid pipe I had to cut it to length. First, I would measure what length I needed, make marks around the pipe and then connect those marks to create a line I could follow with my jigsaw. I would start the cut with a hacksaw just in one small area. As soon as the blade made it through the metal, I finished the cut with a jigsaw using a metal cutting blade. Using my leg vise on my outfeed table, I opened it just enough to hold the pipe. Besides that, I could spin it in place as I held the jigsaw and to also manage the pipe while cutting it. I did this for the metal flexible pipe as well.

Installing the Drops and Blast Gates

Using Transition Blast Gates

Each tool drop was a little different because of different configurations. Branching from the main trunk required a lateral fitting, which is common. After the lateral is where things can get convoluted. For example, at the center of my shop I have two drops coming down, but a total of five ports. One drop is simple, a straight run through a blast gate onto a sole tool, the jointer.

The second drop is leaving a lateral connected to a true six inch wye. That wye is connected to two Clearvue transitions (one six to two fours) with blast gates. These transitions are designed to allow a connection to a single tool with two four inch outlets or two tools with four inch ports each. From these transitions I connected clear four inch flex hose to the tools. In this case it was my down draft table and my router lift.

Using Single Blast Gates

Other tools that didn’t require a double four inch transition, but required a blast gate received a six inch metal blast gate. In most cases I tried to install them as close to the dust collector or cyclone as possible. Fitting the metal blast gates to the solid pipe will take some tape to hold it in place, which is not a big deal because you’ll want to add tape anyway to seal off any gaps.

Keep in mind the direction of the blast gate when installing them. I wanted to make sure from where I stand at the tool I could reach up or over to pull on the lip of the gate. The lip is only bent one way, so making sure how you will interact with the gate is important before taping it in place. These blast gates have a tightening screw to make sure it doesn’t slide open if the gate is oriented in a downward position. The screw can be placed on either side.

Securing the Pipes

As I mentioned when installing the pipes I started out by temporarily using wire and a little bit of tape to hold things in place. When it came time to secure everything permanently, I started by taping the joints and seams closest to the dust collector. I then worked my way out towards the tools. Then started working on securing the pipes with wire while cleaning everything up and removing any wire I didn’t need.

TOOL CONNECTIONS

CNC, X-Carve and Planer

As I stated in the video, the X-Carve already had a good dust collection setup with Inventables dust shoe. I was using a shop vac and that seemed to work just fine. Adding the cnc to the cyclone meant convenience and also freeing up the floor space my shop vac was claiming. The X-Carve is connected to the same Clearvue transition as my planer, which has a four inch to two and a half inch reducer. When using the X-Carve I open both four inch ports on that transition to avoid starving the cyclone for air.

If you’re interested in a CNC, more specifically an X-Carve from Inventables Click Here to learn more about the options they offer (affiliate link).

Speaking of the planer, I’ll just mention it here. The planer has a blower in the ejection port, so the chips have a little extra help getting back to the cyclone. I have no issues with either of these tools and dust collection.

Bandsaw

I’m using a Clearvue “six to two fours” transition at the bandsaw as well. Each four inch port has a clear flexible hose attached at the transition.

The other ends are secured above and below the bandsaw table.

I’m pretty happy with the results of this setup.

Miter Saw Station

As one of the messiest tools in my shop other than the lathe, my miter saw improved the most in terms of dust collection. Mainly because this miter saw station is my newest addition to the shop. I designed it with dust collection as a priority. It features removable outer panels, which allow you to cut ninety degree cuts without removing them and forty-five degree cuts by removing the panels. These panels allow for maximum dust collection and as the video shows, it works great. To check out the project plans for the miter saw station click here.

I have a six inch flexible metal pipe attaching the dust box to the main trunk line of the system. The six inch metal blast gate is between the flexible metal pipe and a six inch stovepipe take off. In turn that is connected to the miter saw station dust box.

Lathe and Clean Up Area

There is no way I’m going to capture all the mess my lathe makes unless I place it in a bubble. Let’s face it, dust collection at the lathe is near impossible, but I can try to capture the fine dust.

In addition to my air filtration unit, I’ve installed a big gulp dust hood right over the lathe. It helps with the fine dust, especially when I’m sanding. With an open six inch port there, it is moving some air. This port is extended from the miter saw station with a six inch flexible metal pipe. From there it’s connected to a six inch to four inch lateral then to the big gulp dust hood. Connected to the four inch lateral is the Rockler Woodworking’s expandable hose and Dust Right quick change floor sweep.

Having the twenty one foot expandable hose and floor sweep allows me to clean up after using the lathe, but also around the shop. The hose will reach everywhere in the shop, so that’s nice to have especially when it’s connected to the cyclone! There’s nothing like a clean shop to keep you motivated.

Speaking of staying motivated, I have a free mini course you can download if you’re interested… “7 Proven Steps to Improving Your Time In the Shop”

Outfeed Assembly Table (Router Lift and Downdraft)

If someone were to ask me, “what is the most useful tool or thing in your shop”, I would have to say my Outfeed Assembly Table. Hands down. First of all, it’s in the middle of my shop. Reasons I like it is because it has so much storage. It also has two tools integrated into it, which are the router and downdraft both with dust collection. If you’re interested, you can find the project plans for the Outfeed Assembly Table here, there’s even a bundled plan with Jay Bates’ router lift.

From the drop next to my jointer is the drop for my outfeed assembly table. There is a true six inch wye with two Clearvue “six to two fours” transitions connected. This gives me two four inch ports at the outfeed assembly table and two four inch ports for the table saw.

At this location is the router and downdraft connections. Both are connected with clear flexible four inch hose at the tool on one end and the Clearvue transition at the other end.

When using either of these tools I will open both blast gates to allow the cyclone proper air flow. I’ve tested this and it works very well. With only one four inch blast gate open, the cyclone sounds like it’s hungry for more. Because I don’t want to burn up the motor, I always open both gates at each of the Clearvue transitions.

Side note, I thought about hot glueing a strip of wood to both gates to make it more convenient to open the gates at the same time. There are times, like at the cnc, a third four inch gate will be opened for extra air, so I left them as is.

Table Saw

Dust collection at my table saw is another much improved area. Mainly because of the cyclone, but also because of the Shark Guard. The Shark Guard is an overhead blade guard with dust collection, riving knife and anti-kickback pawls. You can get a Shark Guard for most any table saw model.

In the video I’m using one for my Delta 36-725, but if you’re reading this anytime after February 2019 it’s very likely I’m using the Shark Guard for my 3hp SawStop. As it sits currently, the suction at the top of the table is very impressive. The test cuts proved that the Shark Guard is definitely a good investment, but also the cyclone. The other hose is going to the bottom of the table saw cabinet where there is a four inch port like you would expect to find of most saws. Dust collection in this location has been improved one hundred percent.

Jointer

The first drop goes to the jointer. I have the Grizzly G0490X. It has a built-in four inch dust collection port transitioned into a six inch port. From this port I have a sweeping ninety degree fitting connected to a metal six inch flexible pipe up to its own metal six inch blast gate. This drop was the easiest to install due to being one tool connected here.

Final Thoughts

I can’t express how awesome it is to just reach up and open a port to let the dust collection do its thing. What’s even better, I close the blast gate when I’m done with no signs of dust left behind. I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’m not saying that due to any partnerships, I really believe in the Clearvue cyclone, the pipes, the fittings and everything else I used in this system.

Yes, there are more powerful dust collectors out there, easier duct systems to install, and more overall integrated dust collection in tools that I could have purchased. For the tools I have and the shop I’m in this system is awesome.

If anything changes I’ll be sure to make those updates here. So far I recommend everything I’ve mentioned in this article and on the video (above). If you decide to click any of the links on this page and make a purchase please know they are affiliate links. I make a small commission from that transaction without any extra cost to you. This is partly how I make my living. If you have any questions whatsoever, please leave a comment below and I will be sure to answer every single question.

Previous Project

Small Shop Miter Saw Station

Article: https://stoneandsons.net/small-shop-miter-saw-station/

Plans: https://stoneandsons.net/shop/miter-saw-station/

Other Projects

Outdoor Kitchen

DIY Patio Chairs

Outfeed Assembly Table

Modular Shop Storage System

DIY Platform Bed

Did You Know I Have a Podcast???

>>>LISTEN TO A MAKER’S PODCAST HERE<<<

About – A Maker’s Podcast with Shawn Stone (aka Stone and Sons Audio Show) is a look behind the scenes into a woodshop, an online business, and an awesome community. Stone and Sons content provides how-to videos on YouTube, step-by-step instructional website articles, insightful podcast episodes centered around community and other means of education through online courses and email communications. Subscribe and listen for tips, advice, opinions, and stories from Shawn and other makers from around the world. Topics range from project ideas, mistakes made, things we learn from, my kids point of view and anything related to woodworking, online content creation or community involvement. Should be fun, so tune in and let’s have some fun.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT US

Are you new here and don’t know where to go next? Click here: http://www.stoneandsons.net/starthere/

About us and our story: http://www.stoneandsons.net/about/

Stay in the loop with our projects: http://www.stoneandsons.net/newsletter/

See our project plans: http://www.stoneandsons.net/plans/

Shop Attire:

• Shop apron/vest (and kids shop vest), Atlas 46: http://bit.ly/stone_atlas46

• Hats/shirts: http://www.stoneandsons.net/product-category/apparel/

Tools I use

http://www.stoneandsons.net/tools

*Most of the links listed above are Amazon Affiliate links

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