Dust Collection
* Please Note: Live/Work has moved! We’re now located at Portland Built. Please click here to see what it’s all about!*
Layout Options
A major component of shop design is dust collection. Where to route ducting, how to place the dust collector, etc. Here’s three examples of duct placement (graphics from Fine Woodworking, “Tools and Shops,” Winter 2006/2007).
Running Ductwork
Ducting should be run with 45 degree elbows and smooth, radius curved for 90 degree bends. See this photo for an example (Photo from “Setting Up Shop” by Sandor Nagyszalanczy):
Furthermore, the author recommends using metal snap-lock HVAC pipe for his system (24-26 gauge , not thinner 30 gauge stove pipe)
Cyclone Placement
In addition to layout considerations, placement of the collector should be taken into consideration. Dust collectors are NOISY. One solution is to put the collector in a separate room, or even outside. The only drawback to outdoor placement is that you’re putting heated air outside – a poor choice for saving energy. In any case, here’s one such solution (Photo from “Setting Up Shop” by Sandor Nagyszalanczy):
A variation on this model is to place the cyclone outside, while locating the “bag house” (the filters that return the air) inside the shop. This cuts down on noise AND returns warm air to the shop.
Determining Main Duct Size
| Largest CFM | Main Duct Diameter |
| 300 | 4 |
| 475 | 5 |
| 675 | 6 |
| 925 | 7 |
| 1200 | 8 |
CFM and Duct Diameters of Common Machines
| Tool | CFM Requirements | Branch Duct Size |
| Table Saw, Miter Saw, Band Saw, Drill Press, Jointer, Spindle Sander | 350-400 | 4 |
| Planer (10-12″) | 500 | 5 |
| Belt & Disc Sander | 600 | 5 |
| Disc Sander | 350 | 4 |
| Thickness Sander | 550 | 5 |
| WideBelt Sander | 500-800 | 5-6 |
| Router Table, Scroll saw, Cleanup Hose | 150-350 | 2.5-4 |
How big do I need my cyclone to be?
Well, according to Fine Woodworking, “Tools and Shops,” the length of your run , number of elbows, and size of machines determines how large a cyclone you need. Here’s a chart illustrating their recommendations:
Powering it up
Sandor and others recommend using some sort of remote control for turning on the dust collector and I agree – it’s a great idea. There are both aftermarket items that go between the cyclone and the plug, as well as switches that are hard-wired into the electrical junction box. These switches turn on any time you fire up a machine that uses dust control. Neat!
What does it cost?
Fine Woodworking, “Tools and Shops” says that a powerful, 2-stage collector will run between $750-$1200. Ducting costs are unknown at this point, but the article says that $2000 should allow plenty of money for the cyclone and ducting.
Dust Collector Models and Prices:
- 2HP JDS Two-stage model
- 3HP Oneida Dust Gorilla (27″ x 51.4″)