Dust Collection by the Numbers #1: Where to Start?

You are probably wondering why there is yet another dust collection blog, forum, review, or question. It seems like the topic comes up a couple of times a week asking mostly the same questions and giving mostly the same answers.

I was switching out the blade on my saw and noticed that there was a a pile of saw dust and chips in the cabinet space under my Delta Unisaw. The 4” port to the dust collection system was covered as well. At first I thought there might be a larger piece of wood plugging it. Nope, nothing plugging it. Then I checked the 4” hose, blast gate, garbage can collector and DC inlet. Nothing was plugged So why was the DC not removing the chips and saw dust? The top of the table saw was covered with dust despite using a Sharkguard blade guard. That got me thinking about the design of my system, or rather, the lack of a design. When I bought the Laguna C-FLux1 dust collector last year I simply attached all of the 4” components from the old Delta dust collector to the new one without taking any time to consider what the appropriate size duct and components should be. After all I only run a single tool at a time. How hard can that be? Obviously, my preconceived ideas about what should work got in the way of figuring out what I really needed in order for the new DC to work properly.

Fellow LJ TungOil mentioned doing the math on DC system design and I decided I might as well start the process. I have the technical background with nearly 30 years of engineering experience designing, installing, and troubleshooting equipment and processes in the chemical industry. I’m also hoping for others to add their experience and expertise. I’m also going to include links to the top sites for dust collection “how-to” and other helpful tools. If you know of links to sites like that, please make a comment and include the link. I’m planning to read through a number of of the on-line articles and sites as I work out the details of what my system should look like and then put the pieces in place to see if they actually work.

Here’s the first batch of links:

woodshopnews.com - brush up on dust collection systems – article on basic dust collector design

woodmagazine.com dust collection needs by the numbers – article on basic dust collector design

Air Handling Systems dust collection vendor site – more technical information and approach

billpentz.com Dust Collection Basics – one of the most widely read sites. He knows his stuff and there are plenty of things to read. A bit long winded but technically sound with plenty of practical examples. There is also an excel spreadsheet that can be used to evaluate a system. I haven’t went through it yet.

rockler.com dust collection – basic how-to article

oneida-air.com ductwork tutorial dust collector vendor site – more technical information and approach

woodmagazine.com avoid-common-duct-design-flaws – another article with troubleshooting tips

wynnenv.com woodworking filter selection – filter information

This is just a sampling of the on-line resources available. The next installment of this series will include a review of my existing set up using design information for the components to determine the actual performance of the current system and compare the numbers to what is occurring in the shop.

-- Earl "I'm a pessamist - generally that increases the chance that things will turn out better than expected"