Thread: Up Grading engine

Originally Posted by plantagenon

I have a Hare and Forbes DC - relevant model number is HD12. It has a .75hp motor which extracts 680cfm. This is no longer big enough for my needs. The problem is that I have the DC in a purpose made shed outside my main shed and height is the problem. If I upgrade to a larger machine then height beats me.

My question - Is it possible to fit a 2hp motor to my existing DC. The extra extraction would technically meet my needs.

If course you can fit a 2HP motor but it won't make much difference to the flow.

Without being too harsh, modifying such a small DC is just not worth the effort because the impeller, the motor and the inlet and outlet are all too small and all 3 would need to be upgraded to move substantially more air.
The 680 cfm rating is the usual 50% over estimate because in practice they only move about 350 cfm.

It's not like the generic 2HP which already has the bigger impeller and motor but is crippled with a 4" inlet and a 5"outlet so if these are upgraded to 6" a significant improvement will be obtained.

Thanks Bob. I will have to find a 2hp that fits into the DC shed. Is it had to upgrade the inlet and outlets?

RE: How to mod a 2HP DC.
Have a look at this. https://www.woodworkforums.com/f200/g...2hp-dc-171247/

The last post in that thread has a link to a similar all wood based mod which may suit woodworkers better than mine.

You do realise of course than the DC is only 1/3rd of the problem and to take advantage of the mods to a 2HP you will have to upgrade all your ducting to 6" and that all the machine ports will need to be modified otherwise the rest is wasted.

Originally Posted by BobL

RE: How to mod a 2HP DC.
Have a look at this. https://www.woodworkforums.com/f200/g...2hp-dc-171247/

The last post in that thread has a link to a similar all wood based mod which may suit woodworkers better than mine.

You do realise of course than the DC is only 1/3rd of the problem and to take advantage of the mods to a 2HP you will have to upgrade all your ducting to 6" and that all the machine ports will need to be modified otherwise the rest is wasted.

AMEN!

Ronboult was kind enough to come to my shed and take some measurements of air velocity in the ducts, which were converted to flow in CFM. The data were clear. With six inch ducting, the main flow restrictions were the machines themselves (getting enough air THROUGH some machines (like my thicknesser) is tough) and the hoods/ports. Because it has a wide open, simple port, the linisher, which has the longest run and the most PVC fittings in the line gave me better air flow than some other machines that were much closer to the cyclone.

Thanks, Bob, for all the advice you provided as I built my system.

Cheerio!

John

Originally Posted by plantagenon

Thanks Bob. I will have to find a 2hp that fits into the DC shed. Is it had to upgrade the inlet and outlets?

My experience is that it is not tough ... but can be a little fiddly at times. If you are interested here is a link to my journey upgrading my machines to 6 inch ports and hoods. https://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=161166&page=6

Cheerio!

John

Originally Posted by John Samuel

My experience is that it is not tough ... but can be a little fiddly at times. If you are interested here is a link to my journey upgrading my machines to 6 inch ports and hoods. https://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=161166&page=6

John I think plantagenon is referring to the inlet and outlet of a 2HP DC. Nevertheless he should definitely have a look at your thread as there is lots of good info there.

Originally Posted by BobL

John I think plantagenon is referring to the inlet and outlet of a 2HP DC. Nevertheless he should definitely have a look at your thread as there is lots of good info there.

Oops!

Sorry about that. I'll go back to sleep now.