Thread: GMC 13' Thicknesser - dust extraction

Dear James,

I've got a sneakin' suspicion that Stu's probably got the old 317 or 318mm GMC thicknesser (as opposed to the newer 330mm unit that you've probably got) and as such, he probably went along to Hafco and bought the dust chute for it as an optional add-on part for the then-identical unit to the GMC that they were selling at the time...

Having said that, it clearly says amongst the blurb for the current 330mm unit (the PT330) on GMC's website, that a Dust Chute is fitted as standard equipment...

So if you've got the older 317 or 318mm unit, drop into Hare & Forbes - Sydney, with your thicknesser in the back of the car, and tell them that they once sold an identical unit, and could you please buy the optional Dust Chute for it for $40.

If, however, you've got the newer 330mm unit, ring GMC and tell them that you're missing the Dust Chute that is supposed to be standard fitment...

Good Luck,
Batpig.

Thanks Batpig,

I think, from memory, I bought mine at last years Working With Wood show.

I hope I can find the receipt...

When I next get into the shed, I will check model number to be certain,

James

PS. I think Hafco are still selling a unit that looks similar.

I will check this at lunchtime tomorrow...

James

Batpig is spot on - mine was the old 12 1/2" model from a few years ago - got the dust chute from Hare and Forbes for about $29.

No idea about the current model, or whether the version I had would fit. I can't check either - I sold that unit to contribute to the TableSaw upgrade fund.

If you have no luck with that you can always make your own. I used to have aGMC thicknesser and made the dust extractor as per TonySA's video.

You can see mine here.

Thanks guys,

I had a check of my machine.

It is a GMC TP2000 318mm.

So i will try the Hafco option as they have a similar 318 machine in their cattledog that has a dust chute.

Mine only has a chip chute(no DC port)

I will also check the video mentioned to see if I can wrangle one from the video.

The next question is.....
Is this a worthwhile exercise as I am using a home vac with the Triton dust bucket. 35mm tubes?

Will this provide sufficient power if I step down from 4" to 2.5"



James

Originally Posted by jw2170

Is this a worthwhile exercise as I am using a home vac with the Triton dust bucket. 35mm tubes?

Will this provide sufficient power if I step down from 4" to 2.5"

James,

That is a darn good question, because (amazingly...) with regard to the reverse situation, going from something like a bit of 30mm hose connected to a power tool, and then adapted up to a couple of metres of 4" feeding into a 1hp portable unit, is next to useless... Take the adaptor off, and the suction through the 4" is great. Put it (and the smaller hose) back on, and Hey Presto!... Uselesso!... The crusty old Dust Collection "Vets" will tell you beforehand that this will be the case, but it's still pretty amazing to see how useless it truly is firsthand for yourself...

I'd still get the Dust Chute though. One day you'll be running a proper collector with 4" hosing, and you'll suddenly want the chute, and Hafco wont be stocking it anymore. If it's only $29 like Stu says, it's well worth getting and keeping up your sleeve, even if it doesn't work with the vacuum cleaner/Triton bucket.

Cheerio,
Batpig.

Thanks Batpig.

I think the 4' systems are HVLP (high volume low pressure) and the normal vac is LVHP (low volume high pressure)....(see i do read magazines ).....

Anyway, I will still give it a go....they (Thicknessers) make such a mess.....

I found TonySA's video but am having trouble watching it ...will try again tonight.

James.

batpig,

but it's still pretty amazing to see how useless it truly is firsthand for yourself...

From personal experience, no doubt..


James

Originally Posted by jw2170

From personal experience, no doubt..

Hole In One, James .

Look, I just went out and jury rigged up a hose-and-adaptor concoction off my Shop Vac that roughly replicated what your situation would be with the Dust Chute and your Shop Vac, and gave it a test run. I have to say, while suction pressure was still impressive in the 4" hose (roughly measured by putting your hand over the end), air velocity (roughly measured by dangling a tissue or cloth near the end) didn't appear to be up to the job of "grabbing" and shifting the size and amount of heavy chips that you will probably end up spitting out of the Thicknesser on a big pass. Interestingly, though, the Shop Vac suction seemed to translate better into the larger hose (that was adapted off the normal smaller hose), than did the Dust Collector suction translate into a smaller hose (that was adapted off the normal larger hose)...

Nonetheless, stick with it and get the Dust Chute. 'Tis a cheap way of future-proofing your setup...

Good Luck,
Batpig.

picked up the dust chute last week - this was a metal unit - not plastic

At least it fits on my thicknesser.

Will give it a try with the vac/Triton bucket setup next weekend after i purchse a reducer ..

While installing, I found another interesting shock-- the roller that holds the blades is starting to rust....

rgds James

tryng to run the thicknesser through the vac is a waste of your time. It will clogg the hose no matter what you do. Save you self some time and give it a miss.

Trust me, been there tried that, so have a lot of others

Originally Posted by routermaniac

tryng to run the thicknesser through the vac is a waste of your time. It will clogg the hose no matter what you do. Save you self some time and give it a miss.

Trust me, been there tried that, so have a lot of others

Thanks for the advice - I have the dust chute and will keep it in the back of the shed until I get 4' system.....

At least I can use the vac to clean up the floor/ground


Rgds
James

I wouldn't bother about dust extration for such a small machine. Just another thing to worry about. yeh I know you probably think thats BS, but you can only take small passes anyway with them, so really not a problem with waste to sit under your timber on the infeed.

Different story if you taking say 6mm passes at a time with a big machine though.

With my cement floor anyway, having waste build up the floor is a good thing. Cushions the fall of small pieces when I'm putting a lot through at once.