Thread: To cyclone or not

Originally Posted by cpopowski

Hi there,
I’ve read plenty in this forum (thanks Bob and co for all the helpful info), but can’t see anything that applies to my scenario.
I live on acreage and so will install my dust collector outside. Due to budget it will be highest rated 3hp system I can find with 6inch inlet and 6inch ducting right to each tool, and short runs, sweep bends etc.
I know cyclone’s reduce CFM but then so do filters. So should I stick with twin bags and left the filters on, or go use a cyclone (6inch in/out) with no filters?

It depends if you are prepared to empty bags/bins and clean the filters regularly
When filters are fresh and the bin is empty filters reduce flow by about 1/4 that of a conventional cyclone.
When the filters are clogged and the bin is full then of course the cyclone will still be superior.

Bins should be emptied when they are no more than 2/3rds full - sane for cyclones actually.

By cleaning filters I do not mean getting them back to a new state. They just need to be shaken out.
Most of the crap can be shaken down into the bags while they are on the DC. Same for pleated filters.

BTW I have tested the levels of particulate exposure during the emptying of bags and cleaning filters and it's not a big deal - especially if you keep the wind at your back
see Dust Exposure while empty DC bags and cleaning filters

Thanks Bob. That helps. And I assume this is still true (that clean filter d/bag system trumps cyclone), if the cyclone based system can run with no filters (as in my case) as the unit will be outside.

To my second point, does raising the height of ducting upstream of the collector or cyclone to ceiling level before if drops down to the tools, effect performance (if done with 45’s)? See pic for reference, much loss doing it like this vs mounting the cyclone higher and coming straight out?

Originally Posted by cpopowski

Thanks Bob. That helps. And I assume this is still true (that clean filter d/bag system trumps cyclone), if the cyclone based system can run with no filters (as in my case) as the unit will be outside.

Filters don't have much of an effect on cyclones because most of the sawdust has been removed. Most people that vent an efficient cyclone (like a Clearvue) outside don't usually bother with filters anyway.

To my second point, does raising the height of ducting upstream of the collector or cyclone to ceiling level before if drops down to the tools, effect performance (if done with 45’s)? See pic for reference, much loss doing it like this vs mounting the cyclone higher and coming straight out?

Other than it creating lslightly onger ducting runs this won't have much of an effect