Thread: Dust collector clogging up.

Common problem.
Remove the webbing but make sure you don't loose anything big down the suction pipe.

Originally Posted by DavidG

Common problem.
Remove the webbing but make sure you don't loose anything big down the suction pipe.

Thanks David.

I plan to use the DC unit on my Jointer, thickness planer and table saw, so should not have anything big hit the impeller.

Or build a separator, saves wrestling with the bottom bag.

Originally Posted by Pat

Or build a separator, saves wrestling with the bottom bag.

With all hobby level DCs, but especially small extractors like that, I would be very careful about using a separator.
If you just want to collect chips then that is OK but if you want to even have a hope of collecting some of the fine dust then given how much separators reduce the flow I would never use one.

AND
To maintain max flow, every time the separator is emptied - or usually before - the top bag needs to be cleaned.

The best way to initially clean the top bag is beat it with a stick so the crud sticking to the side of the bag falls into the bottom bag - then the bottom bag needs to be emptied otherwise as soon as you turn it on, - "POOOF" - the fine dust immediately fluffs up into the top bag and slows the flow down again.

Originally Posted by Pat

Or build a separator, saves wrestling with the bottom bag.

Its a 4" DC with a small motor. Its capacity is not going to allow much fine dust collection anyway. If you are worried about fine dust, and you should be, then watch out you have good ventilation or use it outside and wear a dustmask either way.

A collector before the blower will solve your current problem of chips blocking up on the screen and also ensure that nothing large or nasty hits the impeller.

The bag problem alluded to by Bob can be avoided if the outlet for the impeller can be vented directly outside or the whole unit is placed outside without a bag. If your collector is efficient enough there wont be a lot of visible dust in the exhausted air.

Just be mindful either way not to make the ducting runs too long or you will lose more suction.

Doug

The DC unit will only be used outside. My "workshop" is the back yard or carport.

Will one of these be OK as a collector?

Carba-Tec® Dust Deputy : CARBA-TEC

A picture of my old system is attached.

Originally Posted by jw2170

The DC unit will only be used outside. My "workshop" is the back yard or carport..

In that case chip collector is fine to use.

Yup.
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=c...w=1600&bih=779

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=c...w=1600&bih=779

Originally Posted by jw2170

Will one of these be OK as a collector?

Carba-Tec® Dust Deputy : CARBA-TEC

I really think you need something bigger than that with 4" hoses in it. you can get one of these:

Dust Separator Lid : CARBA-TEC

for $29 at carbatec and scrounge a suitable drum to mount it on or even make your own. A small drum will full up too fast using a jointer.

I have gone more elaborate and made my own cyclone, but that may not be necessary in your circumstances.

Cheers

Doug

That is what I was thinking off, just couldn't find the picture I wanted.

G'Day James,
Thanks for posting this thread....
I'm trying to work out which way to jump with sorting the dust collection in my shed.
I really appreciate the knowledge bank on the forum, thank you gents all.
Cheers, crowie

PS - See you are the Sydney wood show in 3 weeks.....

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

That is what I was thinking off, just couldn't find the picture I wanted.

hahahah.

I wondered what you were looking for Cliff.....

Originally Posted by doug3030

I really think you need something bigger than that with 4" hoses in it. you can get one of these:

Dust Separator Lid : CARBA-TEC

for $29 at carbatec and scrounge a suitable drum to mount it on or even make your own. A small drum will full up too fast using a jointer.

I have gone more elaborate and made my own cyclone, but that may not be necessary in your circumstances.

Cheers

Doug

Re; A small drum will full up too fast using a jointer.

I agree Doug.

The Dust separator Lid is looking the way to go if I don't just cut out the webbing.

I was thinking the Oneida was a bit small for a 4" system.

Any comments?

Originally Posted by jw2170

Re; A small drum will full up too fast using a jointer.

I agree Doug.

The Dust separator Lid is looking the way to go if I don't just cut out the webbing.

...Any comments?

Once you put in a separator, you might as well cut out the webbing. It is possibly blocking more airflow than you think, the turbulence factor is often underestimated.

My recommendation is to go and find yourself a 44 gallon drum with a removable lid and work on it from there. You may want to google THEIN BAFFLE. A Thein baffle should give you more efficient separation than the Carbatec lid and I think there are posts on the forum where people have built them in their workshops rather than buying a commercial item.

I think a Thein baffle in the top of a 44 will suit your circumstances. You can wheel it outside on a mobile base or just carry it out to the back yard and it will help keep your work area clean of chips. Outdoors, the invisible dust can dissipate, but be mindful of the need to wear a dustmask when required.

My home-made cyclone which I alluded to in a previous post is too big to cart in and out of the back yard. It is two 44's one on top of the other on a wooden base like a pallet only smaller with a wooden frame around it. Its not all that portable but it suits my individual circumstances.

Doug