Thread: Which Cyclone?

Larry & Yasi were both memorable.... can't remember any others.

Hello Cliff, thanks for that

Not a problem.

I have a Jet 2Hp job on wheels with a 5micron filter on it.

I was going to go the way of a cyclone & ducting but it works so well that I think I just might buy another one for the other side of the workshop.

I have a normal 2HP bag type collector but I have spent a fair bit of time making dust in the last year and have found it inadequate.

It also has no hope of keeping up with my 20" thicknesser.

I figure if I am going to go to the effort of having good dust extraction I may as well just go all out and get a cyclone.

After all, lungs are hard to get second hand.

My 2Hp dusty isn't a bag filter any more, it has the 5micron truck filter on it.

I also have a 'drop box top' that will go on a 44Gal drum to catch the bulk & then the filter is just taking out the dust.

Thanks Cliff, now, do you have any experience with the two cyclonic systems I mentioned?

Originally Posted by Jack E

I have a normal 2HP bag type collector but I have spent a fair bit of time making dust in the last year and have found it inadequate.

It also has no hope of keeping up with my 20" thicknesser.

A 2 HP DC should be able to keep up with a 20" thicknesser so it sounds like something is not right with your setup. My guess is you are also using 4" ducting. A 2HP DC will work a lot better if 6" ducting is used but you will need to modify the ports on both the thicknesser and the DC.

I figure if I am going to go to the effort of having good dust extraction I may as well just go all out and get a cyclone.

After all, lungs are hard to get second hand.

A cyclone alone is not a solution unless they are fitted with a superfine exit filter. Rather than try to fine filter everything a cheaper solution and a much quieter one may be to put the DC or cyclone outside the shed

Originally Posted by BobL

A 2 HP DC should be able to keep up with a 20" thicknesser so it sounds like something is not right with your setup. My guess is you are also using 4" ducting. A 2HP DC will work a lot better if 6" ducting is used but you will need to modify the ports on both the thicknesser and the DC.


A cyclone alone is not a solution unless they are fitted with a superfine exit filter. A better solution and a much quieter one may be to put the DC outside the shed

Thanks Bob.
Yes I am using 4" ducting and unfortunately because I know my workshop will be moving in the not too distant future that will not change.

I cannot move the system outside but will vent the new cyclone outside.

Originally Posted by Jack E

Thanks Bob.
Yes I am using 4" ducting and unfortunately because I know my workshop will be moving in the not too distant future that will not change.

Using 4" ducting will be by far your greatest limiting factor. It doesn't matter whether you use a 2HP or 3HP, DC or cyclone on 4" ducting - they will both generate about the same static pressure and pull a similar air flow. One way around this is to use multiple 4" lines on the one machine like I have on my BS. Unfortunately most thicknessers only have one dust port so there is little alternative than to modify the port.

I cannot move the system outside but will vent the new cyclone outside.

Venting outside is good. If you have the space, placing the DC or cyclone inside a noise reducing chamber inside the shed is also worth considering.

Originally Posted by BobL

Using 4" ducting will be by far your greatest limiting factor. It doesn't matter whether you use a 2HP or 3HP, DC or cyclone on 4" ducting - they will both generate about the same static pressure and pull a similar air flow. One way around this is to use multiple 4" lines on the one machine like I have on my BS. Unfortunately most thicknessers only have one dust port so there is little alternative than to modify the port.

I may be able to run a 6" central line but it would need to reduce to 4" at all my machines so the restriction would be the same anyway.

Isn't it funny, a few years ago everyone wanted a cyclone, now I am here saying I am about to buy one and it seems like a bad idea

Originally Posted by BobL

Venting outside is good. If you have the space, placing the DC or cyclone inside a noise reducing chamber inside the shed is also worth considering.

I may build an insulated wall around the unit, along with the air compressor.

Jack,

Early this year I added one of these to my 2hp JET DC. It is working extemely well so far. Will post a picture of the setup when I have a chance. It could be another option for you.

Originally Posted by Jack E

Thanks Cliff, now, do you have any experience with the two cyclonic systems I mentioned?

Larry & Yasi?

Originally Posted by Jack E

I may be able to run a 6" central line but it would need to reduce to 4" at all my machines so the restriction would be the same anyway.

This is a big problem on virtually all hobby and small machines - 4" ports are sufficient to collect most of the sawdust but are are unlikely to collect invisible dust. Bill Pentz indicates there seem to be few alternatives than modifying these to bigger ports.

Isn't it funny, a few years ago everyone wanted a cyclone, now I am here saying I am about to buy one and it seems like a bad idea

I hope I am not giving you this impression. Cyclones are wonderful machines when they are part of a well integrated overall system. What I'm saying is just buying a cyclone or bigger DC and then fitting these to hobbled machines with single 4" ports will not help much.

I may build an insulated wall around the unit, along with the air compressor.

Sounds like a good way to kill two birds with one stone.

Originally Posted by Wongo

Early this year I added one of these to my 2hp JET DC. It is working extemely well so far. Will post a picture of the setup when I have a chance. It could be another option for you.

Thanks Wongo, that looks like a good solution.

If I get one of those, mount my old blower on top and vent it outside it could take up very little room.

I would be interested to see a pic of yours.
Did you get the drum with it or come up with something yourself?