I am about to change my dust extraction system and up grade to a 2hp unit so I thought start by testing what I have been using.

My 1hp dust extractor has a pleated filter and is connected to a Carba-tec separator lid sitting on a 40ltr cardboard drum by 3mtr of flex hose. Another 3mtr of hose is then run to which ever machine I want to use. This system has perfomed well on a lathe, a 12inch thicknesser, a 6 inch planer, a band saw, my Triton Mk3 & a Triton router table.

The first measurement was at the dusty without the hose, the anemometer maxed out and stopped reading at 6000 ft/min, this calculates out at 522 cfm. The next measurement was at the connection in the separator lid, 4200 ft/min, 365.4 cfm. Then the final measurement was at the band saw, 3850 ft/min, 335cfm.

These test were not conducted under ideal conditions they were run as I used the system. The hoses were just run across the floor, they were not pulled tight or straight and they were not clamped on.

Tomorrow or monday I will connect a y junction, add 2 blast gates, connect up 2 machines and see what difference it makes.

If any of you would like any combination/configeration tested let me know and we will try it (subject to my hose/fittings and machinery).

Ross