How To Build A Dust Collection System
You have got a workshop and you want it to have a dust collection system?
That’s great. We have got everything arranged and explained in this article.
To be precise, here we have discussed the steps, necessary tools, tips and safety precautions of building a dust collection system. Stay along and soon you will turn into an expert in this.
Things You need to Have:
To move forward with the process, you need some materials and some tools in hands. Most of them are available in any semi-professional workshop. If you own most of them already, that would reduce your cost by a great cut.
However, here is the list of the materials you need-
- PVC and fittings(6 inches)
- PVC(4 inches)
- A flexible hose(6 inches and4 inches)
- Hose clamps( 6 inches and 4 inches)
- Sheet metal fittings(6 inches)
- PVC cement.
- Floor sweep.
- Blast gates( 4 inches).
- Reducer.
- Silicone sealant.
- Hanging strap.
- Metal screws.
Now, that was the list of materials. Now have a look at the list of tools that you need-
- Drill or driver.
- Circle cutter with a Dremel.
- 12Volt pivoting reciprocating saw.
- Rubber Mallet.
Getting A Dust Collector: What You Need to Know
As an important part of the dust management system, we think that getting the right dust collector is an important part. Hence, we’ve introduced a complete section about it.
Usually, an ideal dust collector contains a motor(mostly induction motors), a filtration system(1 micron or more), and a disposal bag. One important factor you should before getting a dust collector is how much suction capacity you need. For most of the mid-range dust collectors are of 600 to 1100 CFM.
Also, there are two types of collectors. One that contains single port 4 inches or 6 inches, another is double port containing ports of the same size. Also, a few other facts are also important like the filter maintenance, voltage diversity, portability etc.
Considering all these, if you have got the right model in hand, let’s continue to the rest of the process.
Steps of Building A-Dust Collection System
This is the heart of the content. We have explained the whole process of setting up a dust management system into a few steps. Go on-
Step 1: Plan A Proper Pile Layout
Plan the pipeline layout based on the size and structure of the workshop. As suction is the main job of the system, make sure the pipeline distribution is perfectly routed. Keep these few factors in mind, while routing the pipes-
- Put the dust collector at the end of the endpoint. Try to plot as directly as possible.
- Keep the number of bends and turns as low as possible.
- Try to use long and long sweep elbows that helps to create larger turns.
- Avoid T fittings and try to use more wye fittings.
- Keep the number of large and long pipes as high as possible.
Once you have routed a perfect pipe network, let’s start cutting the dry outs.
Step 2: Cutout the Drywall
Now you have to cut some dry out circles on the PVC of the ceiling. You can use a tool named circle cutter for the job. There are plenty of brands that sell such cutters.
Step 3: Run the PVC
Remember the pipe network that you’ve just created? Now its time to take it into action.
Make sure you have supported the entire pipe network with hanging metal straps and added them with the roof trusses. And for better support, add glue all over the network.
Step 4: Install the Blast Gates
Blast gates are the tools that are assigned to direct the assign the air flow. These are tools that suit perfectly t the diameter of the PVC network. If it doesn’t, you can use some flexible hoses that adjusts between the diameters of blast gate and pipe openings.
Finally, seal the blast gate along with a couple of screws and a silicone gets if necessary.
Step 5: Do the Final Connections
Now check every part of connections and make sure that there is no leaks or breaks in the process. Use silicone gels or screws wherever necessary.
In case there are more than one ports in the dust collector, make sure you use a router or a shop vac or anything similar.
Step 6: Connect the Dust Collector
Now it’s the final and the most important part of the process. As you have seen that there are several arrangements in the process, it all depends on how perfectly the dust collector matches the system.
Bottom Line
If you are well aware of the safety, a duct collector setup is a part and parcel of your workshop. Once you do it for the first time, the installment and purchase of the parts, tools and the dust collector itself can be expensive.
But like many other businesses, it’s a one-time investment that will benefit you for a lifetime.
When you are done, run the whole system for quite some time and see whether it’s working perfectly or not. Don’t forget to maintain ample safety precautions while you are in the process of setting it up.
And finally, do a regular checkup for the filter cleaning and other maintenance works. That will ensure a long lifetime of the entire system.
