Cyclone Dust Control Systems ala B. Pentz

[ssmith1627]

I'm still exploring all these options as well and haven't decided what path to take. I have 4" S&D ducting right now to my HF 2HP DC. As was said above, it's not meeting the needs of the bigger tools at the end of the runs -- planer specifically. So I have to increase the size of the ducting, re-arrange the shop, replace the HF DC, or some combination of those things.

Going back to Bill Pentz and Clear Vue Cyclones, they have their 5HP cyclone on sale for $995.

http://clearvuecyclones.com/Order_Page.htm

I certainly can't take that leap today, I don't have another $1000 to spend right now. But that may be the way to go for those who can afford it.

Another option is to try to build it yourself or piece it together. You can get a 3HP motor from HF for $99.

Lots of options. Sorting it all out is the challenge !

Steve

[emsmedic]

I'm also transforming an unfinished basement into a shop and actually got the blessing from my wife to purchase a central dust collector. Admittedly, I haven't looked at Bill's website yet, but I'm rather intruiged by a Grizzly 2HP cyclone I found online. It has a lot of nice features and seems to be reasonably priced.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/cate...spx?key=570010

[ExYankee]

I like the idea of the false floor, its’s used in big computer rooms to move cooling air and wiring, plus the floor will be easier on the feet than concrete. Just build it sturdy enough to move your mobile mounted equipment if you have any. Regarding your enclosed closet for the DC system consider that 1100 CFM INTO the DC means 1100 CFM OUT OF as well back thru the filters and you will need to provide a return air path to the workshop. I am still building mine with that idea and will eventually enclose it with panels made from 2” thick HEPA filters I can get recycled from work. Unless you live in Carmel CA and have perfect weather you can’t vent it outside as well because then 1100 CFM of make up air is going to want to come back in from outside bringing the heat or cold with it.

I made a few mistake in tool placement, I put the planer at the end of the longest run and my HF 2HP is not up to the task of moving the big chips all that distance. So I relocated it and now used a direct 8’ line to it. My rule of thumb is “bigger chunks/shorter run” so The dust from my miter saw is less of a load and my drum sander less yet and so they work father away. The planer, wood lathe and jointer I have closest.

Bear in mind, no matter how much you engineer it ...SOMETHING will need revision after you are done.

[LCHIEN]

I am looking to create a basement shop in an unfinished walkout basement. Proposed dimensions will be around 15 feet by 28 feet (may include a little storage) and the ceiling height is 9 feet. My plan is to have wide access doors. I have an “engineered” suspended wood floor with void space that will allow for under floor duct runs off a main line. My tentative plan is to install a dust control system in one corner and box it into a closet to minimize the noise.

Now my question – I’ve researched the 1 hp to 2 hp traditional single stage dust control systems and am concerned that even with 6 inch ducting and blast gates, I will be under powered from a cfm perspective. Cyclones appeal to me and I think I have the head room – has anyone out there had any experience with the system made by Bill Pentz, or any other of the small cyclones?

Bill Pentz's site is famous and certainly the most complete site out there.
As to whether he is totally alarmist or entirely reasoanble is a question that is debated, I think, by many people.

You could certainly go all out a build a system according to Bill P's guidelines, whether that is overkill or not is a good question. Whether he's got you thinking a modest system is underpowered is another good question. I honestly don't know the answers. And I'm not 100% sure about how to find out.

Perhaps one way is to start with a modest system (given how much you can spend on the full-blown system) and see how it fulfils your needs - if not then upgrade.

[Woodboy]

I am looking to create a basement shop in an unfinished walkout basement. Proposed dimensions will be around 15 feet by 28 feet (may include a little storage) and the ceiling height is 9 feet. My plan is to have wide access doors. I have an “engineered” suspended wood floor with void space that will allow for under floor duct runs off a main line. My tentative plan is to install a dust control system in one corner and box it into a closet to minimize the noise.

Now my question – I’ve researched the 1 hp to 2 hp traditional single stage dust control systems and am concerned that even with 6 inch ducting and blast gates, I will be under powered from a cfm perspective. Cyclones appeal to me and I think I have the head room – has anyone out there had any experience with the system made by Bill Pentz, or any other of the small cyclones?