DC intake “cross-hairs” causing clogs
My Delta 50-760 DC unit has a stamped metal “cross-hairs” right in the center of the 5″ intake port. Presumably it is there to keep the curious from reaching their hand up into the spinning impeller, though I suppose there could be some structural function (i.e. to keep the port wall from buckling under the pressure of suction).
The problem is that, frequently, the metal cross provides a convenient spot for long, stringy planer shavings (such as pine) to get caught up and block the intake. This happens even on the slowest planer setting (90 cpi). In my permanently installed system, of course, this forces me to detach the intake duct and de-foul the port.
For those out there who have similar DC units, I am curious if other machines have a similar cross-hairs. Has anyone else hitting this problem? Would it be safe to remove the metal cross-hairs or do I risk damage to the intake?
Since my DC unit is permanently installed in a corner of my shop, it is extremely unlikely that I (or anyone else) would put their hand in for any reason. If the metal cross-hairs is there only for safety purposes, I am inclined to remove it.
Thanks in advance for any ideas or input.
Replies
My Mini-Dust collector from Steel City came with the same grille (but plastic). I don't think that they provide any structural ridgidity. I think that it's to prevent chunks of wood from entering and damaging the impeller. I also found that it would quickly clog and my solution was to cut out four of the six arms. This didn't help much, so I removed the rest. It has been very effective, but don't know if I should recommend it.
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
In my experience, the DC will not function with a jointer/planer without removing the cross-pieces. I do not use my DC with a floor sweep so I am not particularly concerned about sucking up trash big enough to damage the impeller.
Cut it. Add a separator if you are concerned about large trash or wood chunks doing harm to the DC.
Best!
-nazard
I have a delta also, fixed in place. I have removed the metal cross grids. Even so, if you suck up a bag or longer thin strips, they will plug the impellers instead of the cross hairs.
I made my system so that a 6" pipe just drops over the 5". It is not attached except by gravity and suction. I can lift my 6" pipe up and rest it on the unit to inspect and clean it out. I had planned on a fixed connection but this short cut works better. Sometimes dumb and lucky is better.
AZMO
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AZMO:I'm just as dumb, but not nearly as lucky! My two 6" trunk lines run along the floor, so they attach to the DC unit from below using a 6" to 5" reducer. As a result, clearing the line is not quite as easy!
Maybe, and depends on the space. Can you run the lines up and then swing over onto the top of the unit? It is a flip flop unit so that is pretty slick. You can make a sliding coupling or if it has enough give, just lift it off? I can send you a photo of mine if you like.
Dumb and Lucky AZMO <!----><!----><!---->
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