Replies

1. 
   PlaneAround | Jul 17, 2008 12:40pm | #1

   Hi, Pena,

   I'm using some very heavy duty 5" flex hose to connnect my tablesaw and jointer to the ducting system leading to my cyclone. Because I seldom move these tools around the shop, those heavy duty and somewhat inflexible hoses are fine for those tools. However, because the 5" flex hose that connects to my planer is also the same one I use with my 24" double-drum sander (as well as my bandsaw I might add), I've placed a somewhat lighter 5" flex hose there. As you can tell from the attached photo, the hose needs to flex quite a bit to be able to connect these various tools, which have their outlets located at different heights and angles.

   In other words, a heavy duty flex hose may be an inconvenience for you, depending on your unique shop arrangement and tools.

   Hope this helps.

   Marty Schlosser
   http://www.martyswoodworking.ca

   
1. 
   JSPIII | Jul 17, 2008 08:50pm | #2

   Thank you for your reply.

   I see in the photo that your main duct is metal. What type did you use?

   The flexaduct has smooth inside walls and is designed for dust control so I was thinking about using a 6 or 7" main duct of the flexible hose and coming off the main with a 5" piece reduced to 4" at the machine with a gate.

   Evidently this is a relatively new product. I read about it in a woodworking magazine and talked with the company too. They tell me it will work.

   Any thoughts?

   Pena

    

1. 
   PlaneAround | Jul 17, 2008 11:06pm | #3

   Pena, The main line is 7" heavy gauge that leads almost immediately to 6" spiral ducting sections that branch off from the main line to feed 4 separate lines, one for each of my main power tools (table saw, planer, jointer & mitre saw). Where each of these lines come down the wall, they step down to 5" heavy gauge HVAC type ducting. I've adapted all of my main power tools to accept 5" flex ducting and all of my gates (except for the one servicing the mitre saw) are 5" as well. Here's a photo that depicts how things look, as viewed from the cyclone. I would imagine that the interior of the flexible hose you're describing would provide less resistance than most flex duct, however it'll still be greater than either spiral or heavy gauge HVAC ducting. Your supplier may be able to provide some figures to back up their statements about how little resistance there is on the interior. I'm not sure what price you're paying, but it'll undoubtedly be more than the more conventional metal ducting usually found on any main runs. Sorry I can't comment more.Marty

   
2. 
   Don01 | Jul 18, 2008 07:45am | #4

   The spec. sheet on that product says it is good for positive pressure.
   You should make sure that you pick ducting that is design for vacuum service if you plan to use it on the suction side of the system.

   One other thought is that smooth flexible polymers are not any where as smooth as rigid pvc or metal pipe. Dust will stick to the inner wall causing a rough build up over time.

   Don