Hi everybody,
Just thought I would ask a little advice from those in the know when it comes to dust collection. I’m setting up shop in a new building (old building but new for me) and I’m at the stage where I’m getting everything ready and put in it’s proper location. I’m still covered in paint from this morning trying to get the place spruced up for all the work I still need to do like building benches and cabinets. I’ve just bought the delta mo. # 50-761 dust collector and I’ve determined it’s location in the shop but I haven’t yet decided on my ducting options.
Here’s the question: Can I use solid aluminum piping for the ductwork with pvc or abs conections so long as I ground everything properly??
The kind of pipe that I want to use is old agricultural pipe used for irrigation that cannot be used at our ranch any longer but I think would make great ductwork. I have 2,3 and 4 inch dimensions, some need patches welded on which is simple enough to do and this material is something that I already have so I can save some money doing it this way besides the fact that it would be very strong and look great. I’ve bought a good book on dust collection but it doesn’t cover this type of material.
I’ve heard some horror stories about static electricity and how dangerous it can be with dust collection and I’d like to know if there’s any danger using these materials that I have on hand. Any help is greatly appreciated.
P.S. Can I use metalic duct tape to seal the connections?
Dust collectin for the first time,
Brian
Replies
I recently installed gal steel ductwork (3" & 4"). I use a plastic hose to connect both branches right off the DC and I have 2 places where I use a plastic blast gate. I just jumped the non metallic pieces with the ground wire, and have 1 or more grounding screws in each metal run. Everything's grounded to the water service pipe. I see no reason why aluminum should be any different than steel.... it's a fine conductor.
I've heard some horror stories about static electricity and how dangerous it can be with dust collection and I'd like to know if there's any danger using these materials that I have on hand..
Sort of true I think.. Fire and Satic and Wood and Oils can HAPPEN! anytime..
Not a expert by any means BUT, Avoid ribbed walled stuff. And REMOVE THE COLLECTION stuff as soon as possible..
Sawdust and moisture DO NOT get along... Well, over time..
If the run is long.. Be sure you can take it apart of any obstructions..
In eneral not to worry unless OSHA watchin' ya'...
I think it is sort of like... I like the place clean as possible and I take out the trash on a regular basis!
Will, there's a strong contingent of people who believe that for small shop situations, dust explosions due to static discharge is (are?) a non-issue. Static can be annoying, but not dangerous. I can't give you all the physics of it, but I'm tending to follow that group. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
dust explosions due to static discharge is (are?) a non-issue...
I was thinking more of sawdust and fire ... Not the static issue..
All you want to know and more! http://www.cepmagazine.org/pdf/100344.pdf
Brian,
My whole system is PVC, no grounding anywhere. One day, when lots of Dollars don't make a hole in my pocket, I'll re-design with the expensive metal ducting, although this day may never come.
About the static:
I use a 2hp cartridge dust collector with a plastic bag. This machine runs more hours than any other tool in the shop and I have never noticed any static on my lines, except for the collector plastic bag. The latter fits on the collector over a foam type strip and it is therefore ungrounded as supplied by the manufacturer. I have never found the need to ground this either.
Thanks for the advice, it sounds like it's not as big a deal as I thought it could be. I'll be sure to take everyones advice where applicable and maybe post some photos of the system once it's done. I made my own wooden blast gates for a few tools and they work pretty good. I've been using the dust collector with some hose while I set the system up permantly and it's a real breath of fresh air to use a dust collector for the first time. It's something I should have started using years ago. The one down side to the unit I bought is that it's VERY loud but it does work great. I think I might put it in a sound insulated closet to kill the noise a little.
Thanks again,
Brian
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