hejlik wrote:
Jeff. Everything I have read so far, and it has been a lot, says to keep the pipe as large as possible as long as possible, unless you are running more than 1 machine at a time. This is from clear vue's web site
(What you want to do is run 6" pipe as close to the machine as possible, put a blast gate where it's easy to reach, and then reduce to 4" if necessary and run flex hose for as short a run as you can. Flex hose will reduce air flow, so you want to keep it short (3-4') if you possibly can. Because hobbyist systems are designed to run one machine at a time, there is no need to reduce pipes to 5" and then 4" etc. when designing your system. Each machine will get maximum air flow if you run 6" pipe as close to it as possible. There are several machines that need two pickups on them: Table saws, Bans saws, Radial arm saws, Router tables are on the top of my list for two pickups. Usually you want to run a 6" line to them, put a blast gate, then a 6" "Y" and then reduce to two 4" lines. Several machines like a 6" jointer or a 12" - 15" planer will work with a 4" pickup. For these machines, run the 6" as close as possible and then reduce as close as possible to the machine.)
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I did put in one caveat, that being if the DC you are getting is designed for it.
I agree with all that is stated in red and if you are running more than one machine at a time, a 6” pipe is needed.
One other thing you will need to be aware of is if you are running a 6” pipe with say a 2” pipe to a band saw, there may not be enough air flow though the 2” to support moving material in the 6”. In a case like this it is best to open another small blast gate down stream.
These are all suggestions I have read up over the years.
I have a Jet 1100 and the trunk line is 4”, I only run one machine at a time and I have never had a clog (6” PVC is pricey). I selected PVC because of the selection Elbow, “T”s, “Y”s etc. It is easy to cut and reconfigure (use NO glue). Yes it cost more than metal, but when you have reconfigured as many times as I have it’s worth it.
My 2 cents worth.
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