[tkms002]

What works better for dust collection from a cnc router(2.2kw spindle), a shop vac or a dust collector?
What horse power?
Thanks

[ger21]

Dust collector, 2Hp minimum, with a 4" hose.

[GME]

Dust collector, 2Hp minimum, with a 4" hose.

+1. Be sure to ground hoses to earth ground. Especially true if you use PCV pipe as part of the system. PVC pipe is terrible with static. I had proximity sensors trip because of static.

Gary

[tkms002]

ok how do you ground the hose?

Got any recommendations for where to buy a reasonably priced dust collector?
Thanks

[GME]

ok how do you ground the hose?

Got any recommendations for where to buy a reasonably priced dust collector?
Thanks

Here's how I did it: Fix a bare stranded copper wire at the router inside the hose. Run the wire back to the dust collector. I removed a screw on the dust collector used a suitable crimp collector (the kind designed to be held in place with a screw) and attached (crimped to the copper wire). I put the connector on the screw and replaced. Best is you remove some paint, to ensure a good bare metal connector. To confirm I had an earth ground, I used a meter and checked continuity with the electrical system's earth ground. This is a common way to do it.

I went a step further on the grounding wire. I took another length of stranded bare copper wire and wrapped it on the outside of hose and also ran it back to earth ground.

I also used PVC pipe in part of my system. I did it the same way as the hose. One wire loose inside and another wrapped around the outside. The wires are held in place by small screws at each end. Drill a hole at each end of the PCV. For the inside wire, using a crimp connector, put the screw through the connector, insert through the pipe from the inside and hold it in place with a nut. Use a screw long enough to form a post. Put connectors on the outside wires. On one end, use a second nut to fix the connector in place. Wrap the outside and connect to the post at the other end.

Go to YouTube. There are videos on the subject. IMO, more ground wire is better. When I started, I could take bits of paper, drop them in the air close to the PVC, and watch them being attracted to the pipe and stick tight to it. I could also feel my hair trying to stand on end when I came close, and sparks would jump over. Grounding took care of it.

Harbor Freight has a very popular 2 hp model. I have an old Delta 2 hp and a grizzly 2 hp. If you wait for the Harbor Freight to go on sale, and use one of their $$'s off coupons, you can get one at a pretty good price. Under $200.

I have my main dust collector running though an Oneida steel Super Dust Deputy cyclone and Winn flanged caged and pleated filter. No dust gets put out into the shop air. My setup is pretty pricey and goes beyond what most willing to spend. Heck, I even have my shop vacs hooked up to Dust Deputy cyclones (one steel, one plastic).

Gary

[ger21]

Best bang for buck is the Harbor Freight. You should be able to find a 25% off coupon and get it for $165.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-i...tor-97869.html

[ger21]

Personally, I've never grounded the hose on mine, but my machine is mostly wood, which probably helps?

[milo30]

Harbor freight but look at craigslist also. Sometimes you can find a good deal there. My machine came with a 4HP double bag collector and I didn't expect much out of it but it really sucks, in a good way.

[GME]

Personally, I've never grounded the hose on mine, but my machine is mostly wood, which probably helps?

Gerry, you're lucky.

I don't think the material the machine is made out of makes a difference. The static buildup has to do with the wood chips running through the hose. It builds up a static charge. The type of hose can make a big difference. Some is good with static; some is terrible. Antistactic hose is the best. I have some Rockler Dust Right expandable hose. Never an issue, except when I tried to use it to sweep the shop floor. My problem started when I bought a random generic hose. :The static buildup was really bad. I'd get shocked just getting too close to it, I then added some rigid PVC drain pipe to get the hose overhead. The static went off the chart and my proximity switches started faulting. Thankfully, grounding solved the problem.

Ever sweep a concrete floor with a shop vac? In my shop, the static shocks sometimes get to bad I resort to a good old fashioned straw broom and dust pan. I'm going to try grounding my vacs, but haven't gotten around to it. I need to buy some more grounding wire.

Gary

[ger21]

No static on the floors either. Probably because we have more humidity here.