I know it's been discussed lot.
I've been searching like crazy. I've read everything from how much 90* bends hurt flow to super long runs. Most of the posts I've been reading have been out of my budget range.
I believe I have a sh-350 laser. I have a 6" outlet for the exhaust that goes right out the window that's next to it. It's maybe 4'-5' of hose from the exit to the window with 2 90* bends.
I noticed that the smoke wasn't being evacuated very fast while I was engraving and cutting so I bought this 6" inline booster that runs along with the stock blower. It's suppose to be rated at 240 cfm.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Measuring the speed of air coming out with this new addiction I notices a small increase in flow but I'm still not satisfied. I still have a chamber that seems to allow smoke to linger.
So i want to upgrade. Personal I'd like to see the smoke shoot straight back and get exhausted (no floating around). Currently funds are limited since I just bought the laser. I'm looking to see what I can buy or build for around $100.
Here's where my questions comes in. I've been comparing specs on 2 items from harbor freight.
1 is a 8" portable ventilator fan with specs of 1.4amp draw and 1590 CFM on the high setting and 8" intake and exhaust. I would have to figure out a way to adapt the 6" hose to the 8" opening.
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-...tor-97762.html
The other option I'm looking at is the common dust collector. It's specs are 7 amp draw but only 660CFM with 4" intake and exhaust.
This setup I'd have to figure out a way to adapt my 6" hose down to 4".
http://www.harborfreight.com/13-gall...tor-31810.html
Here's where I'm getting confused. Wouldn't I want to go with the higher CFM blower? Something that didn't restrict the airflow through a 4" opening?
Should I be removing the stock exhaust fan from the system when I add my own blower?
I'm also open to any other suggestions. I'm good at most fabricating and electrical work. I have had the thought of a whole house blower but I'm afraid it might be too loud. And finding one hasn't been very easy.
I would love some advice.