I have approximately 200 sq-ft of open floor space in my shop and have the majority of my tools on mobile bases. The plan is to have a dust collection system that will allow me to set up the machines in various configurations to preform different processes. For example: breaking down sheet goods, cutting small furniture components, or working on small boats IN the shop. All the machines will be stowed when not use, so I can have some open floor space when desired.
I recently purchased the bones of a 2hp Delta 50-851 dust collector. I am going to ad an internal Thien baffle and a Wynn filter. This machine is rated at 1500cfm, and as it is at least 20% physically larger than the other units I have seen, I have some hope for sufficient power. The machine has an 8" port, and originally had a factory manifold attached with 3 x 4" ports.
I would like to run a 10' leangth of 6 or 8" flex hose to a valved manifold with at least 4 branches of flexible hose approximately 5' long to the machines. The hope is that if the manifold is convenient enough to reach and operate, I will use it for "just one cut"s.
In general, what can I do to minimize losses with this type of system?
I thought running of pipe, but I would end up with 30+ feet of pipe for the main and 10 to 12' for flexible pipe drops from the ceiling. I don't think I would gain much, while loosing flexibility in my tool placement. The other option I can see is to shorten the main line to the manifold, which I will do if it works with tool placement, and or replace more or less of the main line with a rigid boom which would still need flexible pipe on each end and only remove 6 feet of flexible pipe, while limiting placement of the dust collector.
I do have a couple other questions:
Will machine will move enough air to clear an 8" hose?
Would it be possible to run a chip separator right next to the planer as a coarse first stage?
What kind of fittings should I use to minimize additional losses to the flow?
Dose anyone have a good manifold design? Maybe I can build one into a cart that will act as a out-feed and downdraft table?
As always, any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Woody