Dust Collection for CNC machine

[Devin Manning]

This is my first post, so hopefully this is in the correct forum location.

I recently purchased an Axiom AR8 CNC machine, and I'm looking for advice on the best dust collection for my set up. My garage/workshop has only one 220v outlet on it's own circuit that the CNC will be connected to. I currently only have 110V outlets available. My garage, floor to ceiling height is 100". I believe the 110 V outlet and the ceiling height, rule out any longer cyclones >1.5 hp. The dust collector will be just a few feet from the CNC machine. Axiom states the CNC needs a minimum of 500 CFM for dust collection. I've been using a shop-vac for my other machines, which I wheel outside, and plan on continuing to do so. I am concerned with the finer particles created from the CNC (located permanently inside), so I want it's own dedicated dust collector for it. For now, the plan would be to have the dust collector to one machine at a time, which would be the CNC 99.9% of the time. I'm thinking if I move at some point, I would look at upgrading my dust collection at that point.

I mainly plan on cutting wood and acetate on the CNC. I've considered the bag dust collectors with a smaller micron filter as well as some of the short cyclones. From reviewing this forum and other data found online, cyclones are recommended but short cyclones have a bad reputation; so I feel a little lost. Since this would be pretty much strictly connected to the CNC, would a I be better off with a bag dust collector with a 1-micron filter or a short cyclone, 1.5 hp dust collector be sufficient? Would it even be worth it from a cost perspective to get one of the JET,Laguna, Oneida, or Grizzly machines in the $1500ish range or would I regret it in the future?

I am open to any advice being offered, and I thank you for your help in advance!

[Michael Burnside]

Oneida Mini Gorilla would be my first choice. Powerful, cyclone, small footprint and since it is mobile, you could use it elsewhere if/when needed. They have 240 and 120v options. A lot of manufacturers exaggerate CFM, Oneida does not.

[David Kenagy]

Concur with Michael. My Oneida 3HP "V system" makes me forget that MDF makes a mess unless I start a carve before turning it on. Dust of all woods that I've carved is not only eliminated from the area of the CNC, but thoroughly sucked out of grooves while the cut is going on.

Oneida also gives very reliable advice on the duct sizes that will meet your needs. Measure distances and think about everything you will later wish you had attached to it.

[Steven Cooper2]

I have a harbor freight 2hp dust collector hooked to mine most of the time that does well, it runs on a regular 20A 120V circuit (15A plug).

When I'm cutting things I don't want to compost, I'll run my CNC to my shop vac/harbor fright cyclone. It's a reasonably large model, but it also does OK.

In general, I'll have a hard time with aggressive planing cuts, at about 1/4 deep, 1" stepover and 100 IPM, but that's the fault of the poor dust shoe on my cnc loading up with sawdust/chips between the bristles. I think "dustier" products would work better, but I've been cutting stringy things.

You will fill a shop vac very quickly, the cyclone is OK, but it fills the 5 gallon bucket very fast.

[Jim Becker]

Axiom states the CNC needs a minimum of 500 CFM for dust collection.

If the machine has a small port or even a 4" port, 500 CFM is impossible to achieve...it will not "fit" in a four inch duct/hose! Collection ports on CNC machines are not generally going to get everything, even with a "yuge" amount of air flow, honestly, but will get most of it if the "hula skirt" is on the table. That said, you should be able to get good collection from a typical 1.5-2hp 120v powered collector that's dedicated to your machine.

My Camaster CNC is the first drop on my duct network and the only dedicated 4" drop, too. I use a Harvey G700 in my new shop. But in the "temporary gara-shop" while waiting for the build, I was using an older 1.5hp Delta DC blower with an Oneida SDD, 5" to the drop and a 4" drop. It was definitely adequate for the CNC's collection needs.