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mijoda52
02-14-2011, 09:47 AM
Hey Everybody,
I hope you all had a great weekend. I took everybody's advice and opted for a dust collector insted of going the shop vac route. I have ordered a unit from Harbor Freight that says it has 1550 CFM and 2 HP. My question now is how effective would this unit be if it were hooked up as a downdraft system? I like the idea of everything being underneath the CW and out of the way but I don't want to do this if it is not as effective as other methods. As always, I appreciate your input.
Thanks, Michael.

CarverJerry
02-14-2011, 10:05 AM
From what I've read here on the forum the down draft would be a 2nd choice. I run the ringneck blues vacuum attachment, it works great and I'm only running 600 CFM vacuum. The only time it doesn't do a great job is when I'm doing lithopanes and its cutting either corian or cast acrylic, but this stuff has a lot of static to it and wants to just hold onto everything. There are a few others that offer other vacuum atachments.

CJ

cnsranch
02-14-2011, 10:06 AM
I started with a down draft system - didn't like it, and most don't.

Do a search, with quotes around your words - you'll get tons of info -

"dust collection"

and the like

FWIW, I have the following, and I swear by it:

http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?13433-Dust-Collection-the-final-answer&highlight=final+answer

AskBud
02-14-2011, 10:12 AM
Hey Everybody,
I hope you all had a great weekend. I took everybody's advice and opted for a dust collector insted of going the shop vac route. I have ordered a unit from Harbor Freight that says it has 1550 CFM and 2 HP. My question now is how effective would this unit be if it were hooked up as a downdraft system? I like the idea of everything being underneath the CW and out of the way but I don't want to do this if it is not as effective as other methods. As always, I appreciate your input.
Thanks, Michael.The wider the board, the less effective the downdraft seem to be. This is why lots of us have opted for the top-mounted system.
Here are some threads that may help.
http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?14037-Keep-the-unit-clean&p=116375#post116375

http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?14617-My-vacuum-hookup&p=122260#post122260

http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?14828-Dust-collection&p=124193#post124193

http://www.wix.com/littleredwoodshop/cnccorner/dust-collection
AskBud

cnsranch
02-14-2011, 11:08 AM
What Bud Said, also...

When carving a carve region, or raster text, etc., a downdraft can't suck the shavings out of the carve, over the edge of the board, and down into the DD.

Fletcher
02-14-2011, 12:18 PM
If you go here and then go to Page 10, post #99, there is a DC that works like the other top mount ones but you make it yourself on your CW in about 2 hours or so. Frederick's DC is fantastic too, and so are the others, TOP MOUNT is the key though. I built a downdraft setup, used it once and wasn't happy.

http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?13433-Dust-Collection-the-final-answer&highlight=final+answer

fwharris
02-14-2011, 02:33 PM
Like all have said "top mount" gives you the best dust removal for the machine. Find a style that fits your needs (make it, buy it) and use it. You will not regret it.

Old Salt
02-14-2011, 07:08 PM
I use a 2" from the underside and a 3" from on top. works great .I think it helps cool the under side vent at the same time.

DickB
02-14-2011, 08:17 PM
I'm using top and downdraft also. You have enough CFM to do it.

cnsranch
02-15-2011, 09:33 AM
If you guys choose to use a downdraft, make sure you seal the opening on the bottom of the machine with the table it's sitting on (to clarify - I had an opening cut on the table-top, and the hose connector attached under the table top - see pic) - you don't want to pull air from everywhere, that can cause some problems with the electronics.

DickB
02-15-2011, 09:58 AM
Some foam weatherstrip applied to the machine base works great.

Kenm810
02-15-2011, 10:08 AM
Like Mentioned above a quick effective way to make a Compression Seal around the Down Draft Slot
is with Foam Weather Stripping available at any Hardware Outlet or Store.

Frederick_P
02-15-2011, 11:12 AM
Unfortunately, there simply isn't enough airflow in any downdraft setup to clear the dust. As most will concur, the best way is to collect dust at the source where it is produced. The closer you can get to the cutting bit, the better. This is why most have found better success using one of the top mount designs. I know it seems criminal to cut a perfectly good machine cover, but your machine will last a lot longer and give you fewer errors if you do.

cestout
02-16-2011, 02:03 PM
I have a down draft and an ABS 3x3x2 toilet T withe the 2" going to the collector off the motor in the back. Works good on stuff up to about 8" wide. Wider than that the results diminish. On wide stuff I just vacuum occasionally. I vacuum and blow it out well between each carve anyway, and I don't think the dust does any harm except blocking your view during the carve. I am reluctant to make physical, unreversable changes to my machine.
Clint

cnsranch
02-16-2011, 03:07 PM
[QUOTE I am reluctant to make physical, unreversable changes to my machine.[/QUOTE]

For what it's worth, Fredrick's requires only a cut out on the cover - don't use your scroll saw, however (it'll melt back together as you cut it out - don't ask me how I know that) - my bandsaw was the bomb for the job.

Cover can always be replaced - machine's like new.

Of course, there's always the risk of voiding your warranty when you make any kind of change - I waited till I didn't have one to worry about (and I wish I'd have done it sooner anyway).

A dust collection system is the only way to go, in my opinion. Sooner or later CW will have one for us to use that they approve, I'd bet. So, one other option would be to wait for that to happen.

Cover comes off with just a couple screws.

Frederick_P
02-16-2011, 04:32 PM
I am reluctant to make physical, unreversable changes to my machine.
Clint

Dust clogging up the works is the surest way to make physical, irreversible changes to your machine!

Capt Bruce
02-16-2011, 04:46 PM
If you guys choose to use a downdraft, make sure you seal the opening on the bottom of the machine with the table it's sitting on.

http://forum.carvewright.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=42159&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1229379554 (http://forum.carvewright.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=42159&d=1297783986)

Jerry,
You cause me extreme shop envy whenever I see the wide open spaces in your shop and even chairs to be able to sit and think up projects. Great looking layout you have.

eelamb
02-16-2011, 05:32 PM
If you are an inside track club member for harbor freight they have the 2 hp 1550cfm industrial dust collection on sale now for $150, normal is $190. Insider track club membership is $29 for one year, and you get additional savings each month on items they sell.

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-industrial-5-micron-dust-collector-97869.html?utm_source=itc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0711B

you can not use the coupon unless you have an inside track club membership.

cnsranch
02-17-2011, 09:09 AM
Thx for the compliment, Capt. - The CW is blocking the view of the beer fridge, though...