Dust Collector Location Question

[Greatwhitewing]

If I can save 20 feet of main 5-6" diameter duct by placing the dust collector on a second floor directly over most of the tools would that be a good decision?

Pros: Does give me more floor space and should be quieter in first floor shop
Cons: Have to wire in a remote full bin indicator, probably not a big deal. There will be stairs and and elevator to haul parts up and bags/bins down

Still in the internal layout phase of the project but hope to have a builder and permit by May

 

[tarmy]

I have mine is an adjacent area, with the compressor, to diminish the noise…

 

[Greatwhitewing]

I have mine is an adjacent area, with the compressor, to diminish the noise…

Quite a congested shop

 

[BTL-A4]

If I can save 20 feet of main 5-6" diameter duct by placing the dust collector on a second floor directly over most of the tools would that be a good decision?

Pros: Does give me more floor space and should be quieter in first floor shop
Cons: Have to wire in a remote full bin indicator, probably not a big deal. There will be stairs and and elevator to haul parts up and bags/bins down

Still in the internal layout phase of the project but hope to have a builder and permit by May

I'd like more details and maybe photos of where the install will go.

My initial response is yes, do it. You can save 20 feet of ducting which should help with the dust collection. But, questions: What is a "bin full" indicator even look like? How heavy are the full bins? Is this a 2-story house, or a really tall shop building of some kind?

 

[tarmy]

Quite a congested shop

That is a side area I added to keep **** outa the shop…

This is one of 3 shops…

 

[Greatwhitewing]

I'd like more details and maybe photos of where the install will go.

My initial response is yes, do it. You can save 20 feet of ducting which should help with the dust collection. But, questions: What is a "bin full" indicator even look like? How heavy are the full bins? Is this a 2-story house, or a really tall shop building of some kind?

I am in the planning stages, have not selected a unit yet and no photos yet. The tradeoff is a few more feet of lift minus approximately 20 feet of main line run. Wish I had more details. I probably thinking about 2HP two stage

 

[rust in the eye]

I have mine is an adjacent area, with the compressor, to diminish the noise…

FWIW
I see myself catching and tearing the bag carrying it from that congested space.

 

[tncatadjuster]

Looks like a ships gally, maximum use of space.

 

[tarbellb]

How much woodworking you planning on doing? Seems like a real pain in the *** to haul the bag down from upstairs every time.

Plus the lift factor is probably going to effect performance.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

How much woodworking you planning on doing? Seems like a real pain in the *** to haul the bag down from upstairs every time.

Plus the lift factor is probably going to effect performance.

I understand the performance issue with the added lift but can't really quantify it. That's why I specifically mentioned the reduction in duct run length. I plan to have a lift but yea, a bit of a pain but floorspace is precious.

I am hoping to do a bunch more woodworking than I do now which is not a lot because my current shop is basically a big tent on patio blocks. Here in New England my working season is short and I have to drag my tools onto the driveway which is time consuming and sometimes interrupted by rain/snow.

 

[johnre]

If I can save 20 feet of main 5-6" diameter duct by placing the dust collector on a second floor directly over most of the tools would that be a good decision?

My gut instinct here is to say to keep it somehow on the same level closer to the shop equipment, and put up with the 20 extra feet of the main line.

There are calculators that can predict the head loss for this length of 5"-6" spiral ducting moving 1200 CFM (guessing; it appears that is a Delta 50-850 in your image?). Here's one:

Air Duct Friction Loss: Pressure Drop Calculator & Chart

Head loss or major loss in air ducts - equations and online calculator for rectangular and circular ducts - Imperial and SI units.

www.engineeringtoolbox.com

What these calculators can't predict, and what I want to have you avoid, is to deal with how the 1200 CFM of return air moves back from the dust collector to the area where the ducting is pulling the air out of the equipment. We always tend to neglect this part of it, but it's just as important as your main line.

FWIW my 1200 CFM collector has no issue with a 30 foot lateral run to the shop area, with two 90 elbows, prior to the first drop wye. Yes, there is some head loss, but it's no big deal. Here's the calculation for my 5" system for the straight sections; the elbows add a bit more:

 

[Greatwhitewing]

My gut instinct here is to say to keep it somehow on the same level closer to the shop equipment, and put up with the 20 extra feet of the main line.

There are calculators that can predict the head loss for this length of 5"-6" spiral ducting moving 1200 CFM (guessing; it appears that is a Delta 50-850 in your image?). Here's one:

Air Duct Friction Loss: Pressure Drop Calculator & Chart

Head loss or major loss in air ducts - equations and online calculator for rectangular and circular ducts - Imperial and SI units.

www.engineeringtoolbox.com

What these calculators can't predict, and what I want to have you avoid, is to deal with how the 1200 CFM of return air moves back from the dust collector to the area where the ducting is pulling the air out of the equipment. We always tend to neglect this part of it, but it's just as important as your main line.

FWIW my 1200 CFM collector has no issue with a 30 foot lateral run to the shop area, with two 90 elbows, prior to the first drop wye. Yes, there is some head loss, but it's no big deal. Here's the calculation for my 5" system for the straight sections; the elbows add a bit more:

The image wasn't mine, it the first reply.

Make up or return air won't be a problem with a wide open 42" staircase between floors.
I think I will try to find a first floor location

 

[tymbo]

you could also rig up a funnel type fitting and bring the sawdust down to the first floor into a drum or bin.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

you could also rig up a funnel type fitting and bring the sawdust down to the first floor into a drum or bin.

I considered that but one reason for remote mounting was floor space saving in addition to suspected performance improvement. Seems I would not realize either of those but I would still get the noise reduction which aint nothing.
Air compressor is still going upstairs over the retractable hose reel you folks here helped me with.