Multi-tube shop vac?

[SpatialStage]

Has anyone seen or rigged a shop vac to have a setup similar to a central vacuum system like a home would have? My hope was to take a single shop vac, split it to 3 or 4 pipes that each run to a difference saw or sander. Each one could have a cap to keep the suction up for whatever pipe was open for use.

 

[jwith68]

Google "dust collection system". You got some reading to do.

 

[Bwana]

Google "dust collection system". You got some reading to do.

That's no ****!!

Never realised there was so much out there about it

 

[SpatialStage]

Google "dust collection system". You got some reading to do.

You weren't kidding! I found this link:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/cat...ystem&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053

That is the exact setup I am picturing in my head...but I couldn't find the pieces for sale on the Home Depot website.

Got more searching to do...but thanks for the tip!

 

[hawkeye2]

check out http://www.grizzlytools.com/ they have a good selection.

 

[mikeburris]

Has anyone seen or rigged a shop vac to have a setup similar to a central vacuum system like a home would have? My hope was to take a single shop vac, split it to 3 or 4 pipes that each run to a difference saw or sander. Each one could have a cap to keep the suction up for whatever pipe was open for use.

I do have such a setup. I got my parts at ACE and it is NOT a dust collection system. It is simply a shop vac setup. I am happy with it. It is for cleaning my work bench and vacuuming the floor. A small shop vac will not really work very well either.

 

[JakeKohl]

home depot does not carry pieces parts for these systems (which I've found frustrating).

Also watch for static electricity...dust moving through plastic tubes can charge things up leading to sparks leading to igniting dust leading to...

 

[ringneck]

Also watch for static electricity...dust moving through plastic tubes can charge things up leading to sparks leading to igniting dust leading to...

I have used plastic and PVC in the past, but always run a bare copper wire through the pipe and attach it to ground, this helps control the static buildup.

 

[coachrick]

WoodCraft and Rockler won't be the cheapest, but might have the connectors you seek. WoodCraft has a bit of a sale next week, I believe.

 

[RickP]

This kit is a little bigger than a shop vac hose, but it might work:
HarborFreight Kit

 

[RickP]

HarborFreight also has an adapter:

2-1/2" X 4" Dust Collector Reducer

and a bunch of other fittings.

 

[bottom feeder]

You may want to give Oneida a look:

http://www.oneida-air.com/

They have many options for both large and small systems.

 

[SpatialStage]

I have used plastic and PVC in the past, but always run a bare copper wire through the pipe and attach it to ground, this helps control the static buildup.

This is a great tip, thanks!

Thanks everyone else for the suggestions and links. I'll be putting something together in a couple weeks and will post pics once it is complete.

 

[Woody610nb]

Static electric build up is only a annoyance but not a safety concern. There is no indication that static sparks will start a dust fire. A shop vac will not move enough air to collect dust and chips effectively and will clog easily. Invest in a small dust collector designed for woodworking and you will be much happier.

 

[zcar751]

Not trying to hijack the tread but if you uses PVC with any long runs you need to ground the tubes because there is a risk of fire. Usually this issue is on bigger systems but any sparks with dust is dangerous. Dust in general is dangerous and not only carries a fire hazard but in the correct situation explosion hazards. Probably not in a small shop but any large wood working shop or grain mills.

 

[Woody610nb]

For those that think there is a risk of explosion;http://www.rockler.com/how-to/exploding-pvc-dust-collection-ductwork/

 

[jake00]

For those that think there is a risk of explosion;http://www.rockler.com/how-to/exploding-pvc-dust-collection-ductwork/

I've got 3 dust collectors at my shop (totaling about 120hp). Neither my shop or any shop I've toured has any PVC ductwork.