( 7 reviews )
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Posted: Mar 14 2009
Got around to installing my system yesterday in a temporary setup. I was just doing a straight line setup under cabinets above my workbench. A string line helped greatly for alignment of tubing/gates. Needed to use 3/4" masking tape on each end of tubing to keep T-joints from rotating...no biggie there. Problem: All closed gates howl like crazy when system is on using a 20gal.- 6.75 hp Shop-Vac. Shop rags inserted into closed gates kills the howl, this is a minor hassle. Problem: Having to use the 2-1/2" hose provided with my Vac for the main connection takes it out of commission for other use in the system. Also you are forced to use one of the gates and 45's or 90's to connect the hose to the system. I also had to use one of the gates as an end cap, none is provided. Mine is an open ended system with no tool at the end of the chain. I had to get creative and use a 2-1/2"od PVC plumbing joint hooked up to a Shop-Vac 2-1/2" to 1-1/4" step down fitting and old 1-1/4" vac hose to fit into my chop saw. So be prepaired to have to do some yankee engineering after a few trips to the hardware to tweak the system for your various tools. I was lucky and happened to have on hand what was needed to just set up a quick/temporary system. I've yet to set the system up to my router table's, jointer/planer, table saw or planer. For these larger tools I think it will actually be easier to do a direct connect to each individual tool as needed. To me the purpose of such a system is ease of use for each application/tool. You'll need a lot more than what comes with this kit out of the box to make an integral system. So calculate your need's carefully and be prepaired to spend a minimum of 1/2 the system price for all of the tweaks you'll need. This is of course unless you just resell the kit and go back to just moving your vac around from tool to tool. Positive Note: The clear PVC pipe is kinda cool, you can watch the debris going through it. The amount of suction produced seems to be adequate for small shop use. Not for large or industrial use. You might want to check out Rockler Hardware online, or other decent woodworking sites for ideas in creating a system before you buy. Be prepaired to make some plenums for older, larger stationary tools. S. Strong Fort Worth, Texas
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Posted: Nov 10 2007
Okay, Here's the real scoop on this product. Its simple, I mean really simple to put together. My eight year old had it figured out in a couple of minutes and was making his hot wheels fly through it before I put it in the workshop. Take a couple of minutes figure out what you want, then buy it if it will fit your needs. It will work with most Shop Vac systems, you may have to use some creative adjustments to make some of your equipment fit. Say for instance, you may have to adjust the width of a three inch hose to fit around the blast gate, easily done with a little heat gun. Then it shrinks to fit perfectly. Use some foam insulation to wrap smaller pieces to fit into the large holes. I've put my Shop Vac outside, have it go through a separator to collect the big pieces (use a large HP shop system, 6 HP) ran a flexible tube inside and collected it to the clear tubing. Works GREAT! plus the small dust now goes outside instead of in my lungs and its quieter that way. Remember its a small system, easily put together and will accomodate most applications. I put two blastgates near the front area that is closest to my planer, so I can have a short run to the Tablesaw and Planer (biggest dust makers) and the long run to the small items like the drill press and oscillating sander. One tool at a time though, but that's what the blast gates are for. It was the least expensive way to go, nice thickness to the plastic and really just fun to watch the dust fly around the tube. The kids come in just to see it work. Remember with any dust system the less turns the better hence only two 90 degree turns. The tubing is easily cut on a miter saw, rigid but small enough to run on the wall over the work bench. Wish I had this years ago. Buy it, it works!
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( 7 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: Mar 11 2006
This Shop Vac Dust Collection System seems to include just not quite enough fittings to complete even a simple system. Although there are 8, 36" tubes included, there are only 5 connectors to join them to any other tube or fitting. There are only two 90 Degree fittings and 4 "T" Fittings to complete your system. A quick check of the "Plastic Accessories" available through an order form enclosed with the kit will bring you to the realization that you will have to spend a lot more to get what you need. The little plastic coupling for example will set you back $2.49 ($3.49 on the Shop Vac Web Site) for each one you need. An extra elbow will set you back $3.49 ( $4.49 on the web site) I suggest everyone plan their system before the purchase and add up what your total expense will be.
