Better than Blast Gates

[Moonsafari69]

I've always had problems with blast gates fitted to my 2 1/2" ducting. I used the black ABS type for a while but eventually, no matter how clean I kept them, they would collect sawdust inside the gap which meant there was always leakage. To stop the inevitable loss of suction about a year ago I changed my ducting round so that I had my three main duct routes ending up in the same spot quite close to my dust collector.

The solution is really simple, and completely eliminates the blast gate issues. I have one small length of 2 1/2" flex hose fitted secure at the end closest to the dust collector. The other end simply gets moved from one pipe to another depending on which piece of kit I need it working on. It's likely quicker than swapping over blast gates too. Fitting the 45' bend on the end of each pipe means the flex fits nice and snug and makes for access better too. Maybe this will be of use to someone else.

 

[transatlantic]

I thought you weren't supposed to have a sharp bend like that right out of the dust collector, yet alone a 180 degree bend!

..could be wrong though. Just something I've heard mentioned.

 

[Moonsafari69]

I thought you weren't supposed to have a sharp bend like that right out of the dust collector, yet alone a 180 degree bend!

..could be wrong though. Just something I've heard mentioned.

Agreed, I considered the same transatlantic, it's been used a heck of a lot like it is over the last year and is doing fine so am happy with the way it is. Admittedly it would be better as a straight run but my workshop isn't that flexible.

 

[mayo.mick]

Great idea for limited space in the workshop!

 

[katellwood]

My solution may help



a rotating blast gate which alternates from the extractor to two feeds

for me it alternates between a felder combi and the bandsaw

to clear out any debris accumulating in the gate grooves I have drilled strategic holes to blast with the airline then corked to maintain the seal

the yellow pipe is offcuts of 125mm gas pipe scrounged from local gas workmen which happens to be an internal interference fit for 110mm drainage and is thick enough to take a screw to fix to the blast gate sides

As shown I have also extended to operating lever to prevent walking round the felder each time I want to swap extraction



the rope running parallel with the pipe turns the extractor on and off running the full length of the workshop, being attached to a electric shower pull switch which turns the extractor on/off (The extractor is outside the main workshop)

A bit Heath Robinson I know but works brilliantly

 

[sunnybob]

I cured the blast gate problem, see my post on this thread.

#p1125044

Been working perfectly for almost 2 years now.

 

[Doug B]

I've been using a similar set up for years MS, like yourself I got fed up with blast gates particularly the times I forgot to switch them over & only realising when the shop was full of dust (hammer)

 

[Moonsafari69]

I've been using a similar set up for years MS, like yourself I got fed up with blast gates particularly the times I forgot to switch them over & only realising when the shop was full of dust (hammer)

Yeah exactly, I do prefer this set-up. No flimsy blast gates, you can see easily which line is connected, plus it's a direct link to the dust collecter. Ticks a load of boxes.

 

[SVB]

Good solution - looks great.

I had similar issue but went for the top gear clarkson solution - went for the triple motor camvac - more POWER!!

\/

 

[Moonsafari69]

Good solution - looks great.

I had similar issue but went for the top gear clarkson solution - went for the triple motor camvac - more POWER!!

\/

You have a motor spare then, 2 each?

 

[ScottGoddard]

I've been using a similar set up for years MS, like yourself I got fed up with blast gates particularly the times I forgot to switch them over & only realising when the shop was full of dust (hammer)

Yeah exactly, I do prefer this set-up. No flimsy blast gates, you can see easily which line is connected, plus it's a direct link to the dust collecter. Ticks a load of boxes.

Silly question i am sure.....But if you forget to look at which is not connect you could get a load of dust every?

 

[Moonsafari69]

I've been using a similar set up for years MS, like yourself I got fed up with blast gates particularly the times I forgot to switch them over & only realising when the shop was full of dust (hammer)

Yeah exactly, I do prefer this set-up. No flimsy blast gates, you can see easily which line is connected, plus it's a direct link to the dust collecter. Ticks a load of boxes.

Silly question i am sure.....But if you forget to look at which is not connect you could get a load of dust every?

Scott, true but worst case it would only be the dust thrown out by the piece of equipment in use at the time. This has happened but you notice pretty quickly so no real harm done. A quick glance at the connections before you switch on usually does the trick.