issue with chip extraction

[msparker]

I'm working on a project using a record power PT260 planer thicknesser and needed an extractor after the old one packed in. A helpful forum user pointed me in the direction of a fairly cheap dust/chip extractor from Rutlands and based on the reviews i expected reasonable performance...

However, when using the machine the extractor's hose fairly quickly becomes blocked with chips and loses suction. This is frustrating as i then need to remove the hose, empty it into another container and put it back together; generally making it a very slow process.

Has anybody had similar issues with extraction and how did you solve it? any suggestions welcome

thanks

 

[PAC1]

Most planer thicknesses need around 500cfm. I upgraded to an extractor capable of 1000cfm and installed 6" ducts ever since I have not seen the chippings let alone had a blockage.

 

[RogerP]

There are different types of extraction hose some have much coarser corrugations (often transparent). I've found these are much worse for blocking up than the finer corrugation ones (usually grey). I don't get blockages since I swapped out the cheap hose my extractor came with for the more expensive type.

 

[Alexam]

Which model did you buy. It needs enough power to use with a P/T, like the one I have been using

 

[Wizard9999]

Not helpful as I guess it is too late, but I have heard rumour that Rutland only post positive reviews. I don't know if the rumours are right, but if this is the case you can't rely on the reviews on their site, as they would only tell part of the story. I only mention as you say reviews were a factor in you decision to buy.

Terry.

 

[Racers]

Some extractors have a grill so you can't stick your hand in the impeller while its running, they can cause blockages but you can usually rip then out.

Pete

 

[toast]

i had kind of the same problem as Pete, there was a cross on the input to stop chunks of wood hitting the impeller but there was a finer grill on the output hole which clogged when using my planer.
when i opened it up to check it, it had 2" of shavings jammed solid inside.
since making a thien separator its been fine.

 

[John15]

Something like this would suit a planer/thicknesser - low pressure/high volume. http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ho ... ge-dealing. There are other models depending on the size of your p/t.

John

 

[msparker]

Thanks for the replies, my settings (new member I guess) won't allow me to post links but it's the £100 one on rutlands. Apparently it's a non-branded version of a machine that could be twice as much which I semi believe based on other searches.

It has 800m^3/ hr so hopefully ok for the application. It's interestig what was said about the sort of grate at the end of the hose. It has a cross which definitely restricts the output and is generally pretty jammed when it clogs. Perhaps I'll see if it's removable non destructively, or if not, destructively.

 

[CHJ]

Chip extraction is never going to work if the anti personnel injury/impellor protector is in place, matter of minutes and shavings etc. get hung up on them.

Just be careful if you only have a plastic impellor as any sizable pieces of wood hitting the impellor when cleaning up the shop floor has potential to wreck it.

My extractor has a substantial steel impellor and it has been known to get bent with a 2-3 cu in block of wood hitting it.

 

[RogerP]

First thing I did after I bought my chip collector was to remove that grating. Lots of horrible noises over the past 4 years but stilling working fine.

 

[Racers]

The rattle, rattle,rattle, CLANG does happen occasionally to me.
My Kity has a metal impeller so it's o/k.

Pete