Ortis Automatic Dust Switch
Turn On Dust Collection Automatically
Ortis Auto-Dust Switch
IN THIS GUIDE:
› SMALL TOOL HOSE: PEACHTREE 2-1/2
› MITER SAW PICK: ROUSSSEAU MITER HOOD
› LARGE TOOL HOSE: ROCKLER 20-FOOT
› CONNECTION SYSTEM: CEN-TEC QUICK CLICK
› QUICK CONNECT: DUST RIGHT 4-INCH
When purchasing or upgrading a dust collector, the accessories, hoses, and connections will help ensure the system’s maximum efficiency.
But for new woodworkers, it’s more than simply connecting point A to point B.
It’s an understanding of dozens of unique add-ons that will make your system more functional.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Choosing hoses for maximum flow rate (CFM)
- Solutions for both shop vacuums and full-size collectors
- Unique hoods, shrouds, and ports to maximize dust capture
- Static electricity prevention
- Proper connectors and clamps
- Blas gates to concentrate the airflow
While all these dust collector accessories can add up in cost, you won’t have a functional dust collection system without them.
Page Contents
Dust Collector Accessories Overview
Manufacturer: POWERTEC Dust Collector Systems
After finding the right dust collector for your shop, the most significant project isn’t assembling the machine.
Instead, having the correct dust collection system hoses and connections to your machines will consume your time.
But, as woodworkers know, investing time upfront is the best way to focus on your work and stop fussing with the setup.
This makes a few extra dollars and an hour on setting up dust ducts to your machines well worth it.
Related Articles:
Part 1: Collection Hoses and Parts For Shop Vacs
For woodworkers just starting, a shop vacuum dust collector is a great place to start. And while a shop vacuum doesn’t generate the high CFM of a full-size machine like an upright collector, they work fine for small projects.
When setting up this style of dust collector, look for the following:
- 2-1/2 inch dust collector hose
- Cyclone separator
- Dust collection blast gates
- Machine hose clamps
- Y-connectors
- Hose hanging brackets
- Reducing cones (variety of sizes)
- Floor and tabletop collectors
Shop Vacuum Dust Hoses (2-1/2)
See on Amazon: Clear Dust Collector Hose – 2-1/2 inch
The first step with any dust collection system is matching your hoses to the machine. And for shop vacuum systems, that means starting with a 2-1/2 inch hose that can be routed to your tools.
When buying a hose for a shop vacuum, consider the following:
- Heavy gauge wire embedded in the hose that allows for a sturdy design that won’t collapse
- PVC see-through hose is the preferred style to see any visual kinks in the hose
- A steel helix will both hold the hose firm and allow for grounding to reduce the electrostatic build-up
Shop Vacuum Dust Cyclone
See on Amazon: Oneida Dust Deputy
One of the most common problems with shop vacuum dust collectors is quickly clogging the dust filter on the shop vac.
And as the filter clogs, air flow and suction are reduced, and more dust is left everywhere.
The solution? A dust cyclone like the famous cyclone from Oneida Air. When installed between your tools and the shop vacuum, these simple devices will deposit small and large dust into a 5-gallon pail (or other holding tank of your preference). This is a must-have dust collection accessory for any shop vac.
Shop Vacuum Dust Collection Hose Blast Gates
See on Amazon: 2-1/2 Inch POWERTEC Blast Gate
As woodworkers know, air flow is the key to a dust collection system’s success.
And the best way to increase airflow is to decrease the length of the pipe the shop vacuum will need to pull air through.
The solution? The explosive-sounding blast gate slides up and down at various points of your hoses to cut off air to machines that aren’t in use.
Dust Collector Accessory Hose Clamps (2-1/2 Inch)
See on Amazon: Key Hose Clamps for Shop Vac Lines
After all your hoses have been cut to length and assembly is the next step, you’ll need to firmly connect the hose to the machine.
However, you’ll want a firm grip, but also one that can also be quickly released for tool maintenance and moving.
This means you won’t want to have your hoses cranked onto the machines with a standard clamp. Instead, opt for a large thumb screw design for tool-less usage.
Dust Collection Hose Reducer for Shop Vacs
See on Amazon: 4-inch to 2-1/2 inch Hose Reducer
Already have a maze of 2-1/2 inch dust hose and are upgrading from a shop vac to a standard dust collector?
For lower CFM tools, one option is to use a step-down reducer that lets you connect a 4-inch hose to a 2-1/2 inch hose. This enables you instantly keep using your in-place hoses and upgrade to a larger 4-inch dust collection hose later.
Shop Vacuum Dust Hose Y-Fitting
See on Amazon: Shop Vacuum Y Fitting
The enemy of a dust collector duct system is a sharp bend that mixes up the air pressure within the hose.
This is why manufacturers and woodworkers know to use Y-fittings that will allow you to redirect your hoses without creating sharp bends and angles.
Dust Hose Machine Adapters
See on Amazon: Router Table Adapter (Shop Vac)
The best way to improve your dust collection system’s performance is to connect correctly with the tool.
While this is easy for planers or machines where dust ports are included, the connections are more difficult for some tools like router tables, drill presses, and miter saws.
Shop Vacuum Fittings and Connections
See on Amazon: Powertec Dust Collector Fittings (Shop Vac)
If your goal is a shop floor that is 95% clean at the end of the day, you’ll want to invest in complete dust collection fittings, connectors, and blast gates.
And, if your dust collection hose is clear PVC opting for a design with clear y-fittings will let you see your dust to the cyclone or shop vacuum.
Floor Sweep Dust Collector Accessory
See on Amazon: Powertec 4-inch Floor Sweep
While your dust collection system might contain much of the dust, it won’t capture it all.
Which will leave some dust on the floor. So, rather than sweep it up and into the garbage, woodworkers will install a floor sweep that allows dust and small debris to be deposited where it belongs.
Note: for shop vacuums, you’ll need to run a short 4-inch hose, then use hose reducers and clamps to meet up with your shop vacuum.
Part 2: Collection Hoses and Parts For Full Size 4-Inch Systems
Stepping up to a full-size dust collector with higher CFM and capability to support professional-grade tools, you’ll find many of the same hoses and connectors just, well, more significant in size and CFM.
When setting up this style of dust collector, look for the following:
- Dust collector hose
- Dust collection blast gates
- Machine hose clamps
- Y-connectors
- Hose hanging brackets
- Floor and tabletop collectors
- Heavy-duty cyclone separators
Full Size Dust Cyclones
See on Amazon: Oneida Air Full Size Dust Cyclone
With many woodworkers using floor or wall-mount dust collectors, the volume of dust is always an issue. And for even larger capacity 1100 CFM or more canister systems, a pre-filter that can catch large debris is desired.
The solution? Like a shop vacuum system, you can install a cyclone filter in line with your tools and dust collector.
4-Inch Dust Collection Hose
See on Amazon: Dust Collector Hose
Once woodworkers start building a dust collection ducting system, one guarantee is miles of hose.
And while blast gates will help enable the system, a high-quality see-thru hose is still necessary to identify where clogs occur.
Lastly, since these hoses are connected to larger-capacity machines, it’s an excellent idea to use a grounding wire to prevent electrostatic build-up.
Dust Hose Grounding Wire
See on Amazon: Dust Hose Grounding Wire
While the helix coils running through dust collection hoses offer no-kink support, they have another function.
To allow grounding of the dust hose to prevent electrostatic build-up.
Why is this important?
By connecting the steel wire at both ends of the machines, a negative charge can be released back into the machines. Please follow your dust collection manual on how to get adequately ground.
Blade Guard Dust Collector Accessory
See on Amazon: Dust Collector Blade Guard
Dust collectors can only capture the dust that enters the pipe.
And with table saws, a small percentage of dust is never captured as the saw blade spins.
Putting the final touches on capturing dust means adding a dust collector to the saw. And as you know, a guard should always be used – this added feature makes it even more helpful.
Miter Saw Dust Hood
See on Amazon: Rousseau 5000 Dust Hood
In most woodworking shops, the largest generator of uncaptured dust is the miter saw.
Because of this tool’s open design, the dust tends to “fly” off the back of the saw and then, well, everywhere.
The solution? You can build an enclosure around your saw or connect a dust collector hose. Or, opt for an after-market solution that creates a foldable tent that ties at the bottom to your dust hose.
Note: With a reducer fitting, these typically work for a 4-inch and 2-1/2-inch shop vacuum.
Automatic Power Switch
Shown: iVAC Automatic Switch
Your saws will only cut wood when the saw is on.
And your shop vacuum will only capture dust when it’s on.
Not surprisingly, several woodworkers will not turn the dust collector on for a few simple cuts. The solution, however, is simple: an automatic switch that detects the power usage of your tools and turns the dust collector on for you.
Of course, for larger machines and dust collectors, you’ll need to watch overall power usage and amperage, which makes these switches best for lower amperage tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use for a dust collector hose?
The proper dust collection hose features a thick wall, a see-through PVC design, and a helix wire running through the hose to allow for good grounding. Additionally, a hose will not kink when making a corner.
Can I use metal ductwork for dust collection systems?
Many larger woodworking shops and dust collection systems will use metal for the piping. This pipe can be more significant in diameter and move more air, making it an excellent ductwork system. However, your power source must be designed to handle the airflow requirements to avoid loss of CFM that can degrade your system. Be sure to use blast gates to only supply air where for active machines.
How many CFM does a dust collector need?
For larger woodworking tools like table saws, a dust collector should have at least 500 CFM to capture large and fine dust particles adequately. This excludes a shop vacuum for most machines, as their maximum CFM typically stops at around 400 CFM.
Summary
Choosing dust collector accessories for your woodworking tools is never about picking just one thing. Instead, woodworkers know that proper collection involves using the right parts and hoses from the device’s tip to the collector.
- About the Author
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
