I have a Powermatic dust collector that has the double port. I only use the dust collector with my table saw and my drum sander. Thus far I just move the hose from one to the other but, to be honest, it's a bit of a hassle to crawl under my outfeed table to shift from the table saw to the drum sander. So, I'm thinking I need to get a couple of blast gates and purchase another hose. Based on what I've looked up so far, I think I can put the blast gates right on the dust collector. Still will be somewhat inconvenient as my dust collector is in the corner, but will be better than crawling on the floor to move the entire hose. Does this sound like a solid plan?!? Looking at this one.
"Best place" is where you'll use them, typically at the machine there they will be in easy reach.
I have that style gate, they do have issues with sawdust collecting where the slider engages when closed so I keep that side "up". Overall they do work well for the price. $18 is wayyyy to high, I paid maybe $8 a few years ago so shop around (or make your own!)
As to placement, one thing I found is that the DS needs access to the drum for paper changes and I like to spin it by hand as I lower the drum to just kiss the wood when setting the initial cut. It's not a big deal to pull the hose off/on, but a cleaner setup is to install a PVC 90 elbow on the cover and run a short length of flex hose to a coupler attached to the DS base. You can install the gate on the base or at the cover. This way the cover can flip open without dragging the full length hose with it.
I have my gate close to the machine, then a couple where the split is in the line. I ran a hard line and the DC is up on the loft with a remote switch.
Another option may be to hook up a short section of hose to a one or both machines with a quick connector on the end at an accessible spot that does not require you to crawl around to get to it. If one machine is closer to the DC than the other, you may be able to have the hose connect directly to that machine but to the quick connector/hose on the other one.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
Hmmm...so here's my setup. I was thinking of putting the gates where the pink x marks are (on the two dust collector ports). Having a gate directly on the TS wouldn't help as I have to crawl on the floor to get under my outfeed table. Since I have to squeeze around to the dust collector to close the gate to the TS, I figured I could just then open the one the DS.
that will work ok barb. i do recommend getting the self cleaning gates though. damhikt ! another gate to look at is the ones made by woodpeckers. wont clog and 100% air flow. ive been changing mine out to those.
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
There was a post a few months back (on the other site, sigh) that showed a string running through a few eye-bolts that allowed the (held closed with a weak spring IIRC) blast gate to be open by pulling on a lever on the business side of the TS
Put them wherever they are most convenient. Duct tape and flexible hose is your friend... and don't be afraid to cut it in half if it suits,
pottz replied 32 minutes ago that will work ok barb. i do recommend getting the self cleaning gates though. damhikt ! another gate to look at is the ones made by woodpeckers. wont clog and 100% air flow. ive been changing mine out to those.
Ditto... after pottzy made a comment about them in a blog... but never made a review! Bought a pair with my last Woodpeckers' purchase and waiting till the current ones need clearing for replacement,
Before you decide to make your own, check out this blog I wrote on LJ about shop made blastgates. (stupid ideas).
For anyone into SketchUp,
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Self cleaning gates are a must. You could also run cheap S&D pipe along the walls and then flex down to the tools. Reducing flex is always a good idea to maintain efficiency. The gates go where it’s convenient I’m a short run like that.
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
Distances aren't too far. I have the dust collector in the corner. Tight squeeze to get around to the back of the saw. Once I get both set I'll need to get the hoses shortened to have a more direct line.
