Hi,
When I started my dust collecting system I hit the web, libraries, purchased books, looked at magazine articles, etc., etc. I perused information for 2 or 3 months. I ended up runing 6" schedule 35 sewer and drain everyplace except the drops to the machinery. The schedule 35 was definite overkill. Don't get me wrong; I am glad I did it. However, I am sure that I spent more money than I needed to. Glenn found some ducting that is smooth inside (SMOOTH INSIDE IS CRITICAL. If not smooth it raises absolute heck with your efficiency. It has been a long time since I did the figuring. However, as I remember you have to have three times the dust collector to get the same result as you would if the ducts were smooth.) and lighter weight and less expensive. Ask him. That's what PMs are for.
My 2 hp dust collector does the job. It does it well. However there is absolutely no surplus "suction" to waste on right angle turns, flexable ducting, and other no-no's. It is Penn State 2 hp double bagger. It is quite inexpensive for a DC. I don't have a Penn State catalog to look for the model. If you really want to know, let me know, I can find it in my paper work or on the web.
Do NOT glue your joints. I will give you a written guarantee that you WILL move things around. If you glue it and change your mind you have to saw the joint out and throw it into the recycle. I have never had a problem with my friction fit joints---in fact I cuss a bit when I take one apart. I do not have a drop of glue in my entire system (2 bandsaws, TS, thickness planer, DP, Lathe, 12" disk and belt sanders, etc.) The wood lathe is my largest problem; I cannot create enough air movement over a large enough area to be really efficient. My ducting drops down to two 2.5in "move and stay put flex" ducts that I can place right where the cutting is occuring. They are in the way whenever I want to move the tool rest or darn near anything else. The only real answer appears to be to get a larger DC unit.
I don't think the PennState unit is much more money than the HF. It is trememdously more healthy however. It has 1 micron bags. The last time I looked the HF was 3 micron bags. It is that tiny stuff that raises heck with the alveoli in your lungs. If the DC is in a room you can close off, away from you, or exits outside, this is not a factor.
Do NOT make any right angle turns. They are efficiency robbers. Use two 45* angle ells with a piece of pipe coupling them to make a much softer, more efficient turn. Some companies make "long radius" 90* ells; these used to be quite expensive however. Don't try to be "pretty," think efficient instead. What are the shortest possible runs I can make without interferring with machinery, lighting or whatever.
I have written quite a few threads and posts about DC in FWW. Do a search for them under Jim C Bradley. I have not done a search since FWW has been updated so I am no help to tell you how. If you cannot find them, let me know and I will see what I can do.
It is your lungs and your life. To a certain degree you are looking at a trade off between money and how long you will live a healthy life. Put your money into your DC now; buy your pretty new tools later. Sorry, but I really get off on a rant about DC and healthy living for you and your family.
Enjoy,
JimB
My e-mail address will be changing in a few days. I do not know the new address yet.
jandmbradley@cox.net will be good for a bit.