Automatic Gates

[fsotcher]

I installed a system early this year (2011) and included automatic gates at most machines. You can see pictures at (http://www.gallery2.clearvuecyclones...x/Fred+Sotcher)

The system contains both 4 and 6 inch gate operated with small gear motors. The 4 inch gate work fine but the flap on the 6 inch gates purchased from CV tend to bent when closing. I just designed new flaps to fit into the CV 6 inch gates that solve the problem and are easy to make. If anyone is interested just email me at fsotcher@gmail.com for a drawing.

[fsotcher]

I just saw several good ideas in your clearvue dust-collection photo gallery, thanks. I'm wondering where you sourced those differential pressure gauges and whatever gizmos are keeping the collector on and gate open for 5 seconds after tool shutdown, etc? I'm also curious about the superstrut design drawings you mentioned, particularly the spring-dampened attachments. Lastly, I'm curious if you didn't find that sealing up all the things like the unisaw height/tilt slot and motor and router cabinet needlessly reduce the CFM to far below the branch capacity? (since as we know, high CFM is the key to getting all the fine dust)

Thanks,
Paul

[fsotcher]

Hello Paul,

I purchased the gauges on Ebay, they help me monitor the operation of the system and signal when the filter needs cleaning. I used a 0-50 Inches of water to monitor the static pressure and flow ahead of the blower, a 0-20 would have been better. I use a 0-10 to monitor the filter back pressure, it works fine, a 0-5 would be even better. I have attached electrical drawings of the automatic blast gates, they work great, but they are a bit complex. The gate closing delay is achieved by using a large capacitor across the control relay. The blower is mounted on a free standing stand. The clearvue unit is installed much as recommended in their instruction. The superstrut frame does not contact the walls of the room except in two places where I make up spring loaded flexible couplings to avoid having the stand walk. it is in fact so heavy I am not sure that the coupling were needed. You have a good question about the Unisaw. I have 6 " duct to the rear of the saw's cabinet and a 2" duct to the blade top collector, I ended up removing the seal behind the louvered door in front allow more air movement and avoid having chips collect in the cabinet. The system works very well, I get no dust or chips at all from the saw, and none collect in the lower cabinet.