Duct Design - Clear Vue Cyclones

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PVC vs. Metal Pipe

We recommend the use of PVC pipe for several reasons. It's usually less expensive than metal pipe, is readily available from plumbing supply houses and is easy to work with. All of our supporting products, including Blast Gates and Transitions are designed to fit PVC.

Where do I find ducting?

The pipe used for ducting may be found at plumbing supply companies such as HD Fowler, Ferguson, etc. The 6" piping we recommend is "ASTM D-3034 and/or ASTM D-2729" or otherwise known as 6" Sewer Drain pipe - non-gasket type.

Designing & Installing Your Ducting

Below are two layouts showing ducting in a typical shop:

We recommend running 6" piping as close to the machine as possible, installing a blast gate where it is easy to reach and reducing to 4" pipe if necessary. We recommend using as little flex hose as possible (3-4 feet), as it will reduce air flow.

Because hobbyist systems are designed to run one machine at a time, there is no need to reduce pipes to 5" and then 4", etc. We recommend running a 6" line to them, installing a blast gate and then a 6" wye reducing to two 4" lines. Several machines like a 6" jointer or a 12" - 15" planer will work with a 4" pickup. For these machines, run the 6" line as close as possible and then reduce down to 4" to the machine.

There are several machines that need two pickups on them: table saws, bans saws, radial arm saws, router tables, etc. We recommend running a 6" line to them, installing a blast gate and then a 6" wye reducing to two 4" lines. Several machines, such as a 6" jointer or 12" - 15" planer, will work with a 4" pickup. For these machines, run the 6" line as close as possible and then reduce down to 4" to the machine.

When you run the PVC pipe, we recommend that you do not glue it together. Instead, fasten each fitting with a short #6 or #8 sheet metal screw through the fitting and into the pipe. This will keep the fittings from working loose and allows you the flexibility to change your layout later, if necessary. We recommend sealing the joints on all PVC slip fittings with a small bead of silicone caulk.

Static Electricity and Grounding Your System

Grounding your system is never overkill, especially if you live in a dry climate. If you wish to ground your system, we recommend using flex hose with a metal wire reinforcement Ground that wire to both your tool and your cyclone. Your PVC ducting may be grounded by running a strip of aluminum tape inside the duct and a matching strip outside. Each run must be connected with a wire between ducts. Typically, a wire is placed on the sheet metal screws used to secure the fittings. This form of grounding will help dissipate any static charges created by the air and wood debris flowing through your ducts.