Ducting materials – Woodstock SHOP FOX W1816 User Manual

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W1816 Owner's Manual (Mfg. Since 10/09)

ATIO
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Ducting Materials

You have many choices regarding main line and branch

line duct material. For best results, use metal duct for

the main line and branch lines, then use a short length

of flexible hose to connect each machine to the branch

lines.

Plastic duct is also a popular material for home shops.

However, be aware that there is a fire or explosion hazard

if plastic duct material is used for dust collection without

being grounded against static electrical charge build-up.

This topic will be discussed later in the manual. Another

problem with using plastic is that it is less efficient per

foot than metal.

Metal Duct

Advantages of metal duct (see

Figure 34) is its

conductivity and that it does not contribute to static

electrical charge build-up. However, static charges are

still produced when dust particles strike other dust

particles as they move through the duct. Since metal duct

is a conductor, it can be grounded quite easily to dissipate

any static electrical charges.

There are quite a number of options when it comes to

metal duct, but metal duct that is specially manufactured

for dust collection is the best choice. When selecting

your metal duct, choose high quality metal duct with

smooth welded internal seams that will minimize airflow

resistance. This type of duct usually connects to other

ducts or elbows with a simple, self-sealing clamps, is very

quick and easy to assemble, and can be dismantled and

re-installed with no problems. This is especially important

if you ever need to change things around in your shop or

add more tools.

Avoid inferior metal duct that requires you to cut it to

length and snap it together. This type of duct is time

consuming to install because it requires you to seal all

the seams with silicone and screw the components on

the ends with sheet metal screws. Another disadvantage

is the rough internal seams and crimped ends that

unavoidably increase static pressure.

Figure 34. Examples of metal duct.