Grounding your dust collection system.

Here is part 2 of the dust collection system the grounding. This system as proved the best for me over the past 5 shops. I also covered a couple of things that I missed or did not have to show.
A single kit to ground one machine includes 50 feet of wire, wire nuts, drill bit and two connectors from Amazon $14.99
You can buy a roll of 100 feet number 18AWG stranded wire for around $20.00
Grounding lugs pack of two $2.00
the pipe is SDR35 sewer pipe it comes in 10 foot and 20 foot lengths.
Only use long turn elbows and if you can use 2 45 degree fittings.
I hope this video was helpful. I you want a mikes wood shop sticker or you would like to ask a question please e mail me at [e-mail]
Thanks Mike

[@williamcunha9136]

Mike, I am so glad I ran into your very informative videos on dust collection! Thank You!

[@martyvanord984]

Thank you for an extensive coverage of dust collection and grounding, You make it very clear and leave no detail uncovered. This will be a huge help.

[@michaelforman7261]

Just set up my dust collection system and these two videos were HUGELY helpful. Much appreciated!!!!

[@dsm238945]

Mike, these two videos on the parts and the grounding were perfect for me. I'm just starting a garage system. Now I can build it right the first time.

[@rodpotts2666]

I have been in the planning stages of collector and and system.im one that reviews the hell out of things before I pull the trigger so this has been very helpful, thanks man!

[@TheBuddylab]

rod potts thank you very much, good luck with your system.

[@Snakedriver7478]

Great video Mike. You always amaze me on how you explain whether a tool or fixture or what ever you build to help us out there. You are one of a kind. Keep these videos coming.

[@TheBuddylab]

Douglas E Smith why thank you very much for that very nice comment

[@andresfelipemoscosohernand2371]

Both videos were great! Thanks a lot!! really guides new woodworkers like myself into the right path and avoid extra expenses/mistakes.

[@SquirrelsForAll]

Another wonderful video, thank you very, very much! Loved the grounding techniques. Many people don't know that static discharge is responsible for many Mid-West silo explosions. Thanks Mike!

[@TheDonnaAnn]

Another great, informative and well explained video! Thanks Mike!

[@TheBuddylab]

Donna Neal thank you very much

[@TJfromAZ]

Mike thank you so much! I just purchased my 4in pipe and was worried about grounding it. Your video was extremely helpful!

[@frankjenkins2668]

Hanks Mike. I just received my Jet dust collection system and will be installing it next week. This is a perfect installation video. I just brcame a subscriber!

[@MrBubbajohnson1]

Nice video Mike. Very informative! Good to see the stogi burnin too!

[@TheBuddylab]

MrBubbajohnson1 lol thanks for the comment

[@stevenstewart7879]

Great videos Mike. I learned a lot. Thank you

[@alanmullock381]

Good couple of videos Mike👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheBuddylab]

Alan Mullock thank you very much

[@stephenhollowell5270]

You do a great job explaining the system with the grounding. The one thing that make it easier to follow would be a parts list.

[@mikebarnstable7038]

never seen a fire cause a a dust collector. Been a firefighter for almost 40 years Been a woodworker and never ground my system.. good video.

[@TheBuddylab]

Mike Barnstable was a firefighter for 21 years (ex chief) and never saw a fire caused by a dust extracted either lol. Thank you very much

[@jcross8380]

Lol you guys are funny. Not from a dust collection system but I did see a flash over when a bunch of guys were lets just still learning English were sanding floors in an old Victorian house. They weren't to neat or concerned about ventilation. I have no idea what ignited it but it got warm and bright fast.

[@aaydensclockworld9231]

Do you think you need to ground your dust collection system or no?

[@Shotsmoky]

Mike. Your style in these instructional videos is great. You never talk down to your viewers. Another great video Thanx again!!

[@squamishstu]

Air and pvc are insulators. This is removing less then .1% of static (exaggeration but basically nothing)

[@prestonblack9777]

i am glad i stumbled upon this video.. this was a perfect mock up, and y ou did great sir! i am now subscribed!

[@TheBuddylab]

PRESTON BLACK why thank you very much that means slot to me. There’s tons more to come.

[@oddjobbobb]

Great video. I wish I had watched this before putting in my dust collection. But I know now how to ground it (didn’t even know that was needful, although I can see how it is. Thanks, Mike!

[@MrSlyguy63]

Nice video Mike!

[@TheBuddylab]

Guy Sly thank you very much

[@pinkeye00]

Super video.

[@bradleyjohnson452]

Just found your channel. I really enjoyed your videos on dust collection.

[@daniel.j.rauscher]

Great & helpful video! Thanks!

[@MINGLE2008]

Thanks for a very informative video

[@TheBuddylab]

Christopher ABELA MEDICI no problem, thanks for the comment

[@jimtomiser4132]

Very well demonstrated, Mike. Though it perhaps should be stated that the risk of that pvc piping causing a fire/explosion are vanishingly small, lest someone come across this video and become concerned about needing to do this.

[@D4MI0N]

This guy is a Boss! He smokes knives like they were cigars!

[@ffjsb]

I just bought a roll of the foil tape, it was only $15, and I ran a piece in a loop along one side of the pipe inside and out. I did this to every fitting and section of pipe, so that when they connected, the aluminum tape touched. The tape is thin enough that I didn't have much problem fitting the joints completely. I put a small screw through every joint just to make sure there was continuity inside and out. I have a lead from the metal coil on the flexible sections that can wrap around the screws at the joint. I'll add a small wire and alligator clip on the machine end to ground the machine too. None of my machines are permanently connected, so that's why I have to do that.

[@easterlake]

I've never once read a story about, or saw a video about, a home shop dust collector catching fire or exploding........ever, not even once.

[@An_urbanmonk]

I subbed when you reached for your cigar :-) great videos on dust collection thanks mike. Just planning DC for my new shop and learning a lot from you. I also liked your air supply videos, just have to pick which compressor to buy.

[@messplaypc]

Great shop, great vids, great content. Easy subscribe. Keep it up!

[@TheBuddylab]

Paul Messplay thank you very much

[@alanr745]

Mike, good explanation and video. The issue of static electricity in home dust collection systems is not about explosions, but definitely about best practices for insurance purposes and personal comfort (i.e. not getting shocked). Also, regarding your wyes and other fittings, air flow direction should always be factored into the type of joint used for your pipe/fitting connection. Solvent weld fittings fix this issue easily. That 4” wye will work, but is hurting air speed and producing plenty of turbulence not far off the tool.

[@mattarenz1195]

Great video Mike, I am limited to using a shop vac for my system. How should I connect the ground line? Thanks!

[@walonguy111]

Mike thanks for making dust collection a simple concept. I’m ready to install a permanent system in my shop, your instruction will be a great benefit to the process. Have a good weekend

[@TheBuddylab]

walonguy111 thank you very much and good luck on your project

[@bryanproskiw5554]

Hi Mike What a great video. A word of caution though. Cigar smoking still can cause tongue and throat cancer. I couldn’t resist. I’ve set up my shop in memory of my Dad. Doc Also know as Anton’s Son

[@vincentrolfe1384]

At 6:20 when you grabbed the cigar I just had to smile and start laughing! Did you teach your son cigars too? You are a good teacher and I assume your son has a bank of knowledge no matter what profession he goes into. Great

[@johnhooker5168]

excellent

[@TheBuddylab]

John Hooker thank you very much

[@rirsz]

as soon as i saw the cigar, i knew i had to subscribe!

[@marknash7113]

Ok, I'm a year late but pay attention. I got fed up with plastic gates breaking and waited for some metal ones to go on sale. I ran straight wire run on the back of the pipe (hidden) and attached via one screw into each gate. Done. You only need the major large blast gates to be metal. The 2-1/2" runs are usually short.

[@daveengstrom9250]

Good video. One sugestion: The tape you are using is TEMPORARY. It rots and will not stick over time. Metal duct dape will last for generations and it is air tight. Same amount of work to install.

[@rjjrrailsgscalesolenske5231]

Excellent video thankyou for putting up that display board . Have you ever been buzzed ?? From a non grounded system . I think im gonna do it anyway not worth the chance !!

[@TheBuddylab]

RJ&JR RAILS g scale Solenske not on my vac system buy on a shop vac I have. It’s definitely worth doing. Thanks for the comment

[@chuck2957]

Very helpful video/ series. I'm installing my 1st dust collection system next weekend. What's your favorite cigar?

[@TheBuddylab]

Keith Wears Nib and Arturo Fuente good luck with the project.

[@garyfoster3076]

Nice

[@TheBuddylab]

Gary Foster thank you very much

[@TheBuddylab]

Gary Foster thank you very much

[@vicjs216]

Well done video. One question, that I might have missed in the video, if the screw tips provide a contact point for static charges why is it necessary to wrap the grounding wire around the pipe? Keep up the good work.

[@TheBuddylab]

V Segarich static also builds up in the outside. The whole pipe gets charged. If you ever notice how the dust builds up on the outside of a shop vacuum hose that’s what it prevents. Mike

[@vicjs216]

@@TheBuddylab Thanks. Thought a straight run of ground wire would do the trick. Lucked out and have not been zapped by my dust deputy and shop vac combo.

[@haidergildred2621]

😂 Mike you had me laughing when you grabbed the stogy to puff on. You invest all this energy and effort into a dust collection system to save your lungs then you smoke a cigar lol. Actually tobacco smoke is worse than fine saw dust and OCPD from tobacco is a death sentence, there is no cure. Love your videos and just wishing to a long and healthy life brother! Seriously your life just seems a bit ironic.

[@StoneFistedProps]

Mike Thank you for this You are Very well versed and make the process seem so easy. One question which i'm sure has been asked But Were would you ground to if using a Large Shop vac System? Thanks you just earned a New Subscriber.

[@TheBuddylab]

Stone Fisted Props thank you very much

[@stevescustomcarving1175]

Another great video, Mike! Yours are the most crisp on KZbin. What camera do you use?

[@TheBuddylab]

Steve's Custom Carving thank you very much for such a nice comment. I use a Sony 4K with an external Rode mic.

[@thekcecc]

Is the silicon you mention for the seal meant to be the silicon based caulk that hardens (like bathroom or window/door caulk) or is it something that stays in a gel state? Can you point to a brand for the silicon and the grease too? Thanks.

[@Commercialvoice]

I really appreciate that you offer your experience! VERY helpful. Can you answer a technical question please? Rather coiling the ground wire around and around the pipe (on a 20 foot run you might use 40-50 foot of wire), would I get the same protection if I simply started the wiring just like you did BUT only ran the wire across one side of the pipe (say along the top of the pipe) and to keep the wire nice and tight, inserted a screw say every 2 feet, wrap the wire around the screw and keep going on down the length. On a 20-foot run, oud only use 20 plus a few inches for the screw wrap. Would this work just as well?

[@steinarlarsen9899]

grounding is a total waste of time and money, do your research

[@leestrohmeyer7474]

I enjoyed your videos on extending your shop vacuum system. I am trying to better understand how the grounding actually works. Is the grounding actually taking place where the screws go through the fittings or does the wire wrapping around the pvc tubing also ground the pipe. Do you recommend placing the grounding screws through all the pvc fittings as well as the blast gates? Should you also place screws through the pipe on long runs? Why did you use the green pipe rather than the standard thin walled pvc pipe? Thank you, in advance, for your response.

[@lindacallnan9083]

Our shop has 12’ ceiling and an area overhead for storage. Is there a problem in running the collector and system up there with drops? I know gravity is a problem but our system has sufficient cfm

[@BubbasDad]

Has anyone tried copper film tape for grounding? The adhesive is conductive.

[@RonaldCandelora]

Don’t touch the j hanger with the string should be close but not touching. If you touch the string you wind up moving it. 😊

[@MrBubbajohnson1]

Mike can you do a piece on making a picture frame? Thanks

[@TheBuddylab]

MrBubbajohnson1 that was one of my future projects. I actually did a vanity makeup mirror for my daughter in a picture frame style but my card in the camera was corrupted when I went to down load it. Thanks for the comment

[@bgrritchiet]

I watched both videos. Excellent information. I am up grading my current single bag Delta system to a Jet 3 hp cyclone unit. I did not realize that you could wrap the pipes with the ground wire? I have my ground wire running inside my 4” pipes and flexible connecting hoses. I plan on re-doing my entire system like you have done. I assume you wrap the flexible hoses that connect to each machine and then attach that wire to the machine? Do you use a stainless steel screw that you tap into the pipe? Also what is the size of the screws you use?

[@colejohnson1960]

I have the same questions

[@kevinb6102]

What brand is that black y fitting? I need something stick in my 4 inch Sdr35 to accept my 4” hose. Thx

[@AnthraciteElectric]

Thank you for the very informative video, I have a question. When designing a dust collection system is there a benefit to running the piping overhead vs piping down and along the baseboard. I ask because I am in the process of designing a system for my shop, all of the pipe work will go down a single 35' wall. I would prefer to run the conduit at around 4" off the floor and Y-up to the blast gates then flex to the machines.

[@kieranblack4172]

Having the piping underneath is beneficial as you get the additional help from gravity. Piping is often overhead so floorspace is not lost, the install is typically easier and piping that is not underfloor is open to damage from everyday shop activity. Remember when planning to ensure you have no 90's, use 45's with as long a straight in between you can.

[@AnthraciteElectric]

Thank you very much, I appreciate the advise

[@patrickmorin3219]

Do you start your grounding at the PVC or at the machine?

[@davidgagnon2849]

Mike, How much pitch would you suggest for a 6" main trunk line? I'll have a total of approximately 28 feet

[@TheBuddylab]

David Gagnon just a slight under 1/8”

[@davidgagnon2849]

@@TheBuddylab Thank you. Not as much as I had guessed. But that's a good thing.

[@ronlagasse1]

Mike, where did you get that 18 ga wire? I've looked and all I can find is insulated stuff.

[@stob82]

Ron Lagasse Rockler sells it

[@xXxFLYMODE69xXx]

Why do you wrap the wire?

[@deantokarsky5176]

When I heard you say Sta-Kon wire connector I thought it was a type of connector. Now I found out it is a brand name. What is the connector you are putting into the hole you drilled? What does it look like?

[@derekw40]

Roughly how much suction is lost from not sealing the joints ? Is there a way to figure that out ?

[@zososldier]

You won't lose that much if you are using pvc and you have good cuts and fully seat them. you would more than likely lose more from blast gates than piping joints.

[@bobkeller8383]

If the screws are picking up the static do you have to wrap the wire? Or can you just run it straight along the outside of the pipe? Would be quicker and use less wire. Would that work?

[@TheBuddylab]

Bob Keller you need to wrap the wire, there is static on the outside of the pipe too.

[@bobkeller8383]

@@TheBuddylab ok. Thank you

[@steinarlarsen9899]

@@TheBuddylab LOOL american sience I guess

[@terencenewlin5265]

Only way this works is if every but of the inside surface is covered with something grounded. A single wire and a few screws doesn't work.

[@RealJeep]

I never knew it was a Sawerzall.

[@s.gorham738]

I often use masking tape as a guide for pipe cutting with a skill saw especially for pipe over 2"

[@paulvanslyke5886]

When you grounded do you put a grounding rod in the ground

[@TheBuddylab]

Paul Vanslyke no just ground it to the vacuum motor the system will be grounded through your electrical wiring

[@richardlindner4736]

@@TheBuddylab Ground rod is for lightning

[@mikemcassey4578]

Mike - thanks for this video, very helpful. Other question do you have T shirts for sale? my name just happens to be Mike , would be a kick that grandpa has his own T shirt.....

[@TheBuddylab]

Mike Mcassey thank you very much

[@alatus897]

Subbed! Great video! Warhammer 40K fan?

[@TheBuddylab]

alatus897 thank you very much I don’t know what I love more woodworking or 40K

[@grantrobbe437]

Please use the edit feature to remove some time that has no value.

[@thereefaholic]

well if you took the time to set up a mock up, it would have been great to actually run air fluid and dust fluid and check the static electricity before and after.

[@DaShadowKn0ws]

Great video, Mike! What's the name of that small blue device you used to secure the grounding wire... Staycon?

[@TheBuddylab]

Orlando Salcedo it’s Sta-Kon wire connectors. They make all different sizes and shapes they crimp on with pliers

[@DaShadowKn0ws]

@@TheBuddylab thanks! Hey, what's your thought on using DFW vs sewer pipe? Will DFW handle a dust collection system?

[@brewer13210]

While there is a ton of useful information in this and especially the previous dust collection video (thanks!), there's no real reason to "ground" a dust collection pipe. First, the volume and speed of wood dust traveling through a non-metallic pipe needed to build up a charge high enough to cause a discharge capable to igniting the wood dust is effectively impossible with a home/small shop dust collection system. Also keep in mind that any charge is going to build-up on the INSIDE of the pipe, not the outside, so wrapping the outside of the pipe with the copper wire doesn't effectively dissipate the charge. Finally, the volume resistivity of PVC is only slightly less than air, so the few screw penetrations to the inside of the pipe isn't nearly enough to effectively dissipate any built-up charge (you'd need thousands of penetrations). If you truly can't sleep at night worrying about a dust ignition, then build the system out of metal pipe, otherwise, it's much ado about nothing.

[@tcalcut]

Great video. Nikola Tesla would be proud ... !!!

[@gregwarner3753]

I think I will just use metal pipe and ground it at the end points.

[@mauricepettiford1864]

Mike I likw cigars but I never smoke in my shop scared of starting aa fire.

[@robertrobinson3597]

A really dumb Question! " What in the hell is a stay con ?" Why didn't you show us? How to attach the ground wire to it? I probably have sta cons, but maybe you mean something else?

[@rjhoneymoon8229]

Totally pointles pvc is an insulator. Look up "man in shed" on here he's an electrican and will explain why this is s totaly pointless endeavour.

[@themodestwoodworker7317]

Why? PVC is an insulator, you cannot ground it? Static electricity is just that! Static! And it’s not going anywhere!

[@smplloyd]

Mike, you’re smart, I have really enjoyed your videos, but I’d like to continue watching them. Smoking anything will not extend the video making . Lost two close friends, age 50 and 56 recently. Started in the lung, metastasized to liver, and brain, and very painful bone. It’s your life, enjoy what you have left.

[@ToddKing]

"It’s your life, enjoy what you have left." /// Exactly, it's *_his_* life. He's enjoying it by a good cigar. You've done a number of things to potentially reduce your life span, some of them could have ended it instantly. Besides, I don't know what his consumption level is but the FDA has a study showing that 1-2 cigars/day is not associated with significantly increased risks for death from all causes, nor smoking-related cancers.

[@wildbill6976]

coiling ground wire entire length of system is overkill to be honest, most static in any system is generated in the flexible coiling connected from machine to ducting (as a result of increased friction of the bends and the metal coils that support the pipe). wire running along the system ran under metal clamps, attached to blast gates (if using metal ones), and grounded to machines and dust collector frame will suffice

[@okiebbq2536]

I have some copper tape from hobby lobby used on stain glass. Will that be ok? I know the plastic and everything is a good high voltage insulator but under static where electrons stripped off everything is a good conductor. I think maybe running metal tape down the pipe might be good enough.

[@danielporto2092]

p

[@imusuallycorrect]

Waste of time. Check out John McGraths video on Grounding/Earthing a PVC Dust Extraction System! Time to End the Nonsense!!

[@zososldier]

Ehh. static is mildly annoying if you are regularly touching your pipe. Since I use metal blast gates, I never notice it. Grounding is also not necessary seeing how I have yet to find a single case of dust collector fire in the 10+ years of wood working and forum reading. Loads of guys say it could happen but not one has posted a fire report. Silo fires yes, maybe a production shop that has a dozen machines running all at once but not one single use system. It's almost impossible for one person to make the required fuel vs oxy mixture.

[@steinarlarsen9899]

Sorry but grounding your PVC is a total waste of time and money.

[@thomasgreen8532]

I have never heard of needing to do this. I have installed duct systems all the way up to 12 inches for all sorts of systems and no where in any of the manuals that come with the blowers was there a mention of needing to ground anything but the motor itself and that is handled through the Electrical system. The tools themselves are grounded already so they are protected as well. I see no need to ground the piping. Get rid of the cigar, it only makes you look foolish. By the way my mother died from complications related to smoking at the Age of 55' she never got to meet any of Her grandkids and they never got to meet her. everyone suffers from such such habits.

[@TurdFerguson149]

Mike you really need to remove this video, grounding pvc is just so obviously dumb!