Workshop Dust Collection System: Parts that actually fit together! DIY 4" DWV PVC based network

[@fisharmor]

I've developed a few universal laws working in IT for over 20 years. One of them is "There is never any intermediate documentation". Thanks for bucking the trend.

[@rrmerlin3402]

One minute in and this is addressing the main frustration with ducting and connection that FIT. I watched 10 videos and all they say " keep the pipe as big as long as you can" avoid sharp 90s. Limit flex hose. Any one looking up dust collection KNOWS THIS. Thank you very much

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Hee hee , yes - agree! Thanks for the feedback - am glad it helped answer a key question for you :)

[@pcm9969]

I just entered the world of dust collection fittings that don't fit. This is a great video showing how to get around it. Thanks!

[@bobbywhite8331]

This is the first “real solution” I’ve seen to blast gates restricting flow .. great video!

[@WorkLoops]

Just found your channel and am totally impressed! I really hope you come back with more videos!

[@KoaCraft]

Cleanest use and explanation of a PVC setup I've come across on KZbin. Thank you for sharing.

[@scottkennedy5842]

Man you did a great job of explaining different fitting choices and how they work together. This is a great help.

[@aco319sig3]

Simple, concise and informative, but I would like to point out that you need to make sure “which” pvc pipe you are using. From what I can tell, you are using PVC DWV pipe, known as “drain waste vent”, which is much lighter and cheaper than schedule 40 pipe. It also requires elbows and connections that are specifically made for it.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes you are correct. I realised shortly after posting I forgot to mention that. I wish I could edit the video or annotate it to clarify that.

[@shauncho6738]

I wish all videos were this clear and concise! Great job and info! Much apreciated!

[@halarnold3328]

Oh man, you saved my butt! I only wish I'd discovered this channel sooner before I bought a bunch of stuff that I'm gonna need to s**t can now [with your perfect solutions]. Thank you so much!

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

You're welcome and super glad to hear the info I shared is helpful... Good luck with your setup!

[@philipgearhart-jj6fm]

this will save you so much time qand money. i'm going to be redoing my system soon...first time i ever bookmarked a youtube video!

[@LoveTriscuit]

I’m just setting up my first dust collection system and this was a big help. I’ve never seen anyone suggest a five inch blast gate for four inch pipe. Very good video. I hope you’re doing well as I don’t see a recent upload. This was a great video, thanks.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the well wishes. Life is good and has gotten very busy in the past couple years, esp with 2 young kids. When things slow down a bit, I hope to create more super helpful and interesting content.

[@LoveTriscuit]

@@WishfulThinkingProjects Well that's great to hear.

[@CommercialForest]

Thank you for sharing this info. Dust collection hose fittings seem straightforward but the lack of uniformity leads to so many return trips. Everything is slightly off - not enough to spot, just enough to not fit.

[@DavidR8]

I think I've watched this five or six time because there is just so much good information. Many thanks!

[@deadbungeejumper]

Great video! Even a year later when I’m watching it. Very simple and functional solutions that don’t over complicate things. Great work

[@42Pursuit]

Straight to the point with great info 👍 You're very well spoken too. Thanks for sharing!

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@roddyfuller5705]

This is one of the best videos I have ever seen on dust collection and trust me, I have seen a bunch! Your identification of each specific component is very helpful. I took many notes from it, went into my shop and made some great changes based on your information. Many thanks!

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Glad it was helpful, and thank you for the kind words. Happy dust collection!

[@Suicaedere666]

You rock brother! absolutely loved your video, can't wait to watch more! Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing!!

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks man! I've got a few in mind to crank out later on this spring :)

[@travisriddle8747]

Great job explaining all of the pipe selection and fittings to make this work. One of the most concise videos on this topic I have seen. Keep up the good work.

[@brianevans6860]

I’m always tinkering with my DC system. Like most, I’ve concluded that finding the right fittings can be frustrating. My best takeaway was your gorilla tape fix on the blast gates. I’m heading to my shop right now to do that!

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Glad it was helpful! I love Gorilla Tape versus other brands of (duct) tape since it's thicker and hence compresses more for a better friction fit. When I need something really thin or less friction, I use packing tape.

[@danielweber1855]

Thank you, saved me a ton of research, I'll definitely be using most of your great ideas, keep up the good work.

[@ogwoodworks]

Great information in here. I'm just setting up dust collection piping in my shop using 4" PVC and this video has been invaluable to me. Particularly the use of 5" metal blast gates (as opposed to 4") for max airflow and the way the 5" Powertec gates mate with standard PVC fittings. I'm also using the 4" quick connect fittings from KMS Tools and the conformable 4" hose for certain tools like the miter saw and drill press - brilliant! You saved me a lot of time and trouble so thanks for making the video.

[@RiverbendWoodworks]

Great video! I've been weighing a new dust collection setup for my small shop as well, and I really appreciate the information.

[@lilredwoodshop5529]

Great explanation. I have just set up my new Harbor Freight DC and it’s time to route the pipe. I also installed a new Super Dust Deputy which has a 5” inlet. I have painfully studied and tested 4”, 5” & 6” piping with an anemometer prior to purchasing the pipe. The 4” pvc drain piping makes so much sense due to cost, options and looks. There is a loss of cfm but it’s not that much. I had a system in my old shop and it takes forever to figure out all the connections along with wasting money. Your video will save so much of both. Thank you for taking the time to put this together and you have used your space very well.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks for the feedback and good luck with your setup! Note I used DWV type 4" PVC. Your measured findings supports my hand test method (I don't have a anemometer) where I find I barely lose any suction after 25' of 4" PVC and several elbows... it's definitely good enough to do the job well.

[@AndrewBrown-mw7ns]

Good video~! I'm working on my DC network and got a few good takeaways from this, as in picking up a few 22 1/2° couplers and some Gorilla tape. Thanks much~!

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

You're welcome! I specifically like Gorilla tape as it's thicker than most duct tape and hence offers a bit of compression fitting to increase the strength of a friction fit.

[@garytaylor6680]

Really helpful tips!! I spend more time messing with my dust collection than anything else!!

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Me too!! At first it was quite daunting, and I went thru several different setups. But I enjoy problem solving so eventually the challenge became quite interesting and I kinda enjoy figuring out dust collection problems now :)

[@rfdinesen4027]

Thank you so much! I’m just about to reconfigure my dust collection and this is exactly the kind of information I’ve been looking for!

[@Colorado-Tinkering]

Outstanding video. I have learned so much and it has reduced the confusion greatly. Thank you! Uli

[@ryanallthewiser]

Wow what a great overview (with details!!). This is really going to help

[@miked28711]

Great video!

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks for the visit. Happy dust collecting!

[@danandjenlim]

Such a great video! First one of yours I’ve seen and just what I needed to start setting up my small scale dust collection

[@minch135]

I wish I saw this 2 days ago! This is great! Wishing you much success with your channel.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thank u for the encouragement and well wishes!

[@jimaspinii7579]

Hi! 🤓👍 I really love your videos.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Glad you like them! thx :)

[@MadMonk67]

Nice vid. Very helpful.

[@Glen6819]

Great tips. I have been wishfully thinking about a dust collection upgrade, and your tips will help tremendously.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Glad it was helpful... Hopefully, this info will get you one, two, or three steps closer to realizing that vision!

[@AverageOverlander]

First time viewer. Good video.

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent video and process Bless you for sharing.

[@hussainali9999]

The cleanest woodshop I ever seen, i wonder how you keep it like that

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks! I cleaned it for the videos, but generally speaking it can be a huge mess at times, but I try to put away at least 3 things whenever I walk by. Thankfully it's part of my house so super easy to access for a quick moment, versus in a detached garage etc that requires a special trip to the shop from the house.

[@mgervais10]

Thank you very much Mike G

[@jeffb5463]

Good common sense solution. Great work!

[@phillipfonville421]

Thanks for all of the information in this video.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

You're very welcome :)

[@thematey3592]

Excellent! Very helpful.

[@chippychippy8291]

Great video, those metal blast gates aren’t cheap! Working on a 6” pvc system, trying to find all the different fittings etc. stuff is hard to find right now! Stay safe.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

I hear ya... it took a while for me to come to terms with ordering a handful of them at their premium price. But I'm glad to say I use them all the time and am super happy with them after the tweaking them to fill the air gaps.

[@JonathanKelley]

This is incredibly helpful! Looks like 15k views of your video so far -- how many hours do you think you've saved people from trying to figure this out on their own?!! Thank you!

[@scott1099]

clear and concise well done thank you

[@philipchandler330]

Well thought out

[@ChristianN-]

Great video on the topic, thanks!

[@1ode2joy]

Great info, thanks for sharing!

[@tclynn10]

Thank you for the video!

[@NWGR]

Great job Dude! You have some great ideas coming out of your mind and shop. Any plans for more videos? I'd love to see a shop tour.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thank you - more to come! Winter is a really busy time of year, but come spring I'll have more time for videos - I have a list going of neat things to create videos for. Thanks for the shop tour idea :)

[@4dan2]

Nice Work!

[@flip550]

Nice one, learnt a few things here.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arlincustoms9702]

Very useful video. Nice job.

[@kevinwillis6707]

a useful guide, thanks

[@kenjohnsen8566]

Very helpful and very well presented

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Glad it help. Thank you for the feedback!

[@josephKEOarthur]

I like the dust gates!~

[@Belg1970]

Very helpful video with some great ideas that I had not thought of. After watching many other videos my take away is that every angled fitting and section of hose especially that corrugated fix hose will reduce airflow. Sectioning off parts of your dust collection system with good blast gates will increase the suction in the run being used. Have you ever done a smoke test at the unglued joints to see if your leaking any air at these connections? I'd like to hear your thoughts on my take aways??

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Glad it was helpful! Yes, bends, flex hose, etc reduces airflow so it's good to keep these at a minimum, and use gates to focus the flow. I find the friction fits are so tight that any air loss from not gluing is negligible - I would say if this a concern and one is settled on how their shop is setup, then glue it all together. I've changed the layout of my shop several times over the past 14 years and feel I've really benefitted from not having glued anything together. If I were to start again, I'd probably do everything the same, except buy 5" flex hose and somehow make it connect to the 4" rigid parts of the system.

[@Hunterworks]

All your blast gates were upside down, they are designed to suck that plate and seal it off when closed, that is why it was rattling and not sealing. Otherwise I enjoyed the video and got a lot of good info out of it

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks for the comment! Originally I didn't have any luck with the gates oriented in either direction, and I believe it's because the thin metal gates aren't perfectly flat, making some more susceptible to rattling. Or I only had a 1hp collector at that time (now upgraded to 1.5hp). With your feedback/tip, I'd say it's definitely worth for others to see if the other way up works for them first before modifying, esp if friction fitting as I've described, it only takes a few moments to flip things around as you experiment ☺️. Cheers!

[@bsmorrison1]

Nice video. Some good ideas here. Thanks.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickjames501]

Good job dude. Good ideas and good video. (Subscribed!)

[@DevinKell]

Nice Canadian content!

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks Devin! ☺

[@bryanmoir3184]

Brilliant!

[@rick-bx9zy]

Great video, well presented. Would like to know more about your copper tape grounding system? I see IVAC sells a kit, but would rather hear from someone who is using it and how you did it.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks! At first I ran copper wire inside but it would cause clogs after running my jointer/planer or sucking up shavings. I found the copper tape on Amazon and it's conductive on both sides so you just need to overlap a bit to create a new branch at each Y. I put 3/8" long #6 screws through the PVC every 16" or so to help dissipate the static. I have a couple points of it where I connected one of the screws to a wire that leads to the ground plug of an outlet. I no longer get shocked so it seems to work out nicely.

[@shockdocracing]

I am guessing that’s Schedule 20 pvc pipe and not Schedule 40 (thicker)?

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Yes that's correct! I totally forgot to mention that when I created the video.

[@josephKEOarthur]

soapy water for the friction fits.. got it.

[@KathyAndrew]

1 Use 6" pipe. More than 2 times the air flow. 2 Dump your exhaust outside without a filter. Twice the airflow as with a filter.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

1. Depends on the dust collector. Mine's only 1.5 HP where the motor cage only has a 4" port anyways, so 6" would result in a drop in air speed rendering even less effective. 2. Would not work well in the winter - all the warm air would get blasted out and freezing air would have to come in from a window/door to replace that air. Neighbours wouldn't be too happy with all the dust either.

[@1927Scavengers]

Great job. New subscriber.

[@JeremyElliott]

This was what was missing from the collective of how-to on dus collection systems.

[@hgbugalou]

Unless you live in a place like a desert that has long stretches of very low humidity, you aren't going to blow anything up with pvc. The copper tape is worth doing because it's cheap and easy, but all things considered people shouldn't worry about it too much. Just be careful if you are cutting metal in the same space as wood. Don't use your collector for metal for obvious reasons.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Agreed. I used to get annoying static shocks much like with a balloon before I added in the copper tape. Wasn't concerned about safety, but more about static cling of dust and annoying shocks.

[@LanceMcGrew]

I'm in the same boat - shop projects vs. outbound creations. Will it ever end?

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Hopefully not! I enjoyboth... maybe even shop projects a little more ;)

[@alanlisitano5899]

Turn your blast gates upside down from what you have, the thumb screw will hold the plate tight to the gate

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

I can't see that helping, since the screw would push up on the gate in that one spot while the other end flops down. The way I've got it set up now and in the video, I never have to mess with the thumb screws. With the mod I've shown in the video, I slap each gate open and closed in a split second.

[@denjhill]

Great information, thanks! One question: have you had any problem with clogging at the point where the screws go through the pipe ? My concern is that the pointy end sticking into the air stream may collect shavings and eventually block the air flow.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

You're welcome :) Good question. I used #6-3/8" screws so they are very short. So far no issues, even after planing and jointing buckets full of shavings.

[@danoliver7161]

No need to hunt for fittings with male connectors or “street fittings.” Because you’re using the inner diameter just add some 4” pipe into the female end then cut the pipe down flush with the end of the fitting. That will shrink the opening and give you the same fit when a street version is not available. 👍

[@David-hm9ic]

Great video. Unfortunately, a year too late to help me out but I'm always looking for other/better solutions.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks for the feedback. Perhaps I should finish off the time machine I'm working on... ☺

[@rogerfreedman4968]

Great video with great tips. I am trying to set one up in my much messier shop and like the idea of being able to change my setup as my needs might change. I noticed you used a 45 elbow and a small pipe with the conformable hose on the drill press. Since the conformable hose has plenty of length, it seems like the small piece of pipe isn’t really necessary. Was there a reason to add the small pipe, like better fit than the elbow or was that more for demonstration purposes? Thanks again for the video!!

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks for the feedback! I found the hose too short so had to add the extra elbow and straight section, especially if I pull out the drill press (it's on wheels) to work with larger or longer pieces.

[@supermankelly]

What about connecting to smaller tools with small ports. My miter saw and sander have a small port more suited for a 38mm shop vac, but why by an extra vac when I have a powerful 100mm dust extractor. So I'll likely connect and split a 38mm hose from my 100mm pipe. The issue is some tools are too small to have 100mm pipe going to it but too big for a 38mm hose. Such as I either have a 100mm pipe going to 50mm table saw or a 38mm hose going to a 50mm table saw. 100mm down to 50mm would be better but a table saw is under a bench so fixed 100mm pipe is a hassle. You cant have table saw against a wall because you need to out feed. So much hassle with all the different sizes.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

I don't recommend using a dust collector for small tools, since the small ports on those tools well restrict too much airflow. A dust collector is a high volume, low pressure machine that relies on maintaining air speed to keep dust moving in its air stream. For small tools you'll need a vac that is more of a high pressure low volume collector.

[@Bivouac21]

Hi, Thanks for the video. I bought 100' of 6" SDR 32.5 and it's wider than the SDR 35. Where can I get fittings for the SDR 32.5? Is there a way to used the SDR 35 fittings with the SDR 32.5 pipe? I bought a lot of thew SDR 35 fittings and I can't seem to find any reasonably priced SDR 32.5 fittings...

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Hmm. sorry, I don't know specifically for those sizes. Good luck with your search. If you get close, some of the tips I shared in my video could help you overcome minor fit issues.

[@halarnold3328]

One question: do you think the copper tape is useful? I know what it supposed to do, but is there any evidence that it actually works [I don't mean this to sound the way it sounds, I'm totally open to the idea]

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

I used to get a tiny shock once in while (when the days are drier?) when handling the hose, but haven't experienced it since grounding - this was at least 3 or 4 years ago so it's been a while. So it has definitely had an effect, or my climate has coincidentally changed since then.

[@stephentackitt8683]

Gotta say .... the best ideas on dust hose and connections. Do you have a link on where your order your parts for your dust collector? Thanks for all the tips

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks for the kind words. In the description of the video, I've got a handful of links. Otherwise hit me up again if there's something specific I haven't listed. Cheers!

[@mitchfaatz]

Good stuff! Had you researched using DWV pipe? The pipe and connectors are *way* lighter. I haven't compared costs yet. ID is a little larger than SCH40 (3% by area)

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks! I forgot to mention in the video that I only used DWV pipe, not schedule 40...

[@MrTapanes]

@@WishfulThinkingProjects This was my main questions too. It might be helpful to edit the description to add this. BTW, loved the vid and how it went into the details that almost everyone else just skims over.

[@williamhawkins1190]

Very informative! How did you connect directly to the dust collector / blower intake?

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks! I happen to have a short section of 6" PVC which is the same diameter as the blower inlet. A few wraps of clear packing tape on the inlet made it nice and snug, and allows it to slide up and down by about 3/4" so I can lift the whole cyclone assembly off the garbage can just enough to slide the can out to dump it. I custom cut an MDF reducer for the PVC to the dust deputy. Hope that helps!

[@randyday3278]

Really informative video, thank you. Where did you find the copper tape?

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks! Glad you found it informative ☺️ I found the copper tape on Amazon - the specific one I ordered is no longer available, but there seems to be a variety offered there that will work for this use case.

[@yuegan1939]

I'm struggling with 2-1/2 system now. I wish the shop vac hose system was designed by a plumber 😂

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Hee hee! Good luck with your system :)

[@seanwilson2786]

Late to the game on this video but great non-the-less. Designing my system now based on your video. At about the 2:00 minute I can see your air filtration box behind you. I am curious about where you got the air filter gage on the side that lets you know when to replace your air filter. The only one I can find on amazon does not seem as user friendly. Thanks.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks! My air cleaner is an older model Delta 50-875 that came with that gauge. It's simply an arrow mounted to a shaft that has a flat piece on it that gets blown by the exhaust airflow. You could probably make something up, marking where it sits with a new filter and then noting when the airflow seems to have decreased significantly.

[@brianlister6036]

where did you get the "Quick Connect Connectors" I am also from Canada and not always easy to find. Perhaps a link in the Show more area would be useful. Great Vid thanks

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Hello! Good idea about links in the Description; I'll do that shortly. Here's the link to the exact hose quick connect I have purchased, which is offered by various other brands using different words, so it can be tricky to find online: bit.ly/3nloVPi

[@brianlister6036]

@@WishfulThinkingProjects GREAT, I love KMS that makes it way easier.

[@jimaspinii7579]

Hi! 🤓👍

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Hi 2 u!!! 😺

[@halarnold3328]

ok. I've spent a week trying to find rigid 'pipe' [aka DWV] in the US [I'm in Honolulu]. So far, no luck. I bought all sorts of Woodriver DWv connectors that are supposed to fit DWV [I've tried SDR 35, but no go]. Thes DWV fittings are slightly over 4: O.D and if they're supposed to fit into a DWV pipe, the pipe needs to be 4 1/32 I.D. or I will need some sort of adaptor. Help!

[@halarnold3328]

Can you tell me what the numbers on the side of the DWV big box store pipe are, so I can try to find it here in the states?

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Hmm I can't look at the markings on my pipe since I was careful to line them up so all the print on them was facing the wall/ceiling. The inner diameter is 3-62/64" and the outer is 4-13/64" on my calipers.

[@halarnold3328]

@@WishfulThinkingProjects I think I've figured out how to do it! And the measurements you've made will help! Thx

[@johnalex3023]

Are you using sewer and drain pvc or dwv

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

I'm using SDR35 (DWV)

[@rodalexez]

Hello, can you tell me the reference of the motor.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Hello! Yes, it's a King Canada KC-3105C 1.5HP Dust Collector. I love it, as it's very quiet relative to other dust collectors - more of a dull hum than a screaming blower. It's rated at 66-77 dB, compared to many others at 85+ dB. If you're not in Canada, it might be sold under a different brand elsewhere.

[@jimaspinii7579]

Are you ok? I see you haven’t posted in a year. ???

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks for asking! I'm doing very well and spending lots of time with my family. Life has gotten really busy in the last year or so, all in a good way :)

[@jimaspin2274]

@@WishfulThinkingProjects I appreciate your reply. Seeing no recent posts I feared. Looking forward to your next post when you find the time. 🤓👍

[@michaelwillson6847]

Hi this is a great video. I would like to no do u have an email I have a system that Is driving me nuts could do to pick your brains about few things. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

Thanks! Happy to answer a quick question or two via comments here, but not open to consultation via email. Good luck with your system!

[@YiHogyun]

"You can't ground an insulator (like PVC)" so it's pointless (i.e. stupid) to do it - Rod Cole, MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

[@WishfulThinkingProjects]

That is correct. Static electricity by definition is the buildup of electrons on an insulator, but one cannot simply attach a wire to one end of the pipe and expect the entire system to be grounded (like one could do with metal ducting) to discharge any static. Instead, one must run an electrical conductor along as much of the surface as possible on all the ductwork so that you're not grounding the insulator, but instead you're actually grounding the static that's clinging to the the insulator.