11 April, 2009

Ryobi AP1301 jamming up the dust collection system.

Well, you'd think that with all the time and money I have invested in this, this simply wouldn't happen...

For those that didn't read my dust collection page a little explanation is in order...

My dust collection system is actually dual dust collection networks. A 2.5" shop vac based system with HEPA filter and a Thein Trash Can Cyclone. The hard line necks down as far as 1-7/8". Too danged small. And of course the 4" network running off of a Central Machinery 2HP / Wynn filter rig.

Well, the planer, being factory equipped with a 2.5" dust port, got hooked to the shop vac setup. This appears to be the WRONG answer...

I can watch the shavings go up the clear Peachtree hose, up to the Shop Vac blast gate, and stop.

The necking down, even at the blast gate, is simply too much for this stuff...

So now for the big question... To actually make dust collection work on this tool, and not have to wheel the vac and cyclone out to the tool, I am considering adapting the tool itself for the 4" network. Now the question I have is, and I will have to figure this out myself...

Build a new dust hood from sheet metal to work with the 4" and insure I don't strangle the dust collector, or try using a 2.5" to 4" adapter.

I have the bits and pieces to do the adapter part, and the adapter won't cause any issues not already caused by the shop vac hose. But starting off at 4" shouldn't be problematic...

I think, that since the Ridgid R4330 is built by One World Technologies, which is also Ryobi's manufacturer, and since the knives, as well as a good number of other parts are shared between the two planers, I can take some clues from that one, which has a factory built int 4" to 2.5" connection. So even with connecting 4" to the planer, with the Ridgid anyway, you get no bigger hole to suck chips up with...

So I guess it's off to add the adapter, and connect this thing to the dust collector...