Outside enclosure for DX5000 (now vented outside with pics)

[moz]

This seems like another solution in search of a problem. The DX5000 has a 3 stage filter. The air returned to the workshop is clean. It's also slightly warmed up to the extent that it raises the temperature in my quite large workshop to a noticeable degree - if anything, that is helpful at this time of year when it's not cold enough to warrant putting the heating on. Why would anyone want to vent it outside? I agree that noise is a problem and can understand attempts to alleviate this.

John

 

[matt]

The air is not clean. Check the filter performance... Sub 0.5 micron particles are being exhausted in to the workshop.

 

[moz]

OK relatively clean if you prefer. The point is that no extraction draws away 100% of the dust in the first place and what is escaping from the extractor is not contributing to this in any significant way. Also, you will be releasing a great deal more dust when you change the bag especially given the wrestling match it often is. It's better to concentrate efforts on supplementary protection like air filters and dust masks. Venting it outside is the least bang for the most buck.

John

 

[wobblycogs]

I'm inclined to agree with John that moving it outside is going to be a lot of work for not that much gain. I've got a DX4000 and the air coming out feels far cleaner than the air in the rest of our house (which is being renovated before anyone asks). If I'm cutting MDF I'll use the DX4000 and also turn on the Microclene for a few hours and I'm happy that I'm not significantly shortening my time on this earth.

 

[matt]

I think we're both simply speculating on the effectiveness or not, especially when you consider all the variables involved in each instance. I'm quite happy to err on the side of caution and vent outside. Similarly I don't plan to use an air filter because that simply circulates dust falling below the filters performance level. Again I will simply extract the air to outside rather than recirculate. I also use a positive pressure dust mask already and will continue to do so.

I believe my method reduces the concentration of harmful dust moreso than filters. In total I'm anticipating a total cost of £100 to purchase ducting to vent the DX5000 and a fan to extract 10x the workshop air volume per hour - less than a filter alone. I already have a £20 fan large enough to remove deadspots by moving the air around (ie to replace the effect of an air filter's output).

 

[wobblycogs]

I've considered venting to the outside world but have never done so because of the heat loss. If I was going to though I always thought the best solution would be two large fans; one sucking clean air in and the other exhausing dirty air out the other side of the room. This seems to be broadly what you are suggesting.

Since you are venting outside I don't really see much point filtering out the very fine dust, just catch the chips and let the very fine dust get carried away on the wind.

 

[matt]

Heat loss is a benefit for me! My shop is too hot in the summer. I very rarely bother to heat the shop in the winter, although if I do I'll try to report back on the actual impact.

 

[matt]

Did it - cheap (£24) and cheerful at first, just to test the concept. If it all works as expected with no unexpected side-effects then I'll do something a bit more tidy/permanent.

The noise of the machine inside the shop seems to have changed rather than dropped. It seems to scream a little less. I have a noise meter so I should have measured it before and after but, erm, forgot:

Original sketch:

No hole cutter so...

And after a little "trim" with my SDS modelling tool:

Rivet parts together:

Something to stop the critters getting in (rivets and tape to cover the sharp bits - it's OK, it will not be seen where its going!):

Fixed on the outside of the shop (note the hole where the screw went through (plus a smaller one on the other side of the box section):

This is the wasteland between workshop and garden wall where it "fires". I pointed it down to reduce noise (but it's not that noisy):

Inline anti-backdraft tucked inside the flexi hose (and held in place with a jubilee clip):

DX5000 surgery (£37.50+del for a new lid if necessary):

Flange fitted (just a extractor ducting straight connector):

Flange from inside (held in place with a jubilee clip):

Connected up (one clip holding the hose on, the other is holding the anti-backdraft filter):

Switched on:

 

[GraemeD]

Interesting thread, Matt. Just a thought....did you block off the original holes in the lid now that you have a vent?

 

[matt]

Interesting thread, Matt. Just a thought....did you block off the original holes in the lid now that you have a vent?

I did - couple of pieces of duct tape. Not pretty but hey, it's a tool .

There are other leaks in the lid, such as the rim where the lid meets the metal platter holding the motors and around the switches, both of which I will deal with in time.

 

[GraemeD]

Maybe worth mentioning.....my extractor is an old Axminster WV2, which is made by the same company as your Record (Yorkleen), and so is an almost identical twin motor design.

Mine has a metal top cover with vents (but is otherwise like your cover), but inside it is soundproofed with a layer of dense foam.....the kind of thing you can buy to deaden car panels. Assuming you want all the air and noise to exit via your duct, it may be an idea to add some extra damping, as the plastic cover alone probably doesn't stop much escaping directly.

Just a thought!
Graeme

 

[matt]

Good tip - thank you.

 

[melph]

Old thread but hoping Matt is still about

I might be getting a DX5000 soon and am too interested in venting outside (I am aware of heat loss issues etc). Twofold, there is the fine dust being extracted outside, but also the noise of the motors will change \ decrease if vented correctly outside.

Matt - do you still have pictures of your set up so I can use for insperation. Also, 4 years on, are you still happy with your set up

Many thanks

 

[Doug B]

Old thread but hoping Matt is still about

Hopefully he might reply but don't hold your breath as he last visited the forum at the end of May last year :shock:

 

[matt]

You're in luck...

Still pleased with the set-up. Has not changed one bit since it was first installed and still working just fine. For me the primary reason for venting outside to to expel the fine dust rather than have the vac circulate it inside the workshop. As far as I can tell it works... Whilst the dust would be too fine to see I don't get a film of dust building up on things over time. Any dust that does build up tend to be localised - the result of working without extraction or the inevitable dust escaping extraction.

Here are the photos (it's not pretty but it works):