Shop Dust Collection Upgrade
Adding a 2HP dust collector, PVC ductwork, and blast gates so every major tool ties into one system.
The shop vac was fine for hand tools but not for the table saw, planer, or router table. I upgraded to a 2HP collector and ran 4” PVC duct around the shop with blast gates at each drop.
The collector sits in a corner with a short run to the first branch. I used schedule 40 PVC and proper HVAC fittings; each drop has a blast gate so I only open the one for the tool in use. The table saw and planer get 4” flex to the cabinet ports; the bandsaw and router table share a branch with a wye.
The difference is huge. Chips and fine dust go to the collector instead of the room. I still wear a mask for long sessions, but the air stays much cleaner and cleanup is faster.