Q.
How do I figure out what the ultimate cost of my dust collection system will be?
Forum Responses
The following are good estimates for budgeting a central dust collection system.
1) 1 Person commercial or non-commercial shop.
2 HP or 3 HP dust collector. Piping network = $200 X number of machines that will be hooked up to system. This figure will cover from the inlet of the dust collector to the dust hood outlets on machinery. Dust hoods range in price from $50 to $100. Most machinery being sold today is provided with a factory-installed dust hood.
2) 2 Person shop.
5 HP dust collector. Piping network = $225 X number of machines that will be hooked up to system.
3) 3 Person shop.
7 1/2 HP dust collector. Piping network = $250 X number of machines that will be hooked up to system.
4) 4 Person shop.
10 HP dust collector. Piping network = $275 X number of machines that will be hooked up to system.
The only factors left will be the electrical wiring for the dust collector and installation labor. Most woodworkers are very mechanically inclined and will install the piping network themselves, if time allows.
In addition, when ready for final design, there are companies such as Grainger, Delta, and Air Handling Systems that offer design guides. Most large dust collection systems are designed by the companies that provide the dust collection equipment.
A very good reference book is "Woodshop Dust Control" by Sandor Nagyszalanczy, The Taunton Press.
Curt Corum, forum technical advisor
