moving dust collector to attic - advice?

Dave Speer

Dave Speer

Active member
I have the Harbor Freight 2HP DC, moves 1550 CFM and works great, but it's loud. My new workshop (outbuilding) has an insanely tall attic for some reason, I can stand in it.

So anyway, thinking of moving the DC up into the attic to cut down on noise and reclaim some floor space. I'll cut a hole in the ceiling and install a coupling or something to seal off the attic. I'll also need to rewire the motor so that I can have a switch down in the workshop. There is exposed romex running through the attic so wiring should be easy even though I've never done it before. Youtube to the rescue :D

My main question is, any advice? I live in Texas and the attic will probably be insanely hot from June-Oct. Fire safety is one concern. With heat and dust up there, do I have a huge fire risk? There appears to be a simple metal shutter-style attic vent on one end of the building, full of birds nests of course.

You should know that my knowledge of wiring, building, electrical and fire safety is basically zero. I know to turn the breakers off before working on electrical and I do have a multimeter to test wiring.
 
I would move it out side. More convenient to service and just sounds safer than the attic to me.
 
Attic is not a good choice. Higher than average heat and being so hot you would not access to check the unit. As mentioned, a small attached outside shed would fit the bill. Make it large enough to put your compressor or other stuff.
 
Dave~

I do not have a dust collector (except for a good shop vac for my orbital sander) BUT - I have about 8 pairs of hearing protectors hanging around the shop. I never turn on any motors (Dremels, shop vac, riding mower, etc) without them. Closing in on age 62, I can still hear a Longbeard drop a pin about a mile away.....

All the best,

SJS
 
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[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Dust collector will suck the heat or cool out of your building, if you have either. [/font]
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This would be true, only if the dust collector is vented to the outside. The dust collector HAS to be vented somewhere. You can't just stick it in a closed space or all you will end up doing is pressurizing that space. If you decide to place it and an air compressor in a "bump out" or attached enclosure, make sure to seal and insulate the structure AND provide for a return air flow back to your shop space. That way your dust collector is not siphoning away your climate conditioned air.
 
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Dust collector? I thought you were talking about the wifes knik knaks. Or maybe that treadmill. sorry, couldn't resist
 
Dave - I'm alittle nervous of moving all that saw dust into such a hot environment. Sounds like it could be a recipe for disaster...
Just my thoughts... Pat
 
Dave
If you put a cyclone (Dust Deputy) in the shop you can put the motor anywhere and have the ease of dust removal in the shop. they are extremely efficient and filters on the motor will last a long time.
Just a thought, John
 
[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica][/font]
[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Dust collector will suck the heat or cool out of your building, if you have either. [/font]
Click to expand...

This would be true, only if the dust collector is vented to the outside. The dust collector HAS to be vented somewhere. You can't just stick it in a closed space or all you will end up doing is pressurizing that space. If you decide to place it and an air compressor in a "bump out" or attached enclosure, make sure to seal and insulate the structure AND provide for a return air flow back to your shop space. That way your dust collector is not siphoning away your climate conditioned air.
Click to expand...

Thanks Dave for the clarification. I thought they worked by having a black hole in them and they didn't need to vent.
 
Thanks for all the thoughts and pointers, guys.

I am going to temporarily table this idea and do some more research. Most of what I've found suggests that the noise comes from the motor itself, vibrations in the system (including any hoses/ducting) and the actual whoosh of air.

I like to run my DC anytime I'm using any power tools or doing any hand sanding. I wear shooting muffs for hearing protection, but I am so much more relaxed when I turn off the DC and pick up a knife (and later, a broom.) I like to listen to music while I carve and I don't like the idea of listening to ear buds under the shooting muffs, too much noise exposure over time. I have already lost a bit of hearing from playing in rock and roll bands while younger and I don't want to lose any more!

For anyone interested, I did find this extremely detailed site about dust collection:

http://billpentz.com/woodworking/Cyclone/index.cfm
 
Tod,
We all know how they work,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, they work thanks to the "dust fairy". Same way the clean dishes get into the cupboard thanks to the "dirty dish fairy" and the dirty clothes get clean thanks to the "dirty clothes fairy". This is why men can spend their time hunting and gathering and leave the rest of the stuff to take care of itself. At least that's how it works in my world. :>) :>)
 

Dave, as long as you brought it up, my wife has asked for a sock pairing fairy for her birthday. Do you know where you can find one of them. I've been striking out.
 
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