2.5" -> 4" tool port?

[daviddoria]

I have a 4" dust collector and a bandsaw with a 2.5" port. What I'm doing now is stepping a 4" hose down to a 2.5" hose to plug into the 2.5" port. However, this seems to really severely limit the airflow. I'm now trying to follow the saying "reduce as close to the tool as possible", which to me means to use an adapter to make the 2.5" port into a 4" port, and plug the 4" hose directly into that. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find such an adapter. How do you guys do this?

 

Thanks,

David

[Cochese]

Rockler has some. http://www.rockler.com/hose-reducer-reducers

 

You'll probably need a rubber fitting to go between the reducer and the tool port, you can usually get ones that fit at the big box in the plumbing section.

[daviddoria]

Ah I see. So even though the 2.5" port on item 89195 in your link is exactly the same as my tool port (hence, you can't plug one into the other), I could connect those two parts with a rubber fitting. I'll give that a try, thanks! It always seems as though there are a zillion adapters in the catalogs, and never the one I need! I've done some other connections similar to the way you've recommended, and they always seem so bulky - whereas if they just made an adapter that would slip fit the final connection would be a few inches shorter and less unweildy.

[Cochese]

Ah I see. So even though the 2.5" port on item 89195 in your link is exactly the same as my tool port (hence, you can't plug one into the other), I could connect those two parts with a rubber fitting. I'll give that a try, thanks! It always seems as though there are a zillion adapters in the catalogs, and never the one I need! I've done some other connections similar to the way you've recommended, and they always seem so bulky - whereas if they just made an adapter that would slip fit the final connection would be a few inches shorter and less unweildy.

 

They do that, they don't sell as many fittings or adapters. It's an evil plot. You could try one of the 2.5" couplers they have, but there's no guarantee if it will be a nice secure fit. May just fall off.

 

Here is the rubber one Rockler sells: http://www.rockler.com/dust-right-2-1-2-rubber-union-for-dust-collection

 

Here is the one Lowe's sells: http://www.lowes.com/pd_23444-34146-RC50X40_4294820991__?productId=1065417&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

 

It can add up if you need multiple.

[wdwerker]

Peachtree Woodworking also sells adapters.

[Beechwood Chip]

You can try wrapping duct tape around the 2.5" port until it fits your 4" hose.

[dwacker]

IMO its a wasted exercise you will have so little flow it wont do any good. Better off just using a shop vac.

[Vyrolan]

IMO its a wasted exercise you will have so little flow it wont do any good. Better off just using a shop vac.

 

This.  If a tool has a port less than 4", it's probably setup for collection via shop vac with its higher pressure less volume collection.

 

What bandsaw is it?  If you really want to use your dust collector, bust out the tools and modify that saw for a 4" dust port.  Rockler sells a simple straight one and also one with an elbow.

[Beechwood Chip]

I think PB hit the nail on the head.  My rule of thumb is that if a tool has a 2.5" or smaller port, it is designed to use a high suction / low flow dust extractor or shop vac.  If it has a 4" or larger port it is designed to use a low suction / high flow dust collector.

[daviddoria]

I have the Porter Cable 14" PCB330BS. Beechwood - are you and PB saying that you would not recommend modifying it as Vyrolan is suggesting?

[wdwerker]

Use a shop vac on that saw for best results.

[Vyrolan]

Yea I think on that saw with how the dust port is built/located/sized, modifications are going to be neither easy nor effective.   I'd agree with Steve and the others: use a shop vac.

[dwacker]

Keep in mind that with a 4" hose all your going to get is about 450 cfm as you reduce the size air flow is going to drop dramatically. A bandsaw needs 650 minimum so its going to be difficult to get good dust collection even with a factory 4" port. I have seen some guys put a wooden shroud around the under side of the table that seems like it may be a good idea.

[krtwood]

Either add a hole in the lower door and split the 4" to two 2-1/2" hoses, one to the existing port and one to your new hole, or ditch the existing port and like PB said make your own shroud that goes under the table.  Mine hangs off the pin that keeps the two sides of the table in alignment.  You have to take it off when you tilt the table but that doesn't happen very often.

[Coop]

I have my wife hold the hose against the port while I'm sawing. What little dust escapes, she cleans up pretty easily.

[Mzdadoc]

Well if your bandsaw is like mine no dust ends up at the port any how. I plan on just clamping my 4" hose right at the source at the table.

[Eric.]

Here's a bandsaw modification I did a while back...might help...

 

 

[Brendon_t]

I bought a few reducers from 4 to 2.5 at rockler last week. One end for the 2.5 was a rubber fitting with hose clamp.

[davestanton]

I try to explain the way it works here.

[CessnaPilotBarry]

You'll probably need a rubber fitting to go between the reducer and the tool port, you can usually get ones that fit at the big box in the plumbing section.

 

Excellent suggestion!

 

The rubber plumbing fittings are really useful!  Not only can you get them to adapt two sizes of pipe, they also come in versions to connect to of the same size, and they offer some wiggle room to accomodate different types of pipe.  For example, a 4" dust pipe is often not compatible with certain 4" PVC or metal pipes.   The rubber fittings can fit both.     

 

You can replace the included hose clamps with tool-free clamps like THESE for easy changes.