I-vac system questions

[Don C Davis]

I am near to installing the 'plumbing' for my new space DC system. Several have advised to have seperate blast gates for each individual tool. Recently I was recommended the I-vac system. I am looking for advice/info for those that have knowledge about this system, or if you have other recommendations I am open to learning about them.

Thanks for any input/advice--Don

 

[Bill Boehme]

I am near to installing the 'plumbing' for my new space DC system. Several have advised to have seperate blast gates for each individual tool. Recently I was recommended the I-vac system. I am looking for advice/info for those that have knowledge about this system, or if you have other recommendations I am open to learning about them.

Thanks for any input/advice--Don

i-VAC recommends using the i-VAC Contactor in addition to the i-VAC Pro switch when your 240 volt dust collector has a motor that is larger than 2 HP: https://ivacswitch.com/ivac-contactor/

Basically, a contactor is a relay designed for switching large currents.

You can also get accessories for the i-VAC Pro such as blast gates and remote control.

 

[George Rousis]

I looked at a number of automated systems and, after a lot of Internet searching on various woodworking forums, opted for a more budget-conscious semi-automated solution.

1. 1.5-hp Jet dust collector attached via flex hose to a metal trash can with a cyclone lid as a first stage; most of the heavier chips are captured in the can rather than the collector, which captures the fine dust. This set-up lowers the CFM at the machine slightly, but it's much easier to empty the can than clean out the collector, which does not have be cleaned nearly as frequently (a messy chore).

2. 4" PVC pipe for duct in a single 20 ft run along one wall, then 4" flex hose to each machine (band saw, table saw, lathe, chop saw, floor sweep)

3. 4" manually-operated blast gate for each machine

4. Blast gates have attached micro-switches that close a circuit when the gate is open

5. The micro-switches are wired in parallel to a 24-volt circuit

6. A contactor connects the 24-volt circuit to the 110-volt circuit for the dust collector. Same set-up can be used for 220-volt collector so long as the contactor is rated for 220-volt.

This system works fine for me. My shop is small so it's not too inconvenient to open/close blast gates when I want to use a machine. One leg of the duct/flex hose has a "Big Gulp" dust shroud positioned near the lathe bed (a 12-24 Jet). It works fine for catching sanding dust. I do not rely on the dust collector for catching shavings from turning; it's not that efficient and would fill up the can very quickly.

One downside is I have to manually close one gate and open another when switching machines; there is not enough CFM for more than one machine at a time. Sometimes I forget to close a gate. This results in lower suction and more dust in the air than I would like. I suppose a circuit could be designed such that the collector won't run when more than one gate is open.

Hope this helps.

 

[Don C Davis]

Thanks for the feedback George, at this stage I am hiring the installation of the 'plumbing' aspect as I am handicapped and just can't get on a ladder etc. so I am working on the design aspect--one of my install guys is a knowledgeable woodworker, so I am hoping he is helpful. Currently it looks like the I-vac system will do what I am looking for, I was just hoping to find some folks with actual experience who might tell what TO do, and what not to do. I appreciate the input though!

 

[Bill Boehme]

If you read the tutorials on the I-VAC site it will help you understand what you will need to have whatever functionality that you want in your system. On a semi manual system you could have switches that activate each blast gate. The most elegant solution automatically opens the right blast gate and turns on the dust collector whenever a machine is turned on. This is done using wireless communications using a small transmitter on each machine on the system and the I-VAC receiver that activates the Contactor that switches the power on for the dust collector. Surprisingly, the most expensive parts of the system are the individual blast gates. The reason is that the blast gates need the electronics to receive the wireless signal and a small actuator/motor to open and close the gate. You can save quite bit of money by getting the plastic gates rather than metal gates. One installation caveat is that each of these devices requires 120 volt operating power so your shop wiring needs to have conveniently located dedicated outlets for this purpose.