KAPEX dust collection question

[Toolpig]

I'm using my KAPEX with a CT22 dust collector and the larger 36mm hose.  The dust collection with this setup is decent, but hardly perfect.

I'm wondering if it might be better connected to my 1-1/2HP Delta dust collector with a 4-5" diameter hose and 1-micron bag.  I imagine I'll lose some of the benefit of the larger hose in reducing down to fit the small DC port on the KAPEX (increased static pressure, loss in CFM, etc).

Anybody try something like this?  If so, is there a noticeable difference in chip collection versus the CT22 (or similar) unit?

Jason

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

mine tapered off when my filters were getting bad.
I changed the filters after 2 years and the vac is back.

 

[PeterK]

Have you replaced the bag recently? If it is coated with fine dust, the suction will drop noticably. And like warnerConstCo says, look at the final filters. My filters still look new but I have never had a bag blowout to really coat them. You might be able to blow the filters out without damage to them to check if that is the problem. I don't have the Kapex but have seen it with a Midi vac and it worked really well. The CT has even better suction than the Midi so I think you have a bag or filter issue. One other thing, try to verify that there is no blockage anywhere in the hoses. I had a large chip get caught in my 36mm hose one time that took a while to find.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Festool advertises 90 percent dust collection, and I think that's about what I get.  Not perfect, but way better than the saw it replaced.  I have used it on the CT22 and on a smaller shop vac, with about the same results.

I have tried connecting my 3 HP cyclone dust collector to small tools (miter saws, router tables, etc) before with less than great results.  I think they actually work better with a vacuum as opposed to the fan in a cyclone.

Keeping the auxiliary fence opening small helps a lot, too.

 

[nclemmons]

I've tried a Kapex connection to my dust collector versus the CT-22 and the vacuum does a much better job. 

In general dust collectors move a high volume at a low velocity. 

neil

 

[paul_david_thomas]

Just slow your cut down a little and you'll get more sawdust taken away.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Just slow your cut down a little and you'll get more sawdust taken away.

And remember the vac has a soft start so wait for the vac to gt up to full speed before cutting.

 

[PeterK]

Ahh - yea what Brice said. At the Gary Katz show, with the small Midi vac, a huge difference in dust collection if you let the vac come up to speed before cutting. Waiting also allows the saw to reach full speed for a better cut.

 

[Toller]

I know a DC won't such anything through a 36mm hose.  I have my 3hp cyclone attached to my TS; 4" to the cabinet and 2.5" to the overhead guard.  It sucks much less though the guard than I would like; and that is rather more than 36mm.

But, I wonder if Oneida Cobra http://store.oneida-air.com/dustcobra-2.aspx would be a good solution.  It sucks much more air than a vacuum, but at much higher pressures than a DC.  I also am unhappy with my Kapex dust collection; I think I am getting 80%, but it is clear to see that the vacuum would have to suck a lot more air to get it up to 90%.  I have it hooked up with 1.5" PVC pipe and 2" flex hose; that should be as good as it gets.

 

[score0matic]

If you do get the Cobra  do a review of it.

I was planning on getting that vac until I realised I needed HEPA

Craig