New Laguna P-Flux Dust Collectors

[Dan-]

Going to pull the trigger on the p-flux 3 the next time Laguna has a 10% off sale (which they do currently). Already have the gift card, but it is restricted.

The main thing that turned me off a Clearvue is the noise level. I cannot have a jet engine in my garage.

I won't spend the money (nor give up the space) for a Felder RL 150/200. Sure it'd be nice, but the footprint is tough, not to mention the additional cost.

If Toolmetrix' specs are legit, then this looks like a good buy.

 

[rljatl]

Yes, I live in a Townhouse and so noise levels are important to me too.  FWIW, the HEPA version has egg crate insulation in the cabinet.

My 92 y.o. mother has been in the hospital for the last couple of weeks, so I have not been able to put mine together yet.  She is home now; however, there are lots of things to put in place for her before I will have some free time. 

The 220v wiring is complete.  So everything is ready to go once I get 'er put together.

 

[rljatl]

Finally got some time to begin unpacking my P-Flux 3hp dust collector.  There are a surprising number of small parts.  I have seen some scratches on a few parts, but nothing down to bare metal.

(Edited to add: What I originally thought were scratches, rubbed right off with a damp rag.)

Saw this new video posted today from Laguna, just in time to help me put it together.  The fact that Laguna takes the time to produce these detailed videos about their products says a lot about the company.
P Flux Cyclone Dust Collection Setup

 

[RKA]

[member=18283]RobBob[/member] Are you putting this on a 30A circuit?  Other 3hp motors are generally fine on a 20A circuit, but I was just looking at the specs and it looks like the amp draw is higher on this motor.  This throws a wrench into my shop plan...or I drop to 2hp.

 

[rljatl]

[member=18283]RobBob[/member] Are you putting this on a 30A circuit?  Other 3hp motors are generally fine on a 20A circuit, but I was just looking at the specs and it looks like the amp draw is higher on this motor.  This throws a wrench into my shop plan...or I drop to 2hp.

Yes, I had my electrician wire my garage with two 30amp outlets.  I was not sure which location would work best so I wanted options just in case.  He put a twist lock plug on the cord for the dust collector.  All of the other 240v circuits have 20amp breakers and use standard 240v/20amp plugs.  The Hammer J/P and the Laguna 2 1/2 hp bandsaw will use those.

Should have it finished tomorrow.  So far it has been very smooth putting it together.  (Knock on wood.)

Can you just change out the breaker to a 30amp since it won't actually run that high?  I believe the 30amps is just for start up.  Check with an electrician. 

 

[RKA]

Thanks!  I haven't had the subpanel or circuits run yet.  I was planning on scattering multiple outlets across the basement all on 2 20A circuits, this way I could move things around now or in the future.  I'll chew on it.  It's possible 2hp is fine.  Meanwhile I'm waiting for your review.  That video looks promising. Everything seems reasonably well built.

 

[rljatl]

Here's an update on the Laguna PFlux 3.  It went together without incident.  The video helped a lot.

I have been using it for a couple of weeks now and so far, I am really impressed.  Most of it's use has been with my Hammer A3 31.  Separation of fine particles from chips seems to be excellent.  It is very quiet, as advertised.  The remote works great.  It uses a radio frequency so you do not have to point the transmitter at the dust collector.  I have it on the same lanyard as the RTS Engineering Maxsys remote for the CT26.  [big grin]

My plan is to run a 6" Nordfab main line down one wall in the garage and use it as a manifold system (using an 8" to 6" reducer on the DC inlet).  Each machine will have its own drop with a flex hose connected from the drop to the machine. Drill press, band saw, table saw, and jointer/planer will be lined up along the same wall.  When needed, I will back the car out and pull the machine or machines I need to use out from the wall.

I also have the other side of the two car garage to use when needed for assembly or whatever.  Not as good as having a dedicated shop, but I think it will work out fine. 

 

[gsdvorak]

Thanks [member=18283]RobBob[/member] - appreciate the followup on your assembly and first impressions.  I have decided to get this same unit and told my dealer to get one ordered.  I found out that my dealer can also supply the NordFab product which I will eventually use once I decide how to layout my machines.  The beauty of the PFlux is I can use it as a mobile unit until I get this figured out. 

Once I get mine, I'll take some pics of my initial layout to share.

Thanks again to all of you for your input- much appreciated!

Regards,
Gerald

 

[RKA]

Thank you, glad it's working out well for you!

 

[rljatl]

Sounds good, Gerald.

Yes, being able to roll it around really helps.  Fortunately, even the PFlux 3hp version is short enough to fit under the garage door tracks.

I ordered a 5 foot, 6" diameter Nordfab duct with 8" to 6" reducer, flex hose coupler, and some clamps.  Maybe I should use an 8" pipe for the first 5 feet?  From what I have read, it is good to have a 5 foot straight run directly into the dust collector's inlet before making any turns or elbows.  I believe this helps it gain velocity.  For now, a 10 foot flex hose will be connected to the 5 foot pipe.  I am going use it this way for awhile before buying anymore duct.  The Nordfab is not cheap and I want to make sure I am satisfied with my planed setup before buying more.

Oneida shipping is very expensive.  I ended up ordering this limited amount of Nordfab from Grizzly.  Very easy to order online and the shipping charge was reasonable.

Note: the video says that the machine comes with an 8" to 6" reducer.  It does not.  I called Laguna to make sure that it was not left out by mistake.

 

[grbmds]

[member=18283]RobBob[/member]      Don't know where you plan to put the gates. . . Are you going to put them close to the main? From my experience and from information from Oneida when I put my ductwork in, putting the gates near the main increases the amount of air flow from the open gate to the collector since I assume you will generally be using only 1 machine at a time. Might already be your plan. The less ductwork the air must flow through the more air will flow.

 

[rljatl]

[member=18283]RobBob[/member]      Don't know where you plan to put the gates. . . Are you going to put them close to the main? From my experience and from information from Oneida when I put my ductwork in, putting the gates near the main increases the amount of air flow from the open gate to the collector since I assume you will generally be using only 1 machine at a time. Might already be your plan. The less ductwork the air must flow through the more air will flow.

Thanks for the tip.  Makes sense.  I am open to any and all ideas.  Initially, I was planing to use a 7" or 8" main, but after talking to a Nordfab rep, he suggested that air volume and air velocity are both important.  Air velocity helps keep the system from getting plugged up.  Reducing the main down from 8" to 6" was his idea.

Anyone have any opinions about reducing down from 8" to 7" or 6"?

 

[grbmds]

The best would be if Nordfab provided a design based on your particular shop. When I ran my ducting Oneida designed the system based on my needs, such as drops, length of the run, etc. Mine is reduced from 7" to 6" right at the collector; then stays at 6" until there is a need to reduce it farther, like at a drop to a tool.

 

[rljatl]

The best would be if Nordfab provided a design based on your particular shop. When I ran my ducting Oneida designed the system based on my needs, such as drops, length of the run, etc. Mine is reduced from 7" to 6" right at the collector; then stays at 6" until there is a need to reduce it farther, like at a drop to a tool.

Hmm, interesting.  That reinforces what the Nordfab rep recommended to me.  He said to reduce from 8" to 6" at the collector, use 6" drops, and reduce again at the tool, if needed.  Guess I should stick with what the experts suggest.

 

[CarlK10]

[member=18283]RobBob[/member] I am glad you like your Pflux, I like the fact that it has good separation for a short cyclone.  I too am interested in it.  I was wondering if you could provide some measurements for me.  I am interested in :
- diameter (or circumference) of the cyclone body
-height of the body
-height of the cone
-diameter (or circumference) of the bottom of the cone.

I would like to do a little mock up.
Thanks in andvance

Carl

 

[rljatl]

[member=18283]RobBob[/member] I am glad you like your Pflux, I like the fact that it has good separation for a short cyclone.  I too am interested in it.  I was wondering if you could provide some measurements for me.  I am interested in :
- diameter (or circumference) of the cyclone body
-height of the body
-height of the cone
-diameter (or circumference) of the bottom of the cone.

I would like to do a little mock up.
Thanks in andvance

Carl

[member=64147]CarlK10[/member],

Define "height of the body" for me, please.

I should be able to get the rest of those for you tomorrow.

 

[CarlK10]

[member=18283]RobBob[/member],

Sorry for the vague description. I was referring to only the cylindrical part as the 'body' (between the blower and the cone section). Also to clarify the diameter of the bottom of the cone or the diameter of the discharge opening.

Thanks again.

Carl

 

[rljatl]

[member=64147]CarlK10[/member]

Here you go...

- Circumference of the cyclone body = ~60 inches  This measurement is close, but accuracy was impacted by the tape measure not being long enough.
- Height of the body = 12.5 inches
- Height of the cone = 18 inches
- Circumference of the bottom of the cone. = 30 inches

If you are trying to plug the measurements into some kind of "golden ratio" calculation, don't bother.  There is one little part that Laguna includes that none of the FOG experts on short cyclones seem to be aware of.  As other owners have demonstrated online, I have tested the PFlux 3hp with and without this one part.  It makes all the difference in the world in the short cyclone's ability to separate fine dust from larger particles.  Maybe it is not as good as a longer cyclone with the ideal ratio of length to diameter, but it is certainly good enough if you use it together with a dust mask/respirator and air cleaner.

 

[CarlK10]

TY.  Appreciate the information.

 

[estley]

I'm looking at the 1.5, or maybe the 2hp version of this. For the foreseeable future I wouldn't duct them, just move hoses back and forth. Anyone have an idea of how much difference 1.5 vs 2 makes in collector-hose-tool situation?