Gyro Air Series: Understanding Ducting for Dust Collection

Created by Sam V, Modified on Wed, 20 May at 12:37 PM by Gabriel Izzo

Gyro Air Series · Setup & Planning

Understanding Ducting for Dust Collection

Applicable Models

Gyro Air Series — All Models

Ducting is a system of conduits or passages that transports air — and in the case of woodworking, dust and debris — from machines to a dust collection unit. Similar to HVAC ductwork in a home, dust collection ducting plays a critical role in maintaining clean air and efficient machine operation in a workshop environment.

Types of Ducting in a Shop

Main Duct Target velocity 3,500 FPM

Runs horizontally, usually overhead along the ceiling.

Serves as the primary airway from which branch ducts extend to individual machines.

Branch Duct Target velocity 4,000 FPM

Runs vertically, connecting individual machines to the main duct.

Higher velocity keeps debris suspended and moving toward the dust collector.

Common Ducting Materials

✓ Galvanized Steel — Most Recommended

Best overall choice due to its durability, grounding capability, and smooth interior that minimizes friction and static pressure loss.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Lightweight and easy to work with, but can be controversial due to potential static electricity buildup. Grounding straps are recommended if PVC is used.

Flex Hose — Use Sparingly

Common for final machine connections but least favorable overall. Drawbacks include:

Reduced airflow from internal ribbing

Potential for clogs and dust accumulation

Inefficiency at bends or tight turns

✓

Best used in short sections only between the machine and branch duct

Planning Your Ducting Layout

Ducting design is typically based on the machine farthest from the dust collector.

Common duct diameters: 4", 5", 6" and larger, depending on machine requirements.

Place machines with lower CFM requirements farthest from the dust collector.

Maintain several feet of straight pipe connected to the dust collector's inlet to reduce turbulence and improve separation.

Example Machine CFM Requirements

Harvey Ambassador C14 Band Saw ~400 CFM

Harvey Alpha HW110LC Table Saw ~470 CFM

Before Buying a Dust Collector — Consider:

Your shop layout and machine placement

Total duct run length and number of branch connections

CFM requirements of each machine in your shop

Ducting Resources & Suppliers

There are many online calculators and professional services available for planning your system. For the most accurate setup, we recommend reaching out to specialized ducting providers:

Air Handling Systems

airhand.com · Flexible hose, solid ducting, fittings & planning resources

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Nordfab

nordfab.com · Industrial ducting systems and quick-fit components

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Proper duct planning is one of the most important steps for achieving safe and effective dust collection performance. If you're setting up a new system or modifying an existing one, don't hesitate to reach out — we're happy to help review your layout.

For help reviewing your ducting layout or selecting the right model, please contact our support team.