Full Version: Exhaust Blower

From: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#11]
 23 Mar 2006
To: ALL

Depending on what laser engraving system you are purchasing, there are a number of manufactures selling inexpensive dust collection units which can be used for exhausting laser systems. You can buy almost any of the dust collection systems for less than $ 200 and they are relatively quiet. Just throw away the bag and pipe it outside. Harbor Feight, Grizzly Industrial, Delta Industrial, all sell these blowers. If you need about 400 CFM at 6" of static pressure, the 1 hp. models will do fine. I think some of the units can be run with a remote control. Kinda nice when that phone rings and you want to hear what is going on.

If you want to spend a bunch, you can always buy one from Grainger.

From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#12]
 23 Mar 2006
To: Boz (CHEDDARHEAD) [#11] 23 Mar 2006

Woodcrafters sells a 'Long Ranger' in a 120v and 240v model. It is a remote control that is made for high power blowers. I have used one for about 4 years and recently had to replace the remote battery. It is velcroed to the laser. Works they way it should.

Message 3265.13 was deleted

From: Awardsguy [#14]
 25 Mar 2006
To: ALL

Thanks, everyone for the help. I ordered the blower yesterday. Also, thanks for the tip about the remote control. Now I don't have to run conduit and a separate switch!

From: bobkat [#15]
 25 Mar 2006
To: Awardsguy [#14] 25 Mar 2006

Here's another tip for you. The blower does not have to be weatherproof to go outside. How is that possible you ask? Buy a plastic "deck box" at your local home depot. It will keep the rain out, looks nice, assembles with no tools in about 5 minutes and costs about $80.00. Cut holes in the sides for your piping and wires, caulk any gaps. The electrical connection (Remote control receiver)for your blower should also be made in the box to keep it dry.

From: Paul (JACKPETTY) [#16]
 26 Mar 2006
To: bobkat [#15] 28 Mar 2006

Great idea but is the air going thru the blower enough to keep it cool for those long jobs? I worry about the heat build up or, am I worrying about nothing?
Thanks for the great idea!

From: bobkat [#17]
 28 Mar 2006
To: Paul (JACKPETTY) [#16] 28 Mar 2006

I used mine for a year and never had a problem. You could also vent the box if you are worried about it.

From: Paul (JACKPETTY) [#18]
 28 Mar 2006
To: bobkat [#17] 28 Mar 2006

Thanks, I've already started the 'mental' process of doing this. Gotta put out a few fires first.
I appreciate the info.

From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#19]
 28 Mar 2006
To: Paul (JACKPETTY) [#18] 28 Mar 2006

does the room have a window? A panel with a vent hole in it then the window shut on the panel will vent it outside.

From: Paul (JACKPETTY) [#20]
 28 Mar 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#19] 28 Mar 2006

I already have my system set up with a hole in the window panel so it exhausts outside. It's the noise I don't like. I am glad I have options.

From: corel_guy_76010 (ROBERT_HENSLEY) [#21]
 29 Mar 2006
To: ALL

The Penn State DC3 is the what everyone uses. It is not recommend for outdoor use. I would not cover it or put in a box outside. It WILL rust.

However, most people put it right next to their laser. If it's too loud, build a plywood box and but installation in it. Remember, it's not like an air compressor that will burn up. It gets its air from the laser and exhausts it out.

The exhaust should be within 10 ft of the laser. Anything more reduces the static resistance. It can be vented up to 50 feet without any problems. Have done serveral installs like this without any problems.

Add a plastic or metal gate between the laser and the exhaust. This will allow more control over the flow when you need less. If you live in a climate such as Mexico, add another gate after the exhaust and before it goes outside. I've have seen lasers rust because the laser is open to the outside and mositure comes in from the outside (in the morning).

Also now is the time to add a paint booth for color filing or spraying paint on plaques. This unit can handle both systems without any problems.

TheLong Ranger remote control is the only way to go. Have one on my paint booth and one on my laser.

From: bobkat [#22]
 29 Mar 2006
To: corel_guy_76010 (ROBERT_HENSLEY) [#21] 4 Apr 2006

Hi Corel guy. There are several things in your post I don't agree with. First off, not everyone uses the Penn State blower (although not a bad choice), I know several people (including at least 1 laser system manufacturer) who use the 1 hp Grizzly dust collector. Works fine for exhaust and also for vacuum hold-down. I have had one outside in a deck box for 2 years; no moisture, no rust.

Putting the blower next to the laser is the worst place you can put it. Any exhaust gasses between the blower and the outside vent are in a pressurized line, and any leakage is being blown into your building. It is better and safer to have the blower at the end of the run than at the beginning. If the blower is at the end of the run, any leakage on the intake side of the blower will just suck room air into the line and exhaust it outside; it is a negatively pressurized line.

Lastly, you NEVER want to use either of these units for a spray booth application. Neither unit is rated explosion-proof, as they both draw air (and volatile fumes) past the motor. OSHA or your local fire inspector is likely to have a big problem with an installation of this type.

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