I recently bought a Sweepy 2.0 dust boot for my CNC, connecting it to a Dust Stopper 2.0 Dust Separator. I currently use a 10-foot clear PVC hose that barely reaches the far end of my CNC table and want to upgrade to a longer, more flexible solution that can also reach out to other tools around the garage.
I’m not a fan of the rigid 2.5-inch clear PVC hose at all. I used it for my CNC due to the hose diameter and ability to connect between the dust boot and Dustopper. For all other tools around the garage I have a 10-foot Cen-Tec hose with a 1.25-inch diameter that is connected to my secondary shop vac. I prefer the Cen-Tec hose for its flexibility and durability, plus I feel like it provides better airflow than the 2.5 inch PVC hoses.
I aim to create a modular system using hoses and adapters for easier tool switching, rather than relying on the clear PVC setup for CNC and Cen-Tec hose for the other tools. My concern is airflow, as both the dust boot and separator have 2.5-inch ports, while the hoses I’m considering are 1.25–1.5 inches in diameter. Does anyone have experience or advice on maintaining airflow with these smaller diameter hoses?
There is a reason why the tools have a 2.5” port. A 2.5” port has an area of 4.9 sq in. A 1.5 “ port has 1.76 sq in. That is a difference of roughly 2.8. That is bad enough but then you add friction from the side of the hose to that picture and all of a sudden you have bugger all for air flow. It’s bad enough if you are talking straight pipe. Presumably the hose you are using has a spiral core of some kind which is a huge restriction. You then add any sort of bends. All of a sudden you have even less than bugger all for air flow.
A dust collector lives and dies by air flow.
Your statement of “I prefer the Cen-Tec hose for its flexibility and durability, plus I feel like it provides better airflow than the 2.5 inch PVC hoses.” is only accurate if you live in Tardis land (bigger on the inside than on the outside)
@Tpoole1988 if anything, you should be considering 2.5" over 4", not 2.5" over 1.25".
Also, you don’t mention what you are using for dust collection. There’s a difference in how HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) and HPLV (High Pressure Low Volume) work and how they are affected by restrictions in the flow. HPLV (your typical Shopvac) would likely see a higher flow rate if you reduce the hose diameter. HVLP systems on the other hand are very sensitive to restrictions such as reduced diameter hose or clogged filters. The CFM will drop significantly from the rated values.
Regardless, I wouldn’t go with anything less than 2.5".
Easy killer—my main issue with the 2.5” PVC hose isn’t about size alone. I’ve got it hanging overhead, and I’ve noticed it tends to develop sharp bends and creases that restrict airflow, which is frustrating. Maybe that’s just the quality of the hose I’m using, but overall, I’m not a big fan of the PVC for that reason.
My original question was simply whether a smaller hose (say 1.25” or 1.5”) could technically work for my CNC dust collection setup, given that the ports are 2.5”. I run light work on my hobbyist CNC, so I’m not exactly requiring word class airflow. Plus, the Sweepy comes with a couple of adapters, including one specifically for Festool hoses of 36mm (about 1.4”), which makes me wonder—why would they include that specific size port if they expected us to be operating with “Tardis land” airflow capabilities?
Just looking for practical insights, not criticism. Thanks!
Below, from their website:
Version 2.0 features a number of improvements based on customer feedback. These include:
Yeah, I’m with you and I understand the logic behind it 100%. I think I’m just curious why they would include an adapter for the Festool dust extractor hose if if it was going to create a significant, noticeably measurable drop in performance.
Below, from their Website:
Version 2.0 features a number of improvements based on customer feedback. These include:
Fits a 2.5” Shopvac hose as standard.
Includes adapters for 2.25" and 36mm Festool
For maximum dust control, we recommend a Mullet Cyclone Dust Collector with Sweepy and your shop vacuum.
Those are HPLV systems and would work with a 1.25" hose when used as a vacuum. Also great for dust extraction when directly connected to a single machine like a random ordit sander. That’s probably why they have an attachment for a 1.25" hose.
Also consider how your extractor keeps the motor cool. If it uses the suction air that flows through, any restrictions could cause the motor to overheat.
Oh dude, I absolutely do not have a Festool dust extractor if that’s what you thought I meant. I was just pointing out that the dust boot has a port attachment for them.