Im trying to figure out the best way to build a dust collection boom. Im using a dust extractor with a 4” hose. Im thinking some type of rotatable boom that lets the hose hand down from above the center of the workspace but that I can swivel out of the was when needed. This dust collector will only be for the cnc machine so I dont need to worry about unhooking and moving it for some other machine. In other words permanent.
Post your pics! I need ideas because of too dumb to come up with my own!
I am running 4” flex from my Jet Dust Collector… I have motorized ball-valves at each piece of machinery.
For the AltMill in particular, I used an old warehouse dock-door light fixture that swivels on the wall and can be moved into various positions. I added a 3D-printed curve to maintain better air-flow.
But it swivels on the wall to follow the spindle.
Can’t see it well but it’s the yellow thing up high
On a square table like a 4 x 4 it isn’t necessary to have a swing arm if you can locate the port near the center of the work area. A little slack can be built in using a simple bungee cord that allows it to reach the corners without sagging.
I think I have decided against a swingarm. I really wanted to that so I could be able to swing it out of the way because I will have a 42 inch led tv that I use as a monitor on the back wall. On my old machine the hose was always blocking my vision and in the way. I would set there and create projects on that machine. By the way Mick…your shop is too clean….Im envious!
I have a unique setup that may be helpful to you. I have limited height with a 7 ft ceiling and so I had to come up with a unique solution. I used a pocket door kit I bought at home depot for 44$ which provide a nice smooth track which supports the hose. at the dust collector end, I used two door hinges as well so the hose can freely move in and out and rotate back & forth. It works really slick and was cheap. If you’re interested, let me know and I will take some pictures.
If you need to be able to move the drop out of the way, maybe mount it on a slider from the back of the machine. That way when you park the gantry at the back, the hose will slide out of the way. so you can see the game, er, your CAD project. The slider could be a simple as a “clothes line” with carabiners to suspend the hose.
