Vacuum Plumbing

[crash5050]

Shopbot sells the plumbing, with all the neccesary parts to put the thing together right. Is it more feasavble to go ahead and just buy the plumbing from SB than thry to piece the stuff together from Lowes?

David

[cip]

David, if you are using Light house motors why not just attach the motor directly to the bottom of your table over the hole and forget the plumbing? You can wire a switch to each motor and turn them on as needed.

I did and it's been working fine for over 3 years.

[crash5050]

Gary Said that I would loose a lot of suction that way. besides, I already have the plenum glued down, and the spoilboard attached and leveled. It would be a pain to undo all of that AGAIN.

David

[jerry_stanek]

I think Mike meant to still use you plenum but just attach the motors to the holes. I like my plumbing with the valves and motors so I can run one or more motors for each zone.

[cip]

David: I had a 15 HP roots vacuum pump that was plumbed in with 6 zones and the Light house motors work better and use less amps. I very seldom have anything move with this vac set up.

[crash5050]

I reckon I could pull the Trupan up, use the bot to drill the holes for the motors to hang below and then seal the bolt hole thru the plenum. But for max benefit I should plumb it so I can use more suction if I need it?

If I plumb it I will have to build a box to hold the motors, if I hang them all I will have to do is set up the switches.

SB wants 525 for the plumbing, is it worth it?

David

[kurt_rose]

I think it would be much cheaper going the Lowe's route. I'm about to undertake the vacuum thing shortly. Post some pictures if you can.

[curtiss]

David,

How many zones did you set up and how many oulets on the bottom of the table ?

You have 4 motors correct ?

[crash5050]

right, 4 zones 4 holes 4 motors, I should be able to just come in and do this and mount them with 3 inch carriage bolts.

[gerryv]

Perhaps the answer lies in how busy you are in terms of paid jobs. If there's a lot of paid work waiting then the SB pkg may be the best choice. If there's not alot on the order sheet then maybe building it yourself is the better choice. Often, good companies like SB offer these non-core products more as a goodwill convenience to their clients so I guess I'd first call SB to see how much cutting, fitting and assembly you would need to do anyway with their pkg and if they include a detailed assembly plan with it before deciding.

[crash5050]

As luck would have it, there is no work on the list yet. I have not began to solicit work yet, until I am completely sure my bot is ready. It doesn't cost me anything just sitting there. I just want the best tool that I can possibly have when I start, I want a good name from the start.

I checked lowes today and they do not have the valves, might try the local plumbing company and see if they can plumb it.

I really appreciate all of the info I get from you guys on this,forum. You guys rock.

David

[gundog]

I used black ABS sewer pipe and Valtera slide valves like they use for RV dump valves they are rated for vacuum use. I really like the system and I remote mounted the light house motors outside the shop to keep the noise away. I used 3" ABS pipe for the main gut and split to 2" for the ports into the plenum each port has a Valtera valve. I use a 3" valve by each motor that allows me to run 1 or both valves in parallel. I use an automotive vacuum gauge to monitor vacuum on the system. I have about $400 invested in pipe and fittings. The valves run about $15-$20 Each.

Mike

[curtiss]

Seems a direct mount of the Lighthouse motors to the bottom layer of plywood would be the most simple, I would assume a few wood screws into the plywood would hold the motors easily.

No need for a bolt "all the way through" the table I don't believe..

less noise if they are plumbed and placed outside the shop however.

[jerry_stanek]

Also if you plumb you can run 2 or more motors on a single zone

[cip]

I reckon I could pull the Trupan up, use the bot to drill the holes for the motors to hang below and then seal the bolt hole thru the plenum. But for max benefit I should plumb it so I can use more suction if I need it?

If I plumb it I will have to build a box to hold the motors, if I hang them all I will have to do is set up the switches.

SB wants 525 for the plumbing, is it worth it?

David

David - did you not drill the holes for the plumbing already? Just attach the motors over these holes using a mounting plate of sufficient size to mount the motor and cover the hole, done.

[crash5050]

Hey Mike, I just tried to call you. Do you still have my #?

David

[cip]

David - Yes I have your number I'll try to call you today.