Install at 95%
Install at 95%
I purchased my CV in 2007. I m pleased to say it is now 95% complete. A lot of procrastination as how I wanted my shop laid out. A couple of years ago I bought a very old 36" bandsaw. At 1700 lbs, not the biggest, but something you only want to place and pipe into once.
I cannot speak to the electrical cost, but you should be able to calculated based on the motor data. I have never found the cost of electricity an issue with respect to my workshop. Prior to having a nice big garage/shop 12 years ago, we were parking 2 vehicles outside year round. From Oct to Mar, they were both plugged in round the clock. That pushed our winter bill up nicely. Big impact on our electricity costs were switching our clothes dryer to gas, replacing the washer with an He front load (less water and better spin extraction) and installing a radiant gas heater in the shop. In the same period of time I have added the 3 HP bandsaw, and the 5HP CV and central air.
As Mark points out - Caulking. Have yet to consider. As a kit, with some assembly required, you have to expect to do some additional sealing. The instructions are online, so to walk into this blind is no excuse, especially for someone writing a review. When I bought mine, the MDF components were not nicely finished as they are today. I gave mine a good coating of shellac for good measure.
Overall construction appears to be lightweight, especially after you turn it on the first time, but, like you, I did a lot of research prior to making my decision. The only negatives seem to come from magazine reviews. Many of these cyclones are hanging in shops all over the globe.
I used PVC S&D pipe, so all of my joints are friction fit. I will likely tape seal. Another $50.00 in materials equals nothing in the big scheme.
Overall performance. FWIW, I was told many years ago that the CV would "suck the chrome off of a hitch ball!" I have not tested for leaks yet, but as I closed of each of the 3 primary circuits I have allowed for, I smiled at the amount of force required to open any of the blast gates individually.
Noise. More, but everything I run makes noise, so hearing protection is always on. I have good hearing, so want to keep it. I may look at some sort of enclosure in the future.
I have seen a few of the home made version of this cyclone in action, and they perform very well. One fellow live out in the country and exhausts to the great out doors. He often cuts 3/4" ply by the lift for some of his industrial contracts. The amount of debris out side is minimal and is mainly attributable to overflowing the waste bin.
Overflowing the waste bin with these cyclones is the biggest downside. They work so well, you forget about the bin.
Don