As our custom furniture business continues to expand at Seventeen20, we realize more and more the limits of our equipment and systems. With multiple large orders in hand, we come to the realization that it’s time to spend some capital. The first decision was made, and we pull the trigger on our new 12′ JLT Panel Clamp purchase. This allows us to glue-up multiple projects at the same time. Quickly following is our new sliding table saw, planer and jointer. With higher capacity equipment comes more demand on dust collection. Already taxing the limits of our dual-bagger dust collector, we update our collection to a beefy 10hp cyclonic system. Further down the upgrade rabbit trail, bigger and better dust collection requires a real duct system. After hours of research we turn to the Blastgate Company clamp together duct system.

It didn’t take long in our research for dust collection ductwork to realize we definitely wanted a clamp together duct system. With the clamp together ducts, assembly is much easier, as well as changes and additions down the road with be much faster. The Blastgate Company provided assistance with any questions we had, and their Duct System Catalog provided quick pricing, along with pictures and a 35% discount. On the surface, it may seem easy to open a catalog and start buying ductwork, but such is not the case. Before deciding on the first piece of the duct system, many calculations had to be made. Finally, after sizing up the 10hp cyclone dust collector, counting the number of machines and size of their ports, and adding a floor sweep, it was time to place the order.

Ordering Blastgate Company Clamp Together Duct

After hours of calculations to determine what size trunk we needed, we finally got down to placing the order. Keep an eye out for our article on how to install a dust collection system, which will include calculating airflow needed and the capacity of the duct work. The pdf catalog for the Blastgate company clamp together duct was easy to figure out. We recorded all the pieces needed then emailed the sales department at the Blastgate Company.

In addition to the duct system and pieces, they also offer duct hangers, sensors, micro-switches, blast-gates, and clamps. With our system, we make sure to include a blast gate for each equipment location. This enables us to close off that area of the ductwork when not in use, hence adding more suction to the existing open ports. Maintaining negative pressure in a dust collection system is vital, which is opposite from the supply side of HVAC ductwork.

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Blastgate Co Clamp Together Duct System Features

Fabricated Duct Hangers

Obviously, with the name, it implies that the duct work actually clamps together. This IS the case, and installing is rather simple. Albeit, you still must determine where to hang this clamp together duct system. We included pipe (duct) hangers with our order. We welded 18″ sections of all-thread (3/8″) to small pieces of angle-iron with a 7/16″ hole drilled in one end of the angle-iron. Using the bolts and nuts included with the pipe hangers, we sandwiched our fabricated hanger between the purchased pipe hanger. The other end of the all-thread penetrated the steel roof purlins, through holes we drilled. With the all-thread fastened to the building purlins with nut and washer, we now have the ability to adjust the height of the Blastgate Company clamp together duct system by tightening or loosening the nuts.

How It Works!

The main sections of ductwork, they call CT Pipe, short for “Clamp Together Pipe”. Each end of the CT Pipe includes a smooth, rolled end. Any of the 45° and 90° elbows, wyes, and even blast gates also have these rolled edges. Each adjustable clamp includes a pin for securing the handle closed. In addition, the clamps have a rubber lining in the inner circle of the clamp. This rubber lining creates a seal when the clamp handle is closed, joining the two pipes (or pipe and elbow, blastgate, etc.) as one.

Adjusting the length of the clamp together duct system is done with an adjustable sleeve and cutting the CT Pipe to the desired size. The adjustable sleeve includes the typical rolled edge on each end And a large O-ring on one end. Once the one end of the CT Pipe is cut (no more rolled edge on that end), the cut end inserts into the adjustable sleeve. The o-ring then moves to CT Pipe, then the clamp encompasses the o-ring and the rolled edge of the adjustable sleeve. Once the clamp closes, the union is sealed by squishing the o-ring against the rolled end of the adjustable sleeve.

Blastgate With Flex

Build Quality

Elbow To Reducer Y

We were very impressed with the build quality of the ducts and accessories. There were a few bents and dents from shipping, but, for the most part, our system is free from damage. Each union is tack-welded, leaded and sealed, ensuring there are no leaks where the pieces are fabricated. Any transitions seem to be smooth and free from obstruction, keeping turbulent air to a minimum.

Three inch pipe sections are manufactured from 18GA galvanized steel, while 4″-12″ is 22GA, and 14″-24″ is made from 20GA. Elbows, Y’s, adjustable sleeves and reducers are all made from 18 – 24GA galvanized steel as well. Seams in the CT Pipe are smooth and the circumference is uniform, so we have very little deformation. Square to round transitions are also available, as well as floor sweeps and ball joints.

Final Thoughts

Getting new woodworking equipment in the shop is a great addition, but it’s really not even usable without expanding our dust collection. Adding our 10hp cyclone dust collector and Blastgate Company clamp together duct system is like putting the whip cream and cherry on top. Not only do we reap the benefits of removing debris from the machines as they work, but we also eliminate the need for sweeping. Well, almost eliminated sweeping – at least we don’t need a dust pan. It’s so easy to sweep the pile over to the floor sweep, and watch it go away.

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This should be looked at as an investment to upgrade equipment and systems. Sure, it will cost hard-earned money, but it will pay you back with a better final product. In addition, the workspace is cleaner and safer. Let our research save you time and effort. If you need better dust collection, we recommend that you reach out to Blastgate company for their clamp together duct system.