Planer dust/chip collection

[Lewis Mills]

Hi,
I'm looking for ideas on hooking up my 12.5" planer to the dust collection system. It is a JET (model number JWP-12DX), and JET does make a hood for it. It is set up for a 4" line, and I'd like to hook the planer up with 6". Here's a picture of it at Amazon: http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000223M5.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.gif.
It doesn't look like there's room to cut out the 4" takeoff and add a 6", and it doesn't look like a very streamlined feed either, so I think I'll start from scratch.

OK, with that lengthy intro, here's my question: What is the best design for a hood for a "lunchbox" planer? Takeoff from the top of the hood? Straight back like a flattened funnel? Off to the side? Room isn't really a consideration; I could make it up any of those ways. Intuitively, straight back would seem to be the best -- but my intuition doesn't always work when it comes to dust collection! Any ideas?
Thanks,
Lewis

[Terry Hatfield]

Lewis,

When I built my 6" hood for my Ridgid planer I decided that the straight back like a funnel approach would be the best. No science, it just looked right to me. It's made from an HVAC register boot. Super cheap and readily available. I bet you could find one that would work on your planer with a minimum of mods.

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Terry

[Dave Harker]

Inspired by many visits to Terry Hatfield's web site, I also used a 6" HVAC fitting for my Makita planer. (12"x2" rect. opening, to a 6" round opening).

I selected a side-exit fitting, so the flex hose isn't hanging right where my wood is coming out of the planer. Sorry, no pic.

Just browse thru the "HVAC" section at a Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, or a good hardware store, you will find many inexpensive fittings to choose from.

Dave

[Terry Hatfield]

Dave,

Cool!! Glad I could help you. Did you notice a HUGE improvement in the performance? How is the noise level? That is the only drawback I know of to doing this. Mine is really loud.

t

[Dan Mages]

You can use the hood that is designed for the planer by using a 6"-12" piece of 4" hose and then a 4"-6" adapter. I am using a similar set up on my table saw.

Dan

[Dave Harker]

Terry, my planer was new a few weeks ago, so it has always been on a 6" connection. I've got 6" PVC, many homemade blastgates like yours, etc, pics here:

my shop page (http://webpages.charter.net/harkerhome/WWShop/index.html)

[Lewis Mills]

Thanks!
Terry, that hood looks pretty much like what I was thinking about.
Dave, your point about a side exit to keep the hose out of the way makes sense, particularly since the flex from my planer will go down to a duct on the floor. It would be less of a concern if I was running the flex up to the ceiling. I'll see what HVAC boots I can get -- that will probably determine whether I go to the side or straight back.
Dan, I considered that approach, but just couldn't see spending $40 for a sheet metal hood that appears to be poorly designed. Won't know till I try, but (optimist that I am) I think I can do much better for much less.
Lewis