I'm installing a dust collection system in my basement shop. I'm using the D-2729 thin wall Sewer drain PVC pipe. I have a 6" header and most drops will be 4" PVC with a short 4" flex hose at the tools.
1) I got sticker shock when I asked at Rockler how to connect a 4" flex hose to the end of a 4" PVC drop. They had a 2 piece method with the first piece using a rubber boot to fit over the PVC and a clamp to hold it. Then a second piece fit into the other end of the first piece and then the flex hose was clamped onto that. Altogether with clamps it was about $30 a drop. Any cheaper suggestions?
2) I've read not to be too concerned with static electricity from a safety view point but I also don't want to get shocked every time I touch a tool so I intend to run a ground wire with the PVC and ground it with a clamp to a water pipe. I've heard the static buildup occurs inside the pipe so I'm thinking about running my ground wire through the header (inside) and pop out wherever I have a drop so I could connect to the wire internal to the flex hose. The other end of the flex hose would get grounded to the tool. Any suggestions?
3) I have a Dustbuster XL mounted on a shelf right over a trash can with a 6" flex hose coming off the bottom of the shelf to the top of the trash can. I'm thinking of making the lid of the trash can out of wood. I would have to put some kind of seal around the edge of this lid. Will a standard $30 metal trash can hold up to the vacuum? Any suggestions?
4) Any suggestions how to dust collect on a chop saw?
Thanks for your help.