I'm a newcomer here, so please forgive me if this is an overdone topic.
Background: I build acoustic guitars as a hobby. I found this forum in my research regarding dust collection, and the comments I found here were very helpful in my decision to "ramp it up" by buying a Clear Vue CV1800, the installation of which is almost complete. Thanks for being so informative on the topic.
Here is my question:
I also recently bought a Ridgid R4512 table saw. I know that most folks here think the best way to maximize dust collection on a table saw is to collect both from the cabinet and from over the blade. I'm convinced; I'll order a Shark Guard at some point in the near future. However, if you assume that I will have over the blade collection, do you think it is also necessary to open up the stock 4 inch dust collection port under the R4512 cabinet to 5 or 6 inches, or is the combination of a Shark Guard and the stock 4 inch port enough?
I realize that most table saws struggle to collect dust just from underneath, so widening that port is normally the way to go. However, the R4512 has what looks like a slightly better design for dust collection than I've seen on other saws of its ilk. There is a plastic funnel that forms the floor of the cabinet, with all four sides sloping toward a 4 inch port in the middle. So, I didn't want to assume that what is true for most saws is true for this one, too.
A factor here is the PITA it will be to take the saw off its legs to replace the dust collection funnel with something that has a 5 or 6 inch port. If it is necessary, then I'll do it, but MAN, this saw is heavy. If a 4 inch port for this saw will do the trick (when combined with collection above the blade), then I would rather not deal with replacing what's there.
Thanks in advance for your help!
--Don