Well, I spent a good hour looking at posts related and think I need to ask the gang for a more direct answer. We all buy machines that usually come with a 4" dust exhaust port. (Okay some of you did buy super deluxe machines that do come with larger, but I'm asking about us others who buy the regular sized ones) Without the repeat of "why do they do it" part when we know a 5" or 6" port is better, let's jump to what is the fix.
There are lots of good discussions on where to go to buy hose, duct, gates, etc but I can't find any that actually go right to the root of my problem ... the actual tool port. A few threads on adapting scrap together items to create a new flange. (often invlolving a bit of welding)
But here's the crux of my question; Has anyone found a place to buy 5" or 6" ports that are easily retro-fitted to our usual brands of woodworking machinery? Realizing a larger hole may have to be cut on occasion to accomodate and a piece of weatherstripping or the like needs to be used (or silicone), so what have people used that's easy and reasonable to make or buy?
Although I can perform most type things in the shop, fabricating metal from scratch is not my strong suit. (especially metal) I'm again hoping, there is a place where hopefully someone can direct me to simply order on line, round or rectangular, 5" or 6" flanges (ports) than I can re-fit to my machines. Lots of recommendation threads about all the related equip for a DC system, just can't find one on actual store bought enlarged ports. I would have thought Oneida, Grizzly, Clearview, Laguna, Penn State, etc would have provided these as it is such a no-brainer to not choke down their systems with the stock tool ports (4" on most machines).
If anybody can direct me or give me an idea of making these which doesn't involve nuclear physics it'd be much oblidged.