How much CFM is needed for a 15-inch thickness planer?

Under industrial ACGIH standards, a 15-inch planer requires a minimum of 785 CFM at 4,000 FPM air velocity to capture fine dust and prevent horizontal pipe clogs.

Why is 6-inch duct preferred over 4-inch duct for shop dust collection?

A 4-inch pipe produces severe static pressure friction drop above 450 CFM. A 6-inch pipe allows 800 CFM to flow cleanly at the optimal 4,000 FPM transport velocity.

Cyclone Dust Collection CFM & Static Pressure Sizer

1. Machine & Branch Duct Setup

Primary Woodworking Machine Port: Standard ACGIH industrial airflow required for true fine-dust capture.

Main Ductwork Diameter: Maintains air velocity above 3,800–4,000 FPM to avoid pipe clogs.

2. Ductwork Run & Resistance

Straight Spiral Metal Pipe Run (Feet): Total distance along main trunk to machine port.

Number of 90° Directional Elbows: Counts turns in the line (a 45° bend counts as half a 90° elbow).

Elbow Radius Geometry:

Flexible Hose Drop Length (Feet): Ribbed flex hose creates 3× to 4× the friction resistance of smooth steel.

Cyclone & Filter Configuration:

2. Engineered System Performance

Recommended Cyclone Impeller Power:

Enter duct specs

Select machine port and enter run measurements.

Total System Resistance (Static Pressure Loss):

0.0 in. WG

Duct: 0.0" | Elbows: 0.0" | Flex: 0.0" | Cyclone/Filter: 0.0"

Calculated Operating Airflow at Machine Port:

0 CFM

Meets ACGIH standard for airborne PM2.5 capture.

Duct Air Transport Velocity:

0 FPM

Target: 3,800–4,200 FPM (Ideal wood shop chip suspension).

Woodworking Machine Capture Airflow & Duct Velocity Guidelines

ACGIH recommended capture CFM, optimal pipe sizes, and minimum air transport velocities:

Machine Port	Min Capture Airflow	Recommended Duct Diameter	Target Duct Velocity	Friction Drop / 10'	Min Impeller Power
10" Cabinet Table Saw	650 CFM	6.0" Main (4" Base + 2.5" Guard)	3,820 FPM	~0.42 in. WG	2.0–3.0 HP
8"–12" Parallelogram Jointer	500 CFM	5.0" or 6.0" Duct	3,900 FPM	~0.38 in. WG	2.0 HP
15"–20" Thickness Planer	785 CFM	6.0" Smooth Spiral Pipe	4,000 FPM	~0.58 in. WG	3.0 HP
24"+ Wide Drum Sander	850 CFM	6.0" or 7.0" Duct	4,320 FPM	~0.72 in. WG	3.0–5.0 HP
Compound Miter Saw Hood	600 CFM	5.0" or 6.0" Duct	3,850 FPM	~0.40 in. WG	2.0–3.0 HP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum duct velocity to prevent sawdust buildup?

Main trunk velocity must stay between 3,800 and 4,200 FPM. Dropping below 3,500 FPM causes dust to fall out of the airstream and accumulate along horizontal runs.

How much static pressure does flexible hose add?

Ribbed flexible PVC hose creates roughly 3 to 4 times the friction resistance of smooth spiral pipe of identical diameter.

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Workshop Safety & Engineering Disclaimer: Calculations are ventilation guidelines based on ACGIH models. Always check manufacturer fan curves (CFM vs. SP in. WG) and ground metal ductwork to prevent static discharge.