charnwood DC50 Vacuum Dust Extractor User Manual

: October 30, 2023
: Charnwood

Table of Contents

Charnwood DC50 Vacuum Dust Extractor
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
What Type of Extractor Should I Use
What Filtration Level Do I Need
Fixed Installation
What About Machinery Without A Dust Port
How About Cleaning Up The Workshop
- Do I Need Additional Protection
Documents / Resources

Charnwood DC50 Vacuum Dust Extractor

charnwood-DC50-Vacuum-Dust-Extractor-PRODUCT

Product Information

Dust Extraction Buyers Guide

Woodworking involves the risk of breathing in wood dust, making dust control an essential part of any workshop. Collecting wood chips and shavings is required when using certain types of machinery, and it makes tidying up after a day in the workshop a much simpler task. The Dust Extraction Buyers Guide provides information on two different types of extractors: Vacuum & High Volume, and examples of three different models are given.

Model	Type	Use	Pros	Cons
DC50	Vacuum Dust Extractor.	Most suitable for Power tools and benchtop

machinery. Maximum
recommended hose length of 10m.| Fine filtration level as standard. No deterioration in
performance when using smaller bore hoses. Compact size. Low noise.
Very mobile. Large collection capacity.| Very noisy. Short maximum run time. Messy to empty. Reduced
performance when using a smaller bore hose.
W696| High Volume, hobby level with Cloth Filter| Most suitable for a mobile installation with bench top and
floor-standing machinery. Maximum recommended hose length 3m.| Large Low noise. Can run continuously for 8 hours. Large
collection capacity.| Reduced performance when using smaller bore hose.
W791CF| High Volume, professional level with Cartridge Filter| Most suitable for a fixed installation connected to bench top
and floor-standing machinery. Maximum recommended hose length
7m.| Low noise. Very mobile. Large collection capacity. Reduced
performance when using smaller bore hose. Requires a 16amp electric
supply.| Very noisy. Messy to empty.

Product Usage Instructions

When it comes to dust extractors, there are two types to consider Vacuum & High Volume. The DC50 is most suitable for power tools and bench-top machinery, while the W696 is the most suitable for a mobile installation with a bench-top and floor-standing machinery, and the W791CF is most suitable for a fixed installation connected to bench-top and floor-standing machinery.
A typical hobby-level high-volume dust extractor will be supplied with a cloth filter, with a rating of 5 microns. A 5-micron filter is sufficient for collecting from machines such as a Table saw, Bandsaw, Planer Thicknesser, Router, Spindle Moulder, Mitre Saw & Lathe when cutting softwood or hardwood. When working with MDF or when sanding, a higher level of filtration is recommended at 2 microns.
The highest level of filtration currently available is 1 micron and can be upgraded at any time to a finer filter. Vacuum extractors have a 1-micron filter fitted as standard. If you notice a gradual deterioration in the performance of your extraction system, the most likely cause is a clogged filter. It will need to be cleaned or replaced depending on what type it is.
For the smaller one-person workshop, it is most common to use the extractor as a portable unit. Moving it around the workshop and simply connecting the length of the hose to each dust-producing machine as you use it.

What Type of Extractor Should I Use

Everyone involved in woodworking is now well aware of the risks associated with breathing in wood dust, making dust control an essential part of any workshop. Wood chips and shavings are more of a nuisance than a health risk, but collecting them is required when using certain types of machinery. If nothing else, it makes tidying up after a day in the workshop a much simpler task.
There are 2 different types of extractors: Vacuum & High Volume.
Below are examples of 3 different models.

Model	DC50	W696	W791CF
Type	Vacuum Dust Extractor.	High Volume, hobby level with Cloth Filter	High

Volume, professional level with Cartridge Filter
Use| Most suitable for Power tools and benchtop machinery.

Maximum recommended hose length 10m.

| Most suitable for a mobile installation with bench top and floor-standing machinery.

Maximum recommended hose length 3m.

| Most suitable for a fixed installation connected to bench top and floor- standing machinery. Maximum recommended hose length

7m.

Pros| Fine filtration level as standard. No deterioration in performance when using smaller bore hoses. Compact

size.

| Low noise. Very mobile. Large collection capacity.| Low noise. Can run continuously for 8 hours. Large collection capacity.
Cons| Very noisy. Short maximum run time. Messy to empty.| Reduced performance when using smaller bore hose.| Reduced performance when using smaller bore hose.

Requires a 16amp electric

supply.

A typical home workshop would most likely choose between DC50 and W696. A larger home workshop or commercial workshop would also consider the W791CF.
Each type has pros and cons and it completely depends on your workshop setup as to which is most suitable for you.
A vacuum extractor uses a brush motor to turn a fan, creating a vacuum inside the metal drum which makes up the body. Air rushes into the low pressure area pulling with it dust, chips and shavings. The air then passes out of the drum through a 2 stage filter, leaving the dust behind. To empty them, the lid and motor unit is removed and the drum can then be emptied out into a wheelie bin or a plastic bag. There is no collection bag inside the drum, so it can get a bit messy.
A high volume extractor works on a different principal, using a large impellor to generate an airflow. Air flows down the hose, pulling dust and shavings with it, passing through the fan and then into the plastic collection bag. The air then passes out through the filter material, leaving the dust behind. The standard diameter of hose used with these machines is 100mm. When you put your hand over the end of the hose it will not feel as powerful as a vacuum type: do not be fooled by that, these extractors work by shifting a bigger volume of air and are very effective.
If you predominantly use power tools, a vacuum type of extractor works best as they can run through a narrow diameter hose, commonly 38mm, without any loss of suction.
If you only have larger woodworking machinery, such as a table saw, bandsaw and planer, then a high volume extractor will work best.
If you have a mix of smaller bench top and larger machines then there is no clear answer as to which performs best. If you have the space for it, a high volume extractor will usually be the winner thanks to the much lower noise level they produce.

What Filtration Level Do I Need

charnwood-DC50-Vacuum-Dust-Extractor-
FIG-2

A typical hobby level high volume dust extractor will be supplied with a cloth filter, with a rating of 5 microns. That means it will filter out 99% of dust particles at 5 micron size or bigger. It will also trap some smaller particles too but to a lesser level, so at 1 micron it might only be 50%.
A 5 micron filter is actually sufficient for collecting from machines such as Table saw, Bandsaw, Planer Thicknesser, Router, Spindle Moulder, Mitre Saw & Lathe when cutting softwood or hardwood.
When working with MDF, or when sanding, a higher level of filtration is recommended of 2 microns. Again it will filter 99% of dust particles at 2 micron size or bigger.
The highest level of filtration currently available is 1 micron. These filters use a card like material supported by a metal cage. They are pleated to increase the surface area of the filter to maintain the same flow rate as the cloth type filters.
Most extractors can be upgraded at any time to a finer filter.
Vacuum extractors have a 1 micron filter fitted as standard.
If you notice a gradual deterioration in the performance of your extraction system, the most likely cause is a clogged filter. It will need to be cleaned or replaced, depending on what type it is. If the air cannot easily pass through the filter, it will not be drawn down the hose.

Mobile Or Fixed Installation?

The first thing to decide is how best to use the extractor.
For the smaller one person workshop, it is most common to use the extractor as a portable unit. Moving it around the workshop and simply connecting the length of hose to each dust producing machine as you use it.
The other option is to site the extractor in a fixed place in the workshop and create a branch system of hoses which are permanently connected to each dust producing machine. This can be the best choice for workshops where the machines do not get moved around too much. It is the more expensive option, but once installed is the easiest to use and there will never be an excuse for not running the extractor. A fixed installation is almost always used for large extractors, say 2hp and above. The larger physical size makes moving them around just too awkward.

Mobile Installation

As the standard hose diameter is 100mm (4”) it works best if all the machines you connect to, are converted to a 100mm diameter outlet.
A range of Reducers are available to convert bench top machines and power tools to 100mm. They can be fitted over the outside or on the inside of the existing outlet. Carefully measure any outlets you have which are not 100mm and check the table for the best fit. If nothing seems to do the job (or the outlet is not round) there is the option of heat shrink sleeve which can be used on any outlet from 38mm to 100mm diameter.

Item	From: OD	ID	To: OD	ID
125/150RC	125mm	123mm	150mm	148mm
100/150RC	100mm	94mm	150mm	144mm
100/125RC	100mm	93mm	125mm	119mm
100/115RC	100mm	94mm	115mm	110mm
100/75RC	100mm	93mm	75mm	68mm
100/67RC	100mm	94mm	67mm	60mm
100/63RC	100mm	93mm	63mm	58mm
100/58RC	100mm	93mm	58mm	50mm
100/50RC	100mm	93mm	50mm	45mm
100/45RC	100mm	94mm	45mm	39mm
100/38RC	100mm	93mm	38mm	31mm
100/35RC	100mm	94mm	35mm	28mm
100/30RC	100mm	94mm	30mm	25mm
100/25RC	100mm	96mm	25mm	18mm
63/81RC	63mm	58mm	81mm	76mm
63/75RC	63mm	57mm	75mm	69mm
63/56RC	63mm	58mm	56mm	50mm
63/45RC	63mm	58mm	45mm	39mm
63/38RC	63mm	57mm	38mm	32mm
63/30RC	63mm	58mm	30mm	25mm
75/50RC	75mm	69mm	50mm	44mm
150/25RC	Stepped Reducer 150mm, 125mm, 100mm, 75mm, 63mm, 50mm & 25mm

Once you have converted all your machines to 100mm outlets, you then need to make it fast and simple to move your hose from one machine to another. We are always in a hurry and sometimes connecting the extractor for a job which takes 5 seconds, just does not seem worthwhile.
Using a quick push connector or quick action hose clamp will greatly increase the chances of making the effort to connect the extractor to the mitre saw just to trim down a small work piece.
When buying a quick push connector, firstly check which direction the wire helix in the hose runs.
Imagine the end of the hose is the nut and the quick push connector is a bolt, which way would you turn it to screw it in. Hoses are available in both right handed (the normal way!) and left handed versions from different manufacturers. Hoses supplied with machines (foreign made) are most often left handed. Charnwood hose, sold by the metre, is UK made and has a right handed thread.

Fixed Installation

Installing a hose network around the workshop can be a really great solution. It keeps the workshop tidy and minimises the risk from trip hazards, such as a length of hose lying in an unexpected place.
An important consideration is what length will the maximum hose run be? Extractors have a maximum recommended hose length. You can exceed it, but the further you go, the less efficient the extractor will become. The chart below assumes you will be using 100mm diameter hose.

Type of Extractor	Recommended Maximum Length of Hose
Vacuum Extractor up to 1100w (1.5hp)	10 meters (must be airtight) *
High Volume Extractor up to 750w (1hp)	3 meters
High Volume Extractor up to 1500w (2hp)	7 meters
High Volume Extractor up to 2200w (3hp)	10 meters

Vacuum extractors need to create a vacuum inside the hose, therefore any gaps or air leaks will impair the performance.
If you are using a Vacuum Extractor it is possible to install the hose network using 63mm diameter, rather than the usual 100mm. There are 2 reasons to do this: It takes up less space and it costs less.

Installing Flexible Hoses and Tubes

Flexible hoses are sold by the metre. Design your network and measure up the length of hose you need. Buy the hose in a single length and then cut it down yourself, just using a craft knife and a pair of side cutter pliers.
If there is a long straight section you could use clear tube instead of flexible hose. Clear tube has a smooth internal bore and helps to keep the airflow higher, increasing the overall performance.
To join 2 lengths of hose together: use a Hose Splice and 2 Hose Clamps.
To join 2 lengths of clear tube together: use a push fit connector sleeve.
Flexible hose will join straight onto the clear tube, fastened with a hose clamp.
To go around a 90 degree corner, you can just bend the flexible hose, but using an elbow will give a better air flow and increase the efficiency.
Hoses or tube can be fixed to the wall or ceiling of the workshop using a series of wall hangers or J hooks. J hooks allow easy removal of the hose.
The usual way to configure a hose network is to run a hose along the wall of the workshop, at waist height or whatever is most convenient for your layout, from the extractor to the furthest piece of machinery to be connected. Then insert a Y-Piece or T-piece at points where you will branch off to machines.
Hose will join directly onto a Y or T piece, secured with a clamp. Clear tube can be joined onto a Y or T using a connector sleeve.
The next thing to add is a blast gate. You need to include a blast gate in each branch. The gate is used to block the air flow down the unused branch, creating a higher air flow down the active branch. When wall mounting the gate has its own bracket.
When joining a gate directly onto a Y or T use the quick connect gate version which will push fit straight on. The next length of hose is then secured to the gate using a clamp.
Depending on the size of the machine and the position of the dust outlet, it may be easier to locate the blast gate directly onto the outlet of the dust producing machine.

What About Machinery Without A Dust Port

Some machines do not have an obvious method for collecting dust and chips. Bench grinders, Drill presses and lathes fall into this category. With a bit of thought, some kind of hopper or funnel can be constructed to catch most of the dust and direct it towards the end of the hose.
A range of plastic dust hoods can be used for this purpose or as a simple way to adapt a homemade funnel to attach the hose to it.
Most woodturners will at least use dust extraction when sanding, if not at all times. Positioning a hood just behind the lathe will create an airflow that will draw the finer airborne dust into the extractor.

How About Cleaning Up The Workshop

The end of the hose can be used for collecting dust, chips and small offcuts from the floor of the workshop or from the work bench. It can also be used for cleaning down machines.
Adding a nozzle to the end of the hose makes that work better. You can use a simple vacuum cleaner type nozzle or something a bit more sophisticated.
The other option is to bring the dust to the extractor by using a floor mount dust hood. The dust hood is connected to a hose branch from the extractor. Turn the extractor on and use a brush to sweep the chips into the mouth of the dust hood.

Do I Need Additional Protection

Even the best extraction system cannot capture 100% of the dust in the workshop. Some dust will always go air borne and float around the workshop. Everybody has probably experienced going to the workshop in the morning finding a fine layer of dust has settled on flat surfaces overnight.
This air borne dust can be removed with an air Cleaner. They are design to either sit on a shelf or be suspended from the ceiling, quietly filtering the air in the workshop up 10 times per hour, removing the really fine dust which you cannot even see. No more dust settling overnight.
When creating basically when a good idea. The reusable face and can applying a
particularly fine dust, which is sanding, the use of a face mask is also They can be disposable or reusable. type offer a better seal around the also be used when spraying or finish. They can even remove odours. ****

Charnwood Machinery Ltd 2020

Documents / Resources

| charnwood DC50 Vacuum Dust Extractor [pdf] User Manual
DC50, W696, W791CF, DC50 Vacuum Dust Extractor, DC50, Vacuum Dust Extractor, Dust Extractor, Extractor
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