I'm working with an older Grizzly dust collector that has a 5" inlet. I'm considering upgrading it to a 6" inlet to match my separator and main duct runs before it goes down to 4". The 5" size is a bit inconvenient as it's not easy to find replacements. Has anyone tried this kind of DIY upgrade, and what should I be cautious about?
1 Answer
As an aero engineer, I’d advise against modifying the volute or fan housing since they’re designed to work with specific dimensions. Instead, you might want to use a smooth neck-down adapter to fit into the volute. Make sure there are no internal edges or steps, as these can cause turbulence. If possible, a short straight pipe can help the airflow, improving the fan’s efficiency without adding too much drag. That way, you can maximize air intake without compromising your system.
Excellent, thanks!