Guide · Wyes, elbows and reducers
A small-shop duct run: the parts list, one standard at a time
Every joint from the collector inlet to the tool, a sample parts list for hose-fitting, S&D and Schedule 40 runs, where gates go, and what OSHA's 1997 bulletin says.
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Picks that fit
- POWERTEC 70106 4 in Y-fitting dust hose connectorCheck price on Amazon
- POWERTEC 70135 4 in aluminum blast gateCheck price on Amazon
- POWERTEC 70260 4 in keyed bridge hose clamp, 10‑packCheck price on Amazon
Short answer
List every joint from the collector inlet to each tool. Pick one fitting standard for the run, then buy gates, wyes, elbows and reducers made to that standard, plus one adapter at each place where two standards meet. This page gives the parts list, not airflow sizing: follow your collector maker's manual for the system itself.
Picks that fitAll picks and how to choose
- POWERTEC 70106 4 in Y-fitting dust hose connectorCheck price on Amazon
- POWERTEC 70135 4 in aluminum blast gateCheck price on Amazon
- POWERTEC 70260 4 in keyed bridge hose clamp, 10‑packCheck price on Amazon
Start at the collector
The first joint is the collector inlet. Harbor Freight's 59726 manual, as one example, says to connect 4-inch vent pipe, not included, to the collector's 4-inch inlet side when building a new system, with tool hoses running to adapters into the pipe.[1] When only one inlet is in use, the same manual says to cap the unused one with the supplied inlet cap.[1]
Your collector may differ. Dust-collector inlet sizes and inlet Ys shows how to read yours.
Pick one standard for the run
A duct run built from one family of parts needs adapters only at its ends. Mixing families means an adapter at every change. Rockler, for example, says PVC sewer-and-drain pipe does not connect directly to most dust fittings without an adapter.[2] Duct fitting standards explains the families.
Blast gates
A blast gate closes off a branch you are not using. It sits on each drop or branch, between the main run and the tool hose. Two maker descriptions show how differently gates are built:
- POWERTEC describes its 70135 as a cast aluminum body with a steel sliding gate.[3] Its outlet is nominal 4-inch OD, actually tapering from 3-29/32 to 3-31/32 inches.[3]
- Infinity Tools says its 4-inch gate has tapered fittings on both sides to accept 4-inch hose, and that hose clamps are required.[4]
Blast gates: sizes, ends and materials covers how to choose one.
A sample parts list per standard
No quantities, and no sizing by airflow: those come from your layout and your collector maker.
| Joint | Hose-fitting run | S&D PVC run | Schedule 40 run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collector inlet | Hose or fitting sized to the inlet in your manual | Adapter from inlet to S&D | Adapter from inlet to Schedule 40 |
| Main line | 4 in hose or hose-fitting pipe | S&D pipe | Schedule 40 pipe |
| Branches | Wyes made for hose fittings | S&D wyes | Schedule 40 wyes |
| Turns | Hose-fitting elbows | S&D elbows | Schedule 40 elbows |
| Gates | Gates with ends for 4 in hose | Gate plus an S&D adapter on each side | Gate plus a Schedule 40 adapter on each side |
| Drop to tool | Hose, then a reducer if the port is smaller | S&D adapter, then hose | Schedule 40 adapter, then hose |
| Joints on hose | Hose clamps sized to the hose OD | Same | Same |
Parts for a 4-inch hose-fitting run
Picks that fit3 products
For a run built from 4 in hose fittings: the POWERTEC 70106 is a single 4 in Y-fitting, the 70135 listing is a 2-pack of 4 in aluminum gates (70135-P2), and the 70260 is a 10-pack of 4 in key clamps (the seller's sizing).
More on choosing
Check that each end matches your hose's inside diameter. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or POWERTEC.
POWERTEC 70106 4 in Y-fitting dust hose connector
Aluminum gate with dimensioned 4 in ends
4 in key clamps in a larger pack
For a sewer-and-drain run that meets 4-inch fittings, Rockler sells a transition fitting:
Picks that fit1 product
Choose this Rockler fitting only where S&D pipe meets 4 in dust fittings, not for Schedule 40.
More on choosing
On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or Rockler.
Rockler Dust Right 4 in fitting for PVC sewer pipe
Does my collector have to be outside?
For a home shop we cannot tell you; follow your collector maker and current NFPA guidance. Here is what the sources in our register say, with their scope.
OSHA's woodworking guidance says woodworking facilities are especially at risk for fire because of the abundant sawdust they produce.[5] OSHA's 1997 hazard bulletin on improper installation of wood dust collectors cites an older NFPA 664 requirement that collectors be located outside buildings, with limited exceptions.[6] The same bulletin stresses following the manufacturer's installation instructions.[6]
That bulletin is from 1997, cites an older edition and is written for workplaces. It is not current home-shop code.
What this page does not cover
No wiring, remote switches or blast-gate automation, and no glue or cement for PVC joints. For fire and static questions, see what OSHA and NFPA say.
Next
Questions
What parts do I need for a dust collection duct run?
One part for each joint: a collector-inlet connection, main line, wyes, elbows, a gate on each branch, a drop or hose to each tool, reducers where ports are smaller, and clamps on hose joints. Buy them all to one fitting standard.
Should I use one fitting standard for the whole run?
It keeps adapters to a minimum. Rockler says sewer-and-drain pipe does not connect directly to most dust fittings without an adapter, so every change of standard adds a transition.[2]
Where do blast gates go?
On each branch or drop, between the main run and the tool hose, so you can close the branches you are not using. Check each gate's ends: Infinity says its 4-inch gate needs hose clamps.[4]
Does my collector have to be outside?
OSHA's 1997 bulletin cites an older NFPA 664 requirement that collectors be outside buildings, with exceptions, for workplaces. It is not current home code; follow your collector maker and current NFPA guidance.[6]