I'm looking at a Oneida Supercell system for my expanded shop area (a very big investment!). Looking at ways to run the tubing around the perimeter and then have connections/gates at each tool. Curious if anyone has a setup they would be willing to share. Trying to think through and balance what will be effective while trying to not totally break the bank.

That unit is claimed to work very well with smaller ducting. If true, using 4" PVC is about as economical as it gets. The fittings are fairly affordable as well. The Supercell is also claimed to be less impacted buy longer runs so going around the perimeter shouldn't be a problem. My setup is quite a bit different than what you want to do, so pics wouldn't be helpful (MO). But I suggest you make your own gates since the purchased ones 1.) don't fit the 4" PVC very well, and 2') most of them are made in  way that the entire opening isn't, well, open. The slide gate blocks a small amount of the opening. there are several ways to make the gates (I think Gerald may have posted one way here on this forum) but if needed I can post a few pics of the styles i have. Lastly, when putting in the elbows use 2-45° els with a short piece of straight pipe between them to smooth out the air flow at those points a little. I'm not sure if that unit comes with a remote switch, if not you'll want to plan on having that as well. 

 

PS, I had to search for that info on gates that Gerald wrote, here it is.

Edited November 25, 2025Nov 25 by Fred W. Hargis Jr

When I built my shop, I put the dust collection system outside then ran 4” thin wall PVC around the upper walls making sure not to have any 90 degree bends.  I really like having the dust collection outside both for the noise reduction and emptying the can.  

Gordon- your setup looks great. I'll have to go inside with the unit although I see many benefits of the outside setup for noise, emptying, and heat generation.

 

In the ducting, the Supercell notes specifically "...we recommend against using PVC pipe for your Supercell ductwork" so was planning to use the "tubing" like comes with the unit. They have various connectors but the cost starts to add up! From my reading and discussion with Oneida, the system is unique with regard to the pressure and not needing to worry about the tight corners, etc. 

I wrote a reply without saying anything! That will teach me to write responses before caffeine! I seen that Oneida had a “limited number” of factory refurbished units available yesterday in an email.  Maybe lighten the cost of the machine so the ductwork expense can be balanced.  I also encourage you to have a look at https://www.clearvuecyclones.com.  I’m not putting one vendor in front of another by any stretch, but knowledge is power and you may glean some value from looking around there.  
 

I applaud you for valuing your health over getting another piece of woodworking equipment.  I hope you put pictures and share your journey with us.

3 minutes ago, SigmundJake said:

I seen that Oneida had a “limited number” of factory refurbished units available yesterday in an email.

I actually asked yesterday when I called Oneida with some questions and no Supercells in that offer. 😕

 

Took a quick look at the Clearvue and looks like they cost even more. I'm feeling pretty confident in the Supercell for what I need on my shop. Now I need to think through the details and get up my courage to make the purchase!  As you note, this is a health-related purchase. I do always wear a dust mask and hearing protection. Woodworking is a hobby and I have too many other active pursuits that I want to maintain (e.g., hiking, kayaking, running, cycling).

How about that, I was unaware that CV had opened back up. That's really good news.

@Gordon...knowing how cold your region can get and with your unit in a "open" climate setting do you experience any motor start issues or problems with frost accumulation or moisture transfer during the winter months?

 

Following along this thread topic. Very helpful insight for current and future readers. Thanks for the discussion.

Edited November 25, 2025Nov 25 by Grandpadave52

14 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

knowing how cold your region can get and with your unit in a "open" climate setting do you experience any motor start issues or problems with frost accumulation or moisture transfer during the winter months?

That picture was taken during the construction phase, it is now completely walled in with a removable door and gaps filled with either spray foam or chalk. That said, it is not heated or any climate control. The motor and blower unit is an harbor freight system. So far I haven’t had any issues with it. Also, since I don’t have any neighbors near by and the shop backs into the woods the fan is vented straight out using a dryer vent. I think the lack of an exit filter gives me a slight advantage in vacuum.

Other notes, if you’re looking to build a lid for a trash can as I did here, it’s two plywood circles, inside and outside. Since the can isn’t a perfect circle I had to make the inside circle about an inch smaller and used foam weather strips. I ended up installing some latches as gravity wasn’t enough to keep a seal. 
I use it all the time, many days with negative temperatures and no issues (so far) and I’m very happy with it. 

I am very glad the system works well for you @Gordon and it’s very well thought out. I must admit, I’m very intrigued by you having the collection point outside.
 

When I built my workshop, I installed a louvered exhaust fan in the wall.  It is controlled by a switch for now. The good news is it removes the fine particles. The bad news is it also takes the conditioned air with and I have to open a window or door to effectively exchange the air. I also had to build a cover or lid to provide insulation.  Also, in my infinite wisdom, that was also the location of my TV. Hindsight is always 20/20.
 

I am very glad everyone is taking dust collection seriously.