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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a cyclone, anyhow? 
How much do they cost? 
Which one should I get? 
What do I get for the money I spend? 
What else do I need to buy? 
How does it work? 
How big is it? 
Do you sell the piping and accessories? 
Can I put it outdoors? 
How much is shipping? 
How long of a wait is there? 
What all comes with my new cyclone? 
How do I know if I really need one?
Can you help me figure out how to put it in? 
How do I know which one I need? 

What is a cyclone and what does it do?

It is a dust management system. All chip collectors gather the chips. The Blue Tornado Cyclone system gets rid of the chips AND the dust.
 Breathe easy and drastically reduce your cleanup time!
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How much do they cost?

Call for Latest Prices  (back to top)

Which one should I get?

If you already have a chip collector that is working well and you want to keep it, a retrofit cyclone is the starting point, the commercial system is the better value. If you are strictly a hobbyist, probably a 102 will suffice. If you are a serious woodworker, or a multi use shop, you should be looking at a 103 commercial.  (back to top)

What do I get for that?

The 102 and 103 cyclones come with cyclone, legs, drum, and connection kit. The 102 and 103 commercial systems add blower, motor, pedestal, filter tubes (4 with 103/3 with 102) mounting hardware and clamps.  (back to top)

So what else do I have to get?

You need to provide ductwork, plenum, and 5-gallon buckets (matching buckets are available). The plenum can be made out of 1 sheet of ½" plywood in about 30 minutes.  (back to top)

How does it work?

The blower sucks the air through the cyclone, which separates the dust from the air. The dust and chips go into the drum, the air (with very tiny amounts of dust) goes through the blower and into the filter tubes where it is captured. The air then returns to your shop. The air returning to your shop has been filtered down to approximately ½ micron. The airflow is the highest in its class in the world.  (back to top)

How big is it?

It is approximately the size of a large water heater. It is 6’4" for the 102 and 6’7" for the 103. If you want to mount the blower above the cyclone (which we highly recommend) you will need around 8’4" between the rafters for the 102; 8’7" for the 103.  (back to top)

Do you sell the pipes (ductwork) that go with it?

Yes. We sell fittings and pipe, but pipe is expensive to ship because it is so long and easy to crush. It is usually cheaper to buy the pipe locally, and order fittings from us.  (back to top)

Can I put it outside?

Yes, if enclosed. But for a number of reasons it is almost always better to keep it inside. We have many suggestions about placement to help you fit a system in your shop.  (back to top)

How much is shipping?

Ordinarily $140-$235 depending on which one you order and where you live.  (back to top)

How long before I get it?

It has been 4 to 6 weeks, but those times are getting even better.  (back to top)

What all comes with it?

The 102 and 103 cyclones come with cyclone, legs, drum, and connection kit. The 102 and 103 commercial systems add blower, motor, pedestal, filter tubes (4 with 103/3 with 102) mounting hardware and clamps.  (back to top)

How do I know if I need one or not?

Almost all shops need one; they get rid of small particles in the air that end up clogging up your respiratory system. You can breathe easier and not worry about what you're breathing with a Blue Tornado Cyclone.  (back to top)

How do I know which one I need?

We can assist you with your choice. Please have the following information when you call: How many dust generating machines; size; how far apart; and how long of a run to where the blower/cyclone will be situated.  (back to top)

Can I get help figuring out how it goes into my shop?

Of course. That is part of the service we provide. If you mail us a layout of your shop we will gladly make a recommendation for a ducting plan and continue to work with you to get the best system for you.  (back to top)