"I found out about Oneida Air a few years ago when I began researching dust collection systems. At first, my attention was attracted to the 'least costly system'; as my thinking was 'it would be just fine and I wouldn't be paying a high price tag'. Then, as I researched, it soon became apparent that in the publications which cyclone systems where mentioned - such as Fine Woodworking (and their cyclone tests); as well as in online sites and forum sites - that Oneida consistently seemed to be the 'usual' winner.
The next issue for me was deciding what type of piping to use, and, where could I find the best price. After looking hither and yon online, it also became obvious that buying my cyclone from Oneida and also their piping, was the most cost efficient way as well as the least expensive option. Deciding to use the spiral pipe became apparent after figuring the small cost difference between plain pipe and spiral. I would have loved to use the Nord Fab/Quick Connect pipe, but that definitely was out of my price range.
I wish to add that the ceiling height in my shop, where the pipes run up against it, is about 16 feet. So there was quite a bit of two-level scaffold work involved. I had my brother help me: as I worked up top, he handed me pipes, elbows, etc.
The wood pipe mounting brackets are screwed directly into the ceiling trusses. Once anchored, they allow the pipe to be attached extremely securely using the 'holey' plumber' strap. Since each bracket holds the pipe about 3 inches from the ceiling (or wall, or post - depending on where they're used), this allows easy access for taping completely around the joints. Flexible aluminum foil tape, 2 inches wide, was used abundantly around each joint; and any bubbles pressed flat as possible. I had read about using 'duct tape'. But I considered that a poor way to treat a topnotch system, and quickly decided against it. Since 5" flexible, clear, coil hose connects to each machine, I also added a ground wire to a bared copper wire in the hose at each end; one attached to the machine; one attached to the spiral pipe - thus maintaining a continuous ground throughout the system to prevent static buildup.
I was most disappointed to find that the 6" elbow joints did not twist very readily at all. But, I found by taping each joint securely with electrician's tape this held things steady enough so I could get a better grip on the elbow section I was attempting to twist. Once the desired angle/direction was achieved, I removed the tape covering the next joint and adjusted it … and so on.
So, this is something others might find very useful. [one of the photos I think shows this]. And, again, each elbow joint also received its fair share of aluminum foil tape as well. All pipe connections are securely attached with four, 1/2", self tapping, sheet metal screws. All screws were also subjected to serious coverage with the aluminum foil tape. For now, my nearest tools - my 10" Unisaw; 20" planer; and 6" jointer - are about 17 feet from the cyclone. So, that's a 16 foot vertical lift, plus a 17 foot horizontal run. Wood chips fly through the pipes like there is a tornado attached to the other end. Simply marvelous!
The decibel level of the cyclone is fairly obvious, so when it's on, I use hearing protectors. It's possible that in the future, I may build an insulated enclosed "room" around the cyclone to help abate the noise somewhat. But that's another day …
And when I was assigned to Mark Schreiber, who stayed with me for those first couple of years as I slowly made up my mind, I realized that he also had a special knack for offering excellent help and making the customer feel comfortable. He was always supportive and never once offered me the bum's rush. . . . something I half expected him to do - as it took me about two years to finally nail this all down.
And, this past year, when I reached the point where I was ready to finish my project - completion of the 'capped off' expansion line I had created earlier - he was right there with me as if we had never missed a beat. All in all, an outstanding product; outstanding help; and an outstanding result. What could be better! Just what I had hoped to accomplish when I first began my quest. Mission more than accomplished."