Blast Gates

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jttheclockman

jttheclockman

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Saw these the other day and was wondering if anyone has tried them? I use the standard plastic slide blast gates on all my duct system outlets. But many times when I open one and close another I get dust build up in the track of the slider. then I have to clean out to get a full open or close position. I tried clipping the end to allow dust to sneak out but that does not work well so it has always been a hastle. Seeing these is a nice idea but was hoping someone has tried them to see what the likes and dislikes are. If no one has I may get a couple and try on some tools. I am sure there is some drawback with them or some tweak you would have to do to make work.

Anyway what do you all think?

https://www.woodpeck.com/fullthrottle-blast-gate.html
 
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Hey John. I have no experience with these, but based on my 35 year in commercial/industrial HVAC, I don't like this butterfly design. A typical butterfly valve design has a flexible seat that the disc seats into for close off. I don't see anything like that in these. I bet they will leak.
 
d_bondi said:
Hey John. I have no experience with these, but based on my 35 year in commercial/industrial HVAC, I don't like this butterfly design. A typical butterfly valve design has a flexible seat that the disc seats into for close off. I don't see anything like that in these. I bet they will leak.
Click to expand...
https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervi...=78B40BEABA6E46CEB54AABC945AB29F9&FORM=VRDGAR


I was thinking about that and was thinking of a thin wire insulation wrapped around the butterfly

It looks like these been out for at least 4 years now and looks like they never did any improvements. The thing about leaking air was brought up as well as only 4" size. Suggested that there be an indent to show and feel full open and closed. I guess I will save my money and stay with standard gates. been that way for over 25 years so why change now. Just thought I would throw the question out there in case someone has tried them or even knows of a product that works like this. The idea is good but product lacks thought. Build a better mouse trap.
 
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jttheclockman said:
https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervi...=78B40BEABA6E46CEB54AABC945AB29F9&FORM=VRDGAR


I was thinking about that and was thinking of a thin wire insulation wrapped around the butterfly
Click to expand...

Watching that video makes me think that this product wasn't very well thought through. Too many things that are just, "oh hey, we didn't think of that", like can you solvent weld it to PVC...

I'm not sure how you would bet wire insulation to stay in place or what type you would use. For example, the insulation on THHN and TFFN is too rigid and slick to be a good seal. I don't like that it traps material on the axel. I don't like that he didn't seem to understand that rotating it 90 degrees would avoid some of that issue. I don't love that the tension on the butterfly handle is an O-ring, that will begin to wear and get dust in it.

I know, I am seeing quite negative on it, I just feel like it isn't worth the trouble. My 2 cents, I'd steer clear of them.
 
d_bondi said:
Watching that video makes me think that this product wasn't very well thought through. Too many things that are just, "oh hey, we didn't think of that", like can you solvent weld it to PVC...

I'm not sure how you would bet wire insulation to stay in place or what type you would use. For example, the insulation on THHN and TFFN is too rigid and slick to be a good seal. I don't like that it traps material on the axel. I don't like that he didn't seem to understand that rotating it 90 degrees would avoid some of that issue. I don't love that the tension on the butterfly handle is an O-ring, that will begin to wear and get dust in it.

I know, I am seeing quite negative on it, I just feel like it isn't worth the trouble. My 2 cents, I'd steer clear of them.
Click to expand...
I agree as I watched it too. 4 years and no improvements. Not even different sizes.
 
d_bondi said:
Watching that video makes me think that this product wasn't very well thought through. Too many things that are just, "oh hey, we didn't think of that", like can you solvent weld it to PVC...

I'm not sure how you would bet wire insulation to stay in place or what type you would use. For example, the insulation on THHN and TFFN is too rigid and slick to be a good seal. I don't like that it traps material on the axel. I don't like that he didn't seem to understand that rotating it 90 degrees would avoid some of that issue. I don't love that the tension on the butterfly handle is an O-ring, that will begin to wear and get dust in it.

I know, I am seeing quite negative on it, I just feel like it isn't worth the trouble. My 2 cents, I'd steer clear of them.
Click to expand...
You can use rubber coated wire like that is used in extention chords. That is not the problem. as far a glue epoxy is the answer for most glue projects. Being out there for 4 years and no improvements is a red flag.
 
Good evening.
I have the same problem with dust jamming up the crevice of the plastic blast gates. I found two solutions:

  1. Piece of wood about 3/4" square and 6-8" long. Drive a nail through one end. Periodically, remove dust hose, stick the stick in the gate, nail in the crevice. Work the nail around to dislodge the compacted dust. Blast with air hose. It works but it's a messy affair and only treats the symptom, not the problem.
  2. So I designed up some blast gates of my own and built them with plywood. Piece of 1/4" or luan about 6"x12" or so. Cut 4" hole in one end. That slides through a frame of 1/2" (I think) plywood. Since the crevice is still occupied by the sliding part when the gate is open, no dust can accumulate there. Does it leak? Of course. Not much. Certainly not enough to care about if you're not running a commercial production shop, which I'm not. The fit is really pretty snug and the suction pulls the slider against the frame when closed. I applied paste wax to the slider for easy sliding.

Anyway, it works for me. I cut parts for several, assembled one and installed on table saw. Really works great. Way cheaper than any bought ones, but does cost some time to make, although they are quite simple.

Anyone interested in pics or design let me know and I'll try to find them in storage. I'm currently between houses (and workshops) but don't mind digging them out.

Thx, rink.
 
I use a piece of wire to clean the tracks if they get too bad. Is it a pain.? yes but needs to be done to keep dust ports operating correctly. This idea looked like it had promise but needs tweaking from what I see.
 
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