I currently use Powertec and Dust Rite blast gates which constantly get clogged with dust causing them to be very difficult to close. They are also made out of plastic so I get it, “you get what you pay for”. Do any of you have a recommendation for good blast gates? I use both 4 inch and 2.5 inch.
I have these on my 4" hoses and haven’t had any issues in the 3 years that I’ve been using them:
4 Inch OD Self Cleaning No Clog Aluminum Blast Gate Cut Off Valve for Dust Collection System ABG4 Amazon.com: 4 Inch OD Self Cleaning No Clog Aluminum Blast Gate Cut Off Valve for Dust Collection System ABG4 : Tools & Home Improvement
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Try designing and milling your own similare to those online. I have very simple ones made from 6mm MDF scrap i had kicking around and I hot glued them to the 4inch pipe. No issues afyer 3-4yrs use.
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I used those metal blasts shown above, for a year or 2. I had to take them apart constantly, like every month to blow, clean, etc. Got rid of them finally and bought those plastic ones from Rockler
https://www.rockler.com/dust-right-4-to-4-ready-mount-blast-gate
Still getting stuck occasionally but definitely less then those metal ones. I have yet to take them down from the wall.
Not sure if those are the same the OP is complaining about, but I had the opposite experience 
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Thanks guys for the replies. I’m using the same gate umbert mentions in the 4 inch size. Its not as bad as the Powertec but still clogs and does not close all the way causing blowback through the 2.5 inch and the cnc spindle. I think I’ll try DCK idea or something similar or try designing my own.
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I have tried multiple types including the Rockler(ok), Woodpecker(leaked a lot), Powertec “black” (ok but clog eventually) and Powerec “orange” (ok and haven’t clogged in 1 year) and made my own (ok). The best solution is make your own (as above) but my next favorite are the Powertec orange. They seal well, dont clog, well made and the price is right. I currently run a mix of made my own and the Powertec orange.
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I was going to ask about leaking. Given my weak dust collector at the moment, both clogging and leaks will be an issue.
FWIW, clogging is usually a sign that your dust collection is not moving enough material (and air) – that’s why it gets stuck. Either volume or static pressure depending on the type of dust collector you have.
0.02.
-Tom
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To me, leaking is a bigger problem than clogging, you can remove the clog but stopping leaking gates is a real hassle.
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I use these… never had any issues.
4 inch Aluminum Dust Collection Ductwork Blast Gate | Oneida Air Systems
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I use the Powertec (orange) pictured above. I got these to replace the “cloggy” things I had before. The Powertec works pretty good, they will whistle to let you know to clean them… cheap and affective!
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I use the metal ones linked above but have them installed in vertical drops. Have run hundreds of not over a thousand gallons of chips and dust without a problem. If they are clogging it likely means poor air flow
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I use the woodpeckers FULLThrottle™ Blast Gate.
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Might be a good opportunity to upgrade to automatic gates like the ones from iVac.
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I found the woodpecker ones leak a lot.
I like the design of the Woodpecker Blast Gates, but they are a bit pricey.
Wow, what a bunch of fantastic suggestions! I like them all, now to make a decision. I am also checking out some “self cleaning” gates through Lee Valley Tools. They look great but I am fearful they leak air a bit. My dust collector is 800 cfm so can’t waste much on air flow. Thanks to all.
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I have use this for the last 3 year and no problems. Have fun Woodworking. Impressive WoodWorking.
4’’ Metal Blast Gates
Item #20864
4.4
(144)Q&A (10)
Add these heavy-duty Blast Gates to every tool in your shop and increase your dust collection system’s efficiency!
More details
$19.99
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Been using the same $20 Amazon metal ones as above for about a year, 5 of them with an Oneida Supercell. No issues at all. The fun part was buying some cheap electric actuators from Amazon and printing the brackets to make them 12v operated. They will not work against an operating suction but switches in one place with the gates on the ceiling makes for a neater shop. Happy to turn off the suck with the remote to change machines with the switches. 4inch SD pipe system. Work great.
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