Pinholes in my duct line! Alternative ducting material?

[aohnstad]

I recently upgraded to an external, inline fan and it is so much quieter than the main fan. However, in the process of moving things around, it appears that I have introduced lots of pinholes in the line.

Does anyone have experience with products like this that take a spiral-wired flexible aluminum duct and overlay it with PVC? Are they durable enough to allow for multiple connects and disconnects?

AC Infinity Flexible 4-Inch Aluminum Ducting, Heavy-Duty Four-Layer Protection,...

Thanks!

[bill.m.davis]

I use the AC Infinity Flexible Aluminum Ducting (like the one posted), except I have the 6" version coming out of my inline fan.

[dklgood]

I switch to this hose, and I have been satisfied: https://www.amazon.com/CLEAR-COLLECTION-PEACHTREE-WOODWORKING-PW375/dp/B0013EOTRW/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&aaxitk=.DhwIKcJfFjbI64gUY3DEg&hsa_cr_id=3197073630101&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_0

[tjleasa]

Yes, I am very happy with that hose too.

[PrintToLaser]

I use that too.

[ovm.steve]

If you will place the outlet end of the fan through your window so it is at the very end of the hose, pinholes will not be and issue. In this configuration the fan is pulling the smoke out instead of pushing. If I can find the picture I posted a while back, I will share it here.

[aohnstad]

Thanks—I wish I could do that, but I can’t. There’s no space at the end of the line.

[lightner]

Yikes!

PVC ducting! Not sure that I approve of the concept—given all the examples of Glowforges burned to the ground that I’ve seen posted here. Those photos don’t show the fire that surely was being blown out the Glowforge’s rear vent. I can assure you that is the reason your Glowforce came with all metal ducting.

[eflyguy]

There is nothing wrong with PVC hose. The machine is not “spitting fire” down the exhaust.

[lightner]

@eflyguy: Maybe you miss my point? Yes, the Glowforge is not normally “spitting fire”—although glowing embers may be possible—but when there is a real, out-of-control fire I can promise you the vent will “spit” something very hot! That’s why the designers at Glowforge ship fire-proof vent tubing! PVC is NOT that.

[deirdrebeth]

I went with the insulated hose - it’s very quiet - and while the internal house gets pinholes eventually they just lead to the insulation, and nothing gets through that!