Sounds good, thanks for the info!
1 Like
I would just add that the flexible dryer style tubes generate a lot of turbulence and present higher back pressure then smooth rigid tube with bends. If you are confident of the location not changing it might be worth while to install 4" metal tube for as much of the run as possible. It will also be quieterā¦
10 Likes
Do you think non-metal would work, or are the temps and possibility of embers too high?
Iāve raised this question of ignited bits getting into the exhaust, and it was met with stoney silence from the GF staff and the entire forum community.
1 Like
I would think the embers would not burn hot enough or long enough to hurt plastic piping. What embers Iāve seen in a laser cutter are very small and short lived. But thatās just my very limited exposure. Someone with more experience could probably give a better feel.
@paulw I personally would not worry about what the tube is made of. That said, standard rigid aluminum dryer pipe is probably the cheapest option.
Unless you happen to have a bunch of schedule 40 pvc and woodshop dust-collection hose lying around from other projects 
1 Like
Iāve got plastic hose going from the 40 & 60W machines. Iāve never had a burning ember get into the exhaust - even if I hadnāt noticed and it didnāt start the hose on fire it would have burned some kind of hole which would leak air and thatās not happened.
Canāt say it canāt, but even with regular use it hasnāt for me.
YMMV
3 Likes
I must have missed it. I donāt know the answer, though, Iām afraid.
2 Likes
I think if you do some thinking you can probably reach a safe conclusion on your own.
PVC pipe is probably the only practical alternative to a Aluminum or galvanized pipe, or the thin Aluminum flexible hoses. I canāt imagine being able to accidentally set it on fire, given the size of the embers likely to come out a laser cutter, and the amount of air blasting though it while in use. But your imagination may be better then mine. 
The simple way to look at this is from a practical stand point what does it make the most sense to make an exhaust tube out of. Since the rigid Aluminum tubes are actually cheaper than plastic, that is one point in their favor. Then look at how easy it is to construct what you need, and given the variety of special purpose metal components built for dryer (or other) venting, that is another benefit for metal. Finally from a safety perspective using a metal tube simply means that the fire hazard question goes away.
For me those three factors make the decision pretty easy.
7 Likes
My original concern was directed more at what would happen if burning bits were blown into the air filter.
1 Like
I ordered this window vent. Itās really nicely made, and I also added hard foam insulation to it. the inside is exposed, so you can get it in there.
Window Dryer Vent (Adjusts 24 Inch Through 36 Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M17V4CO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_zT812iKEAMxbC
I also used the screw-tightened claps at each end of the hose
3 Likes
Thanks for pointing to this solution! I got my GF yesterday and my #1 problem is venting before I start!
Youāre very welcome! Iām glad it helped! I was happy to point to it once I received it. Coincidentally, theyāre made in my home state, so Iām happy to promote their product. 