What can I do to route a dust collection port in a garage shelving unit?

[LunaTL]

I’ve finally started building the custom shelving unit for my garage workshop, but I’m stuck on how to properly integrate the dust collection port into the main assembly. My initial plan to route the main duct through the back panel feels like it’s going to compromise the structure more than I anticipated.

[EvelynC]

I did something like this last year. I wanted the duct to pass through the back of a heavy shelving bay and it flexed the frame more than I expected. I ended up adding a small subframe just for the duct and making the back panel removable with a metal ring around the hole. It kept the main structure solid and let me pull the port out for service. Keeping the run short and using a short elbow helped a lot. I used a dust collection port near the top so gravity and debris fell away from the shelf.

[RyanHP]

I rushed ahead and cut a hole in the back panel, and sure enough the panel bowed a bit at the edges. I clamped a thick plywood gusset on the inside and drilled new holes for a couple of screws to hold the panel to the frame. It helped a little, but I still felt the shelf was a bit sapped of stiffness and I dropped the idea of a through back route.

[Daniel_R]

Maybe the real issue isn't the back panel at all. If you have a collector, the high static pressure will pull air and shake things unless you seal it well. I ended up mounting the unit on a stand and ran a short trunk along the ceiling to a discreet port. It was less invasive and the shelves stayed stiff. Not claiming it's perfect.

[LukeJ]

This is a genuine question for me too: do you think shifting the port to a side panel would fix the stiffness without adding a lot of fabrication time?