Kevin, I have the small one. I use 4" PVC to bring it into my shop and use a gate with a 2" reducer and a 2" flex hose to the saw. At first I made a reducer to a 1" flex hose which dramatically reduced the suction. Therefore I went back to the 2" hose. If I set it up for dust collection at the top also I will use a splitter and use two 1" flex hoses. I won't reduce the air flow more than 2" total. Yes the DC does pick up smaller pieces that drop down around the blade. There is excellent suction there.