Thread: Dust extraction in a cold climate

Originally Posted by Robson Valley

Probably easiest to determine the sharpness of a turning edge by holding it up to a very bright light.

RV, what you say is applicable to many blades used for woodworking. I certainly get out the lens out when I'm sharpening my Japanese knives, which then stay sharp for months. However, with woodturning, when I'm at the lathe a quick feel of the edge will confirm whether or not I need to put a gouge or scraper aside for resharpening even though it has only been used for a few minutes. By then the edge can be covered with grime that will not reflect light, but a thumb can quickly feel if there is a cutting edge still there.

Apologies to the non-turners reading this thread for my focus on woodturning, but that is where my experience lies and where I might have something to contribute.

Sent from my ZTE T84 using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Xfigio

Sometimes however we can be shown that something previously considered unsafe is in fact ok with the correct precautions.

Indeed, when I first installed the ducting for my dust extractor system the othodoxy was that PVC could create static electricity that could cause an explosion. There were reports of explosions in DE systems attributed to this, so I was cautious and avoided using PVC. The source of ignition in the reported explosions was probably something other than static electricity. By the time I put the ducting in for our local Men's Shed about 10 yrs ago I took the risk of doing it in PVC, but did take the precaution of adding a 'blast gate' to the cyclone (not the type of shutter valve used in the ducting but a gate specifically designed to release explosive forces should that occur). You certainly don't hear the orthodoxy about static electricity in PVC ducting causing explosions being repeated so often nowadays, at least from those with expertise in the area. So, yes, what is commonly considered safe can change.

Sent from my ZTE T84 using Tapatalk