Dust extraction #2 hand-tools

[John Saxton]

Can I have some feedback from those of you out in WW land that either use vacuum extraction or a bag on their sanders to relieve the dust burden? I have for the main relied on dust bags on the tool to collect most of the residue and though for the most part I employ my Racal as a course of necessity this still belies the fact that a lot of bags don't really stop all off the tool and therefore constitutes a present day hazard to one's well being!I suspect having the vacuum extraction as offered by Festo amongst others would remove far more having a constant flow available in negative pressure.What price do you put on health?And as Dust Extractor Manufacteror's don't recommend using extraction below 100mm dia though I guess a short extraction available for hand tool employment would be OK.
Cheers http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

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Johnno

[This message has been edited by John Saxton (edited 28 August 2000).]

[Iain]

I use a Festo Rotex with a vacuum cleaner, 40mm hose I think it is and the extraction is superb, I can work without a mask. Turn the vacuum off and the dust is incredible. Festo uses a 6" 9 hole disc and an added benefit is that the airflow helps cool the tool in question. I have another ROS with a dust bag and it generates a little dust but when the Festo sands the stock removal rate has to be seen to be believed. They are much more efficient than a lot of sanders and the extraction is essential.

[Roger Peine]

Check out the Festo portable shop extractors
Work a treat .

[Rod Smith]

I've got a shop-vac that I use for the RAS and router, used to use it for the triton before I got a TS and DC. I have replace the motor unit 3 times (twice under warranty). I think the dust killed them, particularly when I made our kitchen out of mdf. I have since put super fine filter in it which helps I'm sure, but must be cleaned regularly. It's a noisy vac also. I have used it a couple of times attached to a belt sander and planer, worked OK but the hose is not flexible enough or long enough for ease of work. All in all, cheap, mmmm, not that cheap if you add $85 for the replacement motor. See ya. Rod

[gazaly]

On this subject,I am just a small home woodworker, but the dust problem is ever present. I would like opinions on the best and cheapest way to extract dust.
As with all woodworkers, my budget is very tight. I would have thought a good wet/dry vac to be effective. I currently use an old houshold vac but its just about out of suck!

Any help, thoughts, ideas etc.. would be much appreciated.

Cheers,
Gazza. http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/cool.gif

[Iain]

Home vac is probably OK but if you want to save the bags use a seperator in the middle. Triton make one I see but there is no reason why you cannot make your own and I have a web site for dust extraction DIY but I am not going to give it to you because I cannot find at the moment. Will post it when it turns up.
Just one question, you state that you are just a small home woodworker, does this mean you are less than 5' tall? http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/wink.gif
Bad news, the web site was www.americanwoodworker.com (http://www.americanwoodworker.com) but it was for the June edition. It had a spiel on dust extraction. You could buy a copy or I can email my printoff if you wish. Please advise and there is a fair bit of it. Once scanned I can keep it and send to anyone who wants it.
[This message has been edited by Iain (edited 29 August 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Iain (edited 29 August 2000).]

[John Saxton]

A big thanks to all for your comments.I think I will go for the Festo unit complete with new ROS thanks to a windfall from an unexpected source that will be put to what I consider good use before her indoors http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/wink.gifgets to make her own choice!I guess I should be able to adapt the other sanders in the shop to the Festo unless I have a garage sale!

Cheers http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

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Johnno