Thread: Dust collection systems

Hey mate,
I got a 2HP carbatec dust extractor and love it. I wouldn't bother with a 1HP after using my 2HP for a little while now.
Andy

Woodsy11 , I'd recommend 2HP minimum, and ideally a good shopvac for handtools. If your thinking of purchasing a largish drum sander in the future, 3hp would be even better.

The dust escaping from the dust collector can also be an issue, if you can vent the dust collector outside thats even better, if your forced to vent inside get the best filters possible for your dusty.

Dust collectors are one of the most important tools IMO.

joez

Efficient dust extraction makes a big difference to not only your work conditions but clean up time. You will probably not want dust settling on work just stained or finished awaiting delivery. What ever you do will pay you back with working conditions.

I agree with the 2HP recommendations above!
I also would recommend that you get the Paper Filter Cartridge to go on top instead of the cloth bags.
After many years of dust, sneezing and runny nose, I finally got a dusty (Hafco) with a pleated filter cartridge. My shed is a much happier and healthier place now! I wish I'd had the dust extractor YEARS ago. I love it!

[QUOTE=joez;1382850
The dust escaping from the dust collector can also be an issue, if you can vent the dust collector outside thats even better, if your forced to vent inside get the best filters possible for your dusty. [/QUOTE]

+1, but note even standard paper cartridge fillers do not remove enough of the really fine dust to make a difference in terms of health.

Agree with previous posts, For hand power tools Festo & Fein and Karcher all make shop vacs with on board outlet for the power tool , when the tool is started the VAC starts up , when the tool is stopped the vacs run for 5-10 seconds to pick up any dust in the hose, then stop.


If possible site the dust extractor OUTSIDE , if not , arrange to vent it to the exterior and enclose the machine , this will reduce noise in the workshop considerably, industrial deafness is not fun.

Over head ducting is good , if it is not an option try to site the machinery so that they can all be reached with a minimum length of flex hose , this will ensure maximum extractor efficiency...


Just a few thoughts.

Jeff

I suggest you read Bill Pentz's views on DE before spending any money.

Bill's Personal Pages - Home Page

You will not read it all in one session, it is something that has to be absorbed and thought about. Basically bag type collectors should not be in the workshop as all they do is recirculate dust. Filters are available that allow for recirculation if you need them and you need more power than most generic type filters have got. The problem you will have if using filters internally is you must have good primary separation so the exhaust is as clean as possible and that normally comes down to a well designed cyclone. Have a read then you will be better able to identify the issues you will have and also what questions you need answered.

Cheers Mini

Appreciate the info about Bill Pentz, have come across his article and yes it does take some digestion but all good.
I not a person who is happy doing things by halves, so the advice i have received from one and all has been invaluable. It really gives me something to chew on.

Cheers again.

Woodsy11

"long live wood and its crafty workers"!

Instead of ducting I'm thinking of using a large industrial fan to blow dust from my table saw straight out the door of my shed. It's only about 5 meters and I think it will work better. Any comments?

Not a starter as a primary method of dust control. You are going to allow the dust to become airborne before trying to move that air from the building. The primary aim of any DE system should be to prevent as much dust as possible getting airborne as once it does it is then extremely hard to control and we start breathing it in, Sure use exhaust fans plus a good DE system as the industrial fan will cause too much turbulence and blow what is airborne around in the workshop as much as it will move air out the door. Exhaust fans move the air in a more controlled manner and with less impact on you when you are working. If I were to build a shed now all the sides would be doors that could be opened down both sides to allow good air movement.

That makes a lot of sense Chris, thanks for the reply. I'll work on both suggestions ie. At the source and then via fan, but the other suggestion is also a ripper. I'm building a new shed at the moment. 10 mx5m with a mezzanine to keep the floor clear of other stuff. Apart from losing a bit of a wall, I will consider making it a number of doors to open it up a bit for airflow. Thanks!

My ideal shed would be have big eaves maybe two metres outside the main walls with concrete right to the end of the "eaves" but really it would be one big roof. The large side doors would open onto the concrete and that area could be used for working in warmer weather and the open sides would ventilate the shed and stop the dusty air getting trapped in the building. Sheds as we use them are traps for dusty air and a health hazard.

Industrial dust collection equipment is used as a form of industrial air cleaning. It is important to select the right dust collection system for both business and residential use.

That's wierd - there's someone called annie wilson on the arborist site (AS) also making fairly obvious and general posts about wood dust in old threads. I hope I am not upsetting anyone but wonder if it is a response robot of some kind?

Annie is also making general responses like;
"Be sure that your kitchen plans comprise a make over that does not discredit the finishing touch of a kitchen: the countertop."
"This is really a very informative thread. I found so many nice advices here. thanks for sharing And the link is also very helpful to me."
"A kitchen benchtop has a dramatic and significant impact on the overall look and ambience of your kitchen"."

The AS posts are exactly 3 minutes apart - the length of some of the threads are too long to be read in 3 minutes.