Thread: Sawstop - Overhead dust collection improvements

Well, it certainly looks "pro-military-grade" and it sounds like its doing what you wanted. It would be really useful to post at least a link to this post in the dust forum where people would normally go to tackle dust related issues. One thread that is getting a lot of attention is this one Improving machine cabinet dust ports so maybe post it in there?

When you say "no dust", unless you use a particle counter to test the air around the hood, all you can really say is "no visible dust"

For anyone else contemplating an upgrade using even 5mm acrylic, it should be possible to use a no frame design to better improve visibility. Countering that is that Acrylic is not really the best material to use as a guard as it becomes brittle with age and can shatter especially if it takes a hit from a bit of wood. Some sort of frame will definitely help reduce this problem. The ideal material to use is Polycarbonate (PC) as it will not shatter so very thin (ie 1mm) sheet can be used with a frame or even 2mm can be used without a frame

The optimum airflow path to remove invisible dust is to leave the back of the guard completely open and move the air collection point towards the front half of the top of the hood above the front half of the blade. This generates maximum air flow through the hood as it is in the same direction as the way the blade moves dust. The best position is actually in above and in front of the blade but that tends to restrict visibility unless

This is excellent advice! I never sat down and thoroughly worked out the best air flow and incorporate it in the mod. Perhaps my next revision will make one out of full poly carbonate without a metal frame for visibility. Perhaps create a better air channel from the blade to the vacuum opening port. Many thanks for the ideas!


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How does it go with raiseing/lowering? Or do you adjust the height as required some how?

Hi Sapherion,

Because I have an Incra system on my table saw, I never went for the overhead dust extraction from SawStop. However, your solution looks both far superior, and something one could make themselves.

Could I trouble you - at some stage when convenient, to take a photo of how that is mounted to sit over the blade please? I am sure I'm going to have to figure that part out from scratch, as the Incra doesn't tend to allow for many "standard" type attachments.

Many thanks if you're able to assist!