Thread: Best dust extraction system for a router table

I've got all three of those connections on my table.
The 4" hose in the routers enclosed chamber, is least effective on mine..and I've pretty much stopped using it.

The fence and router connection are far more effective. I'd say stick with that

Thanks for this advice, underused. do you use the standard 32mm ID vacuum hose, and are they both connected to a workshop vac or through a 4 inch hose reducer?

The Router is connected to the vac hose, and the fence is connected to a reducer with the 4" dust collector hose attached. works well!

thanks for this response, underused. One last question, what did you use for a 4inch - 32mm hose reducer, do you recall?

Yes the 4" hose connected to the fence goes to a 2hp dust collector. The router hose goes straight to the vac.

Regarding the chamber set-up, using the 4" hose to the dust collector...yep, the chamber door has a series of holes to allow air flow. The door is directly opposite the 4" hose hole.

Originally Posted by JillB

thanks for this response, underused. One last question, what did you use for a 4inch - 32mm hose reducer, do you recall?

I just bought one, If I recall correctly. I guess You could make one using plastic pipe. Probably just as cheap to buy the real deal though

many thanks, underused, will start looking for a suitable reducer

Hi JillB, Try Carbatec Reducers : CARBA-TEC for the reducers

regards
Harold

thanks Harold, will give them a go!

Thank you from me too Harold
Nice to know that there are few I could use with my Fein /Aldi's shop vac hose/

Quick comment.

While it would be nice to have all options, I question whether the complications are really worth it.

On building my table, I set up only a back of fence plenum chamber, extracting to a standard small dusty, 4" hose. I find this is fine for almost all work. It certainly beats the under table extraction on my old table hands-down.

The only operation which does not suit, is if you are routing closed slots on the table. Unless this is something you do a lot of, I would settle for just the fence extraction, and buy a brush for the rest.

My 2c

regards

I agree with Alastair that "in fence" extraction is best on my table. You can really see the chips flying into the chute. It's hooked up to a 4" large dusty.

I also have the Triton router connected below the table to my shop vac to collect even more dust and stray chips. Useful on raised panel work where there is a lot of material coming off.

As an experiment I tried all four possible combinations and found that the in fence option above table is by far the best. But, two extractors were noticeably better, especially for small dust particles. Even then there is still some larger chips on the floor directly below the table after a good session.

Using no extraction was actually worse than I expected. Luckily I wore a dust mask for that test.

I think a bit depends on how you use your table. The fence system is fine for creating molding etc, but if you are doing frame and panel work using templates, then a fence isn't even going to be on the table. That's when having another option, such as something under the table might come in handy.

Just a thought.

Craig

Hmmm. My fence is always needed for panel work to get a consistent edge, there is no way to do this freehand with non-bearing topped bits. I alway use non-bearing bits for longevity (no bearing failure) and freedom of panel lip size.

Even for rail and stile work the fence provides needed accuracy and anchor points for feather boards which are essential for safety and work piece stability.

So far I haven't had a scenario where the fence can't be close to the action, even if not actually necessary.

If I were to do any curved work I would hang a dusty hose from the ceiling just over the bit to catch the chips as the under table collection on it's own is average at best.