Thread: Dust collectors

Well, for me:

1) Out of the way. Could be on the floor or wall behind or through the benches, or across/through the ceiling.

2) Dust bag (in fact, whole DC) outside if possible. The DC's that are easily purchased will still allow small particles through. It's better to get these out of the workshop if possible, and there are noise benefits in moving it out.

3) Probably not, unless you can arrange a DC outlet close to the work. Think about getting a workshop air filter to keep floating dust under control.

4) All the way. But then maybe she wants to collect the insurance

As far as dust is concerned, there is no excuse. Without an effective DC we are just lining up for long-term health problems. The option is to work outside until you have one, so there are alternatives...

Good luck with it!

woodbe

1) preference for the "pipe across the floor" OR "pipe dangling from above"?

I'm still stepping over mine because I switch the flexi between machines: yet to install overhead piping which is more effort up front, and you have to buy gate valves etc.

2) Dust bag "inside" or "outside" shed.

outside's got to be better, if you've got a choice.

3) Is it worth leaving the extractor running while working with hand tools just to keep general dust levels down?

I'd say no. If it's not raining, just leave the door and windows open.

4) How far can you push the "must have to keep healthy" aspect of this with significant other.

Can't answer that one: you know the significant other, and how much she likes having you around

I am in the process of installing a dust extractor for my small shop. I was considering a 2-3 HP cyclone system. My local retailer asked the killer question... 'How many people will be working in your shop at one time? If just one, then you are wasting money installing a cyclone system. Just get a mobile system and connect the hose as needed.'

The more that I thought about that advice from a person that sells cyclone systems, the more that I thought it made sense. And it is saving me close to $2000 because of the smaller system and no need for duct work.

Originally Posted by rrich

I am in the process of installing a dust extractor for my small shop. I was considering a 2-3 HP cyclone system. My local retailer asked the killer question... 'How many people will be working in your shop at one time? If just one, then you are wasting money installing a cyclone system. Just get a mobile system and connect the hose as needed.'

The more that I thought about that advice from a person that sells cyclone systems, the more that I thought it made sense. And it is saving me close to $2000 because of the smaller system and no need for duct work.

Sorry, Rich, I don't get it. Are you suggesting that if the dust inhalation only kills one person then it's not worth paying the $2000? (By the way, I think a competent do-it-yourselfer could build a cyclone for less.) I just don't see how your decision relates to the number of people working in ones shop.

Upon reflection, perhaps you are saying there is no need to spend a lot of money to trap the large chips. It's the small invisible dust particles that float in the air when milling timber that kill you if inhaled. It seems to me that one must take every step possible to avoid this stuff. Anything that goes into the lungs, other than clean air, is bad. It would be the ultimate irony if a person who gives up smoking kills himself by inhaling wood dust.

Bob here is my opinion :

1. The pipe dangling from above is IMO the only option and whilst it cost more in ducting and blastgates it is the most convenient and safest option. If a short bit of pipe has to be on the floor cover it over with a walk ramp.

IMO in a good and safe shop there should not be any ducting, piping or cables on the floor for you to trip over. Imagine that you are using the TS and you step back and trip over the pipe and to steady yourself you fall into the spinning sawblade.:eek:

2. Outside as the cheap dust bag normally supplied is not a dust bag but a chip bag. It will let all the very fine and dangerous dust through.

3. No, it is wasting electricity.

4.It is not a question of how far you can push this with your significant other, but how much is your good health worth to you and to her. It is cheaper to do it right then to suffer the consequences of not doing it right.


Peter.

Sorry Bob, the question is a bit confusing but anyway…


1) preference for the "pipe across the floor" OR "pipe dangling from above"?
since you only have 2 machines so it is best to have hose across the floor. Pipe from above is really for a larger system with a number of machines. Also your “small dust extractor” will not be stronger enough anyway.
2) Dust bag "inside" or "outside" shed.
Outside is better but the extra length will reduce the capacity of your “small dust extractor”
3) Is it worth leaving the extractor running while working with hand tools just to keep general dust levels down?
Are you talking about the dust filtration system?
4) How far can you push the "must have to keep healthy" aspect of this with significant other.
It is your call

Thanks to all for all the helpful suggestions. The only practical spot I have identified for the dust extractor outside the back of the shed is currently occupied by 10 sheets of asbestos. So if I want it outside I will have to dispose of the asbestos so I have to weigh up the risk of disturbing the asbestos versus the dust - I think the dust wins.

As a follow up to constructing the dust extraction system I could be able to pick up for naught about 15 m of 4" corrugated black poly pipe.

My question is : Is this stuff OK to use for a dust extraction system or will it block up easily due to the corrugations?

Originally Posted by BobL

As a follow up to constructing the dust extraction system I could be able to pick up for naught about 15 m of 4" corrugated black poly pipe.

My question is : Is this stuff OK to use for a dust extraction system or will it block up easily due to the corrugations?

I wouldn't use it for the long runs because it would introduce a lot of resistance: only for connecting where you need the flexibility. Use something with smooth walls for the long runs.

Originally Posted by zenwood

I wouldn't use it for the long runs because it would introduce a lot of resistance: only for connecting where you need the flexibility. Use something with smooth walls for the long runs.

Thanks.

i almost went the whole nine yards regarding the DC, started setting up pipes etc....but then it accurd to me that i'm the only fool in the workshop, and only using one machine at a time...solution, with my 2hp , i put the motor inside so it's out of the weather and the bag section on the outside , with a short hose in the middle, basicly it's the bag type DC as is but with a wall between the motor and bag, this keeps dust from the bag outside, and i give it a hose it each day to clean it up and before emtying to keep dust down...on the inside i have 2 flexy hoses , one to the TS hood and one to the base which also flicks off for use on other machines...very simple setup and it works well...

Originally Posted by la Huerta

i almost went the whole nine yards regarding the DC, started setting up pipes etc....but then it accurd to me that i'm the only fool in the workshop, and only using one machine at a time...solution, with my 2hp , i put the motor inside so it's out of the weather and the bag section on the outside , with a short hose in the middle, basicly it's the bag type DC as is but with a wall between the motor and bag, this keeps dust from the bag outside, and i give it a hose it each day to clean it up and before emtying to keep dust down...on the inside i have 2 flexy hoses , one to the TS hood and one to the base which also flicks off for use on other machines...very simple setup and it works well...

Sounds like a good tip, I'll keep it in mind when I finally get round to it.
Cheers