DIY Network

Ultimate Woodshop -- Dust Control and Air Purification From "The Ultimate Workshop II" episode DTUW-103

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Sam Clark of Delta Machinery explains to Jay Baker how dust-collection systems and air purification systems operate to keep your work environment free of excess sawdust and other contaminants. Dust-collection systems are designed to collect sawdust at the source -- directly from the power tool's dust-port. Air purification systems remove contaminants that are already airborne. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G A mobile dust-collection system is attached to a band saw in the wood shop. It can easily be removed and transferred to other pieces of woodworking equipment.

In any kind of woodworking or finishing, wood dust and shavings become an issue. Moreover, it's a good idea in general to be mindful of clean air and good ventilation in your work area.

In this segment, Sam Clark of Delta Machinery talks with host Jay Baker about two methods for controlling dust and other particulate matter: dust-collection and air purification systems.

• For controlling particulate air contaminants like sawdust, there are dust-collection systems (figure A) that can be integrated into the air-handling system for the workshop facility; some can even be integrated into the workstations and tools themselves. In such systems, each piece of stationary equipment is outfitted with its own suction device that collects and removes dust and contaminants right from the source. The air and contaminants pass through a filtration system that traps the particulate matter and recirculates clean air into the room.
  
  
  
  
• By contrast, air filtration systems (figure B) actually collects the dust that's already airborne in the shop. These systems are easy to install; they are simply suspended from a sturdy support in the ceiling, and plugged into to an electrical outlet.
  
  
  
  
• Some dust-collection systems are connected semi-permanently as a network to all the tools in a woodshop. Others, like the one shown in this segment, are single mobile units that can simply be moved from one piece of equipment to another.
  
  
  
  
• The air-flow in the dust-collection system is routed through hoses, and controlled by individual blast-gates (figure C) that can be opened and closed to regulate rate of flow. The unit functions at greatest efficiency.
  
  
  
  
• In the dust-collection system, the dust is deposited in a collection bag (figure D) that must be emptied when it gets full -- just like a household vacuum-cleaner bag.

  Note: It's important to take precautions to prevent metal shavings or other metal parts don't get sucked into this system since metal contaminants could generate sparks and cause damage to the system or create a fire hazard.
  
  
  
  

• In the air purification system, particulate matter is trapped in a filter that needs to be changed or cleaned periodically. On the system that we installed, a filtration gauge (figure E) lets you know when it's time to clean the filter. Since this unit uses an electrostatic filter, it can simply be washed using a garden hose or blown clean using an air compressor.
  
  
  
  
• The dust-collection system has adjustable parts, and is adaptable to a variety of woodworking machines. Plastic connectors attach to the end of the hose, and are used as a quick disconnect to the shop machinery (figure F). Clamps and clips are not necessary for connecting and disconnecting.
  
  
  
  
• Also included are such accessories as Y-adapters and reducing adapters (figure G). The reducing adapter allows the larger hose to be connected to a smaller piece of machinery. Different tools can have various sizes of dust ports. Simply select the connector that fits your tool.

RESOURCES :

Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619

The Workshop Book
Model: 1561582719
Author: Scott Landis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

How to Design and Build Your Ideal Woodshop
Model: 1558704817
Author: Bill Stankus
Popular Woodworking Books