Replies

1. 
   jc21 | Dec 07, 2004 07:31pm | #1

   Even though space is tight, I'd still work on reducing/eliminating dust at the source- dust collection. Even a shop vac will work wonders. I have a 1" hose that fits my circular saw, random orbit, and belt sanders (all Porter Cable) and adapts back to the Shop Vac. Far less dust/mess than using a bag or no collection at all. Roll the vac out of the way when you're done. If you do a lot of sanding, a downdraft table might be helpful especially if your sanders aren't amenable to dust collection.  The are some vacs that hang on the wall which may help as far as space is concerned. Shop vacs do have their limits and so I would'nt rule out a full fledged dust collector either. The smaller DC's footprint aren't much bigger than a shop vac; on Delta's AP400 it's only 14"x27" and it's on wheels. If your shop is at ground level and not in the basement you may be able to build a box or tiny room outside on an exterior wall to house a DC. Might also be worth looking into one of the Jet/Delta/JDS air cleaners to capture the dust a DC misses. Sounds like you've got enough headroom for it to go overhead.

   
   

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   Edited 12/7/2004 11:47 am ET by jc

1. 
   BALDEAGLE | Dec 08, 2004 12:16am | #2

   Thanks for your help jc its given me food for thought.

   All the best and Happy Christmas

2. 
   user-450633 | Dec 11, 2004 04:57pm | #3

   Jc is right or at least I agree: source collection - see previous articles in FWW. Use over and under table saw collection(xacta, etc). And sanding machine collection . Always have Bosch or Bosch style super flex hose for portable sanders and routers(try to use even if it has integral bag) with your vac or auto turnon vac(FEin PC etc)

   See Penn State IND for remote ambient air cleaning or make your own from old furnace blower and pocket filters etc.

   If buying single(or multiple) bag Taiwan dust collector get 1 micron or better bag with it or as after market. Fine dust is the worst for the lungs over time.

   See router dust collection articles and Dewalt units, Triton and Lee Valley after market units  and others.

1. 
   BALDEAGLE | Dec 13, 2004 01:47am | #4

   thanks for your help Stormin and Merry Christmas

1. 
   user-450633 | Dec 13, 2004 02:07am | #5

   Your welcome Another tip: you can set up an wire and simple trolley system that will suspend vac hose above for easy out of the way use.

1. 
   BALDEAGLE | Dec 16, 2004 03:18am | #7

   Thanks stormin, it sounds nice and simple, I already use a similar system for an overhead power socket strip, might work on your idea.

   happy christmas, steve

3. 
   Johan | Dec 15, 2004 04:38pm | #6

   Hi Steve

    

   Me again. Wickes sell a workshop wet and dry vacuum. 1000w motor for £39.99

   Ideal for clearing up a bit of dust around the workshop and connecting to the machines. I use mine for the Router table. Really good. Cant go wrong with £40.

   Then if you find that the workshop will need more, the by all means look at a bigger dust extractor i.e 2000w tiwn motor extractor.

1. 
   BALDEAGLE | Dec 16, 2004 03:20am | #8

   Thanks captain for the tip, all the best.

   happy christmas, steve

4. 
   DougB | Dec 24, 2004 11:59pm | #9

   A few thoughts.  I have a vaulted ceiling in my shop so my 2 bag 220v dust collector is mounted on a shelf directly above my lathe.  It takes up otherwise virtually wasted space.  To clean dust from the air I build a cheap air filtration system that does the job of a $400 unit.  I purshased a 1 micron filter from lee valley, found an old furnace filter for free and assembled the box out of mdf.  The entire thing cost be about $75 and works wonders.  It will clean the air in my shop (26' x 22') in about three minutes.  It is the first thing I would put into any shop of mine.  Lungs are not easily replaceable.

   hope it helps

1. 
   BALDEAGLE | Dec 25, 2004 04:27am | #10

   Thanks for your description on your self made extractor.  My finances at the moment dictate I shall have to improvise on something, using old vacumm cleaners.  Anything better than blocking up the tubes.

   Happy woodworking and Merry Christmas

   Steve 

2. 
   mattman | Jan 02, 2005 07:37pm | #11

   Do you by chance have a picture?

5. 
   oldercdn | Jan 02, 2005 10:40pm | #12

   Afternoon everybody and happy new year from the foggy Canadian north. It used to be frozen, but the temperature here now is warm enough that it's foggy.

   I too have a very small space (1/2 basement under a really old house) so for dust control, in addition to plugging in my shop vac, I 

   mounted a furnace filter behind a box fan I bought at a yard sale. Two bucks for the fan and three bucks for three filters. I mounted the filter on the back side of the fan so air is sucked thru the filter.

   I found this picks up enough dust that "she who must be obeyed" hasn't complained  lately. (granted it's still January).

1. 
   Peter36 | Jan 03, 2005 04:11am | #13

   Hello Lefty, just another foggy Canuck saying hello from beautiful Paris, Ontario