I am reading the article entitled “Dust-proof any Tablewaw” from FWW 205. Of interest is Mark Schofield’s section regarding the Dewalt saw, since I have one. I am curious about why the airway chamber is needed. It seems a dust port could be attached at the bottom of the back panel, thus avoiding the airway chamber. Mark, if you see this post, can you help me understand the benefit of the chamber? Is the purpose to direct air flow down first and then out?
I am also curious about the modification to the insert plate to increase air flow through the plate. I seems the idea could be taken a bit further by adding several addition small holes offset from the zero clearance slot. Do the intake slots on the back panel obviate the need for additional flow through the plate?
Eric
Replies
Hello Eric,
I recently helped a friend enclose his Jet contractor saw using the article to which you refer and have a few thoughts based on that experience. First, it works superbly. No, as in zero, dust escapes the saw except thru the dust port.
The Jet had a factory installed sloped plastic panel with a 4” dust port covering the bottom of the saw so we didn’t need to enclose the bottom. We made the motor enclosure described in the article and made sure any gaps were well sealed. We did not modify the insert plate and still got the excellent results.
Regarding your question about whether to use the airway chamber I can only quote Richard Babbitt “You need to increase the velocity by restricting and directing the amount of air entering the base of the saw.” I think the 2” by 6” opening into the air chamber is designed to increase the velocity. That said, the Jet didn’t have an air chamber, only a 4” dust port in the center of the bottom panel and it works well. However, the bottom of the Jet is further from the floor than the bottom of the Dewalt. It was easy to attach a hose to the dust port on the Jet. It may be a problem on the Dewalt. That's probably why you see the dust port at the back of the Dewalt. A dust port at the back might benefit from the 2" by 6" "accelerator port".
Modifying the insert plate sounds like a good thing to do because you are increasing the amount of air at a critical dust release point at the back of the blade. I don’t think you’d get the same effect if you put the holes on the side of the blade. Since my friend didn’t modify his insert plate and is getting great results it may not be crucial for you to do yours.
If I was in your shoes, I’d do what's recommended with the air chamber and the dust port in the back. Don’t modify the insert plate unless you are getting dust coming out from around the blade.
Good luck,
Pete
Modifying insert plate
Modifying the zero clearence insert plate with added air holes won't accomplish much. Doesn't your stock cover them anyway? Been there done that, not proud to admit it.
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Contractors saw
I have a Delta contractors saw too, do you have any pics of your modifications?
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