Replies

1. 
   sschefer | May 28, 2002 09:18pm | #1

   This is one great question. I havent a clue how to get around the problem so I'll watch this thread closely in hopes that someone has mastered the technique. I know I sure havent and dread the task.

   Steve - in Northern California

2. 
   forestgirl | May 28, 2002 10:33pm | #2

   The scary thing about that "mild" rash is that it's likely to be worse each time you come into contact with that particular allergen.  I don't have any tips about the emptying process, but an idea to help protect your arms:  you can buy nylon covers for your arms at a good garden store.  They are made for people who prune rosebushes and berries and such, extend from the elbow to the wrist, with elastic at the ends.  Since they're really slick, the dust should be easy to get off when you're done.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

3. 
   Elcoholic | May 28, 2002 10:44pm | #3

   I roll it out front and work up wind (I live near the beach, so I always have a breeze.  Maybe a big fan.  Have you tried the disposable plastic bags that replace the lower cloth or preferrably felt bag.  If it cuts down on the CFM too much and you have the overhead room, get a custom upperbag bag (prefferably felt) made that's 6 or 8' tall.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

4. 
   sschefer | May 28, 2002 11:13pm | #4

   Mike, I wonder if you could use one of those mister attachments for a garden hose. We run them in the back yard during the summer and they don't really get you all that wet but it might be enough to hold the dust in check. Kinda the same prinicipal as wetting down service roads on a construction site. Combine that with a pair of dishwashing gloves (longer) and a long sleeve shirt and it might just work.

   Steve - in Northern California

5. 
   SCFrankland | May 30, 2002 03:35am | #5

   Mike I use a chip separator on my DC. I made it out of a plastic garbage can with a MDF top. I just through a plastic bag inside and when it is full I just remove the top and tie off the bag. Never waste a drop.

   Scott C. Frankland

   Newfoundland Wood Worker

1. 
   DonStephan | May 30, 2002 12:26pm | #6

   One piece disposable jumpsuit such as Tyvek. Paint stores and some mail order catalogues carry them.

   Edited 5/30/2002 5:27:09 AM ET by Don Stephan

1. 
   PlaneWood | May 30, 2002 04:30pm | #8

   Don, etal -

   I'm thinking that disposable dust bags might be the answer.  Anyone know where cheap disposable bags can be acquired??  or IF.  Since my DC is outside, a little dust escaping would be no problem.  Tightly woven cotton bags aught to do fine.  I've thought about making my own.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood

1. 
   sschefer | May 30, 2002 05:47pm | #9

   Mike, you might consider making them out of high thread count linens, such as sheets, etc.Steve - in Northern California

2. 
   mbiker1999 | May 30, 2002 06:43pm | #10

   What I did was to order an oversized upper bag for my Delta 850.  It's a 1 micron felt bag that is rated at 2400cfm capacity.  Then I purchased a box of 3mil contractors bags from home depot and lined the stock lower bag with the plastic bag.  Works great so far.  I have actually improved performance over the 30micron stock bags.  I'm very happy with the setup. 

   good luck,

   Bill

1. 
   g_gnarley | May 30, 2002 07:10pm | #11

   This may be way off base, but I have used baby powder on my arms when I was stocking fiberglass insulation.  It worked pretty well to keep rash off my arms.  Not sure if it would have same effect with wood dust.

2. 
   Bengst | May 31, 2002 08:28pm | #12

   Just some friendly advice.  NEVER EVER empty your dust collector on a breezy day after your neighbor has just spent the afternoon washing, waxing, and detailing every inch of his new BMW.  Especially if there is already a long standing tension between the two of you regarding the noise from your shop.

   Jeffrey  

3. 
   sschefer | May 31, 2002 08:35pm | #13

   ROFLOL..... yep... and don't put unbagged sawdust in your garbage can either. LOL..... I washed cars one Thursday evening after a hard days work. I also had to wash down the street. Steve - in Northern California

2. 
   PlaneWood | May 30, 2002 04:26pm | #7

   Thanks Scott.  I have a separator also.  It is a 44 gallon Rubbermaid trash can and is used between the dustbags and the planer and lathe.  The other tools (dust makers) go directly into the DC bags.  Emptying that trash can is not as much a problem, but still some dust escapes when emptying it.  How do you keep the plastic bag from being sucked up into the line??

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood