Dust extraction - best way?

[gasmansteve]

Hi all
I`m spending a lot more time in my workshop lately and beginning to think the disposable masks I use are not adequate for the airbourne dust. I have no extraction at present and wondering what folk recommend?. Is it best to fit some form of extraction to the device in use ie bandsaw, table saw or use one of the Trend mask type (or maybe both) My workshop (make that garage) is about 14ft x 9ft and main machines in use are bandsaw, table saw,lathe and newly acquired disc sander. Is it possible to only connect the extractor with the particular machine in use? Not really feasible to have all of them plumbed in.
Thanks for any info
Steve

 

[PowerTool]

Hi Steve - I've got a similar space (8' x 16') and have a small air filter from Axminster - goes on before I start turning,doesn't go off until I've finished cleaning up.
Also have an Earlex shop vac next to the lathe - can attach it to the bandsaw when I'm using that,or fasten it to the lathe toolrest when sanding,as well as being able to reach the whole workshop without moving it (I got the longer extraction hose for it)


Andrew

 

[Jonzjob]

I too spend a fair amount of time in my workshop and I ecided that it was worth geting one of these http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... e=1&jump=0 . It is great because you just point the remote at it in the ceiling and select the start, time you want it to stay on and the fan speed, then forget it. It filters all the very fine dust out and the prefilter is very easy to clean.

It wasn't quite the price it is now though..

I also have their WV100P dust extractor with the long tool hose. It filters really fine dust out and is idea for sanding on the lathe, router table and on my band saw.

 

[duncanh]

At the moment I have a small Camvac which has a posable bendy hose for lathe work and a long hose for bandsaw use. I just change which is attached to the unit.
Recently I've been considering extending my shed and housing the Camvac in a sound insulated box. To do this I would have to run extraction pipes through the shed to each machine and each would be permanently connected to the extractor. Between the machine and pipe you fit a blast gate which you close when you don't want extraction. I've never tried it but it's what they used at the school where I took my night class and is, I believe, common in larger workshops.

Axminster sell blast gates and tubing.

I also use an ambient air filter from http://www.toolpost.co.uk/pages/Health___Safety/Dust_Extraction/Microclene/microclene.html Microclene and where a dust mask and visor most of the time. The extractor and filter are usually only on when I sand

 

[Finial]

Is it best to fit some form of extraction to the device in use ie bandsaw, table saw or use one of the Trend mask type (or maybe both

The dust levels are highest close to the machines and that is where you stand breathing it in, specially with the lathe. So it's best to set up the extraction at the machines where it will do the most good. But unless it is very effective (which partly depends on the kind of turning you are doing) you will still need the mask, preferably a powered one with a face shield. The ceiling units clean the air but until they have finished you are still breathing dust. They may not be any more effective than the extractor anyway. If left running, that acts as an air cleaner just the same (assuming the particle size it catches and the flow rate are the same). I would go for an effective local extractor if possible, then a mask, then perhaps a general air cleaner, in that order.

It is possible to rig up a plug in system for each machine so you connect the hose to it when needed.

 

[gasmansteve]

Thanks yet again chaps for the helpful suggestions. I have had some good gear from Axminster so think I`ll give them a look. Don`t know why I didn`t think of them first ??? :?
Cheers
Steve

 

[big soft moose]

Recently I've been considering extending my shed and housing the Camvac in a sound insulated box.

how loud is it then ? - i ask because i'm looking at one of these (from tool post) - i'm going to be principally using it with the lathe which is pretty loud itself so i'm not fussed so long as its not deafening.

also wood you recomend the 2.5 in machine or the 4 ins one ?

 

[jpt]

Camvacs can be noisy, about the same as a vacum cleaner, but there is a way to make them quieter.

On the top of the machine are the air outlets, they are the same size as the inlet, if you attach a hose to this it quietens it down and if you put the other end outside the workshop it is even quieter. This is a solution advised by Camvac themselves.

john

 

[Bob Chapman]

Adding this hose does quieten the machine, but if you put the end outside you are, in effect, pumping heated air out of your workshop to be replaced by cold air coming in through cracks under doors etc. Not so important in summer but can be a problem in winter. I have the loose end under the lathe and the warm air warms my feet up when its cold - a tip given to me by Tony Wilson.

Bob