Improved dust capture on ELU 96 Router ?

[John McM]

I've just been using my ELU 96 Router freehand. I'd forgotten just how bad the dust extraction design is. Has anyone got any ideas to improve it. Does Dewalt do an after market device that would fit the old ELU?

Thanks

 

[Steve Maskery]

Hi John
Dust wasn't really a factor when that was designed, was it?

There is a plastic spout connector thingy which fits onto the fence rods, but it's not very good and breaks easily. For edge-routing (as opposed to grooving) you could try to mackle a subfence on the fence rods with a hole in it to suit your hose, but TBH anything you do is going to be second best.

If you do come up with a fantastic solution, you'll clean up, as it were.

Cheers
Steve

 

[David C]

Lack of proper dust extraction on most routers is a monumental scandal in my opinion. Also applicable to many table saws, Knapp being a prime example.

Can't help re 96, but the mid sized De Walt with the fat hollow pillar has the best extraction I have come across.

I think it has many good features and is far the best design so far. (have not seen Triton yet.....)

David

 

[John McM]

Yes, could be time to upgrade. Thanks for the replies.

 

[John McM]

Someone on another forum just pointed me at this

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Leig ... -31849.htm

Dilemma, try it and find it might be pants or 'scuse the pun, take the plunge and upgrade!

 

[Paul Chapman]

Yes, could be time to upgrade.

I wouldn't bother upgrading just to get better dust extraction - it's awful on all routers. The Elu MOF96 was, in my experience, one of the best routers ever made (I'm still using mine after more than 20 years), so make sure you buy a good one or you will be disappointed.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[David C]

Paul,

I beg to differ, the extraction is outstandingly better on the De Walt 621K and I would not have said so if it were not true.........................

David

 

[Paul Chapman]

Definitely better but whether it's outstandingly so is, IMHO, debatable. Unfortunately all routers seem to be a bit of a compromise with regard to design. With the DW621K you get better dust extraction but then have to put up with an irritating on/off switch. Always best to try before you buy I think. That way you can decide which of the design flaws are easier to live with..... :wink:

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[gidon]

I find the main problem is the vacuum hose catching when routing!
Doesn't matter how good the extraction is if the flippin' hose catches the end of the workpiece and pulls the router off course!
I find the only thing for me is to wear a decent mask like the Trend Airshield or such like. I only use the dust extraction if I'm doing something very messy but with the router having a very contained path.
Cheers
Gidon

 

[Paul Chapman]

I find the main problem is the vacuum hose catching when routing!

That's really irritating, isn't it :x

I find it best to do a trial run without the router switched on and try to arrange the hose so that it won't catch. If it's long enough you can sometimes drape it over your shoulder (but then it invariably falls off :roll: ). I suppose the real answer is to suspend the vacuum from the ceiling - but then you'd probably keep hitting your head on it

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[DaveL]

I suppose the real answer is to suspend the vacuum from the ceiling - but then you'd probably keep hitting your head on it

I have a hook in a rafter and use a bungee cord to hold a loop of hose up over the bench, seems to work better than over my shoulder, but the dry run is still useful for long cuts.

 

[Paul Chapman]

I have a hook in a rafter and use a bungee cord to hold a loop of hose up over the bench

Good tip, Dave - must try that :wink: How do you get the dust out of the dogs?

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[DaveL]

How do you get the dust out of the dogs?

That is still a problem with Iona :roll: , I put a sheet of ply across two saw horses, started to cut, after a couple of feet the saw seemed to snag. On looking under the ply there she was sniffing the blade as it can down, how I didn't cut her nose I don't know. :shock:
I am currently sanding the old finish off the garden swing seat, the RAS needed a good sniff that could only be done by poking her head under my arm to get to it while it was running. :shock:
Samwise however will leave once I start to make a noise, :lol: I think on the bash he thought, for them all to be in the shop there must be a big dish of food on the bench that we needed help with.