new user: help me decide on an air filter (and hi everybody)

[mqbernardo]

Hello all, new here and first post (i lurked quite a bit in the past, though). I´m an amateur luthier from portugal - my name is Miguel. I hope someone can help me with choosing an air filtration system for my shop (around 90 m3) - i was going for the Jet AFS-1000B Air Filtration System, but it´s sold out and i started looking at the axminster MTM filter (which is on sale ATM) - any advice? i spotted a review from fellow member AndyG saying the axminster machine is a good one, albeit a bit noisy - but it was (IIRC) reviewed 5+ years ago, so maybe things have changed... any input appreciated!

thanks in advance,
Miguel.

 

[jaywhoopee]

Hi Miguel,

I did a bit of research on the subject of air filters when I was buying mine.

The impression I got was that a lot of filters were very good at removing visible dust from the air, but not so great at getting the invisible dust below 2 microns (and that's what I'm worried about, given my use of MDF).

I think there's a growing awareness of the danger of wood dust and I expect (hope) filter manufacturers will release more and more effective filters in the coming years.

To choose an appropriate filter, a lot will depend on the size of your workshop, the available space and the woods you're using (and the dangers from their dust).

I ended up choosing the Microclene MC760, which with the supplied filter isn't any better or worse than most of the other filters on the market, but I was able to find a much finer filter that fits (at the cost of reduced air flow, but this doesn't matter as I have a small workshop).

I'm sure the MC760 isn't the only filter you can alter in this way, but the combination of my limited space and its decent build quality made it ideal for me.

Good luck finding a filter that fits your needs

John

 

[mqbernardo]

Thanks for the reply John! It´s much appreciated. I work mainly with Spruce, Indian Rosewood, Honduras (spanish) cedar. Sometimes mahogany, euro maple and mediterranean cypress. For Jigs i end up using plywood, but that´s more rarely. MDF i don´t use often and try to saw it outside.

All the best,
Miguel.

 

[jaywhoopee]

I have no idea whether the woods you list produce harmful dust, but it' s safe to assume at least one of them will.

My understanding of best practice would be a P2 or P3 mask plus vacuum/extraction with a suitably fine filter (preferably below 1 micron) plus the air filter to catch anything the vacuum misses. I have an Axminster/Numatic NVD 750 shop vacuum.

If you make a lot of dust (sanding etc) then remember that as well as staying airborne for some time, this can be blown back up into the air later when you're not wearing your mask, so it' s best to clear it up when you finish producing it.

Working outside gives a better dilution of the harmful stuff with fresh air, but your neighbours may not like it ...

John

 

[eribaMotters]

Miguel,
I think I run a similar set-up to John. I have a Jet DC1100 chip/dust extractor with the fine top cartridge filter instead of bag. This is backed up with a switched head numatic vac with fine filter attachment for power tools. These hold dust levels down well, but I supplement them with dust mask at times, along with an extractor fan and Jet AFS500 air filter. My workshop at 8 x 5 x 2.5 m is a similar size to yours and I am pleased with the efficiency of my set-up, especially since the purchase of my 2nd hand air filter. The unit is also quiet and will cope with up to 120m . I cannot emphasise enough the need to get good extraction at source on your machines. Spend time making efficient dust extraction hoods and cowls, and get a variety of hoses and nozels to make life easy.

Colin

 

[mqbernardo]

Thanks for the replies! Regarding wood toxicity, i think it´s safe to assume all wood dust is a potential sensitizer and the finer dust - as you all surely know - is harmful for the lungs. Roserwood and cedro dust are very irritating on my nose. I already have an Axminster cheap chip-extractor with a fine filter cartridge (5 microns) and a 3M dust mask. I try to use scrapers instead of sandpaper when possible and try to sand outside (no neighbors!) when not too humid, but still find i get my nose dripping if i spend sometime in the shop - which i do, anyway .

Rethinking all this stuff, i think santa will bring me the cheaper Jet air filter and a Numatic-esque shop-vac.

Thanks again and happy new year!
Miguel.