Dust collection ideas wanted

[ebinmaine 67,277]

Trina and I are looking for ideas for indoor shop dust collection.

 

We are both in the habit of wearing a mask and we would like to cut down on the amount that is in the air and settles all over the workbench and everything else.

 

We'd like to do this with minimal money spent.

 

The most common area for this to happen is a roughly 40 x 48 rolling table.

 

One idea I had is to screw a couple pieces of OSB about 2 ft tall to the sides of that table and then make a port for a Shop-Vac in a corner.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,492]

That sounds like it would work!

 

I would also consider a simple exhaust fan - think high output bathroom fan - and vent it out the side wall...not sure size of your shop but fan size / volume based on square footage...

 

Would also help with fumes etc...

 

Edited December 6, 2019 by SylvanLakeWH

[ebinmaine 67,277]

Just now, SylvanLakeWH said:

That sounds like it would work!

 

I would also consider a simple exhaust fan - think high output bathroom fan - and vent it out the side wall...not sure size of your shop but volume based on square footage...Would also help with fumes etc...

 

We thought about doing something like that but the problem is the shop is in a daylight basement and the outside wall is not easily accessible. Doorway. Walkway. Woodpile. Etc ..

 

That's why we were leaning towards using the vacuum cleaner instead.

 

We may possibly build a small paint booth type setup in a window in the bathroom area but that would be 4 feet off the ground which is fine for spraying but not so much for grinding stuff.

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,033]

Good for dust but you would not want to use it for paint

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/workshop/dust-collection/filters/65482-demo-air-net

 

Garry

[The Tuul Crib 7,336]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

Trina and I are looking for ideas for indoor shop dust collection.

 

We are both in the habit of wearing a mask and we would like to cut down on the amount that is in the air and settles all over the workbench and everything else.

 

We'd like to do this with minimal money spent.

 

The most common area for this to happen is a roughly 40 x 48 rolling table.

 

One idea I had is to screw a couple pieces of OSB about 2 ft tall to the sides of that table and then make a port for a Shop-Vac in a corner.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

 

You might try a simple but affective 

way.Get a box fan and and attach 

a  furnace filter to the back side. This 

can be moved to where you need it.

[Blackhood Bill 721]

@ebinmaine It just so happens during my idea thinking I did a search on you tube and found several different ways, for different types of locations. I would also start there when you get some spare time.

[953 nut 55,078]

I have done what @The Tool Crib is suggesting and it works well. A couple of box fans mounted on either side with washable filters will pick up a bunch of dust and small particles. when you finish up for the day just wash the filters out and let them dry overnight.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/WEB-Furnace-AC-Filter-Common-20-in-x-20-in-x-1-in-Actual-19-625-in-x-19-625-in-x-0-875-in-Washable-Electrostatic-Air-Filter/3131313?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-rpe-_-google-_-lia-_-171-_-airfilters-_-3131313-_-0&store_code=717&placeholder=null&gclid=CjwKCAiAlajvBRB_EiwA4vAqiKC29Px52qaopWDQbHvRrqfRrJ6yJxiELDM5kdw_gw35Z4kv1b5C-RoCQ7gQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[formariz 11,987]

What tools/machinery/activity  do you use that create dust? the best way is always to minimize it or collect it at the source..Different tools require sometimes different methods depending on what type of dust is created and how it is projected into the space. For example, both a table saw and a band saw can create an equal amount of dust from similar operations. They however project that dus very differently into the work space. Where a shop vacuum will be sufficient to collect dust from the band saw, it is totally useless on a table saw.The very fine dust one finds on top of horizontal surfaces even when dust collection is used requires very special filtration and even with that it will always be found.

Perhaps with a shop layout showing machines used I can better help with suggestions. Shop vacuums work well in many instances but when coupled with a cyclone separator they become much more efficient and maintenance free. I do a lot of handwork but also use machinery for a lot of the prep work. I don't have anything fancy or that expensive, just stuff that has proved efficient from trial and error and experiencing it all through the years.

Since my shop is also part of the house, dust collection and control is the first priority. After over 30 years here I am still constantly trying to control and improve the dust collecting/creating situation. One thing that became absolutely a forbidden activity here is any finish spraying .That stuff is so insidious that it is impossible to totally control

Edited December 6, 2019 by formariz

[rmaynard 15,427]

Once my new shop is finished, I am adding this between the sandblaster and my 16 gallon shop vac.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/oneida-air-systems-diy-dust-deputy-cyclone-only?gclid=CjwKCAiAlajvBRB_EiwA4vAqiDaTDzaEUYCgeQfLwGWhikNfL_v7j3QjUidq_PE7xcpf1UQrAgfoyhoCnBsQAvD_BwE

[Pullstart 62,795]

If you have a shop vac, most hardware stores carry vacuum bags for the inside.  They work quite well for drywall dust, wood dust and shavings, etc.  it’s easy to bring outside and dispose in the trash without trashing the vacuum too!

[ebinmaine 67,277]

You folks are awesome. Keep the ideas coming.

[Racinbob 11,044]

I'm not sure if you want to spend this much Eric but I'm in the process of closing off part of the basement and making it my woodworking shop and am seriously thinking about one of these.

 

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-industrial-5-micron-dust-collector-97869.html?_br_psugg_q=dust+collector

 

[The Tuul Crib 7,336]

 Here's another idea they can be a little costly. Got lucky pick this one up off of craigslist for 250 with all the connections . 

It does a great job!

[82Caddy 851]

1 hour ago, Racinbob said:

I'm not sure if you want to spend this much Eric but I'm in the process of closing off part of the basement and making it my woodworking shop and am seriously thinking about one of these.

 

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-industrial-5-micron-dust-collector-97869.html?_br_psugg_q=dust+collector

 

Current coupon price puts it at 179$

 

I use one of those with a higher micron filter.  I also added a 55 gal drum before the dust collector to pick up the bigger pieces and keep them out of the blower impeller. It does have wheels on the bottom of it so it can be moved around.

[formariz 11,987]

4 hours ago, The Tool Crib said:

One idea I had is to screw a couple pieces of OSB about 2 ft tall to the sides of that table and then make a port for a Shop-Vac in a corner.

If that is a table which you use to work on sanding and doing miscellaneous small tool operations you van make an additional top with holes drilled through it mount it with about one inch of space to original top, enclosed on sides and with a port for vacuum. That's pretty much how a dedicated sanding table is done. It will collect any dust that falls on it and airborne dust close to table.

As for machinery you will need to improvise and close as much of machine as possible to direct dust into collector hose. There is not one solution for everything. Here are some photos of set ups that I use. You may not need to get that involved but it will give you some starting points. Many times I rig up some insane looking set ups for special operations that only get used once. Some of the stuff shown such as the shop vacuum cyclone separator are available in less expensive smaller plastic form which Bob gave you a link to.

Although for occasional use they are OK ,I do not use any plastic drums or cyclones or bags for safety reasons. Static build up and discharge on moving air within a closed system containing dust is dangerous. I use only metal components and they and every hose are internally grounded into electrical system.

 

 

Below main collector. Two stage allowing only fine dust to go into bag. Solid bigger stuff and most dust falls into drum before. Mainly used for bottom of table saw and 2 joiners I use

 

Perhaps the most important one in shop. Collects dust from above table saw directed at your face and acts as a very effective guard. It has its own dedicated collection system.

 

Collection system for above table saw. Dedicated motor and separator. Bag never really gets any dust, it falls into drum from cyclone.

 

 Band saw collection. Used with a shop vacuum with a cyclone. Its just held with magnets.

 

Totally encircles blade getting most dust at the source.

 

 

Router table collection from shop vacuum. There is also usually the hose from main collector underneath table. This one is always messy regardless how hard you try but its mainly chips.

 

 

Quickly improvised edge sander dust collected into sanders bag and shop vacuum. Very efficient with basically no dust anywhere.

 

Chop saw set up. Collected from saw to shop vacuum and main collector on back of box through shown cutout which has a special fitting for it. Very efficient on a really messy tool.

 

Probably the second most important one in shop. Cyclone separator for shop vacuum. 99% of everything falls into it before reaching shop vac. If you keep it from overfilling you almost never have to clean vac filter and have consistent suction.

 

These are through out place. Automatically turns on collectors when tools are switched on.

 

 

 

 

[82Caddy 851]

Here's another idea using a 5 gal bucket and a shop vac to keep the gunk out of the shop vac.

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Dustopper-High-Efficiency-Dust-Separator-12-in-Dia-with-2-5-in-Hose-36-in-Long-HD12/302643445?fbclid=IwAR2q3NvY-E_pEviuB95KV45fZAdW1hzR96OhyicUr79GY3o-6S8XXhg6Gyo

 

Interestingly enough there is a discussion going on in a Facebook group about this same topic that started with this video...

 

 

[Lee1977 6,642]

There is a Fein 27060090920 Vacuum on Amizon that attaches to small saw and sanders that comes on with the power tool. It's not cheap but it's good quality .

[formariz 11,987]

System in video works relatively well and it is easy to do. Many different methods similar to that one. They are all good for the occasional user and that is probably what most need.

It however requires a lot more frequent maintenance on vacuum filter since air inside buckets is constantly moving even right above dust collected on bottom bucket keeping dust suspended and being drawn into filter. With an actual cyclone outside bucket that does not happen and filter stays clean for much longer. There are actually no name brand plastic cyclones similar to the Oneida (actual copies) that one bolts to the top of a bucket. They cost $21.00 as opposed to over 40 for the same size Oneida or similar. Taking that into account one spends probably that in fittings and buckets and some time in the other version.

[ebinmaine 67,277]

8 hours ago, formariz said:

What tools/machinery/activity  do you use that create dust?

 

 

 

I haven't been able to take the time to go back and read all the way through this thread but I figured I probably should answer this particular question.

 

Most of the reason that I am asking about this is because we need a place to be able to grind paint and rust off of metal now that winter is here and we can't do it outside.

 

Also:

General sanding on wood products such as if Trina is building a project and needs to clean it up a bit before assembly.

 

 

[squonk 41,027]

Metal grindings will tear up a motor of an average shop vac. These guys have good advice on dust collection rust removal

 

https://www.tptools.com/default.aspx?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5u-p6_2h5gIVGoiGCh2-1AMbEAAYAiAAEgLPhPD_BwE

[MikMacMike 479]

10 hours ago, formariz said:

System in video works relatively well and it is easy to do. Many different methods similar to that one. They are all good for the occasional user and that is probably what most need.

It however requires a lot more frequent maintenance on vacuum filter since air inside buckets is constantly moving even right above dust collected on bottom bucket keeping dust suspended and being drawn into filter. With an actual cyclone outside bucket that does not happen and filter stays clean for much longer. There are actually no name brand plastic cyclones similar to the Oneida (actual copies) that one bolts to the top of a bucket. They cost $21.00 as opposed to over 40 for the same size Oneida or similar. Taking that into account one spends probably that in fittings and buckets and some time in the other version.

Yuppers the Oneida systems work excellent, Ive seen them in action. The only thing Id do though is use it for the wood or vacuming the dust off the floor....What great about them is yes the cyclonic action but also what is so important is the type of hood you utilize on each of the wood working machinery....make sure your vac has lots of cfm and a good draw on a 2" water colume....say at least 110 plus inches. I use my big shop vac also for fume extraction while welding....I picked up another flexable hose for the exhaust side and lay it about 5 to 8 feet outside the shop, But before I use it with any type of welding I empty it and pour about a gallon of water in it in case of sparks. Works exellent untill I get a proper down draft welding table built. Hense the warning though, always clean it out before welding. As for painting thats another story all together.....my old shop I built a colapsable spray booth because lack of space, a large squarel fan but I changed the motor to a sealed unit to eliminate igniting the fumes.....It drew the air right out side.....the booth itself I installed very fine replacable furnace filters....dang there was a spray Id spray the filters with but I cant remeber the name of it......anyways it wasnt perfect but it sure kept the small dust particulate off my wet paint.  Well boys n girls thats it for me Im off to bed.....been going since 7:00 am and I feel real old right now....oh sheeesh I am old hahahah.

[ebinmaine 67,277]

@formariz Caz I like the band saw and chop saw ideas in particular. 

The chop saw cabinet is in our near future I believe.

 

@squonk thanks for the link there.

 

Everyone... Lots of great information and ideas. Thank you.

 

I picked up a couple furnace filters and some hose adapters to experiment with for the rolling table in the original post.