How to choose a dust collection system for a woodshop

How to choose a dust collection system for a woodshop 1

Wooden works are always fascinating, but fantastic furniture is also one of the most basic and practical tools you can own in a woodworking shop. The term “woodworking” covers a large number of applications, dust types and project sizes. This can range from small workshops for training in carpentry, cabinet and furniture manufacturing, and up to large sawmills and manufacturing processes associated with processed products, such as plywood and fibreboard. But among the biggest issues is the total amount of sawdust that is necessarily created, and it’s not something that can be ignored.

dust collection system
Image Source: YouTube

 Many contemporary wood shops may include dust collection capabilities, although a few still do not have. Whatever the situation, one might be looking for other ways to reduce the total amount of dust blown out as woodshop work goes on, so there is a necessity for a small woodshop dust collection system in a woodshop. 

dust collection system 1
Image Source: Bruce A. Ulrich

The method of collecting and discharging dust is of utmost importance. An essential element in choosing the right woodworking dust collector is the volume of material collected by the system and the type of storage medium used for the collected dust. Nowadays, many offers are provided for the widest choice of solutions, from small drawers or drums for low load applications, small and large buckets, to removable buckets. Below are some typical relief devices:

Buy a Fantastic Workshop Vacuum

The very first step in creating a shop dust collection system is purchasing a great woodshop vacuum system. The shop vacuum can then be connected to a table saw to remove the sawdust you create as you work but can also be used for general cleaning. He should also use a dust mask for woodworking. If one purchases a universal adapter, he will also have the option of using it with other tools you have available, which will help keep his workshop sawdust free at all times.

Put a HEPA Filter dust collection

Among the problems associated with using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a normal filter are the smallest particles that could escape. Are you aware of that cloud of dust blowing from the exhaust if you turn on your shop vacuum all the time? It’s all the very small particles of dust blown around. One can do this by installing a HEPA filter on your shop vacuum instead. These are better at keeping the tiniest particles, helping to keep the atmosphere dust free. They can also be washed and should therefore last a while.

dust collection system
Image Source: Fine Woodworking

Installing a dust vent for a small dust collector

The first step, especially with furniture saws, would be installing a dust vent under the table saw blade. This can be accomplished easily by simply installing an economical plastic tray with a pit in the center where you can reach your shop vacuum.

dust collection process
Image Source: ResearchGate

Consider an Automatic Program for dust collection

Another more advanced alternative is to set up an automated system, which starts with itself once you start operating and stops when you exit. This way, you don’t have to worry about turning it off and back on manually every time.

dust collection system for a woodshop
Image Source: Fine Woodworking

Install an Air Filtration System

Sawdust from the atmosphere can cause respiratory problems and may even be a known carcinogen. To decrease the risks involved, you can consider installing an air conditioning system to remove the best particles suspended in the air.

Best dust collection
Image Source: The Edge Cutter

Sizing and choice of a dust collector for wood

One should have an idea regarding the size of dust and select the right dust collector for the woodworking job. One can have a free audit in his workshop or factory and quickly select a low-cost and reliable technical proposal. Among the essential information that is needed to set a precise size based dust collecting system:

Requirements for airflow in cubic meters per hour (m³ / h) / in cubic feet per minute (ft³):

Dust and application characteristics:

intermittent or continuous production 

Location of the woodworking dust collector bags(indoors or outdoors)

The volume of dust to be removed.

Dust Collection

Conclusion

To avoid the risks associated with wood dust generated by woodworking machines (allergy to wood dust, cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, eczema, etc.), the general ventilation of the premises is often insufficient. It must be accompanied by a collection of dust as close as possible to its emission source and an air filtration system. Wood vacuum cleaner, anti-dust machine, mobile vacuum cleaner, workshop vacuum is used in dust collection. 

dust collection system for a woodshop 1
Image Source: Tools First

Very often, the efficiency of the suction of wood dust on portable machines is insufficient or nonexistent. Due to the complexity of the collection, the ergonomic constraints of the workstations, the power of a vacuum cleaner, the difficulty of the calculation of high vacuum networks, the installations are not very efficient and, therefore, little or not used. The wood industry has developed a range of dust collectors (integrated vacuum cleaner), which allows it to offer tailor-made suction systems ranging from collection to storage of dust, sawdust and wood chips.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *