Well, here is an article about dust collection tips. But you may think, why you need this type of tips when you can clean any dust in other way.
Ask, and they all would agree, the point that most people dread the most, is when it comes time to clean up. Especially when it comes to a workshop covered in sawdust. One timeless method is the use of a broom and dustpan, but the time it can take to get a workshop thoroughly swept just adds to that frustration.
But no matter how frustrating it can be, keeping a workspace clean and tidy, is essential to efficiency and to one’s mood. Having a dust collection system installed can help, but is there more? Are there any tips or tricks out there that can make cleanup a little easier and less frustrating?
7 Best Dust Collection Tips
There are many ways to collect dust from your home or workplace. But here are 7 easy and best ways I am going to show you.
1. Keep It Clean
Keeping the shop as dust free as possible is the idea. Now imagine being able to do this while cutting the wood. Well, it is possible, and all that it will take is the use of a hose clamp and a jig. Using a tool that is equipped with a T-track, cut a ½” by 3″ square piece of plywood and attach the clamp using a flathead machine screw.
Make sure to file down the nut in the bottom to keep from interfering with the T-slot. Next, install a ¼” by 1″ hex head bolt to allow the jig to slide back and forth along the track. A wingnut can be attached to lock the jig in place.
2. Rake It Out
This one is a no-brainer. Keeping those big, pieces of dirt and debris out of the hoses will save time and energy. Additionally, it will help to keep the system running efficiently and effectively by eliminating those hose-clogging pieces that could lead to clogs and headaches. One way to help sort through that pile of sawdust is to use a rake to sort out any hose clogging pieces of wood.
3. Keep It Rolling
There is nothing better than a powerful shop vacuum, but unfortunately, it can be a pain to use because of the constant battle to keep it from “attaching” itself to the floor. Attaching wheels to the nozzle should eliminate this unnecessary headache. Simply cut and mount a set of small plywood wheels to the nozzle. The wheels will be able to roll over floors, even ones covered in debris.
4. Blast Gates are the Thing
Pressure is critical, especially when it comes to extracting of unnecessary dirt and debris. A blast gate is a valve that, when opened, the pressure from the dust collection system is redirected to the open valve, maximizing the suction at that location. Well when it comes to using PVC, while it is economical, there are no compatible blast gates that will fit a PVC pipe. Fortunately, they are not difficult to make.
Start by cutting a U-shape opening in a piece of ¾” MDF (Medium-Density-fiberboard). Next, cut out the blast gates, using a ¾” piece of plywood, using one to block the air and the other to allow air to flow. Since the plywood is thinner than MDF, the handles will slide easily. Finally, mount on the floor pip and attach a flexible hose, and bingo, there is suction power.
*Another tip is to paint the gates different color, to indicate the function.
5. Hook up a Timer
Now one will not have to wait around, to turn off the dust collecting system. Just hook up the unit to a timer, turn it on, and go. Now the system will shut off automatically long after one leaves the shop, depending on how long the timer is set for.
6. Use Quick Connects
Adding more equipment to any workshop is a good thing, right? Except when there is more equipment than outlets for the dust collection system and no easy method to add more collection ports. But there is a solution. Use RV sewer fittings to attach to the dust collector pipe.
Run an RV sewer hose and connect to a router fence. This will allow for a quick disconnect from one machine to another. The sewer hose is flexible and can easily extend to different tools. The rubber seals lock down tight but will allow for a quick release with just a twist.
7. Fenced
Do you have a garbage can attached to a dust collection system, but cannot keep the bag from getting sucked in? There is a solution. Use a 2×4″ piece of welded fence and fashion it to fit inside the trash can liner. Make sure to make the bottom slightly smaller (an inch or so) to keep from damaging the liner when inserting the sleeve. Now just pull out the fencing and tie up and dispose of the bag.
Conclusion
Well, those are some of the tips that are available to make dust collection a little easier of a project. Not only will they make cleanup a little easier but could also make one’s dust collection system more efficient and even last longer. And no one can deny the benefits of that.
But if you think your dust collector is out of date or make any problem, you should maintenance your dust collector for the better performances.
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