Simply put, dust is an inherent consequence of woodworking. In this blog post, I'll share my view on the two main types of dust collection.
Generally speaking, when we're discussing dust collection, we break it down into two categories of what we're extracting from: larger static machines or portable power tools.
For the larger machines, which usually have a larger diameter dust port (upwards of 100mm or 4"), you'll need to look at a HVLP dust collector. These are larger units usually starting at 1HP in power and up, and they have a large impeller, filter, and collection bag. These work well on machines which produce a large volume of shavings or dust such as a Jointer, Thicknesser, or Table Saw.
Handy Tip - Always choose an extractor that you can grow into. There's nothing worse than adding one extra machine to your collection only to find that the dust extractor can't cope with the new needs of the system. Get yourself the largest unit you can fit while keeping your budget in mind. Also, be aware that different units have different power requirements, so ensure that you have the right amperage outlet and circuit breaker to cope with any specific requirements. You may want to consult an electrician before committing to a purchase!
When it comes to smaller, handheld tools like the router or an orbital sander, you'll need to look toward a vacuum-style dust extractor.
You may be wondering if you can use the vacuum cleaner that you use to clean up the house. The simple answer is - not really! These vacuums are designed for tiny particles, not large amounts of them. They're also not designed for the abrasiveness of timber dust, so you'll likely discover pretty shortly that it won't go as planned.
The good news is that these types of vacuums are reasonably accessible from a price perspective. But if you go too cheap, it may still suck, but you'll be cheaping out on the filtration of the unit. What I mean by this is the air that is then released from the vacuum (the exhaust) may still be contaminated with loads of the finer (more dangerous) particles, and they're just being spewed out into the air you're breathing.
Ideally, you'll be looking for a HEPA-rated dust extractor. These have some of the highest filtration levels you can get. Your primary dust protection should still be a good quality dust mask though, but your air quality will thank you for the higher filtration!
Handy Tip - When choosing your dust extractor, be mindful of how loud the unit is and check the dB rating. When it comes to noise, less is best. An automatic tool port is handy; this is a female outlet on the unit which allows a power tool to be connected and powered by the vacuum. When the tool is switched on, the vacuum will automatically kick in. This is an absolute godsend to have, trust me! (Keep in mind vacuums have different outlet ratings; ensure the tool you're using falls within the specified rating.)
This blog post is about choosing a system, but it doesn't stop there; there's a lot more to talk about, but it's best to discuss your specific needs with you. If you'd like to chat about dust extraction and see how we can help you with your home extraction setup or if you're in a professional setting, hit me up, and we can talk shop.
We've created the perfect email for you to hit us up with your extraction questions: mydustcollectionsucks@adelaideschoolofwoodwork.com.au
Happy woodworking!