Woodworker's Journal 2006-30-2, страница 74
Sanding Tables Another option for capturing the fine dust and lurig-damaging wood powder produced during abrasive woodworking operations is to work atop a sanding table. These devices are useful for controlling both the dust overflow from portable power tools connected to shop vacuums, as well as dust produced by heavy hand sanding. Free-standing, self-powered downdraft tables, like the Delta "Sandtrap" series shown at right, use a fan to draw air down through a perforated worktable, filtering the dusty air in the process. You can also build your own downdraft table from a kit (available online at www.rockler.com). If you're space-constrained, another alternative is to buy an easy-to-store portable sanding table, like Penn State Industry's "Dust-Grabber." These feature a perforated top on a large flat box that you set on a benchtop for use. A port connects the box to either a dust collector or shop vacuum. In addition to floors, machine tables and benchtops, don't forget to vacuum dust from electrical outlets and the top of light fixtures, where fine dust buildup can pose a fire hazard. Delta's "Sandtrap' downdraft table uses a tan to draw air down through a perforated top through a series of filters. Secondary Control & Collection Even if you've outfitted your shop with complete central dust collection, no primary collection system is 100 percent efficient Some chips and fine dust escape and must be cleaned up. Hence, you need a secondary means of expelling or capturing the powderlike respirable dust that's left wafting about the shop. Air-filtration devices or shop ventilation are the easiest and most effective ways of taking care of this free-roaming dust in any woodshop. (There's also the issue of cleaning the fine dust that settles on floors and benchtops. addressed in the sidebar below.) It's important to note that, while secondary methods help reduce Today's Shop continues on page 76... 7 MS SH IP A shop vacuum with a built-in activation switch, such as the Fein Turbo II or Festool CT Mini (shown) is a great dust-busting strategy. as small benchtop machines, including compound miter saws, table saws, router tables and sanders. Vacs with smaller diameter hoses (1 - l1:") are handier for use with portable power tools, while larger-hose (24") vacs are preferable for use with benchtop machines. However, even the largest canister shop vacuum will quickly fill up, if used to collect chips from a portable planer. While most modern portable and benchtop power tools feature dedicated, built-in dust collection ports, on some models you must remove the tool's dust bag and plug a hose into the port; an adapter or an accessory shroud is sometimes required. Shop Cleanup OK , you got the dust collector and the air filtration device; so why does your shop still look like a dust devil dropped by for a visit? Unfortunately, even the best primary and secondary collection solutions don't do a perfect job of keeping dust and chips off benches, machines and the floor. To get a handle on this "errant dust," you'll need some means of cleaning up the shop. If you typically use a broom to sweep the shop up or an air hose to blow dust away, take my advice and stop doing it. Vacuuming up chips, dust and the occasional gum wrapper is almost as easy as blowing or sweeping, and it doesn't launch tons of fine particles into the air where they're easily breathable. The shop vacuum you probably already own is the most practical tool for small-shop cleanup tasks. Most vacuums come with wheels, to make them portable, while wall-mounted models come with extra-long hoses. If your shop has expansive ftoor space, consider purchasing a rolling vacuum with a wide-mouth bottom pickup designed specifically tor floor cleanup, such as Shop-Vac's "Shop Sweep." If you have a central collection system, it's fairly easy to add a vacuum hose station by fitting (long enough to reach each nook and cranny) to the end of an unused branch duct, or install a an existing branch as shown in the photo at right. Y" flexible hose fitting on 74 April 2006 Woodworker's Journal |
