Wood shop dust collectors are important for
ensuring that your machines work efficiently
and your shop environment stays clean and safe.
Many do it yourselfers think that dust collection
is only for professional wood working shops,
but actually anyone with two or more stationary
power tools can benefit from dust collection.
By removing the dust from the work areas of your
tools you can increase your efficiency (by not
having to repeatedly dust the machine) and extend
the life of your tools by preventing dust from
accumulating on your tools' inner workings. Dust
collection can also prevent many breathing problems
caused by flying sawdust or chemical particulate.
Shopping for dust collectors
Dust collectors can represent a major expense;
even the most modest system will likely cost
several hundred dollars. Shopping around to find
the best deal, then, is essential if you want
to get the most capacity for the least amount
of cash. One of the best places to shop for dust
collectors is on the Internet, because many system
manufacturers are web sites that allow you to
design your own system using their dust collection
machinery and accessories. Even if you do not
buy from a particular manufacturer their site
may give you terrific ideas on how to configure
your system as well as give you a rough idea
how much things will cost.
Dust collector accessories
Most
of the web sites mentioned above also offer
a comprehensive catalogue of accessories so that
you can customize your system. You can also pick
up dust collector accessories such as spare filters,
gauges to help you tell how well your dust collector
is working, and everything you need to install
your system – from duct hangers to wrenches
for working with PVC.
PVC dust collection fittings
While some dust collection systems use sheet
metal ducting to carry dust to the collection
point, others use PVC dust collection fittings.
There are many advantages to using PVC in your
dust collection system, including the fact that
PVC pipe does not allow sound to travel from
your collection motor. This means your shop will
be quieter, and because the inside of the PVC
is smooth and has no screws you never have to
worry about your PVC pipe becoming clogged. These
two factors are the chief reasons why some manufacturers
have switched to PVC dust collection fittings
in their wood shop dust collectors.
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