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.
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 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.