Woodshop Dust Control
8x10 Paperback, 198 pages
Price $21.95 Buy Me
This is a very impressive book on a seemingly simple subject. Good practical information and instructions on how to build most of what you need. Dust collection is not a trivial matter. Woodworkers are 1000 times more likely to develop some forms of cancer, and/or develop chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Wood dust can create "flu like" symptoms, and have more dangerous results decades after exposure. If you're going to work with wood, A little knowledge can go a long way toward keeping you healthy. This book teaches you what size dust particles are most dangerous, how to filter them, and how to build a professional dust collection system to keep your shop clean and healthy.
Chapter 1 - The Problem of Dust in the Workshop
A small 5 micron dust particle can remain airborne for 30 minutes or more, and that gives it plenty of time to get lodged in your lungs, or foul up a nice paint job. You can't even see dust particles smaller than 2 microns, yet this fine powder is the most dangerous. larger 10 to 20micron dust will probably get trapped by the hairs and mucous of your upper respiratory system. .3 to 10 micron particles will penetrate deep into your lungs, and anything finer will most likely get exhaled.
Over exposure to wood dust will lead to "flu like" symptoms, and can develop into chronic bronchitis or emphysema, and even cancer. The statistics are scary. In addition to the dust hazards, many woods contain a fungus or chemicals such as glue and preservatives that can cause an allergic reaction. Learn how much dust is too much, before its too late. and be constantly aware of the fire and even explosion hazards of airborne dust.
Chapter 2 - Strategies for Controlling Dust
Its not enough to vacuum up the chips and shavings, you also need to control
dust in the air. You can try to catch it at the
source, clean it out of the air, or filter it with a
respirator. Usually a combination of these
methods works best. This chapter discusses each method, and shows good examples
of each one. Start with good housekeeping by building a floor sweeping
attachment for your Shop-Vac, and a shoe scrubber to prevent tracking dust into
the house. Choosing the right tool and limiting your exposure with proper
ventilation is a good start. Learn about the different types of air filters and
dust collectors that are available.
Chapter 3 - Respiratory Devices
A good respirator should be the last line of defense, but its usually the first thing people try. Learn about the three types, Disposable, Reusable, and Supplied Air. Some very useful information in this chapter is worth the price of the book. Did you know that those cheap disposable face masks you see in hardware stores only have a single layer of filtration, and typically filter only 10 microns and larger? That's right, the really dangerous dust can pass right through!! Many of the better "throw away" masks have multi layer construction and double straps. Reusable respirators are generally a little less comfortable, bulkier, and more expensive. They do a great job however, and can be cheaper in the long run. You can also switch to filters suitable for organic vapors such as paint fumes. Read about the different ratings for filter cartridges and masks, and how to properly fit one. Learn about powered air respirators and why they may be worth the extra cost. If you have a beard, then a conventional mask may not seal well. A powered air unit can use a more comfortable full hood with a "flip up" face shield that also protects your eyes.
Chapter 4 - Shop Ventilation and Filtration
Despite your best efforts to collect dust at the source, much of it will still end up in the air. The obvious solution is to ventilate the shop if your climate permits it. Learn how much fan capacity you need, and the types of fans used. If you work in a cold climate, or ventilation is not enough, a ceiling mounted air cleaner may be the best choice. Learn how powered air filters work, and see some examples of commercial units. Learn about two stage filtration, filter ratings, and a useful formula for sizing an air cleaner to fit your shop.
This chapter has valuable info on how to build a simple air cleaner that works as well as commercial units. You also get a source for kits to assemble one for half the cost of a purchased unit. Learn about mounting locations, testing and maintenance.
Chapter 5 - Portable Dust Collection
The most common type are called "Shop-Vacs" they are cheap and versatile. 16 full pages are devoted to to helping you choose a good one, pick the right filter, and use it in clever ways you never thought of. A Shop-Vac can attach to most stationary and portable tools to collect dust at the source. Learn about automatic switches, homemade accessories, and even how to build a muffler.
Portable dust collectors are a step up from Shop-Vacs. These use a squirrel cage fan with a large cloth collection bag or canister. These are fairly inexpensive, and flow enough air to use with multiple tools. See some examples and see how to make a three outlet collection manifold for multiple tools.
Chapter 6 - Central Dust Collectors
A must for all serious woodworking shops! Learn about the basics of moving air, and te different types of collectors. Don't be intimidated some of this stuff is very easy to make for yourself. 22 pages of great info will show you different methods to separate chips from dust. Learn how to build two kinds of simple "pre-separators", to turn your single stage collector into a two stage system. Selecting the proper filter means everything. Learn to choose the best one from the dozens available. Buy multiple filters from the sources shown, and build a simple plenum box to create any size dust collection system.
Chapter 7 - Designing a Central Collection System
Now that you know about the components, let's build a system like the pro's use, and save a few thousand dollars in the process. All the facts and figures are here to design it right. For those of us who hate math, the author designed a system that will work for a typical two car garage/shop. 24 pages include many floor plans, lots of pictures, and easy to understand charts and formulas to design any size system. One useful chart shows the CFM and duct size requirements for all popular woodworking tools. Learn about ducting efficiently with minimal pressure loss. This chapter helps you size the components to work well together.
Chapter 8 - Installing a Central Collection System
Read all about duct installation, fittings and valves. Rare information on the dangers of using plastic duct work, and some important precautions to take. Learn the importance of grounding any system to control static charges. After installation, you should perform flow and pressure tests, and balance the system for optimum performance. Learn various ways to control the blower from anywhere in the shop. Get as fancy as you want with remote controls automatic switches, or an easy to build "pull cord" arrangement.
Chapter 9 - Collection Hoods and other Devices
This last chapter is one of the most useful, and will apply to any type of system. Photo's and illustrations show collection hoods fitted to different tools, and information on balancing flow with duct sizes and valves. Learn how to make stripper jets that blow dust off your belt sander into the hood. Finally you ill learn how to build two simple down draft sanding tables.
Top