Woodworking is fulfilling because you can create amazing works of art that are both functional and ornamental. However, one inconvenience of woodworking is the accumulation of sawdust while you’re working.
Most of the times, the sawdust can get in the way with your projects and cleaning your work area can take longer than necessary. Worst, the wood particles may even create accidents such as a fire.
So, the best way to avoid accumulating sawdust is to create a dust collecting system. Building a dust collection system for your workshop seems complicated, but with the right tools and materials, you can finish it smoothly and quickly.
What do you need?
- Central collecting machine
- A grounding system
- Collecting accessories
Dust Collection System Machine
You can purchase any machine in online stores or the nearest hardware store in your place. Choose the device with enough power to collect dust while you’re working. A collecting machine with a 1.5 HP would be enough because it can do the purpose of sucking things up and clean your woodworking area. However, a 2HP device is preferable.
The collection system can either be one-stage or two-stage. One-stage dust collection machines collect all woodwork mess in a single bag, whether it’s dust or debris. Two-stage collection machine can separate the sawdust and the larger pieces of wood particles. The cost of a two-stage dust collection machine is more expensive than the single stage.
You can also control the flow by adding blast gates on all the connected pipes to your central machine. Also, you need some hoses to connect to your woodworking machines.
Collecting Accessories
These refer to pipes and collecting dust bags. You might want to use PVC and sewer pipes instead of large PVC pipes. Sewer or drain pipes are easier to install and move around the woodworking area.
As to the installation process and accessories, you might want to use metal screws instead of permanently gluing the connections of pipes to the machine. Screws are easier to remove than permanent glue.
Cleaning the inside of the piper for sawdust buildup becomes more accessible and faster than permanent glue.
Grounding System
A lot of woodworkers are debating whether grounding your dust collecting machine is practical or not. The final decision is yours but always prioritize safety.
Sawdust is prone to fire, especially when it builds up. A single spark can cause accidents such as fire and explosion. So, to be on the safe side, grounding your collecting machine is the best option.
Install wire along the pipes with copper wire. The cable is insulated or non-insulated and solid or stranded. In the connection joints, place bayonet connectors for easy opening in cases of clogging in the the pipes and fittings. On these joints, install wire and splice them to the primary grounding wire.
Conclusion
A dust collection system makes the workspace easier to clean and more comfortable. However, you should also think of safety. The grounding system might be an added work, but the benefits outweigh the costs.
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