Clear The Air About Dust Collectors

Clear The Air About Dust Collectors: Choosing The Right One For Your Shop

For woodworkers, dust is an inevitable by product of creating beautiful pieces.  While the act of creating dust itself can be satisfying, letting it accumulate on surfaces and pollute the air hinders the enjoyment of woodworking projects.  Here's where dust collectors come in to save the day!

Understanding Dust Particle Size

Dust and airborne particles are measured in microns.  A human hair is roughly 50 microns in diameter.  Particles smaller than 10 microns, such as dust, are invisible and can linger in the air for extended periods.

What a Dust Collector Does

A Dust collector effectively removes dust and wood chips from woodworking machines like tablesaws, planers, bandsaws, and sanders.  It then stores this waste for later disposal, while also filtering the finer dust and returning clean air to your shop.  Remember, a collector that only performs one of these tasks is not sufficient.  Invest in a model that offers both functions and prioritise your health by ensuring optimal performance.

Assessing Your Shop Needs

Before diving into the world of dust collectors consider the following factors:

• Number of Machines: Will the collector serve a single machine, a few machines, or your entire shop?
• Portability vs.  Permanence: Do you need a portable collector you can move around, or a permanent one that connects to a duct system? Portability requires a model on casters and a smooth, unobstructed floor.
• Electrical Phase: In the UK we have single phase and three phase electric supply.  Check with an electrician you have the correct phase in your workshop.  Single phase supplies electric at 240V, where as three phase supplies at 415v or 440v.
• Space Constraints: Ensure the chosen collector fits comfortably within your shop's dimensions.
• Collector Placement: Will the collector reside within a dedicated work shop or room (requiring return venting) to minimise noise? Can it be installed outside the shop altogether if allowed?

Types of Dust Collectors

Dust collectors fall into two main categories: single-stage and two-stage.  Both types utilise a motor-powered impeller with blades housed in a metal casing to create suction.  However, they differ in how they handle incoming dust-laden air.

• Single-Stage Collectors: These models directly draw air through a hose or duct into the impeller chamber before discharging it into the separation/filtration chamber.  The collection bag typically sits beneath the filter bag or canister.  Heavier particles settle in the collection bag as the air loses velocity while finer particles get trapped as air passes through the filter media.  While these collectors can be effective when paired with the appropriate tools and hose/duct size, a downside exists: debris passes through the impeller, potentially damaging the vanes or bags if knots or hardware are present.
• Two-Stage Collectors: These units operate differently.  The impeller sits atop a cone-shaped separator, sucking dusty air directly into it.  As the air spirals inside the cone, it slows down, allowing most debris to settle into the collection bin.  Only fine dust travels up the centre tube within the cone to the impeller and then into the adjacent filter.  Consequently, no debris besides fine dust reaches the impeller.  Larger two-stage collectors translate to greater airflow, suction, and storage capacity.

Tips for Optimal Dust Collection

• Position Planer and Jointer Strategically: Place these machines closest to the collector as they generate the most dust volume.  Sanders and bandsaws, which produce the finest dust, should be located farther away.
• Blast Gates for Optimised Flow: Utilise blast gates to shut off airflow to unused machines, maximising flow to the machines currently in operation.