Dust Collectors

Dust collectors are invaluable tools in home workshops where sawdust, which is a documented health hazard, can get into the air and lungs in even short or sporadic exposures. Weekend woodworking hobbyists must be just as aware of the air quality in their workspace as professional carpenters and woodworkers. Dust collectors can provide a healthy, safe breathing environment for the entire family.

Dust Collector Rate of Power

A dust collector's rate of power is in the volume of air moved through the system at a constant pressure, measured as cfm. To get an idea of how much cfm is required by a dust collector, on must first understand the output of dust caused by various tools. For example, a normal table saw puts out enough dust to require a dust collector with a standard measured rate of 350 cfm. A lathe can require around 500 cfm and a belt disc sander around 350 cfm.

Now, operated individually, these tools require a dust collector that can handle their individual output, respectively. But if operated simultaneously, the greatest output level must be acknowledged and the dust collector with the highest cfm must be used to maintain a clean breathing environment. The best option is, of course, to purchase separate dust collectors that may be positioned by their respective counterparts, but this may not be fiscally or spatially viable.

Types of Dust Collectors

Dust collector efficiency may also rely on the type of machine purchased.

Shop vacuums are the cheapest model of dust collectors, but are unable to handle larger wood fragments and debris.

Single and two-stage collectors filter and separate the larger debris from the smaller, and with wheels may remain just as mobile as shop vacs, however, emptying the filter bags can be a heavy job.

The most expensive type of dust collector is the cyclone pre-collector. This type of dust collector is best suited for the pros. Dust and debris is whirled into filter bags and waste containers, which may cause extra for purchase, but are easily handled and emptied.

Ambient air cleaners are also available and should be used as a compliment to any dust collecting machinery. Ambient cleaners are mounted on the ceiling and pull the finest wood particles up into a series of filters, circulating clean air back out again. They are very valuable secondary tools to remove even the smallest particles, which can still be responsible for respiratory ailments.(***END BULLETS***)

Exposure Risks

Even those individuals who believe that their weekend woodworking couldn't possibly produce enough sawdust to cause damage should be aware that fine dust can severely affect respiratory processes. A broom, a dust pan, and a mask is simply not enough protection, and repeated exposure to fine dust particles can lead to damage similar to that caused by the inhalation of cigarettes, asbestos, and fiberglass.

By Barbara Poelle