Turning dust collection

[Max Taylor]

Here I am again with another question. I wanted to make a dust collection port to place close to the turning. Somewhere I heard that a shop-vac would not work for extended running. Anyone with experience know about this?Thanky, Max

 

[TurningDog]

A shop vac will burn out if you put it under some extended heavy duty use. Are your dust collecting ambitions truly about dust or are they about shavings? If you want a dust filter A nice cieling hanging model does wonders for sanding dust. Depending on what you are turning and how much you are willing to invest in a DC you may well be better off not using anything other than a broom and dustpan. As fast as I throw off heavy wet sticky shavings there is no way anything but a very expensive DC right next to my lathe is going to keep up without getting clogged.

 

[Max Taylor]

dust collection

Thanks, TD, I am only interested in the fine dust that comes off a dry turning blank. That is what is damaging to the respiratory system. The chips get collected with the shop-vac and dustpan and broom. I would be much happier if I could vacuum the fine dust before it gets to my lungs. Doesnt seem practical to run a 2 horse dust collector along with a 2 horse lathe.Guess it is back to the dust mask. Thanks, Max

 

[MichaelMouse]

Induction-run motors like the ones on dust collectors of the cloth bag type are rated for continuous duty, and can do it. Universal motors such as you encounter in vacuums with their carbons and commutators shouldn't be run for any length of time or beyond the strictly necessary.

Innumerable threads on collecting at the source here and elsewhere, but it has to end at a good high-volume (not high vacuum) collector, no matter how you begin it. Simple dryer vents like mine will do 90% easy, but I remember to let gravity give me and the collector a hand when selecting my sanding places.

NB - Those using HVAC or dryer vents should take some duct tape to the sharp corners. It may take a few years, but when you cut the bowl, it'll be one you were proud of.

 

[Jake Debski]

Dustpan,

To get started, tape a couple of h.e.p.a. rated furnace filters to the upwind side of an inexpensive box fan. Place the jury-rig directly behind the lathe. When time or budget allows purchase a decent dust collector to replace the box fan.

You can also put a small fan behind you at slightly higher than your sholder. This will help push the dust away from the lathe operator.

 

[Bill Boehme]

Dustpan,

I have a collection of just about every overpriced commercially made dust collection device for mounting on a lathe and they all have about the same shortcomings. A shop vac does not have enough air flow to be useful. Even a DC will have problems unless it is a large unit (these small roll-around units are fine for some stuff, but not very effective on a lathe). I think that the sheet metal vents suggested by MichaelM is as good as anything and a lot cheaper than the plastic things. I bought one on an articulating arm that would have been very good except for the fact that the design of the articulating arm was done by an idiot. Here are the main problems that I have found with all of them:

1. They are not designed for easy positioning of the scoop
2. The scoop has to be so close to the work that it often interferes with the turning tools
3. They are not very sturdy or durable
4. They don't come with anything close to approaching an adequate amount of hardware for attaching to the lathe
5. They are not very effective anyway
6. If the word "lathe" is associated with it, the price is about 100 times what it ought to be

Other than that, they are great. Simple is better -- buy some sheet metal duct parts, hook it up via a flexible hose to a heavy duty DC. Always wear some sort of breating protection because it is the dust that you can't see that will kill you.

Bill

 

[blackhorse]

I use a 1.5 HP Jet D/C with a 6"A/C fitting. I mounted it to the lathe banjo and it works really great. very good while sanding as well. I don't try to catch shavings, only dust. Pic attached.

 

[n7bsn]

Have you considered a dust-mask. A real serious dust-mask. I use the Trend Airshield . Not only does it protect my lungs, but my face also.

There are other options, but this protects my face and lungs

 

[pyrocasto]

Have you considered a dust-mask. A real serious dust-mask. I use the Trend Airshield . Not only does it protect my lungs, but my face also.

There are other options, but this protects my face and lungs

I dont use dust collection of any sort, havent really needed it yet. Would be nice to keep the dust off my saftey glasses though.

I use a face mask for toxic woods which can be a little PITA.

I think something could be built with a squirrel cage fan and a few filters from lowes. 😉

 

[n7bsn]

I dont use dust collection of any sort, havent really needed it yet. Would be nice to keep the dust off my saftey glasses though.

I use a face mask for toxic woods which can be a little PITA.

I think something could be built with a squirrel cage fan and a few filters from lowes. 😉

IMO, there are two types of wood-workers, those that have problems due to wood dust, and those that will. I intend to put me entering the first catagory as long as possible.

In addition to the Trend Airshield, I have a Delta Air Filter and a dust collector.

Maybe over kill, but I don't have dust problems, as opposed a pen-turner friend that has almost had to stop (he got a Trend Airshield this year, and says it helps enough)

 

[bowlman]

Turning Dust Collectio and facemasks

I have used the racal (now 3M) Airstream for over 20 years now. One of OSHA's highest ratings, filters out all the nasty no-see-ems. Saves the lungs and sinuses. Pricey yes, but so is emphysema, lung cancer, lung transplants, etc. And I adopted a tip from the late Rude Osolnik ... a fan behind your shoulder (oush the dust away) and another (window box type) a few feet away ina window (pull the dust away and out!). I used to have a 2HP dust Boy/Dust King. Noise, not performance was the issue. Neighbors 3 blocks away wanted to know when the 747 was going to land.