Question-new to board

[intercoastal91]

Hi,

New to board and have a quick question. I'm new at bird carving but I love it and would like to get more into it. However, I live in an apartment and do not have access to a shop. I really don't need large tools such as a bandsaw because I carve from small pieces of basswood and am even thing about just purchasing the blanks in the future as I enjoy the detail work more. My question is..is it possible to set up a small workstation in a room in the apartment where I can use a dremel tool to do the detail work with a dust fan/filter/collector..something that will collect the dust from the dremel and sanding so that I can work inside. Anyone have a similar setup...is it a possibility?

Thanks,

Bill

[kenweybright]

Bill,

Yes it is possible. Early on I used a lap dust collector. I then built a frame for the dust collector to lie on while I carvered birds. I think that Willy McDonald of the duckblind.com has a work station that is better than a lap dust collector, but I think it is also a few hundred dollars. You could an internet search for dust collectors and come up with a whole bunch that would serve your needs.

[intercoastal91]

Thanks Ken,

So it is possible and safe to use something like the corner of a spare bedroom to set up a carving station. Like I said, I would do any large cutting outside..just doing the more detail work with the dremel, chisel, sandpaper, painting, staining, etc. inside.

Thanks

[Hugh-P]

A lot of the dust that penetrates the house comes from the dust that settles on your clothes. I try to change my clothes when I come from the shop, and it seems to help a little.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

The dust is the main reason I carve 90% of the time with knives and chisels.....I get enough dust from the scrollsaw, sander and bandsaw!

[intercoastal91]

Thanks for the replies. That's the thing..I don't have a shop...so my carving and sanding will have to be done indoors with a dust collector. Hopefully, minimal dust from wood is not cancer causing or that dangerous unless one has respiratory issues.

Thanks

[Uncle Dave]

HI Bill,
Welcome to the forum. Lots of people on here work within there homes. A dust collector that you might look at is found at The Woodcraft Shop. Very good people to deal with!
Dave

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by Uncle Dave

HI Bill,
Welcome to the forum. Lots of people on here work within there homes. A dust collector that you might look at is found at The Woodcraft Shop. Very good people to deal with!
Dave

Small world there "uncle Dave"....I was in the Navy, lived in Poway during my last couple of years stationed at Miramar..and my name is Dave....lol

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Bill. It's nice to have you here with us. You might want to check the past threads for "dust collector". I remember someone posting a really nice homemade system using plastic sheeting that kept the dust completely contained.

[intercoastal91]

Thanks guys...great advice. I'll check into the different collectors. Very friendly and helpful board you have here. I'm sure I'll be back quite often.

Thanks again,

Bill