Dust Collectors

[makenchips]

I need all those who use dust collection systems to chime in. Â*I am in the market for a dust collection system that can be used in my house. Â*I do not have a seperate work area that I can use a power carving tool so I am forced to be in the main living area until summer. Â*The system needs to be very efficient in removeing dust so that it does not go throughout the house and can not be to loud to shake my house apart. Â*I would also like for it to be portable so that I can take it places if the need arises. Â*I have looked at the WCI Power carving manuals but would like everybody elses opinion before making my decision. Â*So please tell me your likes, dislikes, recommendations, or whatever. Â*

The scenario you describe sounds to me that you are just asking for trouble. You would probably be better off to bite the bullet and just work outside.

However, I will give you an answer anyway. I personally have a Penn State DC1B-XL 1 hp dust collector that I hook up to various pieces of machinery as I use them. This would not do you any good. If you are making dust by carving, you can buy one of these table top down draft models that you place your work on as you are sanding and it is supposed to suck up the dust as you are creating it. I, personally, have never used one of these systems. If you are going to be working in a living area, you better pick a room and keep the door closed while you are working. The dust collector you need is an 'air cleaner' which circulates and cleans the air in a given space. They come in various sizes and the cfm's (cubic feet per minute) requirements will be determined by the size of the area to be cleaned and how often you want the entire air to be circulated every hour.

Check out the Penn State Industries systems at www.pennstateind.com or www.woodcraft.com specifically catalog nr 143300 or 144418

My 'mentor' uses a box fan with furnace filters that sits on his desk when he power carves. It actually catches quite a bit of the dust.