Lathe Dust Collection

[Simoli]

I have discovered that when I sand my turned projects I really make a mess, so I need to fix that. I am getting ready to run a DC line to my lathe this weekend. Everything will be hard piped except the small portion from the wall to the lathe. I plan on putting some form of intake on a stand that can be moved and possibly raised and lowered. I would like to get an idea of what others have done. Running the pipe is a no brainer, but that last little section to the lathe needs to be right and efficient.

 

[MichaelMouse]

I have discovered that when I sand my turned projects I really make a mess, so I need to fix that. I am getting ready to run a DC line to my lathe this weekend. Everything will be hard piped except the small portion from the wall to the lathe. I plan on putting some form of intake on a stand that can be moved and possibly raised and lowered. I would like to get an idea of what others have done. Running the pipe is a no brainer, but that last little section to the lathe needs to be right and efficient.

I power sand, which means the dust wants to head down in front of the ways on convex forms. I use magnets to put a galvanized duct there to collect it. The same duct can be moved to the far side of the lathe ways to catch the inside stuff. All it takes is enough flex duct to make it from the hard mount to the front or rear for an arrangement like that.

With a modest 400 CFM collector I can get so much of the dust that I can't dirty a Kleenex even if I don't mask. Of course I stand up, which gives me some distance, rather than stooping and looking. Same as cutting, what you're doing is visible, just a bit later as the spot comes around. Worth it to keep the shavings out of your collar and the dust from your nose.

 

[laymarcrafts]

Jim I found that the DC alone is not the complete solution and added a Down Draft Fan System to my Set Up.

Details can be found in the Hints N Tips section of my Web Site, also in the Techniques Section I try to explain the Problem as I see it.

http://www.laymar-crafts.co.uk

Richard

 

[jeffnreno]

Wow - that link to dust collection is great. I don't have anything that ellaborate. I have a 4" pipe from my dc to a flex that is connected to a aluminum box that I got at home depot. This is attached to a 2x4 frame that I can move around behind the work to p/u the sanding dust.

 

[pencheff]

I would like to get an idea of what others have done. Running the pipe is a no brainer, but that last little section to the lathe needs to be right and efficient.

Here's what I came up with for my Jet 1642. Not 100% efficient but being attached to the headstock I don't have to adjust it much.... it follows the work. I can slide the port along the dowel for small side to side adjustments. It does collect a good bit of sanding dust. I've taken to wearing a Trend Airshield too and plan to buy one of those shop air filter thingies too. The less airborne dust the happier LOML is

 

[blackhorse]

What lathe do you have?

Joe

 

[Joe Greiner]

Uncanny timing. Just yesterday (more or less), a fellow posted a slightly different arrangement on another forum (Australian woodworking). He reasoned that although the tool rest should be removed for safety, the banjo doesn't. He uses a pvc coupling on the end of the flex hose, attaches a wood dowel perpendicular to its wall, and mounts that in the tool post socket. He also shoves a piece of hardware cloth into the coupling down to the internal rib, to capture the occasional flying piece of sandpaper. The banjo can be moved around as needed. I haven't had time to try it yet, but it sounds good.

Joe

 

[MichaelMouse]

Uncanny timing. Just yesterday (more or less), a fellow posted a slightly different arrangement on another forum (Australian woodworking).

Never work for me. I use the toolrest to rest the sanding tool. The hardware cloth is a great idea, because sometimes the pickup isn't located inconveniently enough to warrant its removal when we cut, and clogs can happen anywhere along the line that three or more shavings intersect.

These things come equipped, and being magnetic, can be mounted almost anywhere to catch the flow of dust. This is in an internal sanding position, as the normal exterior gathers better suspended from the front of the ways.

 

[GeorgeH]

It may be an obvious point but, just in case it helps, if you use magnets in any of your designs don't use those common cheap-o magnets at your local home improvement store. Rare earth magnets are available through many of the wood working catalog stores and they're worth they're weight in gold. I even use them to hold some of the tools I use for making adjustments to lathe on the body of the lathe.

 

[Charlie Harley]

I have a 6" hose from my Jet dust collector. The last 7' of the pipe is flexible and comes down near the tail stock. I can move the flex pipe anywhere it's needed for sanding or cutting. I use a bungee cord to attach it to the bed or banjo in whatever way is appropriate.

I tried a few hoods and fixtures, but they became cumbersome and not as effective as just putting the flex hose right up next to the cutting or sanding surface and in the stream of shavings/dust as it comes off the piece.

One other facet of dust collection is what to do with the dust once it is airborne. After all, no collector is perfect. You can buy any of several air cleaners, or what I do is take a large box fan and duct tape a 24x24" furnace filter to the back side. You'd be amazed at how quickly dust shows up on the filter surface, but I'm glad it's there and not landing on shelves.