Improvements to Dust Extraction in the Guitar Workshop
Posted: Fri May 12, 2023 2:20 pm
In my workshop I have a Jet Dust Extractor with a Pleated Filter that is connected to:
Jet 22-44 Drum Sander
Jet Belt / Disc Sander
Powermatic Band Saw
Recently, I added further pipes and connections from the Jet Dust Extract to:
Jet Oscillating Spindle
Carbatec Drill Press
Router Table
While the dust extractor does a reasonable job it still is not sufficient to collect the finer dust particles that remain in the workshop. This likely to become an health issue while building guitars in the workshop. I always wear a face mask and ear protection when operating these machines and try to remember to keep the mask on for a while after using the machines. I tend to be lazy and occasionally vacuum the workshop, I need to be more diligent with vacuuming. (I also needed clear up the clutter on my benches. This has involved building a number of wall shelfs. Its great now to get all of my benches clear again).
I decided to take some time out from my current guitar build and improve the level of dust extraction in the workshop by installing an Air Purifier on the ceiling. This has involved searching the internet for a DIY Air Purifier that I found and have constructed. See link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq9CqLwIcXU&t=95s
For my Air Purifier build I decided to purchase an efficient industrial fan and used ‘MERV 13’ Pleated Air Filters. See attached drawing, filter efficiency table and photos below. It is possible to make the Air Purifier large or small depending on the size of your workshop. There are a range of filter sizes available. The Air Purifier will work more efficiently when located more centrally in the room away from the wall corners and with the windows and doors closed. When using machines keep the Air Purifier running and continue running for around one and half to two hours once the machines are switched off.
At this stage I have purchased the filters and may consider in the future to make my own filters, as you can purchase the filter material in a roll and make your own frame. This would help to reduce the running costs when the filters require replacement.
Let’s make sure as guitar builds that we are protecting our lungs from the workshop dust!
Wayne
Jet 22-44 Drum Sander
Jet Belt / Disc Sander
Powermatic Band Saw
Recently, I added further pipes and connections from the Jet Dust Extract to:
Jet Oscillating Spindle
Carbatec Drill Press
Router Table
While the dust extractor does a reasonable job it still is not sufficient to collect the finer dust particles that remain in the workshop. This likely to become an health issue while building guitars in the workshop. I always wear a face mask and ear protection when operating these machines and try to remember to keep the mask on for a while after using the machines. I tend to be lazy and occasionally vacuum the workshop, I need to be more diligent with vacuuming. (I also needed clear up the clutter on my benches. This has involved building a number of wall shelfs. Its great now to get all of my benches clear again).
I decided to take some time out from my current guitar build and improve the level of dust extraction in the workshop by installing an Air Purifier on the ceiling. This has involved searching the internet for a DIY Air Purifier that I found and have constructed. See link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq9CqLwIcXU&t=95s
For my Air Purifier build I decided to purchase an efficient industrial fan and used ‘MERV 13’ Pleated Air Filters. See attached drawing, filter efficiency table and photos below. It is possible to make the Air Purifier large or small depending on the size of your workshop. There are a range of filter sizes available. The Air Purifier will work more efficiently when located more centrally in the room away from the wall corners and with the windows and doors closed. When using machines keep the Air Purifier running and continue running for around one and half to two hours once the machines are switched off.
At this stage I have purchased the filters and may consider in the future to make my own filters, as you can purchase the filter material in a roll and make your own frame. This would help to reduce the running costs when the filters require replacement.
Let’s make sure as guitar builds that we are protecting our lungs from the workshop dust!
Wayne