    |     |
Nov
24
2010
Trying to get that spotless, streak-less look? Here’s how to get those windows clean with minimal effort. Don’t forget to check out our full episodes, Shop-Hacks and download a free set of plans only at Handyman For The Common Man.
Nov
9
2010
After a few dozen emails asking about those orange thingys on The Handyman’s workbench, I decided to take you on the journey of the unwanted wood parts! A dust collection system is a integral part of every workshop of any size. My first shop didn’t have a dust collection system as much as it was a dust relocation program. All I had was a couple of box fans, with AC filters stuck to the back, pushing air out the door. Now this method does work great for fine, floating particulate, it just doesn’t do much for the larger particles.
.
Single Stage
A single stage system is simply that, a single vacuum unit sucking in particles at the source. This is where anyone can begin their dust collection system. You can simply pick up a dust hood that fits onto your existing shop vac hose, and place it near whatever tool your currently using. As your tool arsenal progresses, so do you dust collection needs. With every bench tool I added, the processes of dust collection became a bit more of a pain.
The next step in the processes is adding some duct work. One of the advantages is the ability to leave your vacuum in a single, specific location. You can permanently attach hoses and dust hoods to several tools. Now you can tie everything together so it just takes seconds to fire up the vac and collect at each tool.
Now obviously you can’t have open ports on all your tool at once, that will leave you collecting as little as a typical social security check. That brings us to those orange thingys on The Handyman’s workbench, blast gates. These closable ports isolate the suction to a specific tool. Simply open the appropriate gate, fire up the vacuum and get to work.
Two Stage
You’ll notice after a while that your shop vac will fill up quickly, and require a good cleaning every time you empty it out. Adding a second stage will greatly reduce the frequency in which you have to go through the cleaning process. Now I’m sure your thinking this is where the big money kicks in, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The second stage simply uses gravity to remove the large particles before they get to the vacuum. Just pick you up a cyclone separator that fit onto any five gallon bucket and you’re all set.
Any time your working with tools that create a fine dust, you should always ventilate your shop. Have a fan or two moving the air out of your wood shop, keep the doors open and wear a mask. If you’re want a permanent scrubber, here’s a simple box fan AC filter idea you can build.