One of the challenges that face workshop operators is the constant dust from woodwork. The dust has many effects on one’s health. Dust particles are known to contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory health issues. Besides these severe health conditions, dust, especially wood dust, can irritate your throat, eyes, and skin.
If you have ever or are working in a workshop, you have probably experienced some of these effects, especially if you have been exposed to the dust for extended periods.
Did you know that there is an easy solution to the dust problem? A DIY dust collection system is not only easy but takes a short time to complete.
A sound dust collection system not only protects your health it also reduces cleanup in the workshop. For a simple procedure on how to build a DIY dust collection system, keep reading.
What You Need
Before you jump into this procedure, you need to have all the necessary items including, the materials, tools, and the dust collector at hand. Also, you should have compatible items and port locations.
Materials
● 6” PVC
There are many types of PVC in the market. For instance, there is drain, waste, and sewer and drain PVC. All these types of PVC can be used to build a dust collection system despite having different characteristics.
Usually, it would be best to consider factors like weight, size, availability, and price when selecting the suitable PVC for your dust collection system job. I believe any of the PVC, as mentioned above types can perfectly do the job.
● 6” sheet metal fittings
One of the challenges you are going to face in this procedure involves making all the connections. To overcome some of these challenges, I recommend the use of 6” sheet metal fittings.
● 4” PVC
● 6” and 4” flexible hose
● 6” and 4” hose clamps
● 4” - 2-1/2” reducer
● 4” blast gates
● Floor sweep
● Hanging strap
● Aluminum tape
● Silicone sealant
● Metal screws
● PVC cement
Tools
The following are the tools necessary for the job.
● Rubber mallet
● Dremel featuring a circle cutter
● Drill
● Pivoting reciprocating saw
The Dust Collector
There are mainly two types of dust collectors; the single-stage and the two-stage dust collector. The single-stage collector takes everything via the impeller and straight to the collection bag. On the other hand, the two-stage dust collector first separates the pieces of duct according to size.
It also protects the impeller from damage caused by the debris. Unfortunately, the two-stage dust collector has a higher price tag compared to the single-stage collector. Since the single-stage collector still works fine, you can use it for this DIY.
Ensure you place the dust collector in an adjoining room because they tend to produce a lot of noise. If you cannot put them in an adjacent room, place them in a location that is out of your way.
The Procedure
Since you have all the materials and tools, proceed with the following steps.
Step 1 : Create Space for the PVC
Use the Dremel circle cutter to create circles in the ceiling for the PVC.
Step 2 : Place the PVC in the Circle
In the circle, you just created on the ceiling, place the PVC. Try to fudge it in place by all means. I recommend using metal hanging straps to support the pipe. The metal hangings should be attached to the roof trusses when you do this.
For maximum hold, use glue to ensure the PVC tightly fits and is well supported. It is easier to reroute the 6” PVC if you haven’t glued the fittings together, so ensure you glue them.
Step 3 : Place the blast gates
Use two screws to fix the blast gates in place and then seal them with silicone. Blast gates' function is to direct airflow to the right tool. They can fit inside a 4" diameter PVC or a flexible hose.
Step 4 : Attach the Dust Collector
In case you lack an easy way of connecting the 6” flexible hose, use a starting collar. The starting collar should have predrilled holes for the screws and an adhesive. Make sure the screws are short to avoid damaging the impeller fins.
Once you are done attaching the dust collector, cover the whole thing using aluminum foil tape. This helps eliminate air leaks.
You can use a bunch of screws and foil tape to connect the flexible hose to the PVC.
With a couple of screws, a hose clamp, and a bunch of foil tape, I connected the PVC's flexible hose.
Make a 6" run from the attic to the dust collector and then back to the table saw. Connect the table saw, make multiple sized ports on the line, connect the floor sweep, and the 2-1/2" port into the sized ports.
Pro Tips on Planning Pipe Layout
Routing the pipe is an integral part of this whole procedure. Due to its ultimate importance to the entire process, you should know how to route the pipe properly. Follow these tips to plan your pipe layout properly.
●Place the dust collector as close to the endpoint as possible. Your plotting should be direct.
● Keep bends and turns to a minimum because they affect the performance of the dust collector.
● Create a significant radius turn by using two separate fittings of 45 degrees.
● To improve airflow, go for wye fittings instead of T's.
● Minimize flexible hosing to avoid double resistance.
● You can cap a wye fitting in your attic to use for future expansion.
Conclusion
Did you like the DIY procedure? I certainly hope you found it helpful as I did. The tutorial was vital because it is an easy way of keeping dust away.
Having an air filtration system is the ultimate and best way of keeping dust away, but this DIY dust collection system works just fine if done right. The dust collection system keeps your shop clean and also safeguards your health.
If you liked this tutorial, do not hesitate to share this article with your loved ones. Also, leave your comment in the comment section.
