Join the NEW AW Community
Join Woodworkers Like You
Learn More
A recent magazine article (I cannot remember which magazine) discussed various modifications to improve the dust collection efficiency of table saws. I can remember is that the article was in year 2009 and very thorough very well written combined with excellant photos and drawings. A first class article for a wood working magazine. Now, if only, can someone refresh my memory as to which magazine and which issue. The reason for the question is that I designing a dust collection system for a museum that I volunteer at and I have got to modify the table saw along with all of the other equipment (with a $0.00 budget).
Thanks for your help.
American Woodworker didn't run a tablesaw dust collection story in 2009, so it must have appeared in one of the other publications.
You don't say whether you have a cabinet saw or an open-bottomed contractor saw. It makes a big difference. I can't recall the article, but find many of them, including (and especially) the one in the recent Fine Woodworking Shop and Tools annual (which just came out) not based on good engineering and do not provide good examples. For instance, I see too many that recommend closing off all openings on a cabinet- not a good idea, that reduces flow! To improve TS dust collection, you need a decent-sized dust collection system piped with minimum of 6" duct work to the saw which must have a minimum of 6" port- enlarge it if you need to. It should have an over-blade guard/dust pickup that tightly conforms to the table and stock you are cutting. A 3" or 4" DC line should connect the guard to the DC system. That should collect 95% or more of your dust.. Since you say you have other woodworking equipment I assume you have more than a garage-sized shop so will need a DC with 3 hp or larger motor on a blower with a 14" or larger impeller connected to a cyclone separator and good final filters. A good air cleaner will be necessary also. Anything less and fine dust will settle on everything in the museum. Google Bill Pentz and check out his site.
A 6" port is ok, but it isn't necessary. A 4" port will work just fine if everything is done correctly.
Fine Woodworking Issue 205 Page 46
MissouriMule: Fine Woodworking Issue 205 Page 46
I don't think you can get much better then this for whats left inside the cabinet. It is hooked up to a Delta 50-760 1 1/2hp dust collector with the stock 1 micron felt bag, plus a onboard 2nd stage seperator drum, and about 8 ft of 4" dust hose.