Dust extraction advice
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marsbug

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Dust extraction advice
« on: November 04, 2022, 01:24:28 PM »

I was wondering if the bat makers might be able to offer a little advice. One thing that is really stopping my bat shaping hobby getting completely out of hand is the dust during sanding. Part of this problem is probably because I have to tidy up my bad shaping and blunt tools through a lot of sanding, I suspect a LOT more than the real bat makers out there.

So I've been looking at dust extraction. I've seen a few extractors that about £150-200, and was wondering if people think they are worth it. My main problem is fine-scale dust that gets everywhere - my old hoover has done an ok job of getting the larger particles.

My random orbital sander has a dust bag, so could be swapped to connect to an extractor. But my question is whether anything but the really expensive, pro-level, extractors will stop everything getting a coating of fine dust.
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jonny77

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Re: Dust extraction advice
« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2022, 03:26:35 PM »

I use the Festool CTM Midi hooked up to my Mirka and then have a dedicated dust extractor hooked up to ducting,  blast gates etc for my bandsaw, table saw, planer, spindle moulder etc. If you're just hooking it up to an orbital then any shop vac/smaller hose should do, but one with a Hepa filter and auto start (you plug your sander into the vac which starts when you start the sander) is preferable imo. There are 2 classes, L and M. Do your research and see what works best for you.

With most things I've spent money on cheaper alternatives, not been happy and then ended up spending more to upgrade. My Mirka sander went back for a fix a whole sho and bought a cheap one from Screwfix to get me by for a few days, the difference was ridiculous! So I'd suggest getting the best you can afford wherever possible.

What i would say is regardless of what you use, dust is inevitable and you're always gonna create some.

The shavings from shaping I just sweep up and someone collects them to burn. T
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SOULMAN1012

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Re: Dust extraction advice
« Reply #2 on: November 04, 2022, 07:53:24 PM »

A bit like Jonny has said no matter what you do you will always get some dust. I bought an Axeminster dust extractor and ducting kit and have blast gates by the bobbing sander and belt sander and use a makita orbital connected to a Henry vacuum and it’s a massive change from just using the collection bag on the orbital but it still produces a fair bit of dust no matter what you do.

Next on the list is an Axeminster air filter as this will collect the dust particles in the air and I can leave running on a timer once I’m finished. My workshop is quite small in comparison to some and with minimal ventilation ( can only leave door open) which in turn means all the noise escapes outside I think this will be the best I will be able to do to minimise the dust.

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marsbug

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Re: Dust extraction advice
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2022, 04:46:28 PM »

Thanks so much, really appreciate the advice. Plenty for me to look up, but I think it is the advice I was kind of hoping for - that there will always be some dust. Which means that won’t I spend ages looking for a perfect solution. Now to figure out how to blow all the dust off everything I’ve already coated!
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jonny77

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Re: Dust extraction advice
« Reply #4 on: November 05, 2022, 05:34:19 PM »

Thanks so much, really appreciate the advice. Plenty for me to look up, but I think it is the advice I was kind of hoping for - that there will always be some dust. Which means that won’t I spend ages looking for a perfect solution. Now to figure out how to blow all the dust off everything I’ve already coated!

Both shop vacs I've used (Trend and Festool) have options to use the hose to blow. Useful when trying to clean up sometimes if you have created dust.

Whatever you use, just be sure to entry the bag regularly too and it should work more effectively.
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marsbug

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Re: Dust extraction advice
« Reply #5 on: November 06, 2022, 07:26:11 AM »

They suck AND blow?! Just like my batting then!

Thanks, genuinely don’t know any of this, so really helpful.
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