Page 91 - Australian Wood Review №103 2019
P. 91
WORKSHOPS
9
8. An extensive upgrade to a 14" bandsaw illustrates what can be
achieved: 150mm main port and 100mm sub ports to both above
and below the table.
9. Providing adequate ventilation to feed a larger port is critical. Here
8 the front door on the bandsaw is slightly wedged open to ensure
adequate air flow to the upgraded 150mm port.
Remember, 350cfm won’t provide adequate flow for the Clearly an article of this scope can only hope to introduce
collection of fine wood dust. For this reason alone, an early a number of the concepts specific to an effective dust
decision I made was to avoid 100mm duct and choose extraction system. As a minimum, reflect on what was
150mm as standard. The difference is significant with discussed in Point 1, i.e. ensure your current extractor
the area of 150mm duct approaching three times that of vents outside the workshop and consider some form of
100mm. Of course 150mm ducting will not connect to the forced ventilation to assist in the removal of fine airborne
majority of standard hobbyist equipment which brings us dust. Should these not be possible then of course ensure
to point three. that you wear a properly fitted quality dual cartridge
filtered respirator. These three things alone should
3. Modifying machinery to achieve significantly contribute to lowering your long term
greater airflow health risks. Beyond that, the unique nature of your own
Unfortunately, machinery manufacturers have for workshop and preferred methods of work will require a
many years condemned woodworkers to ineffective range of considerations and possible solutions outlined
dust extraction through the design and placement of in points 2 and 3. The desire here is to create curiosity in
dust ports. As such, choosing machines that provide for whether your current extraction system is consistent with
direct connection of 150mm ducting or more commonly managing the health risks associated with your chosen
modifying existing machinery will be necessary to achieve methods of work.
improved fine dust collection. Modifying professionally
made machinery is a concept I personally struggle with. In my case that curiosity was initiated on the discovery
Nevertheless, with the types of inadequacy shown in of the fine dust lining the walls adjacent to my previous
some machinery the need becomes quite clear and there extractor. Having made that discovery and subsequent
are considerations that extend beyond the physical investment in a number of the leanings shared here, I’m
upgrade of the port. now appreciating a renewed enjoyment of woodworking
through the long term health benefits that come from a
Just as important is ensuring there is adequate ventilation more effective dust extraction system.
within the machine to support the airflow requirements
of the larger port. Most of this can be learnt through trial Photos 1–4: Troy McDonald
and error, however, be prepared to dedicate time to this Photos 5–9: John McConnell
work if you are to improve the collection of fine dust at the
source. Photos 5–9 provide some examples of the type of Troy McDonald is an engineer and woodworker based in Brisbane.
modification required to deliver improved outcomes. Email him at: helenoftroy1@optusnet.com.au
www.woodreview.com.au 91
