Dust Collection Questions

Joined
Feb 28, 2002
Messages
751
I've read a lot of the posts on this issue, but ther doesn't seem to be any kind on consensus, so I thought I would bring it up again.

I just hooked up my dust collection system to my grinder in what I hope is a semi-permanent manner. Up to now, I used the dust collector just for handle material like wood & Micarta. Metal went into a bucket, but I was still generating too much dust for my liking. I want to leave it on there and collect the metal dust, too. My heavier metal grindings will go in a bucket below the grinder.

For my set up I have a about 15 ft of hose from the grinder to a Delta collector. The hose is metal as it leaves the grinder and flexible plastic (that came with the collector) from the halfway point to the collector. I used a metal hot air duct outlet for the collection point at the grinder – ( please note that the chipboard & Duct tape addition is a mock-up for the sheet metal to come later). I also plan on cutting a flap in the bottom of the hot air duct outlet to let the heavier metal particles go directly into a bucket with some water in it. I can close the flap when I grind wood and other materials.

For fire safety, can I do any thing other than make sure the bags are clear of wood dust when I grind metal? Also, what about pockets of wood dust left in the piping? – is that a problem , too? ...and static problems?

Another question - how about an in -line metal garbage can just after the initial collectyion point to catch metal particles?

Also, I am thinking of upgrading to 1 micron bags from Penn State. This could to be a sensible move as it seems that the various dusts mentioned in the forums seem to be pretty bad news. Anyone done this?

Any advise, comments or experiences with this would be appreciated.

Bob
 

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I looked at your pic to see a dust collection scheme. MAN!, look at that GRINDER! What a grinder!

I was looking at a collection device for wood today. - about $130 - Isn't there a non-flamable collection bag out there?? It looked to me like with that type bag and the proper hose it might be okay. I don't know. My first and last dust vacumm try was with the ol'vacumm cleaner. That didn't last long.

Roger
 
Hey Roger - its a Bader III crammed into a little room. I think the wide angle setting I used made it look larger than life...

Bob
 
Looked like a four inch belt to me. I'll take another look.

rlinger

Still looks like a four inch belt. That's a hell of a machine.
 
I picked up a 1 HP Vac system for woodworking from Grizzly. I have 4 catch boxes built for my 2 grinders and 2 buffers. All 4 machines are plumbed into a common manifold and they all have there own gate valve which means I can open just the one I want to use for maximum sucking power! ;) I try to keep the boxes clean but occasionally a pile of red hot Ti gets sucked in and I have had a few minor fires in the vac bag. The last one there were so many holes it wasnt worth sewing it up again so I bought a new bag. I also bought a plastic seperator top from Grizzly at the same time. This seperator get plumbed into the system right before the vac and it gets attached to a 30 gallon metal garbage can. I also bought a smaller 20 gallon plastic garbage can and put it in the 30 gallon one and filled it up with a few gallons of water. Since I have done this 2 months ago I havent had any problems and the only thing going into the $30.00 vac bag is dust, no solid particles. The Ti and metal shavings go into the water in the garbage can. I do go into that garbage can every so ofter and clean out the metal so it doesnt accumulate. If left alone for a few days the heavy stuff tends to sink to the bottom and is easy to scoop out. I was also told from a friend that if you dont clean off the top of the water every once in a while you run a risk of the Ti catching fire on top of the water in the can. Just food for thought. Fortunatley this hasnt happened yet. Pictures to follow.
 

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Since I set this vac system up a year ago my shop has stayed alot cleaner. The whole system was less than $400.00 and is worth every penny. I only wish I had done it years ago.
 

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I have great concern when it involves mixing wood/micarta dust with hot metal, seen a bunch of smoldering fires that way. Ever see a dust explosion. Not pretty.


My take on your setup would be a seperate pickup hose to the collector, for steel grinding and a seperate one for wood/micarta.


by the time the grit and steel gets to the coolector it should be cool enough not to cause problems, that way no suprises.

Maybe even two collection boxes and hoses, simple hang up arrangement. My .02
:)
 
Jim - Thanks for those pics. It looks like you've done what makes the best sense. I am going your route and complete my system with the in - line trash can you described and as shown in your pics.

With so many questions about this on the forums, perhaps a section/tutorial with a picture gallery and diagrams for the metal/wood worker would be helpful to others - food for thought.

BTW - I noticed that Grizzly sells a how-to booklet on dust collection for $6.95. Have you seen this?

Bob
 
Your welcome Bob. It always helps me to see pictures or see it in person. This system has worked well for me and I try to pass on good info. I have over the years had alot of help and still learn from the forums and from my mentors. Were all in it together! :) Best of luck. ;)
 
Bob
I'm going to go with an outside unit with PVC
once away from the heat.
I'll build a dog house for it.
once out side No filters, fumes
and less noise..
at least from that end.
for pockets titanium would concern me.
 
John Mallett at Tru Grit handles a fire box to keep sparks from causing a fire. They are plumbed into your dust collection system, and IMO, they would be a necessity. They are not on his website, so you will have to call him.
http://www.trugrit.com/
 
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