Small Dust Extractor Project

Patrice Lemée

Patrice Lemée

Joined
Aug 13, 2002
Messages
5,703
Following my recent purchase of a Foredom rotary tool, I decided that I needed a better dust extraction system than just putting on my Airshield and getting covered in metal or wood dust. So, in the spirit of trying to keep things simple, I came up with this.

dust_collector_small1.jpg


dust_collector_small2.jpg



As you can see, it fits in my knifemaker's vise. I already had the lower part of the collector installed. The plexi is a face shield simply screwed to the wood backing. There is a bar bolted to the wood backing that fits in the vise to hold it there. Obviously it is for working on pieces that I hold either with my hands or with a small hand vise.
It's not pretty and I'll surely try and improve it with time but even as is, it works really well.

I thought I'd share in case it can be of help to some or maybe that you guys would have ideas on how to improve it.

Usual Disclaimer: No Engineer was hurt in the designing/ building of this. :D
 
Thanks for the post, Patrice. I've been trying to get my head around this issue, and this should work well for me..

Dick
 
That's a good idea Patrice. :)

Only issue for me, is that about 90% of the stuff I do with my Foredom... I do with the work propped up against my chest so I can control both the work and the handpiece and also see everything up close. I guess you could duct tape a shop-vac hose to your arm for that. :p :D

BTW- What the heck is that cube looking thing on the back of your knife vise????
 
Cool! I envy your dust extraction scheme Patrice, my 16 gallon shop vac just quit on me, I want to get a Grizzly dust collector but can't afford it yet. Just gotta build more knives first I guess. That shop vac was just TOO DAMN LOUD anyway, I don't miss its high pitched scream.
 
That is a good little setup Pat. I'm with Nick though, I usually do it like he does (just not as good at it!) And have been thinking of taking one of those cheap articulating desk lamps used for drafting and fitting aluminum dryer ducting to it and run the other end to the shop vac, or dust collector if I get one. Nice articluating light for close work and dust sucker in one!

This is the type of lamp arm I was thinking about.

LS846.JPG


I may try it soon, and post up how it goes.


-Xander
 
Nick, that's the PVC handle. I tried a square shape to give more grip but still had to put a bolt through it for added torque.:o
I did like you guys and worked on my chest but they way this is set up you can rest your wrists on both sides of the collector and with an adjustable height bench, get your face pretty close. Not exactly the same but pretty close to working against your chest. I a toying with the idea of trying to put a jewelers pin in there too. I'll post updates if I come up with possible improvements.

Salem, can't you blow outside. A dust extractor is much cheaper and easier than a dust collector.
 
Cool Patrice!

Check out this link for amazing work done with a foredom as well as some tips and set up ideas. http://www.lopacki.com/tips/ The clothespin vise is particularly helpful.

The bottom photo in the link shows his desk, it is more for making jewelry but it always helps to check out other peoples shops.

Look at the jewelry as well, the fit and finish on his inlay work is beyond what I thought was possible... no visible gaps even with a loupe.
 
Hello Patrice,
I like your dust collection solution. Looks very functional. Recently I was visiting a customer at a helicopter completion center and saw how they deal with dust collection at various workstations. I've since implemented a similar piece and it’s so incredibly versatile. It is essentially the same type of collector you have but the hose is flexible and hangs from the ceiling. It is able to sit on the floor as a shop sweep, sit on your workbench as a moveable dust collector or even remove fumes from your welding table. Very slick. I have mine on a 25 ft, 4” flexible hose that can move around the shop then be tucked away when not in use (coiled beside my drill press). I do not have a picture of mine handy from my shop but here is a picture from the helicopter completion center. I think you would like the results.
DustCollectionCC.jpg
Eric
 
Thanks for the link Daniel.

Thanks for the pic Eric, that is very slick. My shop is too small right now but this is definitely something I'll save for future implementation in my "dream" shop. Size looks about right too. ;)
 
Don't let the size of your shop deter you from trying this little gem. My shop space is around the same amount as you have. It took my dust/fume collection to a whole new level and it takes so little room. I even have the same dust collector motor as you do. I've got it routed to several perminent stations with gates (grinder, etc...) then have one that free floats. :thumbup: Hey Patrice, I am trying to pull you into another project... :p Yeah, yeah... but you will really like it... ;)
 
Darn you Eric! I have a free gated outlet since I replaced the buffer with an attachment on the KMG so now I HAVE to try it.:rolleyes:;)
 
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