Game Changers
Grizzly Dust Collector
My main dust collector is a Grizzly G0548ZP with upgraded casters and an American Fabric Filter heavy canvas collection bag. The power switch gave out, so I have replaced that as well.
Since I only use one tool at a time, I save the expense of a stationary dust collector with very pricy piping and hook up the machine to the tool I am currently using.
Dust Extractors
Festool MIDI
The Festool CT MIDI 1 HEPA is my second Festool purchase. It lives next to my bench and is ready for general cleanup and required dust collection for the Domino and the 3M sander. It is a VERY quiet and powerful dust extractor, and, in my opinion, well worth the premium price for this tool.
Dewalt
The DeWalt dust extractor is connected to the dust port on the SawStop blade guard. I turn it on remotely with an inexpensive remote control switch that I now carry in the tool pouch on my hip, having sent the first version through the dust collector, as the remote used to be stored at the end of my fence.
Dust Collectors
Dewalt Shop Vac
The DeWalt shop vac is a general shop cleanup and dust collection with the Oneida Dust Deputy. This version uses “stealthsonic” technology, which dramatically reduces the machine's drone. I use a bag in the tank and upgraded the filter to a HEPA filter, so it does a reasonable job of collecting the most harmful particles.
Delta Air Scrubber
The air cleaner sits at the top of the shop, and I occasionally remember to turn it on!! :) For the most part, I am rarely in the shop with the double garage door down, so it gets minimal use, and I almost always wear a 3M HEPA respirator. I have had this machine for decades, so it is not very efficient at collecting the most harmful particles. Generally, I set the time and turn it on when I am done for the day as I leave the shop.
FIRE
Fire!
This picture is the result of routing T-slots in Baltic Birch sheet stock for a Domino jig I was creating on a hot summer day.
I had recently installed a new router motor in the router center and installed a piece of 4" flex hose at the top of the router so the motor would draw fresh air from outside the case. I started smelling smoke and initially thought it was my router as the Dust Deputy was behind the center, out of sight.
I have literally collected hundreds of pounds of Baltic Birch dust from the router into this Dust Deputy and bucket and have never had anything close to this before! It was a real shocker. Of course, it was just over 100 degrees in my shop that late morning. So, that is a new wrinkle I need to figure out. Needless to say, I am cautious these days to check all my dust collectors after finishing up in the shop for the day.
Dust Deputy
This is the new upgraded Dust Deputy. The cyclone is larger, and the collection bin is steel this time. At least the fire will be contained if it ever happens again!