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Decatur, IN on May 01, 2012

Dust collection on Compound miter saw

I am tired of after every project having to clean up my garage from all the saw dust. Today i hooked up one of my shop vacs to the chop saw and once i was done there was a fine dust all over the garage from the shop vac spitting out really fine dust. What can i do to keep that from happening again? Is there a step that i am forgetting or do i need a bigger shop vac?

5 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

I think ShopVac makes dust bags for these situations. I know people use them for drywall dust but it could work for your situation.

on May 01, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

I second Steve comment...I have 8 and 5 gal "shop vac" brand shop vac and use the disposable "bags" the foam and or pleated filters do not collect as much fine material.
prior to using it is important to clean the motor assembly I use my air compressor and nozzle to remove any "dust" from the inside and out of base as well as the motor assembly.
My miter saw in my shop in not hooked up to my dust collection systems. It just hits the wall ...»
behind it. now and then I just suck up the sawdust. I really only use my collectors for my planer, jointer and table saw.

on May 02, 2012 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

You must be carefull when using a vacuum to catch this fine dust. This can cause an exposion if not properly handled. Dust bags designed to be used with shop vaccums are the best way to keep this stuff under control. Combined with a high end pleated filter you should be fine.
Another way to keep this under control is to install a small dryer vent hood on an outside wall and pipe the discharge end of the shop vac out that opening when its in use. The fine dust will be ...»
expelled to the outside of the room. But remember as KMS said, you need to clean the vacuum as dust will collect on the fins of the blower and on the motor as well.
The last method costs a bit more, but its well worth it if you do a lot of wood working. A cyclonic vacuum designed to collect dust is exactly what you want. They do not cost as much as you would think, and can be installed outside with just a hose system running in the shop so you do not have to hear them run while you cut wood. Here is a link for one that is not that expensive and works pretty well.
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-industrial...

on May 02, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas C Gretna, LA

You must watch out for static electricity.....when you vacuum dust it creates static and that is what will get you in trouble. Google for ways to stop this.

on May 14, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

I have my main 2500 cfm dust collector plumbed directly outside. I will sometimes move the hose about when it is running. The static is REAL as I have been shocked a few times...a bit like running wooly socks over the carpet and touching a metal door knob.

on May 15, 2012 · Like 0