Sawdust is inevitable when it comes to using any kind of table saw or power tool. It can be a health hazard and extremely messy. There are multiple ways to collect sawdust and make it easier to clean up after a project. The only thing that matters is how you want to collect it and/or what parts fit with your table saw. Continue reading to learn how to collect the best table saw dust.
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Dust Collection Ideas
Install a dust port. You can add a dust port below the blade of your table saw as an easy addition to help collect sawdust. Plastic trays are inexpensive, and you can cut it to fit the right size for your table saw.
Whats good about the dust port:
- Inexpensive: Youll only pay a couple of bucks for a plastic tray that you can set up underneath the blade to catch the sawdust.
- It can be cut to fit your needs or covered with duct tape if you need to.
There are some drawbacks to the dust port
- Only catches some of the dust: Since its situated underneath the blade, it will collect only the dust that flies there. You will need to clean any dust that flies up or onto the table separately.
- A table saw must have an opening at its bottom. If there is no opening under the blade, dust ports won’t work well.
You have the option to close the back of the table saw. Table saws that are not closed can collect dust poorly. Closing off the back of your saw can trap the dust, thus making for easier clean up when youre done.
Whats good about closing the back of your saw:
- Dust can be contained by closing the back of the saw to keep dust out and facilitates cleanup.
- The dust collector will be helped by your efforts to keep the dust contained. This is an integral part of many table saws.
Some drawbacks of closing the back of the saw:
- DIY it: There arent backs of the saw readily built, so youll have to measure and make your own. You can use MDF panels and rare-earth magnets to keep them together.
- Blade guard: This shield protects you from debris and dust as well as kickback.
Fill in the gaps:
The dust collector will work more efficiently if you close the gaps around the table saw. This can be an easy way to deal with the sawdust with whats lying around your shop rather than needing to order pieces.
The best thing about filling in the gaps is:
- Easy fix: You can use materials like upholstery foam that are around your home or shop to fill in the gaps. It is possible to make it fit perfectly by measuring it.
- Focus the suction: Similar to putting the back on your table saw, filling the gaps can also help focus the suction of your dust collector. This will make dust collection easier and more efficient.
Drawbacks of filling in the gaps:
- You can overfill: Be mindful that you do not fill every gap. The dust collector will not work if it is too full. You will be in the same or worse situation with your dust collection.
- May need to buy upholstery foam: If you dont have it lying around your house or shop, you will need to order it and cut it to fit your saw.
The overarm collector You can make that difficult to find dust!
The hardest dust to collect is what comes off the back of the sawblade. Using an overarm collector will protect you and your surroundings from getting covered in dust.
The best thing about an overarm collector
- The collector that collects most dust: This collector will capture most of the dust your blade emits as you work. It is located right behind the blade so it doesn’t allow much sawdust to escape.
Drawbacks of the overarm collector:
- The steps to build it are complex. You can’t buy it on the market but you can make it. It will just take time to wait on the parts and put it together.
- You will need precise measurements: Before you can create the overarm collector, measure your saw and ensure it fits. An error in measurement can lead to disaster.
Things To Consider
There is no right answer.
There are many ways to reduce the amount of sawdust that you’ll be exposed to while using your tablesaw. You can mix and match various ideas to find the one that works best for your sawdust woes.
You can incorporate multiple methods to reduce sawdust:
If you are finding that one method is working, but not as well as youd like, you can always incorporate more. Such as putting a dust port in and closing the gaps around your blade for more efficient dust collection.
Make sure you direct the air , not cover it up:
To collect sawdust from your table saw, you will need to cover certain joints and parts. However, it is not necessary to cover all parts. This will limit the air route, which wont help move the dust to your dust collector. Youll end up cleaning the sawdust on your own.
These methods will work for various table saws:
From the DeWalt to the craftsman table saw, these methods will help get rid of your sawdust problems. You will have less sawdust than before you started, regardless of whether you cover the back, fill the gaps, or use an overarm collector.
Summary
We have discussed how to safely and effectively collect table sawdust. It is important to do your research before deciding on a method. You can experiment with different methods until you find the best one for you.
