Some time ago, I was working in the shop completely oblivious to what Mimi was doing. After a few hours, I emerged from the basement to see "that look". What!- I said. To which she replied- "look at all this dust, I just finished cleaning!" 

Well, I was lucky enough to get a great score on a Delta dust collection system, off of Craig's List, and that has helped with the stationary power tools. Sanding dust, however, has been more elusive. 

Looking over the Grizzly site, I came across some down draft devices. Now, my shop has no more room for any other shelf, cabinet, box or cart. So my attention was directed to the table top version of the down draft dust collector- until I saw the price- Holy Moly $165!! To paraphrase a line out of one of my favorite movies- Used Cars- "That's too frigging high!" Luckily the site showed an "inside" view so this is my take on their down draft device.

 

All of the parts cut and ready to assemble. The completed unit measured about 23" x 27". It's an odd size because I started with the peg board I had and engineered backwards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bottom slants towards the center, to aid with dust collection. This is the center "rail" that accepts the two bottom pieces

 

 

The side meets the end with a rabbet. The sides and ends are rabbeted to accept the peg board top. A dado is used to accept the bottom pieces.

 

 

The unit is assembled with dry wall screws and silicon caulk to create an air tight seal

 

 

Bottom assembled

 

 

Baffles installed using wood glue, dry wall screws and brads (on the bottom)

 

Closer view of the baffles. These will help direct dust/air as well as support the peg board top.

 

Peg board installed and dust collection port in place. The scrap piece of peg board wasn't large enough to cover completely so there is a seam in the middle. The seam straddles the baffles, it has good support. Also, the baffles were spaced to be located in such a manner as not to block any holes. This was previously used peg board- as can be seen by the minor defect near the center. The peg board is fastened with a few counter sunk finishing nails.

Bottom view. Shows the slopping bottom panels.

 

The only thing I need to do, yet, is find some of the rubber shelving liners- the kind that looks like expanded metal screen- to cover the top. I think this will reduce the slipping while not blocking the air flow.

 

Thanks for looking,

 

Lew

Lew did you put this to a print yet?  If so give us some dimensions

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Ron Dudelston
Above and Beyond WoodWorks

Les, I like it man. That is alright. Excellent post with great pictures. Are you going to connect it to the dust collector or use a shop vac?

 

Let us know how it works when you get a chance to run it through it's paces.

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks

Ron

This is one of my (in)famous diagrams. All measurements subject to revisions as the project progressed ;^)

Lew

Thanks!!!!!  I like your caveat, too

 

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Ron Dudelston
Above and Beyond WoodWorks

Great project Lew. I have a feeling that some more may be mae from your drawing. I have the dust collection in my shop down to were only sanding is an issue. I made a down draft sanding table in on of my benches but due to size and tool placement it never get used. Hind sight is 20/20. I have been opening up two ports of my collector and that helps a bit but does not much for circulation the air in the shop for efficiency.  How well did this work out for you ? Did you use your dust collection or a shop vac for it?

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Wayne
God Bless our Troops and Protect them.

A good project for the workshop ! Thanks for posting -

My spindle sander and band saw are on the opposite side of the room from the dust collector. I put a quick disconnect on the jointer and use a reducer to connect 4 " to 2 1/2" hose. Then when ever I use the spindle sander, band saw or this down draft table I disconnect the jointer and connect one of these machines to my regular dust collector via the 2 1/2" hose. The down draft table works pretty good. It will hold a sheet of note book paper tight to the surface even turned up side down.

Wayne Mahler said:

Great project Lew. I have a feeling that some more may be mae from your drawing. I have the dust collection in my shop down to were only sanding is an issue. I made a down draft sanding table in on of my benches but due to size and tool placement it never get used. Hind sight is 20/20. I have been opening up two ports of my collector and that helps a bit but does not much for circulation the air in the shop for efficiency.  How well did this work out for you ? Did you use your dust collection or a shop vac for it?

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Wayne
God Bless our Troops and Protect them.

Thanks Lew. I honestly believe this is something that would work for me. I really appreciate this and will let you know how I make out when I get back into my shop.

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Wayne
God Bless our Troops and Protect them.