Workshop Air Filtration

[LongIslandGuy]

Hi,

 

I'm brand new here so please forgive any missteps I may make while getting to know the community and its rules and customs.

 

I could use some advice on air filtration in my workshop located in the unfinished basement of my house which was built in 1930. The space is 10' x 12' and has an 80" ceiling (exposed joists). I don't do much with chemicals, just sawing and sanding. I have dust collection and a full-face respirator.

 

The air flow considerations regarding the placement and use of the air scrubber I just bought are beyond me. The machine is an Abestorm Filterair HEPA V3. I intended to hang it from the joists in the Southeast corner by screwing eye bolts into the holes for the bolts of rubber feet, but when I called the manufacturer to make sure that was OK, it turns out it's not. So I'll build a frame for it and hang that, if it needs to be close to the ceiling. Which leads me to my first question: does it need to be close to the ceiling? And where in the room should it go? Does it matter? Fresh air intake will be from, in the winter, an 6" passive vent (with filter) in the top of the West wall, and, in the other three seasons, from that vent plus, most of the time, from the open Bilco doors. I rigged a 12" exhaust fan in the window on the East wall. I'm keeping the North door closed because on the other side is the rest of the basement which is very damp and moldy. When I have the money, I'll put a powerful dehumidifier in there. I already ordered one for the workshop.

 

Once I get all this set up, what's the best practice? When doing dusty work, I'll always wear the mask and use the dust collection. Do I run the scrubber on max and the exhaust at the same time? In fair weather is it best to keep the Bilco wide open? (I've read about, and am now confused by, "negative air.") When I'm in the shop but not making any dust, do I keep the scrubber on low or medium and keep the exhaust on? I plan to keep the dehumidifier on all the time. I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

 

Here's a video of the space, and some pictures and the floorplan are attached.

 

Any help would be appreciated!

 

 

[lew]

I also have a basement shop and some air filtration. I hung my Wen air filter from the ceiling joists, near the center of the shop. I used a furnace blower motor to make a window exhaust fan. Found that it worked too well and cannot use it if the furnace is on. Pulls fumes down the chimney!

[Al B]

Welcome to the Patriot Woodworker forums. @LongIslandGuy. A great group of guys here, and always willing to help. My woodworking days have ended but I still enjoy the forums to see what the guys are building.

[Gerald]

Have never seen this type air cleaner. I have two box type with bag filter and prefilter ,and the idea is for them to filter and circulate the air so there is an exchange thru the filters. They should be mounted approximately center of one wall or as close to a wall as possible. This ensures circulation of the filtered air and draw of dust into filters as in a circular pattern. I do not think it matters which wall you center on.

      As to venting and negative air . Venting to outside is up to personal preference based on neighborhood, and if shop has A/C that will create negative air by exhausting the conditioned air to outside and the same for heat. Have my air cleaners plugged into the same circuit as my lights so lights on ; air cleaners on.

       Let us know how this cleaner works for you.

[LongIslandGuy]

5 hours ago, Gerald said:

Have never seen this type air cleaner. I have two box type with bag filter and prefilter ,and the idea is for them to filter and circulate the air so there is an exchange thru the filters. They should be mounted approximately center of one wall or as close to a wall as possible. This ensures circulation of the filtered air and draw of dust into filters as in a circular pattern. I do not think it matters which wall you center on.

      As to venting and negative air . Venting to outside is up to personal preference based on neighborhood, and if shop has A/C that will create negative air by exhausting the conditioned air to outside and the same for heat. Have my air cleaners plugged into the same circuit as my lights so lights on ; air cleaners on.

       Let us know how this cleaner works for you.

Thanks for the insights.