Most Read
Most E-mailed
Print Article
Dust is the bane of fabricators. Solid surface fabricators deal with this nuisance on a daily basis. And for e-stone fabricators, the dust goes beyond nuisance to a silica health hazard. However, there are answers to the dust question, as numerous companies have taken up the banner of fabricators everywhere and developed some equipment to make us all breathe easier.
SolidSurface sent requests to these companies to put forth their best foot and share some information on the latest and greatest in dust collection. While we can't provide information on every useful product the dust collection dilemma has produced, we have gathered enough to whet your whistle. Hopefully you will find something here useful to your operation in removing the clouds of dust before your eyes.
Abrasive Sanding and Polishing (ASAP) released the newly patented jerri Bac Pac Vac system, which eliminates dealing with long vacuum hoses that can rub on the edge of cabinets and countertops. This user-friendly system has excellent suction and a double cloth and paper micro filter bag system. Its total weight is 12 lbs., and it comes with a stretch hose that extends up to 12 ft. long. Optional auto switch and tool accessories are also available. This system works with all brands of sanders.
Air Handling Systems offers the new AHPLUS flexible hose suitable for replacing older polyester neoprene hoses. It has improved puncture, moisture and tear resistance and is UL94HB flame retardant. It is suitable for a range of dust and particle collection applications. The hose's temperature range is 60 to 275 F (intermittent 325 F) and it is constructed of thermoplastic rubber with coated polyester fabric reinforced with a wire helix. Standard lengths are 25 ft. with a size range of 3 to 8 in.
Andreas Custom Design has released the Dust Raider, a dustless router base that captures 95 percent of the dust produced from profiling sinks and edges. It fits on any router and uses standard size bits. It has a stainless steel spin ring with an epoxy Teflon coating that eliminates binding and keeps the tool free from damaging dust particles. The equipment is manufactured by Monument Toolworks.
CDCLarue Industries offers the Pulse-Bac industrial vacuum and dust collector, a 110-volt, self-cleaning portable vacuum and dust collector that filters particles as small as 0.5 micron at an efficiency rating of 99 percent. It uses only a vacuum system — not blowers, shakers, compressors or magnets — to flush filters clear of dust and debris. The equipment's patent-pending filtration system internally and continually flushes filters clear, prevents clogging and maintains lift.
Denray Machine now has two dust booths. Model 48120 has a 5-hp 3-PH motor and is suitable for light or medium sanders with light to medium grit paper. This unit is available in 6-, 8- or 10-ft. booth widths. Model 85120 has a 7 ½-hp, 3-PH motor and for heavier sanding or grinding applications. This model is customizable to include side openings for use with conveyor systems. Booth widths for this model range from 8 to 14 ft., with any booth width over 14 ft. requiring multiple power units. CFM for Model 48120 is 4,800 at 1 in. static, and for Model 85120 is 10,200 at 1 in. static.
Fabricator's Choice LLC provides the Eurovac dual primary cyclonic preseparator, which ensures 95 percent dust removal. The final polyester cartridge filtration is rated at 99.93 percent efficiency at 1 micron. Debris and particles are removed before they reach the turbine pump to protect it and to keep contaminants from returning to the shop atmosphere. With permanently lubricated, double-shielded bearings and no electric brushes, the equipment's heavy-duty 20 hp turbine is made to run continuously.
Festool provides the CT line of mobile dust extractors. The CT 22 and CT 33 are available with HEPA filtration and filter 99.99 percent of particulate to 0.3 microns. Each CT is tool-triggered, so it's only on when the tool is. The extractors have encapsulated motors for long life and wet and dry vac capability. All of the company's solid surface tools fit the dust extractor line.
