Peter Wells wrote:
I have a few tools (table saw, radial arm saw, sander, grinder) that I use
probably a few times a month that are fitted with connections for dust
collector. I use them in the garage where a lot of other stuff is stored.
So after using them there is always dust all over the place. To what extent
would a dust collector keep the garage clean? Do they just get the big bits
so you don't need to sweep but still leave dust everywhere? Given that I
don't have the space to permenantly connect a dust collection system I'm
wondering if I wouldn't be as well off buying a strong shop vac and
connecting as needed.

All advice appreciated.

Peter


I have a dedicated Jet DC unit, or rather one on wheels with a flex hose
connected to my TS. It's 1½ HP and does a nice job for me. I also have
a Jet Gold Air Filtration unit ceiling hung right over my TS. I've
noticed far less dust around the shop on shelves and cans and stuff
since I started using them. I don't use a mask unless I'm cutting tons
of stuff... I just flip on the switches and start cutting/working. I
shut the DC off when I don't cut... as it is noisy. Not as noisy as a
shop-vac though, and the AF has a remote and timer so I can set it for X
hours and it'll shut down automatically when the time is up.

A shop vac is a marginal DC machine but it's all about budget. You can
build a fairly effective AF with an old AC/Furnace squirrel cage fan,
some plywood, and a couple of filters. Definitely worth looking in to.