Changes

Our shop needs *real* dust collection. Here lies the start of plans to rectify that.

Our shop needs *real* dust collection. Here lies the start of plans to rectify that.

==Health Hazards of Wood Dust ==

== Health Hazards of Wood Dust ==

Exposure to wood dust has long been associated with a variety of adverse health effects, including dermatitis, allergic respiratory effects, mucosal and nonallergic respiratory effects, and cancer. Contact with the irritant compounds in wood sap can cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions. The respiratory effects of wood dust exposure include asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and chronic bronchitis.

Exposure to wood dust has long been associated with a variety of adverse health effects, including dermatitis, allergic respiratory effects, mucosal and nonallergic respiratory effects, and cancer. Contact with the irritant compounds in wood sap can cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions. The respiratory effects of wood dust exposure include asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and chronic bronchitis.

==Particle Monitoring ==

== Particle Monitoring ==

The most hazardous dust particles are too small to be seen. To determine the effectiveness of the collection system, we will use a relatively inexpensive laser particle counter, such as: http://www.dylosproducts.com/dcproairqumo.html

The most hazardous dust particles are too small to be seen. To determine the effectiveness of the collection system, we will use a relatively inexpensive laser particle counter, such as: http://www.dylosproducts.com/dcproairqumo.html

This will help us fine tune the collection system and tell us when there is insufficient flow due to duct blockage, excessive open gates, or dirty filters.

This will help us fine tune the collection system and tell us when there is insufficient flow due to duct blockage, excessive open gates, or dirty filters.

==Goals==

== Goals ==

Achieve better air quality inside the shop than outside.

Achieve better air quality inside the shop than outside.

1000 CFM for each machine in operation.

1000 CFM for each machine in operation.

== Down Drops ==

== Down Drops ==

Each large machine or cluster of small machines will require a down drop from the main duct. The drop will require: 8x8x6 DWV PVC Wye fitting, 6" 45 elbow, approximately 5' of 6" PVC pipe, a 6" blast gate & a short length of 6" flexible hose (length dependent on machine).

Each large machine or cluster of small machines will require a down drop from the main duct. The drop will require: 8x8x6 DWV PVC Wye fitting, 6" 45 elbow, approximately 5' of 6" PVC pipe, a 6" blast gate & a short length of 6" flexible hose (length dependent on machine).

In addition, a switch (wireless or wired) to control the collector motor must be near the blast gate.

In addition, a switch (wireless or wired) to control the collector motor must be near the blast gate.

== Automating this stuff ==

== Automating this stuff ==

Initially, the dust collector will be turned on and off manually and the blast gates will be opened manually. After all the wood working machines are connected to the dust collector, we will work to automate the gates and collector motor - turning on a tool will activate the collector.

Initially, the dust collector will be turned on and off manually and the blast gates will be opened manually. After all the wood working machines are connected to the dust collector, we will work to automate the gates and collector motor - turning on a tool will activate the collector.

I've read that using less than 3" ducts with a large 15-16" blower is a problem.

I've read that using less than 3" ducts with a large 15-16" blower is a problem.

The dust collector should be on it's own circuit, switched on by a relay. Switches should be conveniently located near machines, or interlocked to certain machines.

The dust collector should be on it's own circuit, switched on by a relay. Switches should be conveniently located near machines, or interlocked to certain machines.

==Collector Location ==  

== Collector Location ==

The dust collector will be either centrally located in the wood working area ( to minimize duct lengths) or at the back of the shop to keep it out of the way and minimize the effects of the noise. The main duct will be run overhead, most likely lying on the bottom member of the ceiling trusses.

The dust collector will be either centrally located in the wood working area ( to minimize duct lengths) or at the back of the shop to keep it out of the way and minimize the effects of the noise. The main duct will be run overhead, most likely lying on the bottom member of the ceiling trusses.

== Costs ==

== Costs ==