Downdraft anyone?

[davidnb]

Just a thought. Directly under the Y guide rail is a trough that opens to beneath the CW machine. Lots of sawdust falls "naturally" into this area as it is directly under the cutting bit. Has anyone tried or gave consideration to using a downdraft system to suck the dust "down" instead of "up" as with most dust collector attachments?? Looking at it, it appears this could be opened up easily for better flow.

[Kenm810]

davidnb,

If you do a forum search --- Key words like, "Down Draft" or "Dust Collection systems".
you'll fine a ton of info and ideas about Systems, Tables and Cabinets that have been used and tried.

Use something like this one Sawdust Removal

[blantz]

I have a router table that I also use as a down draft for my carvewright. The router table has a 12”x12” pocket for the plate I use for the router. So what I did was to make another plate with a slot about 2” wide and 9” long added foam around the out side of the slot for the carvewright to set on creating a seal on the bottom. Added a 4” port for the dust collector on the bottom. This set-up works well for me.

[davidnb]

Thanks, lots of good feedback & ideas collected. I'll take all the ideas I can get. Sometimes you use a little of this idea & a little of that idea and come up with what works right for you.
Dave

[Gary Koval]

davidnb,
Although this thread is 2 days old, I just want to add my two cents! I built one similar to Ken810's and it works like a charm. He is the man you want to talk to if you decide to build one. Mine took a weekend to build once I had the parts, just so you know.
Gary

[cnsranch]

Hey, all.

My two cents -

I used a downdraft system for quite some time - wasn't real happy with it.

The wider the board, the less room for suction, and less shavings will be removed.

My opinion is that if you can remove the shavings from up top, you're much better off. My downdraft would leave almost all shavings on the surface of the board, and that's the stuff you really want to get rid of. Shavings, etc. on top of the board can cause problems with the rollers, can compress the board too much when the rollers "climb" over them, etc.

There are a bunch of designs for dust collection - Redneck Blues has one, FredrickP has another (that's the one I use, and highly recommend).

Couple of pics of both my former downdraft, and current DC set up.

[bayea]

Hey cnsranch, Where did you get that stand that your carver is on. I like it !!!

[fwharris]

Hey, all.

My two cents -

I used a downdraft system for quite some time - wasn't real happy with it.

The wider the board, the less room for suction, and less shavings will be removed.

My opinion is that if you can remove the shavings from up top, you're much better off. My downdraft would leave almost all shavings on the surface of the board, and that's the stuff you really want to get rid of. Shavings, etc. on top of the board can cause problems with the rollers, can compress the board too much when the rollers "climb" over them, etc.

There are a bunch of designs for dust collection -

Redneck Blues has one

, FredrickP has another (that's the one I use, and highly recommend).

Couple of pics of both my former downdraft, and current DC set up.

Jerry, Yes I've been called that to...LOL

In total agreement about the downdraft. Works ok if narrow boards and if you have some type of air push to blow the dust/chips off of the board. But you still get dust into other areas of the machine.

Pull the dust off at the source and you will never carve with out it....

[earlyrider]

You've been called what? At first, I didn't even see it. Had to look back. Oh!
I'd like to think we're all rednecks here....
Ron

[cnsranch]

Sorry, Mr. H.

bayea

The stand is actually an old stand for a commercial sewing machine that I found at a garage sale for $2.

I build the top for it.