TheLab.ms Wiki

The saw dust/chip collection system within the lab has a few components.

• A clear/black pre-filter cyclonic can which will extract out larger particles. The pre-filter cyclone input is what connects to the various machines via a 4“ hose with a quick twist connector. The output goes to the big red Bauer vacuum.

• The large red Bauer vacuum that takes its input from the cyclone collector, filters out the finer particles and expels the output via a pleated filter.

Bauer Model 24217E-B with 2-Mircon Filter

• A portable Hercules collector/vacuum which is used when finished to vacuum as much of the dust and chips as possible that escaped the larger system. There are brush, crevice and floor attachments that can be used to clean the machines and floor periodically and prior to leaving Thelab. -Two ceiling mounted “Jet” air filters. Both filter machines can be controlled via one of two remote controls. They have an always on mode or a timed mode. Please use the timed mode for automatic shutoff or else ensure you turn them off prior to leaving. You must point the remote control at the non-filter end of the machine for it to be acted on.
• Two overhead, ceiling mounted filter machines
• A broom and dust pan

Emptying it often will help in avoiding to having to empty the larger, red Bauer machine.

1. Remove the cyclonic top by unlatching the three retaining clips, remove the top and empty the can into a garbage can or bag.
2. replace the top, reattach the clips.
3. the can has a small window the can be used to note the level of chips inside. Please make sure the window is visible when the can is back in its operating position.

This vacuum has an internal bag that needs periodic emptying. There is no full indicator. Use your best judgment. The internal bag is susceptible to tearing so exercise caution when replacing the top.

• Extra bags can be found on the wire shelf in the far right rear of the room.

Extra bags

Where to find extra bags

The Ceiling mounted air filters should not need cleaning often if the other dust mitigation efforts are followed. If the machines external filters appear to need cleaning post a note to the woodshop discord channel and someone will clean it or help walk you through the process.

Emptying the dust bag. We have not yet found a good video that covers the procedure, this one will do with a few comments. The video is an overall review of the collector but we pick it up late where the presenter is attaching the top filter and the collector bag. Removal is just the opposite.

We find it helpful to

• remove the filter:

First turn the top handle a few times around to help clear some of the loose dust from the filter then remove the filter by loosening the band securing the filter to the machine. The filter is a friction fit, remove by pulling upward and set aside.

• take off the bag and empty

Clean off dust from the the area below the filter. The bag is also a friction fit with a black band. Pull the band away from the edge of the machine, toward the inside. Tt should deform and allow removal of the band and bag. Empty the bag appropriately. NOTE: This is NOT a disposable bag.

• replace the bag as seen in the video. The video does an adequate job of showing how to replace the bag, we find it much easier to do this from the top with the filter off.
• Replace the filter and band, make sure the band is seated properly all around the machine

Review Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9f61VF9uxY&t=920s

- Police the area surrounding the machines used. The dust collectors are not perfect, there will be dust escape routes.

Note: if making a parts run, leave a note that you will return to finish the cleanup. Please be a good citizen and clean the area when leaving for the day.

There are various dust collection hose adapters used within TheLab, some which have been printed in house. These can be found on TheLabs github page at:

https://github.com/TheLab-ms/prints

Adapters for belt/disk sander, jig/scroll saw, Jet disk, 1” belt sander