A quality dust extractor works when air travels at different pressures and velocity. Many people confuse dust extractors as vacuum cleaners and vice versa when in fact, some important fundamental principles are different.

In order to cut costs, people will actively choose to use vacuum cleaners rather than dust extractors losing important benefits. This is a critical mistake as both machines work with different principles. What primarily differentiates these two machines, is the number of particulates they can process – dust extractors for high volume, and vacuum cleaners for smaller specks.

As many already know, vacuum cleaners are fantastic tools to clean carpets. They easily lift small quantities of fine dirt and other grime. This fantastic advantage results from the cannisters suctioning low volumes of air that travel at high velocity.

In comparison, dust extractors work inversely with a high volume of air (which assists in capturing large amounts of dust) that travels at low velocity. Dust extractors are designed to primarily cope with a large quantity of waste constantly being produced during carpentry projects.

This also lends an explanatory note as to why the load in vacuum cleaners increase with noticeable whining whenever significantly large material is suctioned. In comparison, dust extractors also have large diameter hoses. Many dust extractors also come with appropriate connectors. These could also be special Y connectors to link machines together to increase the suction output.

 

Safety

As particles travel up the tubing, equipment can be prone to the buildup of static electricity. Dry timber particles travelling up the hose can build up a static charge. Whenever static discharges, the electrical energy is released in the form of a spark.

If environmental conditions are right, the discharge of static and the resulting spark can cause an explosion. Whilst this has been known to happen, explosions in a dust extractor system are rare. The most common static discharge is through our finger tips when we touch the system.

This potential danger can be removed by simply applying a grounding kit to the inside of the hose and linking this to the machine itself.

 

Selection

The ultimate factor in choosing a dust extractor depends upon personal usage. It is also important to consider future usage, so think ahead and plan carefully. To have a clean workshop, a particle-free workplace is essential.

In terms of workplace health and safety, inhaling particles is a serious externality. Effectively and efficiently removing wood shavings, and other particulates will also extend the usage length and performance of your machinery.

On the other hand, a dust extractor is by no means is a replacement for protective equipment. It is also better to be safer than sorry.

 

Machine types

Normal conventional machines work simply via suction, with a collection cannister. Modern devices work via a cycle system with two-stages. These two-stages represent the two collection points for particles, one for small debris, with the other for heavier chips and splinters. We say these units use a cycle system because centrifugal force, in which a downward spiralling vortex is created, is used to separate the mass of each of the particles in the two different collection points.

The biggest advantage in using a system like this is in reducing the number of particles filtered in through the element. Many sophisticated machines can even remove microscopic particles.

 

Fittings

As previously mentioned, depending on your diverse use cases, various fittings may be required. Different models will support different attachments. The major consideration will be the diameter of your attachment. With most accessories coming in two- or four-inch variants. Fitting considerations will be also be in the hose type, and length, but also in the choice of end cap. These considerations are very similar to attachment fittings that come with a standard vacuum cleaner. To secure each of these attachments together, metal fitting clips screw over the top of the joins to maintain air flow within the tubing.