Magnetic Catch For a Blast Gate
In FWW #248, Dean Hedstrom suggested using a ball-nose plunger to hold a dust-collection blast gate open or closed without having to loosen and tighten the locking knob. My variation is to drill out the threaded hole for the knob to just over 1⁄4 in., then drop a 1⁄4-in.-dia. rare-earth magnet into the hole. I find that one standard magnet is strong enough to hold the gate in any position, but you could put one on each side of the gate or use a longer magnet if necessary. Rare-earth magnets are widely available online.
Jim Richey
Andy Olerud, Driggs, ID
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Starrett 12-in. combination square
Rikon 10-3061 10-in. Deluxe Bandsaw
The saw has two speeds: 3,280 sfpm (surface feet per minute) for wood and 1,515 sfpm for soft metals and some plastics.
Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in