Replies

1. 
   sawduster | Jun 18, 2003 05:53am | #1

   I'm not sure what you are looking for, but will share what little I know. We (editorial we) ground dust collectors to help eleminate static electricity which can cause a minor (major if you happen to be involved in it) dust explosion. The sawdust can, and sometime does, go bang. This is especially true if you happen to live in a dry climate, or even in Houston in the winter. Generally the machine you are running, sander, planer etc. has a bond wire attached that runs to the dust collector and is in turn attached to the collector, which is in turn connedted to a three wire plug and finally if they followed code to a ground rod. The theory is that a static sparks will not occur in the dust stream and give you a source of ignition. So far as grounding a shop vac, I'm not sure if you want to ground it to prevent a shock hazard or to help eleminate a dust problem. Most shop vacs I see are plastic and would present a problem in bonding. You could, however, connedt a bond wire to the equipment being used, then to a ground source, wherever that might be.

   There are a number of good boks available on controlling dust and they go into grounding and bonding. I have Rick Peters Controlling Dust in the Workshop, and found it most informative. Hope that is some help.

1. 
   66wood | Jun 21, 2003 04:10pm | #2

   Thanks for the info. about grounding of a dust collection system. I will check out the book that you suggested too. Seems like I spend as much time cleaning up after a project as I do building it.   Thanks again,  Bobby

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 21, 2003 06:43pm | #3

   I don't know of anyone who advocates grounding a shop vacuum. Nor, do I know of anyone who does.

   Studies have shown that grounding a dust collection system is of questionable value too.

1. 
   66wood | Jun 22, 2003 03:33pm | #4

   Thanks for the info.   Bob