Dust Collection on Jointer problem
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I have a 6″ Delta x5 jointer with a 1hp dust collector (penn state) connected to it. I know the collector is right at the limit, but when I bought the jointer the collector worked very well. Recently though when I use the jointer chips are flying out everywhere. Now, I checked the jointer ducting for clogs (none) and emptied the collector bag and checked the hose. Chips are still flying out. My next thoughts are either I don’t have the fenced closed down enough or the blades are dull. I haven’t noticed any burning nor am i pushing any harder to cut the wood. I jointed 4″ thick piece of walnut this afternoon, I set the fence 4-1/2″ cut. turned on the dust collector start to make a cut chips go flying. Could the blades cause this? Thanks.
Replies
More than likely, the jointer is stuffed full of chips way at the top of the chute, just under the cutter head. This is common with Delta, take a stick and poke way up there. Most dust collectors have a grill at the inlet, behind the Y or whatever you have. Long shavings, such as you often get with pine, can collect and block the flow. I would check both areas. Some of us have removed the grill. You just have to be careful you don't suck up hunks of wood or rags, that may damage the impeller. Chips blowing back is normally a sign of a blocked dust chute.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
"I know the collector is right at the limit...." I doubt that. Before I got a dust collector, I used a big, old, Craftsman shop vac to collect on my Jet 6" jointer, worked just fine. I find the jointer pretty much the easiest machine to collect. Putting my money on what Hammer1 suggested.
I'm going to agree with FG on this one. If your dust collector is at it's limit with the jointer, it must be a black and decker dustbuster. Sounds like a clog somewhere to me also.
Good luck,
Lee
Do you have blast gates at every tool, and do they all close completely?
When I had a Jet 1hp DC, the collection effeciency at a tool dropped off quite a bit if the other gates weren't completely closed. I discovered that the gate channels were partially clogged which kept the gate from closing all the way. A few minutes work with a bent piece of stiff wire cleared the channels and things worked great again.
My 1.5 hp Jet DC system has several of the inexpensive plastic gates and I'm beginning to have some problems with them. Some open up and some open down, and a couple of them will partially open (or close) on their own. I need to upgrade the gates but - for now - I'm using wood shims to hold the gates where I need them.
I was able to lower the infeed table and found the top of the chute jammed packed with shavings. Thanks for the assist.
Barry
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