I have a new router cabinet I just recently made. I also have a Delta 1100 cfm dust collector. The fence is a Mast-r-Fence. The dust port on the fence is a 2 1/2″. I have a conector that fits my 4″ dust hose.
I started a job yesterday in which I am doing 1/2″ futes on (12) 8′ X 1 X 4 MDF “boards”. There are three flutes per “board” and I am fluting about 6 1/2 feet. That makes (36) 6 1/2′ flutes.
When I finished, I was astonished to fine that the MDF had my router compartment almost half full of MDF dust. My new PC 7518 was warmer than it should have been and it was because it was not venting properly. I do have a 3″ hole in the back of the router compartment for the poweer cord and to allow air to be drawn through to the dust collector.
I have not had any problems with my dust collector clearing any other tool. All others excvept the bandsaw have 4″ ports.
Any suggestions?
Edited 1/20/2007 9:43 pm ET by coolbreeze
Replies
Dear Cool,
Yup, I had the same problem. The flutes effectively block the dust from ever reaching the port on the fence. Seal the 3" hole as well as you can, and then punch a 4" hole for the DC in the back. You can run a secondary line to the fence, but I think that you will find that the 4" will pick up the vast majority of the dust. I would hit that router with some compressed air, while you're at it.
Best,
John
John,
Thank you for your reply. Are you saying that I should try to pull the dust down? Does this apply only th the MDF or does it apply to flutes? The router itself pushes air up from the router compartment. Would it help if I did not use the insert for this application?
Cool
In fact what you may need to do is add an extra opening at the top/front of the plenum. If the work is obstructing airflow through the table rings into the plenum the adding an extra inlet will allow free frlow of air and the dust will be drawn through by a sort of ventura effect
Scrit
Dear Cool,
You don't have to pull the dust down. It is already being driven down. You have the evidence for that. What you need to de now is to remove the dust from where it is going. I don't think that removing the insert will help all that much and may indeed spoil the cut, to one degree. Keep the setup that you have, and try the additional port. I would put it towards the bottom of the chamber that holds the router. See if that works to your satisfaction, then worry about make up air.Best,JohnEdited 1/21/2007 11:19 am ET by Jmartinsky
Edited 1/21/2007 11:20 am ET by Jmartinsky
MDF dust is a bear!
It is so fine it coats everything. You might also check your DC to see if the filter bag (or cartridge) has been fully coated, blinded, by the dust. If so, your airflow is restricted and the effectiveness of the DC is compromised.
Frosty.
Frosty, I will check that tomorrow. I know how fine MDF can be. In fact, it sticks to everything as though it has an adhesive.
I hate to work with it and try my best to find a better alternative.
Cool
Hey Fred,
Check your email I sent you a respone to your question. Looks like your front door is too tight in the front - no air flow can happen in a sealed compartment.
Bob
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