Just got the JDS 750 and it’s sitting in the middle of my shop. The big problem is this: I have a very low ceiling – 6’8″. There is a fireplace on one side (unused)and the bulk of my dust making tools on the other. Logic would dictate that I put the JDS nearest the tools but headroom would dictate putting it next to the fireplace as that’s where the bulk of my scrap wood lives and I’d less likely bump into it.
Since I am dealing with a fairly small total space, 20×35 (with 10 feet taken up by my other “hobby”) does it really matter where I put the JDS? I’d prefer to put it near the fireplace so I wont bump my head or hit it with wood from the table saw, band saw or jointer but I’d like to get all that nasty dust that’s always floating around, mostly from the table saw.
Your suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
BB
Replies
I have a similar problem and put mine away from most of the dust generating machines. As long as you get a decent circulation pattern, the dust filter will help a lot in clearing the air, but, it, of course, won't be as effective since the dust has had more time to disburse by the time it reaches the filter. Turn it on a little while before you start & let it run some after you finish.
B',
I have a number of air scrubbers in my shop (built by me). I have one of the larger ones on casters, that also doubles as a small rolling cart. It works well, and as the dust settles, it's drawn into the filters.
Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.
Do you have a dust collector connected to your tablesaw? My shop is ~16 x 25, and the 25' dimension is split by the main supporting timber down the center of the house. My airfilter is located in the half on the other side of where the tablesaw is located, probably 4' from the foundation wall, 6' from the beam and 4' from the partition that is the shop's interior wall. It circulates the air clockwise, and blows in the direction of the tablesaw, but to its side.
I also have a dust collector.
End result? YIKES, it's so clean! The air is clean. Varnishing is no longer agony. It is truely amazing. Does this help? :-) There is NO (visible) dust floating around the shop.
Here is some info that may be helpful.
The two most important criteria for an air cleaner are the CFM and the filters. You want a CFM factor that will clean the size of your shop and a filter that removes the particle size that you are concerned about.
To determine the size or required air flow, use this formula: Volume of your shop (Length x width x Height) times Number of air changes per hour (typically 6 - 8) divided by 60. This will give you an answer in Cubic Feet per Minute which is how air cleaners are measured. MOST AIR CLEANER MANUFACTURERS RATE THE CFM OF THE FAN ONLY, but there are losses due to the filters. If you are building your own or if the air cleaner you are purchasing rates only the fan, figure you will lose about 25 - 40% for filtering losses.
As important as the air cleaner size is how and where you mount it. Try to mount at about 8-10 feet above the floor (no lower than 6'or 2/3 of the floor to ceiling distance if less than 8' ceiling). Mount along the longest wall so the intake is approximately 1/3 the distance from the shorter wall. Mount no further than 4-6 inches from the wall.
The exhaust is the largest determiner of the circulation pattern. You are trying to encourage circulation parallel to the floor/ceiling so ceiling mounting is not recommended. Use a smoke stick (or a cigar) to observe and maximize circulation. Use a secondary fan to direct air to the intake if necessary. Also, consider that a standard 24" floor fan moves a lot of air and, in some shops, just positioning it in a doorway with a window or other door open can accomplish as much or more than an air cleaner. It's all in the circulation patterns.
The exhaust is the clean air so that is where you want to position yourself. Do not place the air cleaner over the a dust producer. That will guarantee that the operator will be in direct line between the dust producer and the air cleaner. The operator wants to be in the clean air stream. If the dust has to pass your nose to get to the air cleaner, you get no benefits. If you have an odd shaped shop, two smaller units may be better than one large one.
DO NOT RELY ON A AIR CLEANER TO ACT AS A DUST COLLECTOR. The purpose of and air cleaner is to keep airborne dust in suspension and reduce airborne dust as quickly as possible AFTER THE DUST PRODUCER HAS BEEN TURNED OFF.
Finally, if you are looking for health benefits, you will not find any air cleaner manufacturer that makes health claims because there are few health benefits. CATCHING DUST AT IT'S SOURCE IS THE BEST LONG TERM GOAL.
BB -
My situation is similar to yours - no convenient place to permanently mount the JDS-750. Mine's on a furniture dolly. I roll it to where the dust is being made and point the exhaust toward or away from the dustmaker, whichever will be most beneficial.
Ed
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