Dust Collection and Management

Ace Makerspace has no windows! Eeek. That makes our dust collection systems and processes a bit more complex. This page details all things dusty and dust collection at Ace Makerspace.

Dust and Ace Members

Ace members who do any projects that make dust should be sure that they are doing so in the right spaces. For example, sanding projects in storage/metal or laser is a big no-no as the dust can cause a lot of damage to equipment and other people’s projects. 

Members, guests, and students are also trained on how to use dust collection systems when they get certified. We can also hook folks up with a buddy to review these systems for users who want to get building right away or are not using tools that require certification.

Air Quality Maintenence

Once a month volunteers spend over 4 hours doing a top to bottom maintenance on the air quality equipment and systems. During this maintenance, both shop rooms are closed. Anybody working on the project and entering the space needs a full N95 or appropriate respirator. This project includes the Air Quality Check List and a full Mega Dust

Dust Collection System Policies in the Workshop

Primary dust collection systems…whether it be via the central cyclone, Jet dust collector or individual shop vac systems…are to be used at all times when using tools that generate wood dust. The overhead Jet air filters should also be active when using these types of tools.

The overhead air filters are not primary dust collection. Do not rely on these machines alone.

The Central Cyclone System

  • The cyclone collection bin and filter should be checked before use every time, and they should both be empty before use. See about saw dust
  • If there is waste material in the bin, empty it into a contractor bag and either:
    • Post a photo to the workshop channel on Slack and tag @team-workshop and they will help support the sawdust owner to come take care of their sawdust
    • Take it home with you for disposal
  • When finished using the cyclone, empty all of the material from the collection bin and take it home with you for disposal

Shop-vac based collection system

  • Examples: Router Table, Drum Sander, Miter Saw
  • Check the shop vac before you start and make sure there is capacity for your work and that the filter is not clogged. If it is deal with it before you start.
  • When you are done, empty the shop vac and take home the dust for disposal after use. 

AMT085 Jet 1100CFM Dust Collector

July 18, 2019

Model/Make:  Jet 1100CFM Dust Collector, model Number DC-1100A Manual: JET DC-1100A Manual This collector is the primary dust collector for the Dewalt Compound Miter Saw… Read more

AMT242 Rigid 12 gal wet dry vac

September 27, 2019

Make/Model: Rigid 5 HP 12 Gallon Wet Dry Vac Documentation: Manual: Manual PDF Filter Type: VF4000 Warranty: https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/wet-dry-vac-warranty Catalog Sheet Logs Make sure to log any… Read more

AMT243 Jet Air Filter System

September 27, 2019

Make/Model: Jet AFS-1000B Documentation: Manual Filters: Purchase Link The purpose is NOT DUST COLLECTION – that is the vacuum’s job, but rather to improve the air quality… Read more

AMT244 Jet Air Filter System

September 27, 2019

Make/Model: Jet AFS-1000B Documentation: Manual for Jet AFS-1000B on go.rockler.com Filters: Purchase Link The purpose is NOT DUST COLLECTION – that is the vacuum’s job, but rather… Read more

AMT255 Clear Vue Cyclone

September 27, 2019

Requirements At least 2 dust collection gates must be open at all times and prior to turning on Check the cyclone can before you begin… Read more

AMT326 Gutter Kit

November 9, 2021

The gutter kit is a set of accessories for Shop Vacs. We use the gutter kit to quickly vacuum piles of dust off the ledges… Read more

Cyclone Filter Cleaning

September 1, 2022

 New vs Old Cyclone Filters 2-2-24 Video History Below is out of date as of 2-1-24. When we installed a new filter stack and a… Read more

Cyclone filter cleaning experiment

April 8, 2023

The Cyclone (AMT255) filter needs cleaning regularly… but it is a pain to take all the way down and blow out. And every time we… Read more

How to Clean and Restock the Shop PPE Bins

November 18, 2019

Cleaning the bins You will need paper towels and spray cleaner (or cleaning wipes). First, check the white cabinet on top of the fire cabinet… Read more

Updating/Repairing Dust Collection Seals

April 8, 2023

Over time the tape seals used to connect the ducts and seal the gates is going to fail. Dust, forced air, vibration, and time. They… Read more