Dust hood for lathe

[Bill the Cat]

Well, I finally got a dust collector. Now I'm trying to figure out how to utilize it on the lathe. When working at the headstock, one of the commercially available dust hoods would work fine. However, when cutting shafts or other long pieces, these dust hoods are too short. I've debated on two different methods.

1) Build a system using one of the "small" hoods and have it travel with the tool.
or
2) Build a complete enclosure and attach the dust collector to one end.

Just wondering how other people address this problem.

Thanks!

 

[Chris Byrne]

I cut mine on a table saw machine now and use the collector from above and below the table. When I used the lathe I mounted a piece of tube on the lathe cross slide that will travel with the tool. It was a piece of 90deg dust collector tubing. I cut a hole in the middle of the bend and passed the shaft or butt thru it. It works very well to catch 90percent of the chips. Hopes this helps. Chris.

 

[manwon]

Well, I finally got a dust collector. Now I'm trying to figure out how to utilize it on the lathe. When working at the headstock, one of the commercially available dust hoods would work fine. However, when cutting shafts or other long pieces, these dust hoods are too short. I've debated on two different methods.

1) Build a system using one of the "small" hoods and have it travel with the tool.
or
2) Build a complete enclosure and attach the dust collector to one end.

Just wondering how other people address this problem.

Thanks!

Hello Bill, what I have found that works well is to enclose the work table around the Lathe in Plexiglas. By doing this all the solid material will be contained on the work table. You can run a 5 inch hose suspended above the Lathe with the end capped off from your dust collector. From this hose you can attach a small 3 inch hose and run it down to your tool post.

The 5 inch hose above, that is suspended over the lathe can have hole punched into it at one inch intervals that will pick-up any airborne dust from your cutting. This will take care of your problems and it is easy to construct.

Hope this helps!!!!

 

[Scott Behrens]

my setup

Not sure what kind of lathe you are using but here's my crude setup. It still needs refinement and isn't fancy but works fairly well. I tried fancier things but this works better so far.

I like the hose moving the the carriage. If you're thinking about long term effects on your lungs, I think its the way to go.

You'll also have to note that different router mounts and bits tend to throw the chips/dust in different directions. A horizontal mount with straight bit like what I'm using in the pic tend to throw the chips to the right so the pickup hose is mounted to the right. I still need to add an actual hood but haven't yet determined how I want to do it.

Scott

 

[desi2960]

complete inclosed lathe

i built a 3 sided wood box with a plexiglass top that completely covers my lathe. i mounted this box on the wall behind my lathe with door hinges. underneath the table where the lathe sets i attached the hose to my dust collector. when i'm ready to make sawdust. i get the lathe set up, turn on the dust collector, and then just lower the box over the lathe. it keeps most of the dust and wood chips inside the box. i have swinging doors cut into the front of the cover so i can reach inside to turn the lathe on and off, make adjustments, etc, etc. for shop clean-up and after burning up 1/2 dozen cheap shop vacs i bought one used for the central vac system in new homes it cost me $300.00 but was sure worth the money.

 

[rhncue]

I've found that making a dust collection system for a lathe or anything else that does numerous applications is almost futile. Things that are repetitive such as shaft machines or saws or even lathes that are set up for one operation are no problem but a general use lathe is tough to accommodate.

Dick

 

[Bill the Cat]

Getting the dust collector is only the beginning.......

I've found that making a dust collection system for a lathe or anything else that does numerous applications is almost futile. Things that are repetitive such as shaft machines or saws or even lathes that are set up for one operation are no problem but a general use lathe is tough to accommodate.

Dick

I tend to agree with you Dick, but I prefer to use the word "challenging" rather than "futile" I'm sure that I'll have to create several solutions for the different types of work done on the lathe.


I'd like to thank everyone who responded for sharing their ideas.

 

[JoeyInCali]

I've found that making a dust collection system for a lathe or anything else that does numerous applications is almost futile. Things that are repetitive such as shaft machines or saws or even lathes that are set up for one operation are no problem but a general use lathe is tough to accommodate.

Dick

I agree.
Best bet is to have separate rooms. Dirty room, very dirty room, assembly room and main lathe room.
I wish I had the room.
I enclose my taper machine. Clean up a lot near the main lathe.

 

[macguy]

Well, I finally got a dust collector. Now I'm trying to figure out how to utilize it on the lathe. When working at the headstock, one of the commercially available dust hoods would work fine. However, when cutting shafts or other long pieces, these dust hoods are too short. I've debated on two different methods.

1) Build a system using one of the "small" hoods and have it travel with the tool.
or
2) Build a complete enclosure and attach the dust collector to one end.

Just wondering how other people address this problem.

Thanks!

There is no one answer you have to attack it in several stages. You can have a chip collector directly on the lathe and best if the lathe it can be located away from the rest of the shop to isolate the dust that escapes. Then you need an air cleaning system to finish the job such as this.
http://www.woodcentral.com/shots/shot522.shtml