I have a 14" Delta band saw, probably the most common model on the planet, and the dust collection is non-functional through the factory port under the table. Since my life in the shop has gotten a lot more curvy these days, and I've tuned it up so sweetly, I'd really like to get a handle on the mess it makes. Has anyone else had success collecting dust from this machine? I was considering cutting a hole in the bottom door (thick steel) and putting a 4" or 2 1/2" port on it, but I think I should do something closer to the blade too. Any advice?
I did the same thing you're talking about on my bandsaw….I have a Delta 14", and like you said, the dust collection sucks…I cut a hole in the door just below the knob, and put an adapter on with screws to hook up a 2 1/2" hose connected to my dust collector….Go to my workshop and look at pics #3, and you'll see how I did it…It helped some, but no that much, especially if you're using jigs or other fixtures…..Overall, dust collection an ANY bandsaw sucks… Maybe a 4" would be better…..
I use a c-stand for so many things around the studio other than photography. Made a metal adaptor that fits around the 4" dust hose and clamp it in the knuckle of the c-stand. I can position it wherever is needed. Sorry, don't have a photo of this but here is a photo of just a c-stand.
I cut a hole in the bottom door and put on a 4" flange. I also got a small piece of plexiglass that covered the opening where the factory port was located. I can't say it's 100%, but it's a hell of an improvement over the OEM. In the photo you can see the plexi (barely). It wraps around the front of the opening.
Mine has a 4" fitting into the rear wheel area and a 2" right by the lower guides. It does pretty well, but to get any better i would have to have a hose attached to the guide rod right behind the blade. May try it.
Bill, That's interesting….How would you attach the hose to the blade guide…? Use a clamp, or some fixture..? I can't see it working w/o interfering with the cutting…. I don't have it pictured in my mind how it would work…
Since I enjoy restoring old machinery and trying my best, to a point, to bring them back to their original glory - it breaks my heart every time I see holes cut in those wheel covers :-(
There are some very clever ways to provide dust collection without cutting up the machine if you want to go that route. One such example:
Delta used to make a 'dust chute' that fit under the table and captured the chips before they could make it to the lower part of the saw, which worked great - and snapped into place in a way that it would not interfere with the guide adjustments or table tilt operation:
Unfortunately, It's no longer available but sometimes shows up on e-bay and similar sites (Part # 426020260003)
Here is another creative method from under the saw between the feet:
Thanks guys. I'll probably go the Fred Hargis route and put a flange on the bottom door and try to make the rest a little more airtight. I might even get creative and make the side port 3" and run another small hose to the factory dust port.
Thanks guys. I ll probably go the Fred Hargis route and put a flange on the bottom door and try to make the rest a little more airtight. I might even get creative and make the side port 3" and run another small hose to the factory dust port.
I like what Powermatic did, (although I don't own one - yet). They put a 4" connection on the backplate, just under the table and just below the trunnion adjustments. Sort of in line with the cut, but just a bot outside of that.
People seem to think that position works pretty well. I would think anything on the front door, like my Porter Cable, is a PITA, which mine is. I attach a big HD vacuum to mine, and that hose always gets in my way, sometimes pops the door open, etc. Worthless, although it does pick up about 50% of the dust and fines.
Lotsa gr8 ideas here. I have a Powermatic 14" and it's about the same, not very good dust collection. I added a 4" Y at the bottom that helped a little bit. I do like the plexiglass idea or something up there around the bearings/cool blocks. I'm sure by closing that area up, dc would be a bit better. Good luck.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
LumberJocks Woodworking Forum
2.5M posts
96K members
Since 2006
A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about shop safety, wood, carpentry, lumber, finishing, tools, machinery, woodworking related topics, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!