Dust collection

[Mini Me]

My approach is slightly different, if you need a filter then the dust escaped instead of being extracted at the machine and your DE is a failure. I won't argue this, it is your health not mine.

 

[mino]

My approach is slightly different, if you need a filter then the dust escaped instead of being extracted at the machine and your DE is a failure. I won't argue this, it is your health not mine.

Well, arrogance is ... add your preferred proverb.

For many, many operations/tools, there is no practical way to capture all the micro-dust at source. An air filter is not a replacement for capturing 90%+ at source. It is to clear out those few percent of microdust that will inevitably escape and would otherwise persist in the air.

Most hobby folk do not have the option of just venting all the air in the shop after work.

 

[DanesRFun]

I've been thinking about that lately because both were built over the past several months. When building the Corsi box, I bought a six pack of Merv 13 filters off Amazon for around $80. They are white - or they were white. As I looked at the build photos, they are a bit brown now, so at least they are working. I'll probably replace them at the six month mark, which will be by the end of summer.

The near-field, I'll probably change the pre-filter this week since it's been working for about six months.

If you're thinking about building your own air filters, The 3D Handyman has an excellent series of videos on different approaches to DIY filtration:

Wow, great video, super helpful. Thanks! And I really like the attachment idea instead of tape.

 

[DanesRFun]

My approach is slightly different, if you need a filter then the dust escaped instead of being extracted at the machine and your DE is a failure. I won't argue this, it is your health not mine.

Right. I get it. And I am definitely working that angle first... with upgrades in progress.
But as @mino said, that's often impractical to do perfectly in a less than ideal home situation.

For many, many operations/tools, there is no practical way to capture all the micro-dust at source. An air filter is not a replacement for capturing 90%+ at source. It is to clear out those few percent of microdust that will inevitably escape and would otherwise persist in the air.

Most hobby folk do not have the option of just venting all the air in the shop after work.

To that end, I'm looking to mitigate what dust does escape and hang in the air...
Plus, it's kinda fun learning about this stuff... and Home Depot had the 20" box fans for $20ea... and I live in an area that can get overwhelmed with wild fire smoke on occasion. One year it was so bad, daytime looked like a dark orange apocalypse, despite the fire being miles away. I have a Dyson air purifier in the main house that couldn't keep up. So there's even more reason for me to explore some of these simple DIY solutions.

Thanks again everyone, I'm learning a ton!