ChiefJohn Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 Bigfoot offers a dust collection box that is attached underneath the table and connects to a vacuum -- they have just released a newer version http://www.bigfootproducts.ca/UltimateDCS.html that simplifies the whole process -- mine is on the way and I'll post my feedback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 I saw that ,at the time they didn't have a prices on it . This is a version that I have been using for quite a while on the bottom of the saw ,my only issue with it is that the location of the design puts the P.U. hose right in the way blocking unfeathered access to controls and in my mind in the way ,It should get the bottom,Dust very well ,They haven't addressed the upper collection at the source or catching , pcs.you may need before going in the dust filled vac. or Pre-vac separator .As you will note on mine ,it blocks nothing and interfers with nothing and is out of the way .Goes directly to a sealed chip trap .from both top and bottom vac.s before going to cyclone separator then the vac . The blower While cheap and moves it off the line , is the reverse of what is needed ! I think the upper is more important due to smaller dust (especially with spirals and fine blades)& the effect that stupid blower has on it ! It's certainly is a step forward ,from anything else posted ,I am glad the interest level is gaining ground ,and people are seeing benefits of going toward DUST FREE scrolling , The extra chip collection tray surrounding my table catches the larger cutouts and is handy for other things as well .(Chips on the floor cause my castered chair major stoppages at the wrong times ) as well as un-needed clean up ! Some day new saws will have a good system that actually works till then ,we have to design one for ourselves that fits your personal needs , Mine while a little unprofessional looking does it all .adjusts for height of stock ,swings clear out of the way is easily removeable l , Good Luck hope you can come up with a better system than mine ! Look forward to your progress ! If you need help PM me ,I got to go Dr. appointment ,Later Carl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ike Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 I use a fan and a mask. I am going to check into the Dust Deputy, The problem is my budget eon't allow for high priced items in the shop. I have a small shop and the dust is always in the air. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 7, 2015 Report Share Posted January 7, 2015 I understand the problem ,everything I have used is recycled ,less a few cheap pvc Items ,even my main vac hoses you see came from discarded house vac units . Were on a very fixed Income ,not looking for sympathy just stating facts ,Thats why everything is DIY ,blades and wood I have trouble getting around ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 Ike ,The dust deputy or the DIY fein style units I have made are really only for separating the large stuff your vac.-ing before it get to the vac bag ,increasing you cap.in the vac and bag cleaning. Has no other advantage ,The main problem with most collection systems is they don't catch the dust at the source ,some equipment it is nearly impossible to do ,table saws ,planers ,edgers even routers ,combined with the high speed the run at and the wind that creates over comes the vac if not at the source in most cases that is impractical because it interfears with the safe operation of the tool ,so they are marginal in effect . The scroll saw is a different breed of cat ,and does not produce huge amounts of dust ,but the finest ,which is the stuff you inhale .most is nearly weightless and floats in the air for hrs.allowing you to keep inhaling long after you quit sawing. Even larger blade and thicker stuck on a scroll saw produce a lot of ultra fine dust as well as the larger stuff you see on your table .Not nearly the volume the smaller blades produce let alone what spirals produce .I just finished a mill pc. and I am going to empty the chip trap ,I will take some pix and post for you to see what is in there and how the chips themselves create a basic filter media in the trap and ho much dust is caught before going on to the vac.I'll post again in a bit as I have no pix to add to this post .The money you will spend on a deputy would set up you saw to catch it all ! After your catching it all then you can decide if you need it .I am going on the idea you are talking about you scroll saw and not your whole shop ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 Ok !IKE here are some pix of the trap ,normally I take out side and dump ,and brush out ,today I did it on the second desk ,so you could see what was caught and the dust with it .A dust deputy would have done just about the same thing .! But first you have to catch all the dust ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiefJohn Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 (edited) Reference the new Bigfoot dust collection box for the DeWalt DW788- thumbs-up on installation, could not have been easier. I added a slight change to their setup by using a Velcro tab under the blade extension Bigfoot added to the rear of the box -- dispenses with the need for use of a pipe-cleaner (included with the box) and/or rubber band to secure the front of the dust collection box to the table tilt knob. Bigfoot's use of a tie-down around the table tilt knob is a (in my opinion) more of an after thought to the design. I have a small portable car vacuum (stored in a nearby work bench/cabinet) controlled by remote pocket/hand switch. Very simple set-up -- I did use a zip-tie to hold the vacuum hose to the frame of the saw, eliminating the pull on the box. I'm a novice at this and may have missed something, but once you install the dust collection box there will be very few times it must be removed. Edited January 10, 2015 by ChiefJohn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 Sounds like you got some of the bugs addressed ,collecting at the source is the key ,you will find ,with use ,other tweeks you will want to do . You should be able to reverse your vac ,and pull thru the blade hole to clean out any hang ups in the unit ,,Now for the challenge of getting the top dust at the source ,and you will really be a happy camper . The pain is the simple octopus hose that works pretty good but is constantly in the way and requires constant adjustment ,and the need to balance the vac pull from both units ,keep it up you headed in the right direction . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiefJohn Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 The new Bigfoot Dust collection box does what it's designed for -- not a cure all for scroll sawdust. My "only" complaint for the Bigfoot folks is the box joints did not hold up. I had to re-glue all four box joints. I'm still not satisfied with the "dust problem" and will be tinkering with the Bigfoot box design -- pictures will be posted of any modifications of their dusk collection box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 It's better than the funnel on the hose or most other diy's I have seen for the bottom ,But I hope you did not pay much for it ! or expect too much out of it ! Their original was better but had other issues .that was the one I was talking about in my prev. post .that thing you could build .I can see why its falling apart ! It is better than nothing ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiefJohn Posted January 19, 2015 Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 First, thanks to "Master Scroller" for your info -- in my "novice opinion" the "new" dust box from Bigfoot does not perform as well as their previous design -- I removed it from my DW788 and installed the old model. Understand that dust collection is a problem for most scrollers and that there is no attachment (fix) that will eliminate 100% of the dust particles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvman44 Posted January 19, 2015 Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 I bought this one at HF. http://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-industrial-5-micron-dust-collector-97869.html The price is right and it works great. I housed it in an adjacent building because it is a little noisy.Works for me! Don R For even less money and very effective is this http://www.harborfreight.com/13-gallon-industrial-portable-dust-collector-31810.html one. I use one dedicated to my scroll saw along with a Thien style separator and find it very effective, a lot quieter than the 2 Hp model, draws half the current and if you remove the grates on the input and output ports works just about as well as the 2 Hp model. In fact I just bought another one today on sale and with the 20% coupon it cost me $103.00. That gives me 2 of the 1 Hp and 1 of the 2 Hp HF DC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 19, 2015 Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 Sounds like your satisfied and have cured ,your concerns ,does it get all of the top dust too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvman44 Posted January 19, 2015 Report Share Posted January 19, 2015 Sounds like your satisfied and have cured ,your concerns ,does it get all of the top dust too! Most, depends on how I position the upper pick up line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 20, 2015 Report Share Posted January 20, 2015 I got the collection part down pat ,still streamlining the upper part .I think I'll do another mill and check out the latest changes ,getting close! Glad ,your getting yours in order ,and working good for you ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted January 20, 2015 Report Share Posted January 20, 2015 Question with a 4" inlet dressed down to a 1" or 1.5 " suction hose at the scroll saw is it starving the motor with to much pull from too little of a hose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 20, 2015 Report Share Posted January 20, 2015 The distance and the amount of the reductions ,from the source ,plays a big part ,and whether relief is included ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themelster Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 (edited) i stand corrected Edited January 21, 2015 by themelster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 That design would be helpful for items shown ,in the video and the zee adjustment at certain equipment would make it utilitarian for a number of pc.s of equip ,The critical thing is collecting at the source ,space is always a major issue and placement at the correct end of a sanding disc ,The other key is to not have the collector interfier with the working of the machine , Delicate balance to solve a problem with out causing another .I see no application for use on a scroll saw ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiefJohn Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 I solved the upper dust issue with another (two hose connections by using a single to dual outlet) vac intake mounted on the saw arm with a brush attachment that handles most of the dust -- being from the south (NC), I'm fairly good at "shade-tree mechanics" -- pictures later this week. I'm currently working on installing an outlet for our in-house (Beam) vacuum system to handle all of my shop needs -- noise from the portable vacuum was getting to be too much. Beam unit is upstairs in the garage, workshop in the basement, and noise will be minimal (if any)? Thanks for all the input and I'm looking forward to learning from you more experienced folks -- (probably) information overload, but we purchased this home in June 2013 after spending about 10 years on the road as RV gypsies and we've been occupied with fixing up our new "nest", so my time for hobbies has been limited until recently. Thanks again, John amazingkevin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 (edited) You may want to check and recheck the effects untra fine saw dust may have on you house system ,I would be very wary ,I'd call the mfgr. This stuff is finer than frog hair as you go down blade sizes and spirals ,Can't say it won't handle it ,But your saw produces far more dust per hour than you house does in a month .Plus, moma would have a fit if she finds you scroll saw dust other places in the house than you shop! Let alone keeps plugging up expensive filters so it will not work till changed .You May be right ,BUT if your not may be very costly . I have never heard of anyone using one for that purpose ,Keep us posted ,your idea may help others !JMHO!!! Edited January 21, 2015 by Multifasited tomsteve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Love the feed backs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiefJohn Posted January 23, 2015 Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 You may want to check and recheck the effects untra fine saw dust may have on you house system ,I would be very wary ,I'd call the mfgr. This stuff is finer than frog hair as you go down blade sizes and spirals ,Can't say it won't handle it ,But your saw produces far more dust per hour than you house does in a month .Plus, moma would have a fit if she finds you scroll saw dust other places in the house than you shop! Let alone keeps plugging up expensive filters so it will not work till changed .You May be right ,BUT if your not may be very costly . I have never heard of anyone using one for that purpose ,Keep us posted ,your idea may help others !JMHO!!! Added a connection at my work table -- Beam technician (who also installed the original system in 2001) ran the necessary ducts and (in his opinion) I should not have any adverse effects to the vac system (mechanical and/or expenses) The vac system filter is permanent and self-cleaning and other than emptying the of the dirt receptacle there should be other maintenance -- what we didn't know was that the Beam System comes with a life-time warranty. Noise level at the saw depends on number of dust in-takes - have two, main collection is under the table (Bigfoot Dust Collection) and another hose for cleaning around the saw that I also attach to the arm of the saw to reduce the dust around the table. Much quieter with just the under table vac (Bigfoot) connection. Thanks Carl and others that have chimed in on this discussion -- now the difficult part, becoming half as good as you folks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multifasited Posted January 23, 2015 Report Share Posted January 23, 2015 John ,I would still read your warranty ,some times installers ,are not the sharpest ,knifes in the drawer when it comes to warranty and exclusions of same . I still find it hard to believe that they will cover this use ,fine saw dust is a completely different breed of cat than house dust and hair ,plus the volume of stuff that cakes as part of it's nature ,I think will overwelm the unit , I hope I am wrong ,and you have great success and no issues ! If ,I am wrong ,I can see a lot of people converting to what you have ! best of luck and keep us posted ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.