Dust Collector/Wood Toxins

[Shogun]

After reading posts and looking over the wood toxicity chart I think I'm going to put in a dust collection system using PVC pipe and my shop vac. I would really appreciate any thoughts or advice on this.

[BilltheDiver]

The shop vac may be sufficient if your only activity is scrolling, but a larger system is required if you use tools like joiners, planers, or drum sanders.

[EIEIO]

Shogun - It might be worth looking at the Harbor Freight dust collectors. They are the lowest cost I've found and supposedly have a much greater capacity than the shop vacs. Maybe make your piping compatible with the bigger units so you can switch over later if needed.

[daveo]

Shogun
Just a word- if you are hard piping in pvc make sure you fit some good earthing probes with a very positive grounding or the static will bite
believe me i speak with experience and it hurts
Dave

[mlwmerk]

In addition to the above advice, I would add the use of a personal Dust/Vapor Mask.  Get a good one, about $30 USD at Home Despot.  I now use one and have had no allergy problems since I started using one. 

In addition, using Dust Goggles, while seeming overkill, work well with the dust mask. 

No, you don't need a Hard Hat but ear protection from the noise of the dust collectors is important. 

I'm aged 74 and they don't make replacements for vintage eyes, ears and noses for us old folks.

[Shogun]

thank you for the advice. I think after checking them out I am going with a 13 gallon portable dust collector from HF....Happy scrolling. lol

[IBMer]

If funds are limited, you can get by wearing a good quality dust mask.    I have a dust collector, but often forget to turn it on.   Plus I like to listen to music while I work, so I throw on the $5 dust mask, then use the shop vac afterward to clean up.