3 Attachment(s)
Bench Dog 40-031 Under Table Dust Collection
I'm sure others have done this but I couldn't find an example of what I needed. This under table dust collection box is for the Bench Dog cast iron extension, Bench Dog 40-016 ProLift and PC 7518 router motor -- all attached to a right tilt Unisaw. I got the idea from Jim Becker's post of a similar box installed on his slider. Also thanks (I think :)) to Bruce Page for his recent "Dog is in the House" post which started me down this slope. I also found a nice design by Glenn Bradley who essentially built a router table cabinet under the extension. However, I actually use the floor space under this box when I slide my bandsaw next to the tablesaw. Search "bench cast iron extension" to see other posts including pro/cons regarding table saw router table extensions vs stand-alone tables. Saving floor space is the deciding factor for me so I'm selling my stand-alone table now that this project is finished.
The main design problem for the Unisaw is fitting the box around the blade tilt wheel. My low tech solution is just to make the box easy to remove when I need to tilt the table saw blade (I rarely tilt the blade from 90 degrees anyway).
Key construction/assembly points (or things I didn't think of initially):
- Use 1/4X20 threaded rods (with Loc-Tite) into the CI extension and large knobs to make it easier to install/remove the box. Add 1/4X20 couplers on the end rods to continue to use the provided router fence hanger hooks.
- Box dimensions are ~9" X 13.5" (~ fit to the CI extrusions under the plate insert) X 20" tall (includes space for 15 degree dust collection ramp and a small shelf on the bottom for insert rings, height adjuster, wrenches, extra collets, etc.). Box is attached using 22" long 3/4X2.5" runners.
- Add a 4" dust collection fitting and a cord grommet with snap in fitting to make it easier to remove the router. Cut several 45 degree slots opposite the dust fitting to ensure sufficient dust collector air flow.
Regarding questions/comments...
I was eager to try this out and the USL had a couple of days to cure so I gave it a try this evening with a 3/8" roundover on some scrap..
Robert/Bruce:
Very little dust/chips when using 4" DC for box coupled with vac attached to the ProGuard for the top -- I'm happy with the performance.
Dave:
I have added an auxiliary switch so I can turn on the router from outside the box (just visible in top left of 3rd photo). My hands are small enough that I can access the speed selector through the dust collection port (also not too difficult to just pull the router&lift out). The Pro-Lift does have a column lock which I can't access easily. I'm not sure I'll need to use this all the time but if so, you're absolutely right, I'll need to add an access door to operate the column lock (or pull the router out). I'll use it a while before going to the trouble of adding a door (Bruce, you might want to include one in your design).
Bruce:
- Glad to return the favor of adding to your to-do list as your post started me on this quest!
- Yes, I applied Loc-Tite and installed threaded rods/studs into the 4 holes in the CI bottom. I then attach the box with large 3 wing knobs.
- ~9"X13 1/2" box size fits the extrusions/ribs around the plate opening. Not a perfect seal but close enough for me.
- Yes, I added a 15 degree ramp inside the box to encourage the dust toward the port.
- I had all sorts of trouble leveling the plate. I finally compromised and got right to left pretty much spot on but plate still a bit proud at back left (hold down screw corner).
Jim:
Thanks!