Contributor
IME, routers really just don't lend themselves to good dust collection. I've resorted to purpose built contraptions for different situations. The problem is getting chips being flung horizontally to stop and go up into the base before they leave the vacuum area. I never could get the 621 to pull this off, too many gaps and constricted ports (typical router DC design). I'd love to see how others got this to work.
Contributor
Best way to low dust routing is using the router table with fence and under the table dust collection. For hand held edge routing Festool has a special plastic adaptor that reflects the chips back to the collection port. Dewalt 621 is definitely not as good as Festool in that scenario. The thing is, those types of routing (excepting really large pieces) are well suited for table routing.Originally Posted by johnny means
Contributor
I bought in to festool system and have each of their routers. They have the best dc of any router I've used including the dw621. Although it is also a great router. As mentioned the festool routers have a chip catcher which is used when doing rabbet type operations. It's the only router I've used with that feature. The 2200 is prob the best at dc and has a spring loaded hood that drops and completely closes off the routing operation.
Contributor
Last summer I spent 6 hours sanding red oak with a 5" orbital Festool sander and Festool vac in my closed garage. No dust on any horizontal surfaces in the shop, so I assume not much in my lungs. The paper seemed to last 'forever', which is perhaps not a benefit you'll get from a downdraft table. This was a first time no-dust treat for me, and my hands weren't numb like they used to get with my 25 year old Bosch and PC sanders.
The only downside for me was I bought 2 more Festool sanders,...
Other less expensive solutions may work well, I don't know.
Mark McFarlane
Member
I should care enough to pop for one of the dust collector vacs like Festool, but the funds are needed for other things like lumber.
I use a standard shop vac equipped with a HEPA filter. I'm sure its a poor second to the good units, but I figure my dust mask is always right at hand.
Good collection at the router table is no problem with the DC you have. Collection from hand held routers will vary with how they're being used. Captured cuts like dados generally collect well with something like the DW 621 or other brands with dust collection components
Mil DC.JPG . Media Cabinet (59).jpg
Edge routing requires a different method; you need to capture from below the base. There are add-ons for this as well, even for routers that already have built-in above the base collection. check the 'accessories' section for the routers you have first, you may be surprised. There are also after-market offering from folks like Rockler but, these can be of varying quality to shop around.
Dust Port.JPG
"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".
– Samuel Butler
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I didn't read through this whole thread so I might be repeating someone else but keep in mind that the Festool sanders has twice if not 3 times the amount of holes on their pads and paper ( I believe 18 in all and can double check). This results in much more airflow for dust pick up while also helping to keep the paper cool and prevent them from wearing out quickly. This is one of the main reason why festool paper last so long. I've used the same 150 grit paper on 3 different projects, and the projects were big tables. That pack of 100 count paper I got will likely outlast my sander.
As for the Festool vac, I have the CT36 and love it. It's quite, powerful and easy to roll around. I have the boom arm on it so it brings my hose up off the ground and I don't have to worry about my hose snagging on the edge of a work piece for table. 1 hose and 1 power cord runs all my festool tools.
One thing I would do differently if I had to do it over again would be to get the CT48 instead of the CT36. They have the same CFM but the CT48 holds more dust/chips requiring less bag changes. The vac is in my home shop and never leaves so weight isn't an issue to me.
Member
My first bad experience sanding was using a belt sander as a stationary tool for shaping salad tongs. Dust everywhere. I built a downdraft table connected to the dust collector and mounted the belt sander on the table. The table has 3 drawers for storing supplies and sanders, casters on one side so I can wheel it around like a wheel barrow, and 2 sides and back that hinge up or down depending on use. I use it on most all sanding operations either with sides up or down depending. I modified some plans I found, probably from this site.
My ROS has dust collection but I still do my sanding on the downdraft table when possible.
Using a ROS with good dust collection will go a long way to reducing dust but there are other sanding operations that don't use a ROS where I find the downdraft table really nice to have.
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Wow, a 3 year old thread pops back to life.
I read my post from 2013, wouldn't change anything....Rod
Contributor
That appears to be my fault. Not sure how I came across the post....
Mark McFarlane
Member
Get the Oneida Dust Deputy for the Festool vac, save those bags.
If at first you don't succeed, redefine success!
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I thought about it but not sure what savings I'll gain and how long it would take for the DD to pay off for itself in terms of savings. The DD also comes with a clear plastic bag that can be inserted. I can buy 5 bags for my CT36 @ $36 shipped from amazon, the DD bags are $25 for a 10 count. Add on the cost of DD which is $270. So I basically need to change out about 40 bags on my CT36 to break even with the DD. That's not including the expense for the DD bags as well. I've changed out 1 bag on my CT36 since October 2015, and only about half way full on my 2nd bag. At this rate, my CT would be in the landfill before I can use up 40 bags.
I also assume the CT vacs will lose a bit of CFM by having to run through the Oneida DD as well correct?
Last edited by Hoang N Nguyen; 05-05-2016 at 11:40 AM.
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