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  1. #1
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    Question Plans for a downdraft sanding table?

    Can anyone suggest where I might get plans for a simple downdraft sanding table to be hooked up to my dust collector or shop vac (I'm a hobbiest not a pro)
    Thanks
    Dennis

  2. #2
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    The easiest one I've seen is a frame of a size to fit your need and 4" in depth. There was a hole on one side for the vac hose. The top was 1/4" peg board. I suppose if you build it fairly large, you'd want to put in some 3/4X3/4 stiffiners.
    Gene
    Life is too short for cheap tools
    GH

  3. #3
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    I built the same style. Just figured out the size I wanted. Bought a shop vac reducer and cut off to the size I needed. I actually use a 1hp/ 1 gal vaccum on this. Have since built a smaller one for smaller projects. I have the top remavable (screws) so I can tape off the holes I don't need. Creates better suction.

  4. #4
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    PM me if I don't post any pics since I can't find my old thread with my downdraft.

    It is built from 2x12's and some 2x4's with a MDF top. I have access to a CNC router so the top was made with slots instead of holes. It essentially has hardboard all on an angle to a hook up at the bottom. A joints are sealed with silicone. Ugly but funtional.

    With a 5" run to the table it gets enough airflow to keep sanding dust to a minimum. Add that to a vac on the ROS and it works fantastic.

    A shop vac won't give enough pull do any good without some serious CFM.

    Joe
    JC Custom WoodWorks

    For best results, try not to do anything stupid.

    "So this is how liberty dies...with thunderous applause." - Padmé Amidala "Star Wars III: The Revenge of the Sith"

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Chritz View Post
    PM me if I don't post any pics since I can't find my old thread with my downdraft.
    Joe,
    Is this it???

    http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...ight=downdraft
    Dewey

    "Everything is better with Inlay or Marquetry!"


  6. #6
    I build this one with some coaching from Bob Dodge a veritable dust expert over on wood net:

    http://picasaweb.google.com/alhenex/...70894934479778

    http://picasaweb.google.com/alhenex/...70907819381682

    http://picasaweb.google.com/alhenex/...70929294218210

    sucks the air down, large pieces collect at the bottom and fine particles are pulled back up the outer side to the hose outlets on each side...works great.

    also doubles as an assembly table:

    http://picasaweb.google.com/alhenex/...70920704283602

    and out feed table:

    http://picasaweb.google.com/alhenex/...70504092455794

    http://picasaweb.google.com/alhenex/...70521272325010
    Last edited by Dave Cohen; 12-15-2008 at 11:03 PM.

  7. #7
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    Dewey is the search master. I was on a break at work and apparently left my Googlefu at home.

    The one I have works well but you still need something attached to the ROS since it doesn't suck enough to catch anything spinning off a disk. For that you need a powerful downdraft with cross ventilation.

    Joe
    JC Custom WoodWorks

    For best results, try not to do anything stupid.

    "So this is how liberty dies...with thunderous applause." - Padmé Amidala "Star Wars III: The Revenge of the Sith"

  8. #8
    Way fancier than what I think Dennis was asking for but I like the idea of a combination downdraft table/whole shop air cleaner.

    http://www.whitemountdesign.com/DowndraftTable.htm

  9. #9
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    Forgot to add that mine are small. One is 1'x3' and the other is 9"x18", as shop is small and I do mostly small projects.

  10. #10
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    A fellow SMC member Terry Hatfield has a nice website on a DIY benchtop downdraft table over at Woodcentral. Sorry, can not post a direct linky.

    -Jeff

  11. #11
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    Lotsa good stuff here. Just to share an evolutional experience; I found an appropriate adapter on a good ROS hooked to the shop vac to exceed a downdraft table in dust collection and so have moved on to that. Now, I wish I hadn't scrapped the table out as I do more hand sanding than I used to and a downdraft would be helpful.
    "A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".


    – Samuel Butler

  12. #12
    If you consider going to the next step and building a deticated downdraft table this old thread has some good info:

    http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...ight=downdraft

    I've built one which has served me well and documented some of the details here:

    http://myweb.cableone.net/jimnbeck/downdraft.htm


    Jim in Idaho
    Last edited by Jim W. White; 12-16-2008 at 11:07 AM. Reason: wrong link

  13. #13
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    I ordered this one from Grizzly.com and built it right in to my bench top. Gave me some extra storage too. The 4" duct runs down the middle. I cover it with 1/8" hardboard when not in use. Don't really need a blast gate, but I have one. The hardboard shuts it down when it's covered.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by dennis thompson View Post
    Can anyone suggest where I might get plans for a simple downdraft sanding table to be hooked up to my dust collector or shop vac (I'm a hobbiest not a pro)
    Thanks
    Dennis
    If you want to keep it simple, I just drew this up with SU:

    Untitled-1.jpg

    Although I didn't have quick access to a good pegboard pattern I think you get the idea. This one is 24" x 36" x 5".
    "A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".


    – Samuel Butler

  15. #15
    I would modify it such that the collection hose comes into the middle and the bottom is ramped for better air flow as follows:
    Attached Images Attached Images

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