In previous editions of the Carba-Tec Focus, I have written about the importance of dust control in the workshop. We have looked at different types of dust extractors, and showed the advantages of rigid ducting vs. flexible hose. Most of our information was based on higher volume (lower pressure) systems, which are driven by workshop dust extraction units, with hose diameters of generally 100mm (4”) or greater.

Now, if every piece of your workshop machinery (handheld or fixed) has been fitted with at least a 100mm diameter dust port, you need not continue reading. If your workshop is like every other workshop, you’ll have a variety of handheld power tools, and possibly some machinery with dust extraction points far less then 100mm diameter. The question is, how do you successfully hook up extraction from these tools?

Option 1: Step your dust extractor hose down to the appropriate size using a reducer. You now enjoy a correctly sized connection, with little or no suction (this effect is similar to you trying to take deep fast breaths through a long drinking straw).

Option 2: Utilise a dust extractor with a smaller hose diameter, in particular, a dedicated workshop vacuum.

Carba-Tec have for many years been selling their tried and true INOX workshop vacuum cleaner. Originally it was marketed to the plasterboard installation industry, for use with their plaster sanding machines. They needed a unit that was robust, high powered and reliable enough to handle the finest dust particles, and still remain cheap to operate (many other premium vacuum cleaners have costly filter units that need replacing). There are literally thousands of our INOX vacuums out there in the field today.

The Carba-Tec INOX-36, 36-litre stainless steel workshop vac is a great value unit, with a host of features and accessories that will find a use in every workshop, as long as you can keep the ‘housekeeper’ away from it!

Stainless Steel Barrel Wet/Dry operation with tip over safety cut-out 1400 Watt motor Tool triggered (Max. 800W) auto switch with manual override Huge 5m long hose Two piece stainless handle Hard floor/carpet head Small vacuum head Wet surface head Crevice tool Brush Head Onboard tool storage Bag or Bag-less operation (paper bag included) Dry filter for bag-less operation Cartridge Filter (upgradable to HEPA compliant filtration) Wet sock filter

While on the subject of workshop vacuum cleaners, we should also let you know about the Dust Deputy cyclonic pre-separator.

A quick and easy way to improve the efficiency of ANY vacuum cleaner (be it the better half’s old Hoover to you brand new Carba-Tec INOX-36), is to prevent the build up of material that would otherwise clog the bag or filters in your vac. The moment any particles hit the bag or filter, the efficiency of your vacuum is reducing and the load on the motor is increased.

The Carba-Tec Dust Deputy is a portable cyclonic separator unit, designed for use with smaller hose systems (ie: vacuum cleaner). We discussed the great advantages of cyclonic separation in issue 4 of the Focus magazine (available for download). In short, a cyclonic separator is the most efficient way of removing dust/waste from the system, separating it from the vacuum source (your vacuum cleaner), thus providing you with 100% suction, 100% of the time.

The Carba-Tec Dust Deputy has been manufactured in the USA by Oneida Air Systems, and has been tailored to suit our local market conditions (Nth American hose diameters are larger then our standard sizes). Assembly of the Dust Deputy is a simple process, with only basic tools required. The unit sits in line between your vacuum, and your dust (or your dust port if you are attaching to a tool or small machine). The efficiency is instantly recognised as the highly noticeable cyclonic action can be seen taking place inside the separator and collection bucket. You will find yourself making piles of sawdust, just to watch the unit in action.

The Dust Deputy is supplied with a short heavy-duty hose that loops between you vacuum and the unit itself. Your standard vacuum hose then attaches to the Dust Deputy. Fittings are provided to help fit odd sized hoses, and once you have set the unit up the way you want it, you may want to support the fittings with Duct Tape to prevent them coming off. The Dust Deputy is also supplied with two collection buckets, so you can change on the go.

We have been using the Dust Deputy, in conjunction with a INOX-36 Workshop Vacuum, while writing the article on the CMT Lock Mitre bit, for this edition. I made a point of starting with a very clean set-up (clean vacuum bucket and brand new Dust Deputy) and I like many other Dust Deputy users, was blown away by the actual separation efficiency. I did actually end up tipping the bucket out, just to suck it back in again, and prove to myself I wasn’t seeing things!