Grit/Dust Control

ddickey

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I have a small Sanford surface grinder that doesn't get used a lot simply because I can't stand spewing grit all around my machines. I still use it but sparingly. I also find the small work envelope to be very restrictive and would like a 6x12 but I need to figure something out for grit control. I was thinking about making a small space with something like a welding curtain to keep the grit inside.
What are your guys' solutions to control grit/dust?
 
Don’t be afraid to wear a mask. You will be surprised on removal how much darker it is vs a new one!

You will find that a dust collection system is the best way to go. Curtains will help a bit but the dust still gets out. With proper shrouding and pick up the dust problem can be reduced a lot. One can make a box that holds a bag filter vertically, where the inlet is at the bottom and the motor and exhaust is at the top. A shop vac could work in a pinch but they are loud and you still really need a good bag filter to stop the dust. A vertically made box the filter mouth at the bottom, will last longer as the dust will fall down into a collection tray which you can remove and clean, and this will extend the life of the filter and help reduce build up.

We use such a commercial version by Q-Air.

http://www.qair.com/industrial-air-...odular-media-dust-collector.htm?products=true

Jet makes a different style of collector as well.

http://www.jettools.com/us/en/p/jdc-501-cabinet-dust-collector-for-metal-115-230v-1ph/414700
 
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You will find that a dust collection system is the best way to go. Curtains will help a bit but the dust still gets out. With proper shrouding and pick up the dust problem can be reduced a lot. One can make a box that holds a bag filter vertically, where the inlet is at the bottom and the motor and exhaust is at the top. A shop vac could work in a pinch but they are loud and you still really need a good bag filter to stop the dust. A vertically made box the filter mouth at the bottom, will last longer as the dust will fall down into a collection tray which you can remove and clean, and this will extend the life of the filter and help reduce build up.

We use such a commercial version by Q-Air.

http://www.qair.com/industrial-air-...odular-media-dust-collector.htm?products=true

Jet makes a different style of collector as well.

http://www.jettools.com/us/en/p/jdc-501-cabinet-dust-collector-for-metal-115-230v-1ph/414700
Q-air link went nowhere.
Jet link says "Not to be used with Surface Grinders"
 
Adding coolant was a major improvement to my Harig. It dosen't stop the big particles from the sparks and still leaves a peppering on the floor around, but it reduces the lingering smell of grinder dust of the small particles.
 
Link works for me. The Jet one is not rated for wet ie coolant. Dry grinding should be fine as long as the filter stops the metal. It is sold as a metal dust collector.

BTW the Jet unit will give you cancer per California notice!
 
That jet brand dust collector cost more than I have spent in my surface grinder setup. Perhaps make an expansion chamber out of steel ducting to slow the dust down to cool and have a simple shop vac at the end.
 
We use flood coolant on our Landis cylindrical grinder and the mist covers a fair bit of space. The average home/garage will not tolerate this.
The prebuilt systems are not cheap. The QAir system cost us several thousands! Instead I would buy the bag filter and make a box. I made one for wood dust several years ago. It needs cleaning, and likely a new filter! For a motor it uses a simple dual squirrel cage unit like what is found in larger stove top vent units. Been running over 20 years so far.
image.jpg
 
Dust evacuation is the engineering control most suitable for the situation. On a SG, a suitable capture vent placed on the grinding wheel guard is the best start point. After ventilation, an enclosure would be the next control. If wet methods are possible use them, too.
 
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