Dust, sawdust, silica dust and everything in-between. There isn’t anywhere you can’t find dust when working on a job site or in your own warehouse/workshop. Thankfully dust extractors can deal with the dust from the onset before it even gets a chance to disperse into the air, over your tools, bench-top, floor and every nook and crevasse it can find.
If the majority of your work takes place on a job site or construction areas, then the odds are that you will have a portable dust extractor.
Maybe more than one depending on how many tools you use.
Are they rated to extract the dust you are working with safely?
Are your dust extractors collecting as much dust as possible?
As mentioned in a previous post, Dust Classes: What is the difference between L, M & H-CLASS?, there are different classes of dust, each one requiring maximum levels of dust particles to be collected.
- L-Class <1.0%
- M-Class <0.1%
- H-Class <0.005%.
It is critical to ensure that the dust extractor you are using is not only removing the dust effectively but also able to produce clean air after filtering
out the correct amount of dust particles. Proper filtration is a serious consideration as you are breathing in the exhaust air, which needs to be clean.
Regardless whether your dust extractor is located on a construction site or in your workshop, there are some points to make sure that your dust extractor is working to the highest level it can.
Filter Bag / Dust Bag
If you are using a filter bag, making sure that is not full is a great way to ensure you are collecting as much dust as possible. While there are many types of filter bags to choose from, one of the most reliable ones are the fleece filter bags. The fleece bags allow for air to pass through with little restriction, similar to a filter. Meaning that as you fill-up the bag, it will be able to maintain a higher level of suction compared to other bags (paper). Also, due to the way the fleece bags operate, they can be seen as a pre-filter. Which with long term use can help extend the life of your machines as well as maintaining a consistent level of performance.
Main Filter
Regular filter inspection and maintenance is another way to help keep you dust extractor running at optimal levels. The reason why this step should become standard practice is the filter is arguably the essential part of the dust extractor. If the filter is ineffective, the dust extractor and your lungs will suffer.
If the machine is in daily use, checking and cleaning the filter should be a daily practice also. Gently brushing the filters down with a soft paintbrush is recommend, while checking for any signs of thin spots and holes. Any damaged filters need replacing.
Some filters, like the ones in the starmix® machines, can be washed under running water. Just ensure they are dry again before use.
Trade Tip: To dry the filter fast, remount the filter, disconnect the dust hose and run the machine for 10 minutes.
If you require any more information on dust extractors, our professional and friendly team at Intex will be more than able to assist you.