Workshop Planning

Wood machines and metal working machines don't mix ! The saw dust settling on the metalworking machinery sucks the oil from where its needed. Best to put the two operations in two different rooms.

Andrew Mawson

I would think, that along with the dust collection system, you could simply use covers for the metalworking machinery to help keep the dust away. Wood dust has a tendency to float through the air, so the dust collection system would have to be capable of moving a good bit of air and be installed so that the pickup tubes are close to where the dust is actually being created (right at the saw blade, under the router, near the blade/bottom wheel of the bandsaw, etc.) HTH Ken.

Hi, I have the same problem -- plus the addition of welding equipment and parking an ice/snow/salt covered van in the same area. I plan to install a dust collector system for the woodworking machines and make an airborn filter to try to catch stray dust and welding smoke. In the near term, I am symply covering the lathe and Bridgeport with light canvas covers when not in use. Seems to work OK.

Mill

My "temporary" (going on years) setup has the woodworking and machine tools in the same space and dust collection not set up yet.

I keep all the sensitive machinery draped in thrift-store bed sheets (queen size mostly) and find they stay clean enough. They get wiped down before use as well.

When weather permits the wood tools are rolled outside, that helps too.

Bob

For many years now I have had metal and woodworking machines in the same garage with no problems. My wife sewed up some vinyl covers for the milling machine and lathe and they seem to do a good job of keeping everything relatively dust free. After 5 years in this configuration none of my machinery is showing any ill effects.

Robert

Thanks ALL