Dust Collection on a Lathe

Steve Costain replies: For dust collection, I have a flexible hose (Loc-Line coolant hose from McMaster Carr) connected to my dust collection system.

Jon Siegel replies: Yes, dust collection is important at the lathe, especially when sanding. If you are turning green wood there will not be much dust, but dry wood does produce dust. Some woods like mahogany are very dusty, and some tropical woods like coco-bolo produce dust that is very irritating. I do not always use the dust collector in the turning stage, but I always use it when sanding.

Donna Banfield replies: Dust and chips are two separate things. Dust collection is done easily with a good quality dust collector and a 4˝ hose with a hood arrangement to capture it. In this case, I’m referring to the dust that is created during sanding. If it’s chips that you’re trying to grab as they come off the lathe, that’s a bit more challenging. Chips, especially the large curls that come off the bowl gouges, can quickly clog a 4˝ to 5˝ hose and fill a dust collection bag. Even a Cyclone system with a large drum will fill quickly, and that’s if you can find a way to direct those chips toward the hose. You are better off sweeping up those at the end of the day.

Claude Dupuis replies: I have never seen anyone try and capture the chips with a dust collection system. The chips are mostly in front of the lathe because that’s the direction in which most of the materials is removed. I only setup the dust collection for the sanding steps. The chips are easy scooped up into a waste barrel for removal.