On the job site, table saw dust collection is a relative term. I need something simple, reasonably effective and tough. Most gadgets, bags and contraptions I’ve seen aren’t worth the time or money.
Vacuums are a headache on my sites. When they’re not taking up valuable space, the filters are clogged, the hose falls off or I’m tangled up in their tentacles. And unless it’s a tool-triggered vac, it’s extra not worth it.
I’ve also tried bags and buckets and they don’t work either. Taping a plastic trash bag to the dust chute is a guarantee that the chute will clog.
What has delivered a reasonable amount of dust capture on the table saw is a 2-inch PVC tee, a breathable trash bag, and some zip ties.
How-to: Table saw dust collection
- Jam the tee on the dust chute with the leg pointing down.
- Wrap the bag around the neck of the tee and zip-tie tight. Daisy-chain two smaller zip-ties together to make one big one if you need to.
- Gather the remaining (open) portion of the bag and zip tie that shut.
That’s pretty much it. The tee enables the column of air and dust from the saw to escape the table saw through both openings in the tee. Air shoots straight through and inflates the bag. Heavier dust can fall through the bottom of the tee and remain free of the saw’s dust chute when the saw shuts off. It hasn’t clogged on me yet.
This table saw dust collection isn’t perfect. Dust still falls out of the bottom of the saw, but a lot gets channeled into the bag, reducing airborne dust (which I use the mighty BuildClean air cleaner to help manage) and a huge pile to be swept (or raked outdoors) up. It works outside, say deck building by capturing a lot of the dust that would otherwise become one with the lawn.
Wow great idea! “table saw dust collection is a relative term” especially if you are refitting library :))) Which table saw do you have? I was looking at Makita, there are some positive reviews https://www.drillselect.com/forum/power-and-hand-tools/wood-working/47-best-table-saw-for-the-money