Health Risks: Fine wood dust can cause respiratory illnesses and aggravate existing conditions. Certain types of wood dust may also cause skin irritation. Providing spot dust collection at machinery and using self-contained ceiling suspended units keeps the shop air virtually dust-free, mitigating health risks and preventing potential workmen’s compensation claims.
Quality Defects: High concentrations of sawdust impair a woodworker’s vision, making accurate cuts, measurements, and assemblies difficult. Furthermore, airborne dust can contaminate paint booths, resulting in defective finishes. For machines like planers, a lack of dust collection allows chips to create indentations in the planed material, leading to product defects.
Dual Benefit: Using both spot dust collection directly at machinery (e.g., planers) and self-contained air cleaners (suspended ceiling units) ensures a comprehensive solution. This dual approach keeps the air clean for health and maintains a dust-free environment necessary for precision and quality product finishing.