Dust collection in your shop is a must but who wants to spend thousands on a dust collection system? There is an alternative, the dust stopper. Many companies make different versions of the dust stopper. I just happen to use this model. It won't collect 100% of your dust so you will need to wear a dust mask, as well, for complete protection but it will get a lot of it. Right now in my woodworking journey, I cannot yet afford a high-end dust collection system, so the dust stopper is a cost-effective way to get started. The dust stopper fits on any five-gallon bucket which most of us have lying around and there are no special tools needed to hook it up.
Why Collect Dust?
Dust is a major annoyance in any wood shop. Fine dust particles can cause respiratory problems in the future if you don't protect yourself. The major dust collection system costs a lot of money to set up which a lot of people don't have. This is a worthwhile alternative. You can't use your shop vac alone to collect dust. The filter will get clogged after a few hours of use and who wants to constantly empty a shop vac...not me! We all want a 2 horsepower dust collection system in our shop but who has the money to invest in one? I would rather buy a new tool than buy an expensive system. Until I have the money, here is a cheaper alternative. A lot of companies sell these types of systems and they are usually under $100 and work perfectly until you can upgrade to something more substantial. The one I use is from Home Depot. I have used it for years and it works very well to separate the more substantial dust particles from the finer ones. Therefore, your shop vac doesn't get clogged as often.
How To Hook Up
All you have to do is hook up your power tool to the dust stopper, which is attached to a 5-gallon bucket. The bucket will catch all of the larger particles instead of clogging your shop vac filter. You then use the hose that comes with the dust stopper, attach it to the shop vac and you're all done. The most substantial dust particles will spin in the dust stopper and fall into the 5-gallon bucket. Only the really fine dust particles will make it to the shop vac so you won't have to empty your shop vac that much. If you don't add this system to your shop vac it will get clogged within a few minutes and that will get old quickly. The shop vac filters aren't made to constantly filter dust like in a wood shop. Therefore, adding this system when you first start will save you money and lots of headaches.
Conclusion
Sometimes you have to get creative in the shop when you don't have a big budget. Don't neglect your dust collection system. You can always upgrade in the future when you have the funds to purchase an industrial system. Dust stoppers are a viable alternative if you can't afford a big system. Don't wait any longer and take dust collection seriously. What type of dust collection system do you use in your workshop?