A dust separator is a tool used to clean and sort wood dust and debris. Found in home and commercial woodworking shops, the dust separator works with a standard dust collecting machine to improve the cleanup process. Dust separation makes it easier to maintain healthy air quality within a space, and also prevents excess dust from interfering with wood staining or other complex processes.
Many craftsmen use a dust collector to automatically capture dust produced while they work. A standard unit consists of a vacuum or blower, as well as a hose and filtering system. One end of the hose fits onto the vacuum, while the other end is strategically placed next to a saw or wood router to collect dust immediately after it's created. A filter within the vacuum prevents fine dust particles from circulating back into the air.
A dust separator must be used in combination with a standard collector, and cannot be used alone. A hose connects the saw or router to the separator, then a second hose connects the separator to the dust collector. Hoses must be carefully chosen to accommodate the fittings on each unit. The two hoses form a circle or semi-circle as they connect to the top of the separating machine.
Dust separators rely on cyclonic action to sort different types of wood waste. The circular shape of the separating unit combined with the way the hoses are oriented on top creates a dual-vortex within the separating unit. An outer vortex of air captures the largest and heaviest particles and draws them down to the base of the unit. A smaller inner vortex collects the remaining lightweight particles and propels them up and out of the unit. From here, these fine particles pass into the dust collector, where they remain until the unit is emptied.
Woodworkers use a dust separator to improve the efficiency of the dust-collection process. Because the system uses two different storage containers, they only need to be emptied half as often as they normally would. This means fewer interruptions for workers, and often leads to increased productivity. The dust collector experiences less wear and tear because it no longer has to handle larger pieces of debris, which may help extend its useful life.
Manufacturers produce a variety of dust separator designs to fit the needs of different workshops. Commercial facilities may require an industrial separator, which includes a large collection bin with a built-in lid for connecting the hoses. Woodworkers in smaller shops often purchase only the specially-designed dust separator lid, which can be attached to most standard trash cans or bins.