Router dust collection ?

[Tom Jones III]

Short version of the question, which works better dust collection box around the router or DC built into the fence, or do I need both?

I'm most likely going to mount a router onto my powermatic TS extension table. I am trying to decide if I should build a cabinet underneath and make it like the NYW router table, thereby enclosing the router in a box with a 4" dust port underneath. Alternatively, I can leave the router hanging exposed (I'll build shelves under the TS extension for general storage) and build dust collection into the fence?

[Bill Arnold]

Short version of an answer: both.

That's what I had set up when I still had my dedicated router table. ShopVac drawing from the inside of the cabinet and an extension of the hose going to the fence. Probably got 95% or more of the chips.

Now, I have my router in my tablesaw extension. There's a cabinet below the router and I built a box around the router inside the cabinet. In this arrangement, I have my dust collector connected only to the box below the router. It gets most of the chips.

One reason for the change in collection is I now have an Incra fence system that doesn't have a dust port. I could probably fabricate something, but I swap the fence when I have a special application like arched raised panels, etc.

Regards,

[Ray Arnold]

Hi Tom, I'm still new to this forum but this is a mod i just made to my router table, (Hope this post works):o you can see more shots here> http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=198633148 hope this helps
http://image34.webshots.com/34/8/79/2/290487902THtLMg_ph.jpg

[Jeff Sudmeier]

As the others have said, both! I collect only from the fence, it seems to get most of it. However there is always dust down in the cabinet too. I would think of the two the fence would be better as the dust is being thrown at the fence.

[Tom Jones III]

Thanks, but I can't see the link. It looks like you posted your private URL for editing the pictures. OTOH, I backed up to the root of the URL and did a search for "Ray Arnold" and some interesting pictures come up.

[Bryan Nuss]

Tom, you need both ports ... one for the fence (about 2-1/2") and one for the router box (about 4"), assuming you have a 6" main duct to your router station. A lot of dust and chips are generated in a horizontal direction from the router bit. In the main, mostly dust finds its way down through the table to to router box, but lots of it.

Here is a good thread showing some layouts. Be sure to follow up on some of the links in some of the posts.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=13841

[Hoa Dinh]

Tom,

I agree that you need both. I hope my setup (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/hoa_dinh@sbcglobal.net/album?.dir=203c&.src=ph) gives you some good ideas.

With underdraft dust collection at the fence, you can "set it and forget it" for most operations.

Another nice thing, even though I have no photo of, is that with a box similar to the one behind the fence to connect the bit and the dust collection opening, you can have above-table dust collection for routing operations without the fence (e.g. edge routing a curved piece using bit with bearing). Since my router table top is steel, I attach the box to the table top using rare earth magnets. If your router table top is wood, a few threaded inserts and T-knobs can achieve the same thing.