Originally Posted by
Steve Mathews
I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this one. But based on the comments above and some additional research online it seems that I'm in fairly good shape with dissipating static buildup in the ductwork by having metal duct riveted together, which is attached to the Oneida all metal dust collector. The DC is properly grounded at its electrical connection. There may be some additional grounding at the floor sweep where it makes contact with the concrete floor borrowing from Glenn's installation. Then again, maybe that is a concern based on Mike's comment about having an alternate path to ground. The only change I plan to make for now is connecting one end of the flexible hose wire reinforcement to the metal duct. I'll leave the other end attached to the machines alone as the machines are already grounded. I'll also connect both ends of the flexible hose wire reinforcement to the DC and dust bin. That should take care of static buildup caused by movement of air and sawdust in the ductwork but there is static buildup created elsewhere that is probably more to my original concern. Last night I was buffing a wood bowl on my lathe and the shocks I got were constant and predictable. It only took a few passes on the bowl to generate a good shock. Our humidity is usually quite low in the high desert of Northern Arizona and I'm sure that contributes to the problem. I recall having similar issues when using the belt sander and even the jointer. Here is where I'm at a complete loss as to what to do. The static buildup is obviously caused by the buffing, grinding, etc. and the electrical imbalance is between the item being worked on and me. So, what to do? Clip a wire to my nose and a source of ground?
Steve
You have something odd going on here. If I am understanding correctly, you're getting shocked working at your lathe? which is separate from your DC?
Are you standing on any type of a rubber comfort mat when working at the lathe? Other than connecting yourself to the lathe while working, I don't know what tell you. Somehow, or the other, you're building up a static charge. BTW, they do make break away wrist straps for working on rotating machinery that connect the operator and the machine, but I've never known of it needing to be done in a residential setting. Have you always gotten zapped by the lathe?
"The first thing you need to know, will likely be the last thing you learn." (Unknown)