Notes from the dust collection event of 20241005

Do not start this task without assistance of another person. This task also requires coordination with a second shift. It is recommended to disassemble the dust collector in the evening and then reassemble in the morning, once the filters are dry. To avoid disruption to the shop, be sure you have all materials and assistance in place before beginning.

The best place to store bolts is to re-thread them into the place they came out of (once the piece they were securing has been removed). This has the benefits of a physical check on the count (no empty holes or extra hardware), may help preserve any quirks int he set up (one bolt is longer than the others, maintain the clamping force profile the unit is used to, etc.), and makes reassembly easier to understand for someone whom did not dissemble the machine.

If re-homing the hardware isn't possible, put collections of hardware into zip-loc bags/coffee cups/plastic cups. Label the bags/cups! Put a piece of scrap paper in with notes on where the hardware came from, how to put it back together, etc.

Make sure you have there tools before starting:

• Water Hose
• Hose sprayer
• Air hose that will reach out the back of the shop (the CNC router air hose will reach out by dumpster)
• wrench for the filter housing bolts on top (need the size)
• wrench for the lower bolts on the filter housing. (Need the size)
• screwdriver for the lower bolts.
• chip brush
• hand broom
• dust masks
• safety glasses
• box fans or blue air blowers

The black cable guide boxes can become filled with sawdust and make it difficult to actuate the brushes. Remove the small metal plate at the end of the boxes. Place a shop vac there and at the opposite end, apply compressed air to where the cables enter the boxes.

We can make hardware trays on the laser cutter to help with maintenance: build trays with labeled compartments to accept hardware at every step (and make it easier to re-assmeble).

This is a very rough draft to get us started.

A quality dust mask is highly recommended. The dust in this system is extremely fine.

1. Remove big hose clamp at the top of the filter housings, leave the hose clamp on the flexible ducting.
2. Remove the plastic bags from the bottom
3. With the assistance of another person, remove bolts at the top for the filter housings, where they are attached to the green frame. Use caution, as they loosen, the filters will drop. Place the bolts and rubber back into the filter housings.
4. Lay the filter housings on a rolling cart and remove the lower metal ring. Place all fasteners back in the holes that they came from.
5. Slide the filters out filter housing.Use caution as the brush slides past the top of the filter.
6. Take the filters out behind the shop, in the grass. Clean filters from sawdust WITHOUT WATER FIRST. Use a brush and gently brush accumulated saw dust from the filters. Light tapping on the outside can help. A chip brush can help to get between the pleats. An air hose blower can be used, as long as the it is never closer than 6“ from the filter. (needs approval on the air hose)
7. Rinse filters with the sprayer on a setting that provides a medium power. Throughly wash the filters, taking note of the dirt washing off. Wash the filters until no more dirt is flowing off of them. (we have a hose in maintenance, and an outdoor tap on the northwest corner of the building)
8. Let filters completely dry (12 hours). Place the filters in the forge/loading dock area. Use fans to promote drying. Use hands to gently squeeze excess water from the black foam on top/bottom of the filters.
9. Clean the black cable guide boxes.

(Need input from the people whom did the reassembly)

1. Check that the filters are dry and clean.
2. Carefully slide the filters back into the housing, being mindful of the brushes.
3. Reinstall the bottom metal ring. Make sure the bolts point up, with the nuts on top.
4. Make sure the cables and brushes move freely.
5. With assistance. Lift the filter housing up to the green metal from of the dust collector. Install the bolts and snugly tighten them, not too tight, just a couple fingers worth of pull.
6. Reattach hose and hose clamp at the top of the filter housings.
7. Check the old plastic bags for damage and replace as needed.
8. Install the plastic bags.
9. Run the dust collector, recheck all work.
10. Take note of the manometer reading on the gauge, a reading of about 1 is desired.

Don’t let the drum fill up; that makes the filters work harder.

Better labeling to remind members not to let the bin fill up too much?

Put a tape line in the bin: make it easy to decide when to empty it?

Mark a crease on the outside to show when it’s full?

This is important