As the new year gets underway, many of us reset our workshops — clearing benches, sharpening tools, planning projects. But one thing is often overlooked: the air you’re breathing while you work.
Every machine and powered hand tool produces dust. Some of it settles. The finest dust doesn’t — it stays airborne, invisible, and easily inhaled. That’s a real risk to your health.
Not all dust is the same - fine dust is the most harmful
✓ Planers and spindle molders
Create larger shavings and chips
✓ Saws, routers and sanders
Produce fine airborne dust – the most hazardous type
Use the right extractor for the job
✓ Large stationary machines
With 100–150 mm outlets and longer duct runs need high-volume, low-pressure extraction.
✓ Portable and hand-held tools
Work best with high-pressure, low-volume shop-vac style extractors, typically using 35 mm hoses and disposable bags.
Tip: Always wear a mask when emptying bags or filters, and do it outside, in fresh air.
Manufacturers like Harvey and Camvac have pushed extraction performance forward for table saws, bandsaws and router tables.
Harvey GYRO AIR G-700
Peter Sefton’s advice
“Fine dust is hard to see and the most dangerous type – remove it at the machine.”
The real benefits of good dust extraction
✓ Protects your health – fine dust is a long-term hazard
✓ Extends cutter life – heat and waste are removed efficiently
✓ Reduces timber bruising – shavings aren’t dragged back into the cut
✓ Cuts sanding time – cleaner cuts mean less rework
✓ Reduces clean-up – spend time making, not hoovering
This isn’t about convenience. It’s about working safely for years to come.
Simple ways to improve your workshop extraction
✓ Use extraction at source, not after the fact
✓ Match hose and pipe diameters to the machine
✓ Eliminate air leaks with well-fitting adaptors
✓ Use blast gates to focus suction where it’s needed
✓ Make connections easy – if it’s awkward, it won’t get used
A New Year reminder
We all enjoy investing in new tools. Just don’t forget to invest in yourself.