Festool’s innovative dust extractors guarantee No dust!

Even though dust-free working conditions are required by professional associations, the role that air pollution control plays in health protection in the workplace is often overlooked both by customers and in workshops.

22/07/2019

Why is dust extraction necessary?

Cleanliness when working is important. For protecting your health, for making a good impression with your customers, and for making sure that working processes run smoothly while also delivering precise results. This means more than just ensuring that the final clean is thorough – dust extraction directly on the power tool or air tool is also important. Dust extraction not only keeps the working environment clean but also affects the service life of power tools as it is able to penetrate the motor, the bearings and the electronics, meaning that tools last longer and are more reliable when kept free of dust. The service life of abrasives is also extended by dust extraction, because there is significantly less dust blocking up the grit.

 

 

 

 

The different extractor types

In addition to the dust class, the size of the dust container plays an important role. There are two basic types of dust extractor – machines that offer dedusting and machines that do not. Machines with dedusting clean the main filter at regular intervals and ensure consistently high suction power. Machines of this type are practical for handling large amounts of fine dust, which accumulates when using long-reach sanders or restoration/diamond sanders.

A filter bag is necessary to operate units without dedusting. There is a mobile dust extractor to suit every need: The range varies from highly compact extractors for use on the move to all-round models for construction sites and workshops, not forgetting extractors with automatic, infinitely adjustable filter cleaning systems and special extractors such as the H extractor for hazardous dusts (asbestos, mould) or extractors for Zone 22 used for working with flammable and explosive dusts.

 

Other influential factors:

Mobile dust extractors are defined by their suction power, which is produced by the volume flow rate combined with the negative pressure. The suction hose has a key part to play here:

The shorter and thicker the hose, the higher the suction power. A hose with a cross section of over 35 millimetres and a special cleaning set are recommended for cleaning construction sites. If dust needs to be removed from power tools, a smaller cross section is advisable, as the suction power will be sufficient, and the machine will be easier to handle with a thinner hose. If the amount of dust created is very high (such as when working with diamond sanders), a hose with a larger cross section is preferable in order to handle the large volume of dust more effectively.

 

 

 

 

Another crucial element where it pays not to make compromises is the filter bag. If you do not use a filter bag, large clouds of dust will spill out into the working area when emptying the dust container. This is bad news both for your health and for any freshly painted surfaces nearby, which may now need repainting. Dust is pre-filtered by the filter bag material so that it does not end up going to the main filter. Modern-day non-woven filter materials are tear-resistant and often able to clean themselves, an example being self-clean filter bags from Festool.

Automatic electronic switch-on/shut-off:

When the extractor is used in conjunction with power tools, it is essential for it to have a power socket featuring automatic electronic switch-on/shut-off technology.

Cable and hose storage:

When using dust extractors - especially versions designed for mobile use -  special attention should be paid to cable and hose storage. If the hose were to come loose on a customer's staircase, for example, the resulting cleaning work required would be annoying, costly and time-consuming.

For more information about the unique Festool range of dust extractors visit www.vermontsales.co.za. Festool is available from leading specialist outlets country wide.

 

 

back to top