Table Top Down Draft Table

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 3:29 pm • Post subject: Table Top Down Draft Table

Many of us are bothered by the sanding dust from the various woods we use and some are extremely bad to breath in not to mention the mess. So I started looking for a Down Draft Table on the web. Most small portable ones were $150-$200 or more, not to mention the cost of full size models. I wanted some thing simple that I could easily attach and un-attach to my shop vac and was portable.

With this in mind I constructed my version of a down draft table with materials I had on hand. For the top I used a masonite peg board which is ¼” thick with ¼” diameter holes and is factory painted/sealed on one side. This finish is smooth so you don't have to worry about the board breaking down or scratches to what ever pieces we are sanding.

The ¼” holes should be small enough so small parts won’t fall through.

The base of the draft box is made from some 5/8” 5 ply plywood and is 21”x12”. The box sides are 1” thick cedar. The boxes outside dimensions are 12”x18”x2”. I used those measurements as that is the size of my cutting mat. Now I can put the mat on the box when not using it as a down draft table. Total table height is 2 7/8”. The outlet hole will be 1 ¼” as that is my shop vac hose OD. A larger hose may be used if desired. An old shop vac extension was fitted to the hole and epoxy glue was used to hold it in place. The outlet is in the rear but could be placed on the side if desired. With the box screwed to the base it is flush on the front and rear sides, On the left and right sides there is an extra 1 ½” of plywood base. This is so I can clamp it to my work table. I used small c clamps but quik grip mini clamps can be used.

Inside I used some heavy flashing to run from the top of the side opposite of the outlet to the bottom of the outlet side to assist dust flow. The top is also removable. Case dimensions can vary to space available.

The following are some pictures. Just an idea I had.

Rusty

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 9:34 pm • Post subject:

Rusty hi,

What a wonderful and simple idea!

Now, you got me thinking I should make one for myself!

Thanks.

Vasilis

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 10:01 pm • Post subject:

Great idea!

Now, do you know how to get the shop vac to be less noisy? Only kidding, I don't expect an answer. The best answer is to put it in the next room , a closet, or some place where the noise is not a bother. Gee honey, don't you think we need a built in house vacuum system? Smile

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 10:54 pm • Post subject:

Thanks, Couldn't do the house vac system so I had to settle for a 14' hose and ear plugs. For the wife not the shop vac. Laughing

Rusty

Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 6:18 am • Post subject:

Brilliant and simple, who'd a thought it. I suppose you could always hook it up to a vent fan with suitable ducting and blow the dust outside and annoy the neighbours instead.
Fraser