Dust extraction for Joineries/Kitchen manufacturers

Modular Ducting:

Modular Ducting: Many joinery and furniture businesses in NZ already have our modular LIPLOCK® ducting somewhere, having been available since the 1980’s (formerly called Speedlock). We stock 80mm to 550mm duct and components for immediate dispatch or collection from our 3 Auckland warehouses. Standard branch pieces, a choice of connectors, makes LIPLOCK versatile and economic - if you purchase a new machine and need to change your layoput then nothing is wasted - unclip it and rearrange - our Danish supplier uses long lasting fine spangled galvanised steel.

Use of Blastgates to all your machines ensures you are getting full suction to the areas where you are actually operating - just remember NEVER close all the gates at anyone time - your extraction system requires the air to come from somewhere!

Filtration:

Filtration: Our Modular Filters are ideal for joinery workshops that plan to expand in the future or even move site. Simply take off the end panels and add an extra module or 2! Our Low pressure big volume principle means bags will last!

If you are looking for a saving then you might consider self installing - simple to do following the SELF-Build instructions that accompany our Filter PAKs.

Flexible Ducting:

Flexible Ducting: Our specialist German Anti-static CNC flex has all the flexibility you need but it won’t implode under heavy suction. In stock in popular outlet sizes of 180,200 and 250mm. This flex is designed to last even on the busy moving head of your CNC machine.

Other machines can benefit from our SMARTflex Poly (Anti-static Anti Abrasive) which is not only certified as Anti-static and meets ATEX standards for transport of combustible dusts, but is also Flame retardant as well, to protect your staff and workshop.

Fans for Dust Collection Systems:

Fans for Dust Collection systems: Our Material Handling fans can be fitted with energy saving sensors and VSDs so they decrease speed as you close down machinery.

Why does a good dust solution and efficient duct layout matter to a Joinery?

• Good dust extraction is important for kitchen cabinet makers and joinery workshops to protect worker health. Unfortunately, staff working in a poorly maintained environment without efficient dust extraction in place can suffer years after they have left your employ from a range of respiratory issues.
• Any dust is hazardous, but it is the very fine dust which we cannot see i.e. <10 microns that cause the most problems as our bodies do not have mechanisms to expel these.
• A dusty work area will also greatly affect product finish quality: the processes involved in cabinet making, sanding, sawing, and routing constantly add to the dust load and can be particularly dangerous if working with MDF, hardwoods, and toxic glues/resins. 
• Cabinetmakers should consider a good central dust extraction system to stay compliant, improve product quality and ensure machines last longer, with less overheating likely due to clogging with dust build up. Staff are also available to be productive if they are not constantly cleaning up.
• Wood dust is very combustible - explosive dust partuicles lying around on surfaces and in the air is a fire risk!
• WorkSafe NZ actively monitors air quality in workshops, and failing to provide proper extraction can lead to improvement notices and fines.
• Untreated sawdust and shavings can sometimes be sold, turning a waste product into money to assist cashflow - our dust specialists can assist on how to create a layout to collect this recycled dust and reduce your running costs!

WorkSafe inspectors expect clean workshops and if you add additional machines, check that your extraction is still fit for purpose!

Most Joineries will require a Central Dust Extraction System, placed safely outside, to remain compliant and ensure a clean working environment for their staff

What choices does a Joinery workshop have in NZ to improve workplace safety?

• On-Tool Extraction: This method using on-tool extraction on saws and grinders to capture dust at the source may work for small amounts of dust and infrequent use, however a busy wood work shop generally will require a central dust extraction system with the filter placed safly outside.
• Mobile extractors: These small units might be sold with other machinery as an incentive, however in Europe, (with much tighter legislation for non-compliance) they are banned as the dangerous very fine dust is still emitted - you will smell this if you are in such an environment.
• Central Dust Filtration System: The selection of a proper, approved dust extraction unit from a dedicated supplier, placed outside your work area for safety, is key to ensure your extraction will be efficient beyond the first few months. Buying simply on the cheapest price offered will not usually give you a correctly sized solution. A good filter will have the largest filter area you require (ask to see the calculation) and will not necessarily require the highest rated fan. Dusty air forced through a small filter area by a large fan simply will cause your filter socks to repeatedly clog: requiring constant sock replacement and high maintenance costs for you. This scenario is often exactly what some suppliers want - constant sales of replacement socks! 

Do's and Dont's for Joineries and Kitchen Cabinet Makers

• Dont use a cartridge filter for wood dust - anyone with the mosty basic understanding of dust will klnow it will clog - wood dust easily embeds in the small pleated areas leaving you with poor suction and the supplier will only be able to solve the issue with constant cartridge replacement.

• Avoid filtration placed inside your workshop - dust is explosive and  the safets option for your staff is to situate it outside. Indoor small trolley machines are ineffective - and actually banned in Europe 

• Do not settle for the filter based on the air volume - it is filter size, not the size of the fan that will give you long lasting dust free  extraction. A smaller unit will work well at first while the filter socks are new, but will quickly loose suction as the filter media gets clogged.

• Choose a reputable supplier and can get spare parts and is clearly a dust specialist, not just a sales person. Many companies sell additional safety features to assist in the unlikely event there may be an dust explosion. Check these are a part of the integral design from the original manufacturer, with genuine ATEX certification for the entire dust filter - not just some add on applied as a gimic, to a unit not designed to withstand an explosion.

• Never Dry sweep or use compressed air to clean up your workplace. This simply moves the nuisance dust back into the air to resettle elsewhere.