Tech Tips Dust and tools dont mix

IT IS FAIRLY SAFE to assume most people realise that using dust extraction in their shop is a good OH&S policy. What a lot of shop owners may not realise is that the use of dust extraction does more than just protect the health and well being of their workers, it will also prolong the working life of their tools and operating equipment.
One of the simplest and most effective preventative maintenance and asset protection procedures a shop owner or manager can employ, is insisting that all dry sanding activities use dust extraction. Here are some examples of why:

ELECTRIC TOOLS

Electric tools draw air into the body of the tool over the fields, brushes and commutator (uninsulated part of the armature) via a fan that is connected to the armature. This cooling air reduces the operating temperature of the tool and protects electrical components from over-heating.
Excessive ambient or outside dust can cause a number of problems with electric tools. For instance, dust build up in the air vents can cause reduced air flow and lead to over heating, excessive wear and eventual burn out of the motor.
Dust can cover electrical components causing shorts within the switches and control units. The dust itself is very abrasive, and can prematurely wear mechanical components of the tool including bearings and housings which dramatically impact the tool’s performance.

AIR TOOLS Air tools run on air, and without a proper combination of air line filtration and dust reduction procedures, sanding dust will find its way into air lines.
As with electrical tools, air tool mechanical components will prematurely wear as a result of excessive dust in the working environment. The abrasive nature of the dust can wear the internal housing and seals, which will reduce the overall efficiency of the tool. When the dust combines with the internal oil of air tools and water from air lines it becomes a sticky paste that clogs internal components and wears bearings and motors. On both electric and air sanders a build up of dust on pads can cause the pads to become unbalanced, which will dramatically decrease the effectiveness and life of the tool.

SOME SIMPLE BUT VERY EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MAXIMISE THE LIFE OF YOUR TOOLS

- Use dust extraction to minimise the amount of dust in the environment. It is important that dust extraction systems are checked regularly, filters cleaned and dust bags replaced as necessary.

- Use an air duster to blow out dust from Electrical tools on a regular basis. Pay particular attention to air vents and switches.

- Check the brushes on your electrical tools on a regular basis, if they are worn - replace them.

- Oil air tools regularly, and ensure you have adequate filtration to minimise oil and water from the compressor.

- Remove sanding pads on a regular basis and blow out the pad and tool to remove the build up of dust.

- Free spin the pads on your sanders on a regular basis and listen for any unusual running noise.This may be an indication of a worn bearing. It is better to replace the bearing early to ensure you don’t put excessive load on the tool.

There are a lot of options for dust extraction for every budget, ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands depending upon the application. Incorporating it into your operation is not only a good OH&S move, it will also save you money in the long run by extending the life of your operating equipment.
To protect all of your assets ‘ your workers and your equipment ‘ use dust extraction.