BT-3100 Router Table Dust Problem

[TP1]

Hi everyone,

I am new to the BT-3100 and this forum. I love the table saw system -it is a wonderful all round package for my needs. However, I was wondering whether anyone has been able to get effective dust extraction happening with the accessory router table.

I have below the table extraction sorted with the Ryobi router's own extraction port, but what about the bulk of the dust above the table?

Is the shop vac supposed to be connected to the clear plastic guard or is their another solution?

Many thanks for any help you can provide.

Tasso

[Black wallnut]

Welcome to the forum! Yes you can attach a shop vac hose to the top of the router kits bit guard. Usefulness is not something that I'd be able to discuss as I've never tried it. When I have used a router mounted in the acc table I used a horse hair broom for dust control, that is to say I let them fall where they may and cleaned them up later.

[pelligrini]

I tried my shop vac connected to the tube, but I didn't like it much. I really didn't pay too much attention to the collection though. It worked OK, from what I remember.

I really didn't like the stock fence. I built a simple MDF fence that used one of these for top collection. http://www.woodcraft.com/product.asp...FamilyID=20106 I've haven't given too much thought to below table collection, most all my cutting gets done outside.

[dbhost]

The tube is designed the way it is in order to accommodate a Shop Vac 2.5" hose. Extraction is okay. I am not super crazy about dust collection through mine, but it is acceptable.

[TP1]

Thanks guys, it is winter in Australia and i will mostly be doing woodwork indoors, hence the need for dust extraction. I'll give the shop vac a go but it doesn't look as if it is going to be as good as a dedcated dust extraction port like the one pelligrini pointed out.

I guess making your own is a cheaper option but I did see this one as well:

http://www.woodhaven.com/ProductDetail.asp?Id=1633

[JR]

Welcome aboard, TP1!

I used the plastic tube in the accy kit for quite some time. I'd rate it a "adequate". The big hang up IMHO is that the tube needed to be mounted and set up every time you want to use it. Even then it tends to be kind of hinky in that it wants to move around. That can be kind of unnerving with your hands next to bit spinning at 20Krpm!

I have since made a purpose-built fence and am much happier. My personal recommendation is to think in terms of a fence that clamps down on the rails, as opposed to attaching to the rip fence. I found that my router fence would tend to rise up and otherwise flop around when attached to the rip fence. Just a few days ago I modified my fence with a new bottom plate that cinches down on the rails.

Hope this helps.

JR

[Tom Miller]

Out of the million things I could think to spend $150 on, a router fence isn't one of them. They're just too easy to make yourself, and better yet, make just how you want. Also, you can start out with a very simple design (think 2x4 and two c-clamps), and then upgrade as you like. For the DC, check out Woodcraft or Rockler (or others) for fittings made purposely for attaching DC hose to a fence.

Regards,
Tom

[JR]

For the DC, check out Woodcraft or Rockler (or others) for fittings made purposely for attaching DC hose to a fence.

Good point, Tom. I found whatever store-boought parts I have in my setup on sale at different times. They're just a few bucks and make a big difference.

JR

[luteman]

I have the Freud router fence with its' micro adjusts. I drilled and threaded two holes in the acc table for the mounting posts which were supplied with the Freud. Works great!

[TP1]

I have the Freud router fence with its' micro adjusts. I drilled and threaded two holes in the acc table for the mounting posts which were supplied with the Freud. Works great!

I haven't seen the Freud before - it looks interesting. I'll mess around with a DIY attempt first and if I get too frustrated, the Freud could be on the cards.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Tasso,
Like others, I'd used the bit guard/dust tube with my shopvac and over time did not like its fit to the fence and that it moves.

When I needed to replace my router fence recently, I made something very simple and added dust extraction, as shown here:

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...elamine+fences

Welcome, and enjoy the forum!