Does the Delta downdraft table work well?

[N201FE]

I recently came across an extra $140 to blow and was intrigued by Delta's downdraft table for virtually dustless sanding. Does anyone have these or know if they work well? I have Delta's small dust collector (AP300, about 550 CFM) and am not sure if it will do the job. Can I build a better one myself? Comments please!

If it doesn't work well, there's a Porter-Cable air compressor that's calling my name...

Boz in Memphis

[tfischer]

A downdraft table is on my list of stuff to build. Just seems so easy - basically a box with holes on the top and an inlet on the side.

Someone correct me if there's more to it than that...

-Tim

[LarryG]

quote:Originally posted by tfischer

Someone correct me if there's more to it than that...

That's pretty much sums up every one I've ever seen. David Thiel built one on an episode of DIY's "Tools And Techniques," using ordinary dimensional lumber, plywood, and pegboard. Took him about five minutes to slap together.

I have seen plans for some that had sloped internal baffles, to help direct the dust to the inlet. Probably helps the efficiency; no idea whether they're truly necessary.

One thought I've had is that if the working surface gets very large -- and don't ask me how to quantify "very large" -- the inlet might be better placed at the bottom center. A side-mounted inlet on a big table might tend to "short circuit," drawing air only from the area relatively close to it rather than from the entire surface.

The Lowe's here has some sheets of white plastic pegboard on which the holes are countersunk, presumably to make it easier to insert pegboard hooks. On a downdraft table they would work like little funnels, giving the airflow a smoother transition into the box. A 2' x 4' piece costs about ten bucks; it's what I plan to use whenever I get around to building MY downdraft table.

[lrogers]

I think (think being the main word here) that Rockler has plans for a shop built down draft table.

The center section of the UTS I built has a small down draft table that connects to the shop vac. It works surprisingly well; it's just a bit on the small side.