There are different types of wood dust

Regardless of the type of wood you are dealing with, when it is worked dust will be produced. This is unavoidable, whether you are cutting, drilling or sanding, and using machinery or hand tools. The dusts are made of tiny fragments of wood and can also contain bacterial and fungal traces. As a result they are harmful when inhaled and can cause irritation if they come in contact with the skin.

Employers and hobbyists who want to maximise safety should use a reliable dust extractor to prevent wood dusts from getting into the air. This helps to address the risks and stops the contaminants from being spread throughout a property.

Before deciding on an extractor it is a good idea to understand the different types of wood dust you can encounter. That way you can ensure that the device you choose is up to the job.

Not surprisingly the fineness of dust will vary depending on the type of timber you cut. Hardwoods, softwoods, and composite boards will produce different dusts. Hardwood is known to give off much finer dusts than softwood. With composite it depends on what materials have been used. In addition whether the timber is green or seasoned will determine the type of dust.

The equipment you are using also has an impact on the type of dust that is produced. The more aggressive the profile of the blade and the cutting action the finer the dusts can be.

It is important to keep in mind that the finer the dust the more hazardous it is. Very fine particles can get much deeper into the nasal passage and even reach the lungs. They also travel much further when suspended in the air and can take longer to settle after the woodworking is finished.

At Conway Woodworking Machinery we can help every client to choose the right dust extractor for their needs. The equipment we offer is top of the line, manufactured by established brand Active Air. The extractors feature fine filter bags so they can effectively capture even the finest dusts, preventing them from getting into the air and spreading across the workshop.

If you would like our assistance or want more information about a specific type of dust extractor we have on offer please get in touch.