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Job Site Diaries

Garbage-Bag Dust Collector for Tablesaw

This simple trick for collecting tablesaw discharge dust is a cheap fix for a messy problem, and it makes job-site cleanup a quick and easy task.

By Mike Guertin
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      I like to contain as much sawdust as possible, even when cutting outside at clients’ homes.  The discharge port on my tablesaw collects most of the dust, so by attaching a bag I don’t have to sweep or rake up the mess.

      A large plastic garbage bag makes a good collection bag. Just tape up the open end, except for a few inches on one side. Roll a piece of coil stock to friction-fit around the discharge pipe and tape it to the remaining hole in the bag. Then poke several holes near the top of the bag to let the air escape when the saw is running.

      Some dust leaks out of the holes, but it’s minimal. Most dust settles in the bottom of the bag.

      I’ve found it’s best to only let the bag get half-full before swapping out for a new bag  If it gets too full, the discharge port may plug up with dust and then nothing flows. Remember to save the coil stock adapter—it can be used on the next dust collection bag.

      www.mikeguertin.com

      IG – @mike_guertin

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      1. bobfmdc | Mar 25, 2019 01:17pm | #1

        I like Mike's solution. I use a comparable one that may be quicker for small jobs. I attached a rubber pipe flange reducer with a hose clamp to a piece of pvc 45 degree elbow. The small end of the flange reducer fits my DeWalt job site saw perfectly. Normally, I direct this into a garbage can with a garbage bag inside and the can catches almost everything. I guess I could also connect the garbage bag to the elbow with tape or spring clamps, but as the bag begins to fill up, it might pull the rubber flange off.

        Nevertheless, any way you can cheat "The Man" out of your tool dollars is good.

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