Click a picture to display larger images...
My DeWalt DW708 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a dream to use - except for dust collection! Hands down it's the messiest tool in the shop. A wood worker by the name of Jim Becker pointed out that it might work better using a down draft approach. I've done it in two steps, first by using what I had available to see if it worked better (see Original installation below) and second, improving the approach by installing a much larger opening (see Newer Big Gulp below). I am still fine tuning the collection.
This saw, by its very nature, shoots dust everywhere. Swinging the blade 45 degrees to the right or left creates a big hole to collect dust. Ideally, I would like to build a box around it but I don't have the space for it.
 Original installation |
 New dust collection chute |
First effort installed |
 Duct underneath |
 Newer Big Gulp |
 Much deeper |
 Original Chute |
 Added PVC pipe |
 Final configuration |
Original installation - The original dust collection was nothing more than a very small dust chute located near the blade. It was not very efficient. I attached a 4" hose but the exhaust was so small that there was not much air movement. The dust actually collected in the hose, not moving to the DC.
New dust collection chute - In an effort to create a "down draft" collection system, I installed a plate that was originally used on my old contractor's TS. You can see plate behind the slider.
First effort installed - The plate is installed and connected. Notice that I connected both the 4" down draft plate and the 1" exhaust hose via a 4" Y connector. This worked better but was still lacking in efficiency.
Duct underneath - You can see the 4" hose underneath the table.
New Big Gulp - I exchanged the TS plate with a new Big Gulp from Rockler. The hole is much bigger and has steep sides which help in collecting the dust.
Much deeper - This view shows how much deeper this unit actually is.
Original Chute - This view shows the saw's original dust exhaust. I removed the hose connected to the DC system since it did not move enough air to move the dust. Also, it shot the dust up and away from the Big Gulp.
Added PVC pipe - I added two 45 degree PVC elbows and a short piece of 1 1/4" pipe to direct the dust down into the Big Gulp. I have used this configuration for awhile and I think it is the best that can be expected. In fact, I am very pleased with the results. It's as close to contained as I can make it without an enclosure.
Final configuration - This is an overall view of the completed system. Time will tell if this effort was worth it. Certainly can't be worse.
Last Updated: January 15, 2004