Dust Collector for Inside Stone Carving – Nov/Dec 2006

We are working in an inside studio space, the only outside connection is our overhead garage door, and working outside or blowing the dust outside is not an option. So our only choice was to find an efficient portable dust collector, which works for stone dust. Most systems on the market are suitable only for wood dust; the stone dust particles are too small and eventually clog-up those machines.

After extensive searching and checking we found the company Airflow Systems Inc. They have two portable systems, one with a source capture arm where the dust is captured within a foot or so of where it is produced. This type requires the operator to manipulate the arm to keep it close to collect the dust. The other type F-70R and F-70C can be utilized by either suspending them from the ceiling, creating an air pattern in the room to collect the dust, which is not too effective.

We acquired a used F 70C dust collector the Airflow Company offered us from a previous client. We then constructed with the help of Lynn Lawer, the representative of Airflow Systems here in Portland, a tented capture area with heavy clear plastic on wheels (the kind they use for welding tents), then placed the suction end of the F- 70C inside the tent and directed the exhaust away from the tented area, creating a dust booth type system more effective than the hang up type.

The price for the source capture arm machine is about $4000 new and for the F-70C $2000 new (tent not included). New machines have a 3 year warranty, used machines, 1 year.

The filter system of the F-70C consists of a pre-filter which can be vacuumed periodically and the filter itself which has to be replaced when filled with dust. It cost about $40 to replace the filter. Another option is a reusable bag filter at a price of $195, which has to be cleaned often.

If you are interested in this system connect with Lynn Lawer at Airflow Systems Northwest, 10434 NE Killingsworth, Portland OR 97220. Or call: 503-252-1086, or email: lynnlawer@pcez.com. They service Oregon and Southwest Washington State and can give you names and numbers for other areas. The company’s website is www.airflowsystemsnw.com, where you can find the specs for the F-70C and other systems. We have good experience in dealing with Lynn Lawer; he is very helpful and competent. We have worked with the F-70C for about two months now and it meets our expectations.