Shopsmith Hack #3: Drum Sander Dust Collection

I love the Shopsmith because it makes woodworking possible in small workshops like mine. I also love finding ways to make it better. Here I show how to add dust collection for drum sanders made for the drill press. In the video above, you can watch me do all the steps in these instructions. Then you can refer to the written instructions here, so you don't have to stop and start the video to follow along.

Materials

• 1/4" (6mm) MDF board or plywood
• vacuum attachment (repurposed)
• countersink wood screws

Tools

• Sanding drums
• Shop Vac
• Forstner bits

The screw holes for mounting the vacuum fitting will depend on what kind of fitting you use. In this example, there is room to fasten screws on each side of the fitting, between the inner and outer diameter. After you drill small holes for the screws to bite into, you will use them to layout the holes in the insert in the next step.

Using your existing table insert, trace the outline and mark the holes on a piece of 1/4 inch (6mm) MDF or plywood. Mark the hole locations from the vacuum insert from the last step.

Using the table saw, rip the insert to width. You can use the old insert to set the fence. Using a band saw, if you have one, and sanding disc, shape the insert down to the lines. Check the fit and sand more if needed.

Countersink the holes for the screws, then drill clearance holes.

If there are any holes in the fitting that will leak, you can tape them or use weatherstripping to block the holes.

Measure the sanding drum diameter and pick a forstner bit just a little larger. Install the insert in the table and then cut the hole as shown.

Attach the vacuum fitting, install the sanding drum in the drill chuck, and you're ready to sand! Just connect the hose from your vacuum to keep the dust out of your way.

Here's another vacuum fitting I used. I just put a couple of short wood screws in the flange of this floor attachment as shown above.

If you like this style of step-by-step instruction, please share and subscribe so you'll be notified when I post more. If you have questions, please post them in the comments. Read about more of my woodworking projects and tools at ChipsWoodShop.com