221. Blast gate redesign

Описание: Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob

Blast gates are the best and only way to share dust collection with several different machines. The problem with these devices is that, in time, the gates become impossible to close as sawdust gets wedged inside the tracks. I’ll remove the door on the blast gate and cut the edges off with the bandsaw. If I remove both front pieces, you can see the sawdust that gets trapped inside of the slides. Sometimes these are easy to remove with a wire, other times, it can be a real chore.

But what if we get rid of the gate completely and rethink and simplify the process? I came up with this really easy fixture that will do just that. Instead of 3 layers, we’ll use two. With this piece of melamine, I cut and created two layers that will either allow the air to pass through or stop the flow completely. Because it’s melamine, it will slide easily either open or close…and because it’s manufactured, I can depend on both pieces staying flat and true with each other for a tight seal.

Back at my dust collector, I’ve connected the swiveling walls. You can see with just a pull of the side with the hose, I can open or close it. To keep it closed I’ll use a squeeze clamp. Of course, I’ll need to paint the exposed melamine, but this all I need for a clean transfer. And if anything ever manages to get stuck in the middle, It’s easy to swivel it open and clean out any built up particles.

Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings/
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!

MAKER TEAM
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Bruce GC

Make Things
#MTbitesize #makethings