A suitable dust extractor can prove incredibly helpful for any concrete works as they have the potential to save a lot of time and money. That said, there are plenty of choices on the market, and it can be challenging to figure out which functions you need.
In this article, we go over the purpose of a dust extractor and the different options available to you. Only then can you expect to find a unit suitable for your needs and preferences
Dust extractors – why would you need one?
If you’re still sitting on the fence, dealing with a suitable dust extractor has numerous benefits. Here are a few perfectly good reasons to own one:
- Eliminating material from the work surface area provides you with a more precise line of vision which helps maintain precision
- Decreases the amount of time and effort needed to clean up
- Extends the service life of power tools. There’s a reason why you often find them alongside concrete grinders for sale in the market and similar devices.
- Safety. Excessive dust in whatever form can severely damage to your lungs.
One survey reveals that tradespeople spend at least an hour or two cleaning up after a job. This translates to 4 days a month cleaning up. Something to consider, particularly when you find your daily rate and just how much time you could save with vacuum dust extractor.
Which dust extractor should you choose?
Dust extractors fall under three main categories — L, M and H. These categorise the dust you’re dealing with and how hazardous it is whether low, medium or high.
An L (Low) class unit is just suitable for lower-toxicity dust like gypsum in plasterboard. If you work with concrete dust and other airborne particles, then your standard vacuum cleaner isn’t going to suffice. To be as safe as possible, you’re looking at M class as a minimum.
Of course, if the job entails picking up much dust in a confined area, then you would want to get an H class unit not only to keep the job site clean but to prevent the risk of health problems as well.
As soon as you’re clear about the class of extractor you need, there are some features to try to find that can make the job simpler:
- Autoclean — Fine particles can quickly obstruct filters. Hence an auto cleaning feature helps to sustain the suction power as these immediately clean the screen. Many of the top brands in the market such as Makita and Bosch all have this function.
- Automatic on and off — A vital function so the dust extraction begins as quickly as you switch on the power tool.
- Capability — Consider just how much dust you’re going to be creating. If it’s some heavy machining, then a more significant capacity unit might be a more suitable option.
So there you have it — all that you need to know about choosing the right dust extractor! As you may have already realised, you’ve got a tonne of options on the market, and it is all about choosing the right combination of power, features and price. Strike a good balance between the three, and you are well on your way towards picking the perfect dust extractor that suits your needs and finances.
