A central dust collection system is ideal for medium to large size woodworking operations that produce moderate to high levels of wood dust. Consisting of vacuum powered pipes that connect individual machines to a dust collection unit located on a facility’s exterior, central dust collection systems offer several advantages over and individual dust collection units that serve machines on a singular basis. We list six of these advantages below.
Less Maintenance Expense than Individual Units
The more dust collection units a facility has, the more it pays to maintain them. For facilities that contain multiple collection units, this expense can be enormous, especially when the maintenance is outsourced. Central dust collection systems reduce the cost of collection unit maintenance by featuring a single collection unit that can be conveniently accessed from a facility’s exterior.
Less Disposal Expense than Individual Units
Due to their small holding capacity, individual collection units require frequent emptying. For facilities that contain multiple machines, the cost of emptying individual collection units can be significant, especially when a disposal company performs the work. A central collection system reduces disposal expense by allowing a disposal company to quickly empty its single collection unit.
Less Repair Expense than Individual Units
The more collection units a facility has, the more collection units it has to perform repairs on. Over time, these repairs can dwarf the repair costs for a central collection system. Whether a company performs its own repairs or outsources the repair work, implementing a central collection system results in fewer repairs, even when the system is purchased as used machinery for woodworking.
Greater holding capacity than Individual Units
In high capacity woodworking operations, individual collection units can fill up more than once a day, leading to machine downtime while the units are emptied and readied for service. Over time, this downtime can lead to measurable revenue loss, making a central collection system the best choice for facilities with high production rates.
Longer Lifespan than Individual Units
With its rigid design and few breakable parts, a central dust collection system is one the longest lasting types of used woodworking machines. Conversely, individual collection units can have a lifespan of less than ten years. Unless a company calculates the replacement cost for dust collection units into its equipment budget, a central collection system is the most cost effective choice.
Great to Purchase in Used Condition
Because central collection units have a superior lifespan, it makes sense to purchase them used. By purchasing a used central collection system, a company can save 30% or more off its original price. Due to their shorter lifespan, individual collection units should ideally be purchased new. Depending on the number of units required, implementing individual collection units could cost significantly more than implementing a central collection system.
