I was searching for some dust collection accessories for my new Jet machine, and learned that Rockler has recently introduced a new Dust Right downdraft table.
A downdraft table typically looks just like this, with perforated holes and non-marring work. It’s used to pull dust and debris away from your work, and to a dust collector or vacuum.
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Rockler (and other brands) promote these products for use with orbital sanders, which can create a lot of fine dust. The idea is that a downdraft table can collect those fine particles that don’t make their way into your tool’s dust bag or vacuum port.
It looks like Rockler’s Dust Right downdraft table has a few new features, compared to other products already on the market. I’ll get to those in a moment.
The table inserts have rubber grommets, for raising and supporting your work.Orange grommets fit into the grid holes, to create work stops, so that your work doesn’t move when it’s being sanded.
Shown here is how most users will likely seek to use the new downdraft table, with an orbital sander.
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The table has a 16-1/2″ x 20″ working area, with the sides and back panel raised. You could lower or remove the sides or back to fit larger workpieces, but keep in mind that you cannot cover all the holes, or the dust will have no path to the vacuum hose.
At the rear is a 4″ dust port. Rockler recommends that dust collectors be rated to a minimum of 650 CFM of airflow.
There are handles on the sides, and keyhole slots on the bottom, for hanging the table up when it’s not in use.
Here’s what you get. The bottom is sloped, to help direct dust towards the dust port, and away from the corners.
Price: $180
Buy Now(via Rockler)
Compare(Shop Fox downdraft table via Amazon)
See Also(Downdraft panel kit, for DIY downdraft tables)
First Thoughts
I’m in a “I don’t have time to build shop gear” phase right now, where it’s easier and quicker to buy certain jigs and fixtures than to make them.
If you’re working on small workpieces, and you do a lot of sanding this could be a good way to help keep less wood dust from getting airborne. If you’re sanding and finishing in the same space, this can be a time-saver.
Downdraft tables can also be used for other types of work. I can imagine blocking off some of the holes – to increase the suction around smaller workpieces, and using the downdraft table to make small carvings with a rotary tool. (I actually have a small benchtop accessory for just that purpose.)
Downdraft table panels have been available to DIYers for years, for anyone who wanted to build their own product. There are also other materials that can be used. For example, I’ve seen some downdraft tables made with pegboard.
This new Rockler table is more expensive than I would have thought, but it’s also made from metal. It looks similar to a Grizzly product I’ve seen before, which also sells for $180, but with several differences. The Rockler table is sized with a 4″ port, it has keyhole slots on the bottom for hanging it up, and it has one more knob on each adjustable side.
Shop Fox’s downdraft tables are larger, and have a more complex design with internal air baffles.
I don’t think this is something I will be buying, but to me it looks like a convenient and effective design. If I did more sanding in an enclosed space, it’d be higher up on my radar. My Festool sander has been excellent, and has far better dust collection that any other sander I’ve used. If I didn’t have that Festool sander and my Festool dust collector, would I spend $180 on this? Possibly. If I had consistent sanding needs, say small cabinet doors or drawer fronts, this could help for long work sessions.
Now, remember what I said about being in a “I don’t have time to build shop gear” phase right now? I have a limited schedule, and I’d rather buy than build things, so that I could give my attention and heart to other projects. This is definitely the kind of thing I would look to buy, unless I had custom dimensions I wanted to build a downdraft table around. I’d wait for a promo code, though, or for another regular Rockler sale.
Buy Now(via Rockler)
Compare(Shop Fox downdraft table via Amazon)
See Also(Downdraft panel kit, for DIY downdraft tables)
Nathan
does this eliminate the need to wear a dust mask or respirator of some sort?
If so and you have the other equipment then I guess it would make some sense. Otherwise I think I would have to pass.
Question what about using one of those large funnel devices next to your current shop table? Since you’ll be hooking up the sander to the collector also.
Stuart
It’s hard to say.
You mean a cyclone? Sanding doesn’t produce a lot of dust, and also don’t need a lot of suction power – I have to dial things down on my Festool, otherwise there’s too much suction and movement is hindered. I’d say that adding a splitter or y-fitting would not take much away from what’s available to the downdraft table.
Ben
Damn, I have four of those panels to build a box around. I wonder if I can buy the box only…
Stuart
Ir couldn’t hurt to ask Rockler, but they probably won’t be able to sell you just the enclosure. If you had a broken knob, that would be easy. The major part of a product like this? I don’t imagine that have a bin with spares.
Ben
It’s worth asking!
Robert
I have found the problem with trying to piece things like this together is it’s not like rockler has a warehouse with miscellaneous parts around. These products come in shipping containers across the seas pre-packaged.
I once bought a camp kitchen from Cabelas. Must have weighed 70 pounds, free shipping. There was one small support bar that was pinched and I asked Cabelas to send me a replacement bar. They said there was no parts available and sent a complete new kitchen, again free shipping and Cabelas had to cover the ship fee to send the first one back to them. All for one little aluminum bar that would have probably cost less than $10 to ship to me.
Koko The Talking Ape
Why do some holes have grommets and others do not? It seems like as long as the workpiece doesn’t cover the entire table, there would be some still uncovered to suck up dust.
Also, I don’t see what those fences (that can be lowered) on three sides are for.
Stuart
Let’s say that all of the holes had grommets, and then some dust settled down below the height of the grommets. Now, where does the dust go? That’s my take on it at least, that having half the holes grommeted allows for a good balance between workholding and dust collection efficiency.
Koko The Talking Ape
What if none of the holes had grommets? The vacuum would secure the piece to the table, and dust would be sucked down the remaining holes. Or no?
Stuart
Yes, and the work might slide all over the place and potentially be scratched or marred by either the edges of the holes, or material trapped between the work and the table. I assume. Think about suction cups and magnets. Lots of vertical strength, not very much in the lateral direction.
It shouldn’t be too hard to source additional grommets (or replacements) via McMaster Carr or elsewhere, and you can always take them out.
Hang Fire
I won’t take issue with anyone buying stuff instead of building it. We all do it, to a greater or lesser extent. If it helps you get other stuff done and you can afford it, go for it.
For me, the amount of storage space that single purpose item takes up is a deal killer. Wall storage is a no-go… my woodshop is part of a garage, so between the garage door and car space, I’m missing 2 of 4 walls in my wood shop. I realize not everyone has these same constraints.
I’ve been kicking around building a downdraft table that doubles as a table saw cover, turning the table saw into a, well, table. That takes care of storing it. It may also prevent the table saw from being moved to the back of the shop while entertaining, I could leave it up front. Naturally I’ll have to remove it to use the table saw, but table saw use (for me) always involves moving things around, so that’s OK, and it will not take up too much room when laid on edge.
I hope to get to this once the weather gets cooler, and I’m not tied up with lawn work and Summer activities.
Charles the builder
while not a bad idea, it looks too small. Also on the pricey side for what it is.