Homemade fume/dust extractor?

[fogged306]

I'm looking to build an extractor that has a central suction unit that vents to the outdoors and has a flexible hose that I can position next to whatever I'm working on. I need something that can pull dust from bodywork out of the air as well as welding fumes and paint fumes (mainly just rattle can primer and guide coat in small areas).

I'm not really sure where to begin as far as what type of fan/vacuum unit I should start with or how many CFM's I'll need. I know I wouldn't need much as far as the fumes go, but the dust from bodyworking will require more and I have no idea as to that figure. I'm thinking a wall unit that's mounted to my currently unused vent fan louvers. With a section of pipe (probably just use PVC) run along the ceiling and then a flexible hose attachment at the end. I'm trying to do this as cheaply as possible. I don't need any kind of filtration, just a source of vacuum that will remove the dust and fumes from my work area. Anyone done this before? Or have an idea as to where to find parts for this kind of venture? Mainly I'd like to know where I can find a flexible hose that will keep the position I leave it in, and what type of suction unit I should use and where I can find it.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

A lot of people use the squirrel cage fan from an old hot air furnace. They move a lot of air, but you should use a sealed motor if you deal with many flammable aerosols.

 

[js289]

put a fan in the window!

 

[js289]

or if you wanted to get fancy get some ductwork

 

[Riverside]

Static electricity might be a concern with plastic pipe and flammable aerosols. (?)

 

[fogged306]

A lot of people use the squirrel cage fan from an old hot air furnace. They move a lot of air, but you should use a sealed motor if you deal with many flammable aerosols.

That sounds like a good idea. Are you talking about one from a commercial unit or something I could use from a home furnace. Do these move enough air for dust? I suppose what I should do is look at what CFM a dust collector uses and then match a squirrel cage fan to that requirement and answer my own question, hah.

I've found a couple "rigid" flexible arms but many are well out of my price range. $800-$2500. I'd rather spend $100-$200. This is priced right but I don't know the dimensions of it and they aren't listed. I'm going to call and see if I can get them but I feel this will be too small because for $100 you're probably not going to get much. Anyone have an idea of what diameter tube I should be looking for? I'm thinking 4" but this is a complete guess.

 

[fogged306]

When I say paint, it will literally be about 30 seconds max of spray paint at a time. This won't be heavy primer from a spray gun or anything like that. Just some primer and then a quick spritz of guide coat. All rattle can stuff. Not sure if that makes it less of a concern or not, but I just wanted to clarify.

And honestly, that isn't my main concern with this unit, so if that would make this system more complex and expensive, I can always just spray outside and use this strictly for body filler dust and welding fumes. Those two are my major concerns.

 

[brownbagg]

go to an hvac repair business and pick up a throwaway fan, they have hundred of them. go to lowes, HD etc and get some of that plastic black sewer pipe . make you something hang from ceiling and you have mate $50 in all of it