CNC Vacuum System

To eliminate the hazards of airborne wood dust and hot metal chips produced as a byproduct of CNC router operations, and reduce post-operation downtime for cleaning. 

This was to be accomplished with a central vacuum system, and thus an interface between the vacuum and machine was needed.

I designed a custom 3 part dust boot system to capture chips as they're produced. The design features 

• Spindle mounted clamping bracket with a dovetail joint allowing vertical adjustment of the for varying stock thickness.

• Magnetically attached bristle seal to ensure efficient vacuum operation at changing cut depth, and allow easy removal for endmill changes and cleaning.

• Central Vacuum Integration using ceiling mounted HVAC ducting with a flexible downspout for full coverage of the working envelope