Revised dust collection foot

[Ajcoholic]

I have realized quickly, that the stock shoe on the Buddy is not ideal for many applications. If I was cutting a lot of thin flat stock, it works fine. For the thicker (1.75") boards and seats, etc I have been working on, the shoe gets hung up on the clamps, the vinyl fingers go from 1/2" above the work to smushed down and almost torn off.

This morning I remembered a thread where a fellow here made a new mount to keep the shoe at a fixed height, and it seemed like a good idea.

Here is my take on it. A piece of aluminum angle I milled a slot into, held to the spindle mount with some 1/4" by 20 screws (the holes were already drilled and tapped).

A piece of 3/4" by 3/4" aluminum bolted to that, and the stock shoe I slightly modified (cut off the bent tab, to better clear the spindle as it comes down to the bottom of the stroke).

All in all, took about 1 hour to make, seems to work great.

AJC

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/IMG_0854.jpg

[adrianm]

I thought the standard fixing worked at a fixed height as well? :confused:

Or maybe the buddy is different from a "normal" PRS...

[Brady Watson]

I thought the standard fixing worked at a fixed height as well? :confused:

Or maybe the buddy is different from a "normal" PRS...

Not on a PRS. The PRT used to be able to be set at a fixed height. The stock dust foot is really well suited for sheet stock. 3D or deep carving is a no-no.

-B

[WoodMarvels.com]

Something like this would be amazing for filming on my ShopBot Desktop. Right now it's like a magic box covering all the fun stuff and it's up to the imagination to figure-out what's going on - would really help with multi-camera work too! I'll have to look into making something like this for it in a few months after I settle-down.

Jon

[Design Dude]

I just finished replacing the set screw for the dust foot with an air cylinder. I was thinking the next mod would be just as you are showing here. Since the shaft that supports the foot moves freely when the air cylinder is disengaged I will probably leave it in place so I can have the best of both when I need it. I like the slotted adjustment as well, when not in use can just be raised up above the spindle head. Nice work.

[jerry_stanek]

On mine I use eye bolts so I don't need tools to move it. Have thumb screws but find the eyes work better.

[Ajcoholic]

On mine I use eye bolts so I don't need tools to move it. Have thumb screws but find the eyes work better.

Did you make it fixed as well? I think it works far better. It is also easier to change bits as well, bring the tool up and you have easy access to the spindle/collet nut.

AJC

[jerry_stanek]

Yes mine is fixed I posted pictures of it before on here.

[Ajcoholic]

Yes mine is fixed I posted pictures of it before on here.

You are probably the guy then that gave me the idea! Thanks! :)

AJC

[Ajcoholic]

I am finding the rear mounted dust hose is causing me grief when I am using some of the clamp hold downs.

I took a second look at the Kent cnc foot (and how the brush section comes off with magnets) and went ahead and ordered a foot and two lengths of brush.

I think the straight up hose, mounted in front, will be more "out of the way".

WIll report back when it arrives. For $200 (with both brushes), I feel it was worth a try..

AJC

[dttworld]

......The stock dust foot is really well suited for sheet stock. 3D or deep carving is a no-no.

-B

What kind of dust collection works for deep 3D carvings? Suppose I wanted to make a wooden vaccuum form mold for an RC car body or robot.

thx

[Ajcoholic]

Well, my Kent CNC dust foot is sitting in Canada Customs...

Not too often I have a parcel held up at the border. I guess I got unlucky this time. With any luck left I might get it before the weekend.

Cant wait!

AJC

[Brady Watson]

You become the dust collector with vac wand in hand on large 3D projects.

I am really surprised at how many buy aftermarket dust feet...Why not make your own?

I don't see $135 worth of value from a couple of acrylic drops and some fuzzy mud flap brushes...What am I missing?

-B

[Ajcoholic]

You become the dust collector with vac wand in hand on large 3D projects.

I am really surprised at how many buy aftermarket dust feet...Why not make your own?

I don't see $135 worth of value from a couple of acrylic drops and some fuzzy mud flap brushes...What am I missing?

-B

Brady,
I work most days 10 to 12 hours. I often make my own accessories, but right now I am way too busy to fool with even a few hours to make up the foot.

I know, I know... a few pieces of lexan, some magnets, some bristles etc. but by the time I run around getting the stuff around the city, and make it - I could have worked a few hours and paid to buy it. WHich is what I did this time. If I took 3 hours to make one up I'd already cost myself more in lost time, than the price to buy it.

I dont mind supporting other companies who make a good product, and I dont mind paying for their time, materials and service.

AJC

[jTr]

Andrew -Just wanted to say thanks for initial post and photo on this thread - just finished modifying my own to match. Great results for small outlay of time!

jeff

[Brady Watson]

Brady,
I work most days 10 to 12 hours. I often make my own accessories, but right now I am way too busy to fool with even a few hours to make up the foot.

I know, I know... a few pieces of lexan, some magnets, some bristles etc. but by the time I run around getting the stuff around the city, and make it - I could have worked a few hours and paid to buy it. WHich is what I did this time. If I took 3 hours to make one up I'd already cost myself more in lost time, than the price to buy it.

I dont mind supporting other companies who make a good product, and I dont mind paying for their time, materials and service.

AJC

I hear ya...I didn't necessarily mean you in particular, just in general. There are a lot of people who just buy them instead of making one...

-B

[knight_toolworks]

I would have bought one if someone made one for the prt. I did not save money on working out the design and finding brushes that work well. I would have saved a fair amount of money if I could have bought one.
mine has the hose in front and as long as you don't have a bit going past the longest brushes 3 or 4" it works pretty well or at least keeps dust from flying around.

[adrianm]

You become the dust collector with vac wand in hand on large 3D projects.

I am really surprised at how many buy aftermarket dust feet...Why not make your own?

I don't see $135 worth of value from a couple of acrylic drops and some fuzzy mud flap brushes...What am I missing?

-B

I suppose it depends if they're hobbyists or commercial operators.

It was more cost effective for me to buy in something that I knew worked rather than having to design, source materials, work out acrylic cutting speeds, etc etc.

I pay people to do lots of jobs that I'm more than capable of doing myself but I can earn more money in the time I save than I could by not paying them.

[knight_toolworks]

I pay people to do lots of jobs that I'm more than capable of doing myself but I can earn more money in the time I save than I could by not paying them.
Yes I know the feeling. it can be fun making those things but it can really eat up time and can cost way more. but depending on what you need it may have to be done.

[Bob Eustace]

Well, my Kent CNC dust foot is sitting in Canada Customs...

Not too often I have a parcel held up at the border. I guess I got unlucky this time. With any luck left I might get it before the weekend.

Cant wait!

AJC

Andrew you will be delighted with the Kent and I reckon the price is spot on. We initially made a wooden mock up BUT the problem in Australia is the minimum buy for bristles and the USA bristle guy wont ship to Australia. What took up the time on our mock- up was time taken finding magnets, how to attach them and do you recess them etc. its all crystal clear once you have the Kent in your shop. He has fantastic video of his manufacturing process - you could even say toooooo much detail. Shopbot could make a lot more dosh if they made one as an aftermarket add on. They already have a similar device on the Desktop.

Bob

[Ajcoholic]

Well it arrived today! Trouble is today until Sunday evening I'm at the local home and trade show, Monday is tear down day... So I won't get to mount it until Tuesday. I have 6 chairs to make soon, with the carved out seats and can't wait to try the new foot out! The quality looks great, should do the trick!

[mikek]

I made a fixed dustfoot for my PRT style Benchtop also. It doesn't get squashed or flex as much now. Tape holds some of the broken plastic together still from too much flexing.

[Ajcoholic]

Well,
I managed to get the new dust collection foot/shoe installed on my Buddy today.

I have a feeling, it is going to be a HUGE improvement over the stock affair...

I just made a bracket from some 1/8" sheet aluminum to secure the 4" dust collector hose.

Will report back after some cutting over the next few days.

AJC

PS sorry for the messy table... I didnt have time to clean off the walnut dust/shavings from making the business card holders last Friday... I was in a hurry! Very sorry... unlike me at all! :)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/IMG_0105.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/IMG_0104.jpg

[michael_schwartz]

I need to get one as well, but I will have to live with the OEM shoe a bit longer.

I think the ShopBot dust foot could be improved by eliminating the flattened, 3" hose.

[Greencarvings]

That looks like a KentCNC dust shoe.

[CNYDWW]

That looks like a KentCNC dust shoe.

That's exactly what it is

[Greencarvings]

oops I opened the last page instead of the first page of the thread. DUH, it does say kentcnc dust shoe.

[adrianm]

Andrew, you're going to love it. The Kent shoe is the single best thing I've ever bought for my 'Bot.

[Ajcoholic]

Andrew, you're going to love it. The Kent shoe is the single best thing I've ever bought for my 'Bot.

I do love it!! I ran some parts today, and it glides so smoothly over the work, doesnt get hung up on the cam clamps like the stock unit does, and best of all the dust collection is even better!

I can't say I regret this purchase one bit... I have some 3D stuff to do later in the week (6 chair seats) and look forward to it.

I don't want to "come down" on the stock dust collection attachment, as I am so very happy with my SHopbot purchase. But given the option to spend an additional $200 when I placed my order, I would have. I mean, what's an extra $200 when I spent $21,000? Not much. But it is a vitally important item.

I think the most frustrating part with the stock shoe, is that it sits under the Z axis and at times, I would have the Z carriage hit the shoe and stop the cut (and I'd have to reset Z zero). Also, the rear mounted hose would get caught up on the aluminum clamps I was using and jerk the whole shoe from side to side. With the Kent being completely clear under the Z carriage it cannot happen. And, the bristles are long enough to pass over the clamps without catching on them, unlike the stiff vinyl fingers.

AJC

[gerryv]

Andrew,
If you get a chance sometime could you comment on the roller guides mounted on each side of the X table. Maybe on a new thread as I don't want to pull this one off track.
Thanks,
Gerry

[Ajcoholic]

Andrew,
If you get a chance sometime could you comment on the roller guides mounted on each side of the X table. Maybe on a new thread as I don't want to pull this one off track.
Thanks,
Gerry

No problem Gerry, I discussed them in the "buddy" section of the forum, when I was talking about the table. Basically they are there to hold the MDF table down tight to the rollers that support it. The MDF has a tendency to curl up slightly, and these rollers seem to do the trick, ie, hold it down tight so when the section being cut (under the gantry) stays accurate. They are just some casters, bolted to an aluminum angle which is bolted to the frame (and can be adjusted up or down). The rollers ride on a strip of 1/4" aluminum screwed down to the MDF.

AJC

[Ajcoholic]

Today I was doing some 3D carving for nearly 5 hours.

I bet there was less than a palm-full of dust on my 48" by 48" work surface.

The new Kent CNC shoe works AMAZINGY well! I remember Dana recommending I get one soon after I posted of my new Buddy purchase. I wish I would have gotten it sooner... but better late than never.

AJC

[mcmark]

Looks great AJ :)

I really need to switch mine over to fixed.

[Ajcoholic]

Looks great AJ :)

I really need to switch mine over to fixed.

The Kent shoe attaches to the spindle, and goes up and down with the spindle.

However there is nothing hanging down now, that can get in the way of anything. I like to use 4 Inca aluminum clamps to hold down my work (when doing larger pieces of wood) and there is nothing to get hung up on the clamps or bolts. I had to be very particular with the stock shoe, where my clamps were placed and I tore off the rear mounted hose more than once when it touched one of the clamp bolts.

The bristles (like what is on a push broom) are also much better at conforming to the work - on shaped parts - than the stiff vinyl material on the stock shopbot shoe.

AJC

[Bob Eustace]

Andrew we are about to plumb up our Kent shoe and noticed you have the hose attached to the non moving carriage. Are you happy with this load wise on the z axis? We were thinking of attaching it to the spindle slide.

Thanks

Bob & Chrissy

[Bob Eustace]

No problem Gerry, I discussed them in the "buddy" section of the forum, when I was talking about the table. Basically they are there to hold the MDF table down tight to the rollers that support it. The MDF has a tendency to curl up slightly, and these rollers seem to do the trick, ie, hold it down tight so when the section being cut (under the gantry) stays accurate. They are just some casters, bolted to an aluminum angle which is bolted to the frame (and can be adjusted up or down). The rollers ride on a strip of 1/4" aluminum screwed down to the MDF.

AJC

Is it possible to post a couple of pics please Andrew as we are a bit sloooooow down under!

Bob

[adrianm]

We were thinking of attaching it to the spindle slide.

I've attached mine to the spindle side. Pictures attached if it helps any. I used 3M double side automotive trim tape to fix the ply block to the spindle. It's been there nearly two years and hasn't budged.

[Bob Eustace]

I've attached mine to the spindle side. Pictures attached if it helps any. I used 3M double side automotive trim tape to fix the ply block to the spindle. It's been there nearly two years and hasn't budged.

Thanks Adrian. It's shocking being a Virgo as you worry about having nothing to worry about!

[Ajcoholic]

Andrew we are about to plumb up our Kent shoe and noticed you have the hose attached to the non moving carriage. Are you happy with this load wise on the z axis? We were thinking of attaching it to the spindle slide.

Thanks

Bob & Chrissy

Bob,
There is no load on the Z carriage. The hose I am using is a heavy polyurethane with a stiff wire inside. The aluminum arm I made to hold the hose is indeed attached to the Y carriage. WHen the Z goes up and down, the hose acts like an accordian and simply expands or contracts.

I really dont think it will matter where ever the hose support is mounted (assuming a standard flexible dust collection hose), unless of course your hose is extremely stiff - then I would suggest mounting to the spindle or Z carriage.

I do have some hose in my shop that is a very stiff black vinyl and almost as strong as the steel ducting. But I use that only to hook up non-moving machines in my shop.

AJC

[Ajcoholic]

Is it possible to post a couple of pics please Andrew as we are a bit sloooooow down under!

Bob

Sure...

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/IMG_0847.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/IMG_0846.jpg

[Ajcoholic]

Well, I'm loving the Kentcnc dust collection shoe.

WHen I bought it, I got both the 2" and 3" brushes. However, with some of my extended length bits, even with the 3" brush I am from 1/2" to 1" off of the surface of the board.

SO, I have two of the spacers coming (they go in between the shoe base, and the brush to effectively lower the brush).

Something to keep in mind if you are looking at the system. I should have gotten them with my initial order... hopefully they wont take as long to get here. I have a lot of cnc work to do next week!

AJC

[jTr]

Maybe a non-issue, but as I look at pics of that shoe, all I see is a big physical/visual obstacle to tool changes. What is your experience in that regard?

jeff

[adrianm]

Maybe a non-issue, but as I look at pics of that shoe, all I see is a big physical/visual obstacle to tool changes. What is your experience in that regard?

jeff
It's held together by magnets. The whole bottom section just pulls off and then there is nothing at all in the way of changing the tool. The bottom section just clips straight back onto the magnets no fuss at all.

It's much, much easier and quicker to change a tool than it is with the standard foot.

[Ajcoholic]

Maybe a non-issue, but as I look at pics of that shoe, all I see is a big physical/visual obstacle to tool changes. What is your experience in that regard?

jeff

As stated, the brush part snaps off without tools (yet is held very firmly by three countersunk 1/4" rod type rare earth magnets).

The spindle's collet and nut are VERY accessible. Easy as pie!

On that note, time to get something to eat :)

AJC

[Mike Kelly]

Received my Kent dust foot today, purchased on AJC recommendation.
Really keeps the dust down and is much easier to setup. Plus kept getting to close to my clamps on some projects, this has enough height to clear them.

I have heard that rare earth magnets wear out over time, if they are kept together. Don't know if it is true or not but it might be a good idea to keep the shoes separated when not in use.

I think I will try an modify the mount for the original dust foot to make a pressure foot for cutting thin parts - has anyone tried to make one of these?

Mike Kelly
Moose Jaw, Sk

[Ajcoholic]

Cool. I am just waiting for my spacers now. I should have ordered them with the foot. WHen I use my extended length 1/2 and 5/8" spirals, the initial cuts still leave the 3" bristles a little above the work surface. I ordered two 1/2" spacers to lower the brush down.

So far, I am trilled with the new Kent shoe. It does work so well, easy to change bits and like you said it can ride right over my aluminum clamps without getting caught up.

AJC

[steve_g]

I have heard that rare earth magnets wear out over time, if they are kept together


Old horseshoe magnets had to be kept with a "keeper" or non-magnetized bar across the poles to assure continued magnetism, not so with rare earth magnets...

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/FAQ.asp

23. Do neodymium magnets require a keeper?
No, neodymium magnets do not require a keeper for storage like Alnico magnets.
24. Will my neodymium magnets lose strength over time?
Very little. Neodymium magnets are the strongest and most permanent magnets known to man. If they are not overheated or physically damaged, neodymium magnets will lose less than 1% of their strength over 10 years - not enough for you to notice unless you have very sensitive measuring equipment. They won't even lose their strength if they are held in repelling or attracting positions with other magnets over long periods of time.
25. Will neodymium magnets lose strength if they are held in repelling or attracting positions for a long time?
In most applications, the answer is simply "no". If the magnets will be exposed to higher temperatures while in repelling applications, the answer is "possibly". The exact answer is a bit too complicated for a FAQ answer, and requires specifics about the application.