previous
  • Outdoor Kitchen Design Inspiration
    Outdoor Kitchen Design Inspiration
  • 7 Solutions for Kitchen Layout and Design
    7 Solutions for Kitchen Layout and Design
  • 10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
    10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
  • Energy-Smart Details
    Energy-Smart Details
  • 12 Remodeling Secrets Revealed
    12 Remodeling Secrets Revealed
  • Deck Design & Construction Showcase
    Deck Design & Construction Showcase
  • 9 Design Ideas & Tips for Concrete Countertops
    9 Design Ideas & Tips for Concrete Countertops
  • 15 Coffered Ceiling Design Ideas and Tips
    15 Coffered Ceiling Design Ideas and Tips
  • Complete Kitchen and Bath Guide
    Complete Kitchen and Bath Guide
  • Guide to Paperless Drywall
    Guide to Paperless Drywall
  • 2012 HOUSES Awards
    2012 HOUSES Awards
  • Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
    Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
  • Buyer's Guide to Decking
    Buyer's Guide to Decking
  • How it Works
    How it Works
  • Meet the Fine Homebuilding Project House!
    Meet the Fine Homebuilding Project House!
  • 13 Door Design and Installation Tips
    13 Door Design and Installation Tips
  • The Inspector Game: Decking Dos and Don'ts
    The Inspector Game: Decking Dos and Don'ts
  • 7 Small Bathroom Floorplan Layouts
    7 Small Bathroom Floorplan Layouts
  • Roofing articles, videos, tools, and materials
    Roofing articles, videos, tools, and materials
  • Painting Ideas, Tips, and Techniques for a Professional Finish
    Painting Ideas, Tips, and Techniques for a Professional Finish
next
PRINT
Pin It

The dust-isolation box

Sometimes I have to make a lot of dust in finished spaces -- cutting tile in a kitchen, for example. In these situations, I control dust with a dust-isolation/work chamber made from a translucent-plastic storage box.

I cut the bottom off the storage container and then use duct tape to secure a sweatshirt over the opening. The arms of the sweatshirt are the openings for my hands to reach the tools I need. Tools and a worklight pass through the neck opening, which then is clamped shut around the power cords. A hole in the box side accepts the nozzle of my shop vacuum. To keep dust from leaking out around the edges of the box, I affix strips of stick-on foam weatherstripping to the lip of the container.

In use, I turn on the tool and the vacuum, and look through the translucent sides of the container to chart my progress. Be sure to empty the vacuum of any potentially flammable contents, such as sawdust, before trying this operation.




Don Mathis, via email
From Fine Homebuilding 170, pp. 30 May 1, 2005

Related Topics:
Cleaning | Building | Other Tools | Accessories | Cleaning Supplies | Dust Collection | Maintenance and Repair | Other Hand Tools | Shop Gear
Related Articles
Video: Magnetic Nail CleanupOnline Membership Required

How you can capitalize on an age-old technique used to clean debrisby Justin Fink

Mud-bucket debris chute

by Jim LaGrotta

Protection Products for Remodelers Keep Getting Better

Two new items will help you handle dust, spills and moreby Tom O'Brien

Tip: Boot cleaners

by Gregg Roos

Tip: Broomplow

by Darrell Ohs

Related Books & Videos

Taunton’s For Pros By Pros: Building StairsTaunton’s For Pros By Pros: Building StairsStairbuilding advice from the experts

Building an Affordable HouseBuilding an Affordable HouseTrade secrets to high-value, low-cost construction

For Pros By Pros: Windows and DoorsFor Pros By Pros: Windows and DoorsLearn from the builders who have installed (and fixed botched installations) of doors and windows.

Homebuilding Basics: CarpentryHomebuilding Basics: CarpentryA comprehensive introduction to basic carpentry techniques

All Homebuilding Books & Videos