I have a single-bag dust collector which is situated in a small room adjacent to my machine shop to isolate the noise. However, it’s also out of sight so I sometimes forget to check the bag. Here are some reasons not to forget emptying it:
- It is hard to handle a full bag, especially if it contains more fine dust and fewer shavings;
- A full bag can be heavy and is more likely to tear;
- If the bag is allowed to fill and the dust collector continues to be used, dust accumulates in the upper filter;
- If dust is allowed to accumulate in the upper filter, it often needs to be dug out and makes a bigger mess;
- A full dust collector, especially with dust in the upper filter has less airflow;
- Low airflow may not be enough to keep ductwork and hoses clear;
- A dust collector with restricted airflow is less effective at extracting dust;
- Dust not collected at the source ends up on the floor or in the air;
- Un-captured dust is tracked around the shop (or house), breathed in, and settles on every horizontal surface; and
- Cleaning the shop and emptying an overfilled dust collector takes several hours and makes you look like this.
