STL241: Dust collectors vs. dust extractors

Shop Talk Live · 21 May 2021 · 1h 11m

What this episode covers

Vic Tesolin, a contributor to Fine Woodworking, discusses his experience processing a large elm tree into furniture-grade lumber, highlighting the challenges of elm's tendency to twist and the benefits of kiln drying. The hosts advise a listener on choosing between a high-volume dust collector and a Festool dust extractor, recommending the former for stationary machinery due to airflow requirements. They also evaluate an older Craftsman table saw, concluding that upgrading its fence and stand is less efficient than saving for a modern tool, while praising the accuracy of aftermarket fences like those from Biesemeyer.

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