Great Dust Great Responsibility

Space Teams Woodshop
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It’s no secret that the woodshop is a dusty place to work. Even when we take precautions and clean a pile so someone else doesn’t have to, it gets everywhere. On machines, and in our lungs.

Asmbly is actively looking for ways to improve the workspaces to be a more safe and inviting place to be. Recently we applied to the Cameron Foundation and won a grant that will help our mission to a cleaner workshop!

The grant will help us cover the costs of a new dust collection sytem to include a new DC unit, ductwork, and a more intelligent blast gate system by GRIT.

More details will follow soon on the specific machines and hardware we’ll be upgrading to. In the mean time. We have a high level plan in place as well, however this is where we could use some of your expertise to help out.

In the next 1-2 months, we’ll be setting up a new DC unit in the corner by the woodshop roll up door. Once that is setup, we’ll plan a weekend long workday event to upgrade from our roughly 8" ducts to 14" ducts. During that, we’ll be setting up the GRIT blast gate system.

As timing would have it, I will be out for a few weeks. Besides JD and @Glory2God being our woodshop leads, @mgmoore will be helping with some electrical requirements. Here are other roles that we could use someone’s help with:

Role Description
Workday Coordinator * Schedule and Advertise the workday or two and help drive involvement. * Helps during the workday to ensure volunteers are directed and to who needs assistance. * Coordinates food and drinks for workday
Disposition Coordinator * Helps ensure old machines and parts are sold, repurposed, or reused appropriately in the workspace. * Ensures we don’t have extra construction materials hanging around
Ductwork Specialist @atwatsoniii * Decides the ductwork layout. * Ensures accessories or mounting equipment. * Coordinates volunteers to hang ductwork as planned.

Besides the above, we could use the help ensure things are clean and orderly during the transition, deconstruction, and construction.

This is a massive improvement for us. I’m incredibly excited to be a part of this with you all and in taking the woodshop to the next level.

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Big CNC New Dust Collector - Oneida Supercell
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I am not one to lead, but will happily contribute manual labor if I can

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We can use all the help we can get! Stay tuned for more details when parts are ordered and hands are needed for demo / install

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I’m very excited for this project and grateful to everyone who helped with this grant application :clapping: @michellewilson @Jordanva2 @Kasper @drew.hynes @phurfphurf @Jon @nreiter @Glory2God :clapping:

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Hi everyone,

I want to share an important update on a foundational project for the woodshop: our new dust collection system.

Our goal from the start was to “buy it once and buy it right,” ensuring we wouldn’t need another upgrade for the foreseeable future. We initially explored a massive 15hp Oneida system. However, we discovered that its 5,000+ CFM capacity triggered strict International Fire Code requirements for indoor use, including a dedicated fire-proof room and explosion-proof doors—a major undertaking.

This led us towards another great option: the Felder RL 300/350 series. These machines are purpose-built to meet modern fire and safety codes for indoor shops while delivering incredible power. They also feature pneumatic, automatic filter cleaning, which significantly reduces the manual maintenance burden. A representative from Felder visited our shop just last week to help us finalize the plan.

This is more than just a new machine; it’s a full system upgrade. Here are the key components we’re planning:

  • Optimized Ductwork: We’ll be replacing our current setup with larger, smoother pipes and minimizing turns to ensure maximum suction power reaches every tool.

  • GRIT Automated Blast Gates ($5k): A cutting-edge system that provides “smart” suction where you need it, when you need it, and allows us to track tool usage to better serve our members.

  • Rotary Airlock Feeder ($6.2k): A critical add-on that enables dust to be deposited directly into an open trash can, eliminating the cumbersome and messy bag-changing process.

Our Final Funding Push

We were fortunate to secure a $32,000 grant this summer to fund this project. While this covers the core machine and planned upgrades, the highly beneficial Rotary Airlock was not in the original budget. Since it must be factory-installed, this is our only opportunity to include it.

We are incredibly close to having a truly world-class dust collection system. If you are in a position to help, please consider donating to help us cross the finish line. If you’re interested or able to contribute, please check out this donation campaign here.

Thank you for your support in making Asmbly better every day.

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Note that “Donate Monthly” is the default. Press the “Donate Once” button if you don’t want a surprise, next month.

But don’t let that stop you! Go donate!

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Thank you to those who have contributed already (and covered the transaction fees in your donation!)! We’re 17% of the way to those sweet sweet blast gates and easy trash can dumping airlock. Can you help get us to the finish? :folded_hands: :woodwork:

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We’re 35% of the way there on this fundraiser!

Every size contribution makes a difference. Please pitch in if you can so we can get the top of the line DC for our biggest shop area and avoid the need for future upgrades :folded_hands:

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We’re almost there, thanks to some very generous donations!

Don’t let the size of those donations intimidate you, every $10 or $20 helps!

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I’m very excited and thankful for everyone contributing to the extra funds so far. There’s still plenty of time to help contribute to get us over the hump for duct work, shipping costs, and installation days.

A bit on the machine we’re getting, the RL350 from Felder. This thing is a tank. The engineer that visited from US Duct suggested we don’t have to move a single tool and we’ll have no problem supporting everything in the woodshop so long as we upgrade our pipes. (Really, he pulled the physics out to show us). Below is a draft rendering of the pipes so far. There are a few items we need to make corrections on before pulling the trigger, but this will help show what is being considered.

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The machine itself has a great overview from Dallas Makerspace. They’ve been using this for quite some time now without any issues. Maintenance is easy. If the pneumatic cleaner doesn’t pump the dust out of the 15 filters (3 rows of 5), we just need to give them some high fives to drop the dust. If we ever need to take them down (once a year or so) they’re much easier to manage.

The video also shows how to empty the machine, however our version will be different. We are going to get the rotary feeder attachment which will be a constant dump of dust into a bin so we can easily toss it in the garbage outside. We’ll want to build a small, see-through, shroud covering to know when the bin is full. The result will mean a much cleaner machine and easier to maintain.

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Less than $5k left to go on this fundraiser! Thank you all who have contributed to get us to the finish line on this project. I’m very excited to have this improvement in the woodshop :woodwork: :flexed_biceps:

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We’ve ordered the Felder RL350!!

Lead time Jan/Feb.

This will go on the wall where the panel saw is today.

Features
Auto Fire Extinguisher
Anti-Static Filters
Rotary Feeder
Pneumatic Air Cleaner

We’ll be trading in our TFlux to help knock some off the cost and we might have a great deal on a local delivery service to eliminate that cost.

Below is the latest draft of the pipes and ductwork.

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Numbers

Costs

  • Felder RL 350 w/ Rotary Feeder ($31,213)
  • US Duct Estimate w/delivery and supervised install ($15,000)
  • GRIT Automation Blast Gates (~$7,000)
  • Felder Delivery - From Dallas (~$2,000)
  • TFlux Delivery - From Austin to Felder (~$500)
    Total $55,713

Possible Cost Reductions

  • Delivery Costs. We may have a lead on a local driver that could help do both for cheaper.
  • Need to see if there’s any pipes we have on-site that can reduce some pipes needing needed from US Duct.
  • GRIT Automation Blast Gates, need to finalize quote.
    Possible Reduction Total ($2,500)
    Total Possible Cost ($53,213)

Funds On-Hand

  • $32,000 Grant from Cameron Foundation
  • $15,453 from Donation Campaign.
    Total $47,453

We need your help getting the rest of the way! I am incredibly thankful to all of our donors thusfar and I am thrilled to finally be able to say “WE ORDERED IT!”. This is happening!

To everyone, please help us get the rest of the way. We are looking to order the duct work in the next few weeks. We don’t want to wait too long so we can avoid any potential price hikes after the holidays.

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I’m waiting on the latest status from the Felder group about when the beast will be ready for us.

Aside from that, Al helped us find a local vendor to source spiral pipes. They don’t have the sweet pipe snapping technology, but we will save about $10,000 on the materials order. The’ll be coming from Centex Spiral Pipe. They helped us with current set of pipes and will be putting together the order for our new ones.

This savings will ensure we have the right equipment onsite (like a forklift) and other useful installation tools and gear. Additionally it will help us with those unknowns that are bound to show up.

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The time is coming for us to receive our new Felder RL 350 dust collector, set it up, remove the T-Flux, existing pipes, and install all new pipes and pipe system!

We cannot do this alone and we need as much help as we can get. We will try to get as much done in one day as possible, however we will likely shut the woodshop down for 2 days to ensure plenty of time to get things right.

Please use the poll to show when you could be available. We’ll try to get the days scheduled this week and they would be sequential. A weekend is commonly used to have workday type events, but if folks are interested in a weekday, we can do that!

The plan:

Phase 0: Physical Preparations. This includes moving the Panel Saw and making space for the Felder Rl350 footprint as well as space for a forklift to safely maneuver. The panel saw will be unavailable for the duration of the operation. This will also include shifting the breaker panel and the big CNC dust collector, as well as electrical requirements for the new DC. We will need assistance with moving things, cleaning things, and electrical work. This may happen the same day or day prior to Phase 1, but must happen before phase 1.

Phase 1: Felder Setup. Felder Machine will be delivered through one of Sarah’s contacts. We will have a forklift on-site to help offload. This same day we’ll need to assemble the machine where the Panel Saw currently sits. Once the machine is assembled and shows working, we begin phase 2. We need someone trained to use a forklift on-site for this day (Art Zamorano).

Phase 2: Disassemble Current Setup. This will begin a full day event, starting early. The goal being to Uninstall the T-Flux, load it onto a trailer that Art will take to Dallas to hold up our end of the deal (we get $3k off the sale for delivering it). At the same we’ll be disassembling all of the existing ductwork. Some pieces will be reused in the new setup. Masks are recommended as there is likely a lot of fine dust settled on pipes. We need folks comfortable with heights, folks to help keep pieces organized on the floor, and volunteers who are able and willing to help clean as we go.

Phase 3: Assembly. This will involve assembling and installing new duct work for the pipes. Nearly all pipes, fittings, and connectors will be new from Centex Spiral Pipes. We need people comfortable with heights as well as people able to keep pieces organized on the floor. This setup will also include GRIT blast gates that will be installed lower in the branches, closer to the tools (for easier maintenance in the future). Al Watson will be on site to assist parts are organized to the pipe layout plan.

Please use the poll to show when you could be available. We’ll try to get the days scheduled this week and they would be sequential. A weekend is commonly used to have workday type events, but if folks are interested in a weekday, we can do that!

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This is so exciting. I added my availability, can’t wait to work on this!

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“I keep hearing about it but I don’t think it’s happening” It is happening! :partying_face:

The plan with Dates. We should aim to get as much done as we can safely get done in a day. The dates below are more for checkpoints. We need as many volunteers as we can possibly get. Phase 2,3, and 4 especially (teardown, setup, testing and cleanup).

Friday, Feb 20th
Phase 0: Physical Preparations. This includes moving the Panel Saw and making space for the Felder Rl350 footprint as well as space for a forklift to safely maneuver. The panel saw will be unavailable for the duration of the operation. This will also include shifting the breaker panel and the big CNC dust collector, as well as electrical requirements for the new DC. We will need assistance with moving things, cleaning things, and electrical work. This may happen the same day or day prior to Phase 1, but must happen before phase 1.

Phase 1: Felder Setup. Felder Machine will be delivered through one of Sarah’s contacts. We will have a forklift on-site to help offload. This same day we’ll need to assemble the machine where the Panel Saw currently sits. Once the machine is assembled and shows working, we begin phase 2. We need someone trained to use a forklift on-site for this day (Art Zamorano). Time for delivery TBD.

Saturday, Feb 21st
Phase 2: Disassemble Current Setup. This will begin a full day event, starting at 0700. First task is to Uninstall the T-Flux, break it down, and stage it near the garage door. Art Zamorano will deliver this to Felder in Dallas. It is not clear if this can happen on a Saturday or will need to wait until Monday. At the same we’ll be disassembling all of the existing ductwork. Some pieces will be reused in the new setup. Masks are recommended as there is likely a lot of fine dust settled on pipes. We need folks comfortable with heights, folks to help keep pieces organized on the floor, and volunteers who are able and willing to help clean as we go. We will also need someone trained to use a forklift just in case it will help uninstalling any pipes. Once uninstallation is complete (or complete enough and accounted for), we can begin Phase 3.

Sunday, Feb 22nd
Phase 3: Assembly. This will involve assembling and installing new duct work for the pipes. Nearly all pipes, fittings, and connectors will be new from Centex Spiral Pipes. We need people comfortable with heights as well as people able to keep pieces organized on the floor. This setup will also include GRIT blast gates that will be installed lower in the branches, closer to the tools (for easier maintenance in the future). Al Watson will be on site to help ensure parts are organized to the pipe layout plan. Someone trained to use a forklift would be great in case it is helpful to lift pipes in the sky. Once pipes are in, we can begin phase 4.
At the same time this is going on, @morrism14 will be around to help ensure the CNC pipes are re-connected properly to the CNC dust collector with any new positioning the CNC requires.

Phase 4: Testing and Cleanup. As much fun as testing in production is, we should give the system a health check on all branches, blast gates, and ensure we have adequate spacing for dust bin removal. Unused pipes and materials need to be organized behind the loft or elsewhere. When room is available, we can setup the Panel Saw again. Once we have signed off here, we can reopen the shop and move to Phase 5.

Monday, Feb 23rd
Phase 5. Workshop reopening and cleanup. Close monitoring of the woodshop by me, Sarah, and other volunteers to report or remedy any issues that may show up.

Other Dates and Details

  • The machine is set to arrive at Felder’s Facility on Jan 21st where they will begin their op-checks. It is supposed to take up-to a week, which gives our Feb 20th pickup date plenty of room.

  • I will be coordinating with JJs to swap our dumpster from an 8yrd to a 4yrd with a (3) three 95 gallon trash carts (like residential trash carts). Anticipated swap will be Feb 16th-19th. We will still have Wast Management’s 8yrd dumpster until mid-march. This will help with overlap in case we need to make any adjustments to JJs. The other option is a 174 gallon cart, but that may be very difficult for one person to manage.

  • Future updates. Build a transparent wall around where the dust shoot is to help contain any fine dust that may spread.

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👷‍♂️ Calling All Asmbly Members – We Need a Few Helping Hands! 👷‍♀️
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I’ll be running 4 sessions in-person and on zoom for dust collector planning updates and tasking.

This is an open meeting and available to anyone. Please join to learn what’s happening and what help we need. Each session will start with the current state of the plan followed by updates, todos, discussions, etc.

Action Plan

Information and Planning sessions will be held weekly in February:

  • Thursday Feb 5th at 6-7pm
  • Tuesday Feb 10th at 6-7pm
  • Tuesday Feb 17th at 6-7pm (LAST ONE BEFORE THE WEEKEND)
  • Tuesday Feb 24th at 6-7pm (Follow up)

Below is a link to the google calendar series as well as the direct link to the zoom call.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87973434429?pwd=ajOTUReOXi6Zjga3q7BY0Bq3bHPGb2.1

Google Calendar

We need all the help we can get!

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👷‍♂️ Calling All Asmbly Members – We Need a Few Helping Hands! 👷‍♀️
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his is an open meeting and available to anyone. Please join to learn what’s happening and what help we need. Each session will start with the current state of the plan followed by updates, todos, discussions, etc.

Action Plan

Information and Planning sessions will be held weekly in February:

  • Tuesday Feb 10th at 6-7pm

  • Tuesday Feb 17th at 6-7pm (LAST ONE BEFORE THE WEEKEND)

  • Tuesday Feb 24th at 6-7pm (Follow up)

Below is a link to the google calendar series as well as the direct link to the zoom call.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87973434429?pwd=ajOTUReOXi6Zjga3q7BY0Bq3bHPGb2.1

Google Calendar

We need all the help we can get!

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Woodshop Clearout and Temp Project Storage Closure
Woodshop Clearout and Temp Project Storage Closure
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“I want to help out! When do you need me?”
Friday at 0800 and Saturday at 0700 and onward. Friday and Saturday will be our busiest days though we will need help on Sunday to test everything. We need some people available Friday morning but we’ll need most of the help on Friday afternoon and evening.

“What do I bring?”
Bring a dust mask and some gloves if you’ll be handling the pipes. They are all aluminum and have sharp edges.

“Will there be food?”
Yes there will be food! @sarahmartin is hooking us up with good eats for breakfast lunch and dinner all three days.

”Do I need to sign up?”
Not really but if you do it will help make sure we can plan well, particularly for food. You can sign up on the link here.

“Can I bring a guest?”
Absolutely!! The more the merrier.

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