Shop Swarf Curtain

[thestelster]

I got tired of picking up/vacuuming bits of swarf that get thrown onto all the surrounding tools.

I decided to put up a curtain. Its a prototype, using an old bed sheet. I'll probably move to something more durable like vinyl/leather, or canvas.

 

[6.5 Fan]

Looks good, vinyl might be s good choice, swarf won't stick to it as much, maybe.

 

[Tom O]

Tarps on marketplace 6 x 10 $10.00

 

[Janger]

Shower curtains perhaps?

At the front side I’ve used a small pieces of sheet metal held in place with triangular welding magnets as swarf shields.

 

[Darren]

This would be another good use for treadmill belting. Its thin but strong. Theres always at least one at the dump when i go.

 

[thestelster]

As you can see, the curtain concept works fairly well. Flying shards going rearward are pretty well contained. And the white material reflects quite a bit of light onto the work.

Of course, 1. Cotton sheets are not a good choice for the curtain material. 2. There are still lots of flying debris shooting towards the operator. This will take more time to design. Something quick and easy to set up and take down, and visibility and accessibility. One thing at a time.

Now to look for something white, flexible, heat resistant, and inexpensive. I like the vinyl coated fabric for upholstery idea, in white.

 

[thestelster]

On a variation on the theme, this is an initial mock up for the lathe. Made out of cardboard for now, but I do have some AL5052 in 16g that might be perfect. The height, about chin height, and width seems fine, but I will put a clear lexan sheet above the height of the cardboard. It sits on 3 screws, but only the the knurled knob tightens it in place. Very quick to remove, and reattach.

 

[thestelster]

I just added a piece. Pretend the opening is the lexan sheet. And the view is completely unobstructed. And I have access to all the controls. But to change tools, I will need to remove it.

 

[Former Member]

I got tired of picking up/vacuuming bits of swarf that get thrown onto all the surrounding tools.

I decided to put up a curtain. Its a prototype, using an old bed sheet. I'll probably move to something more durable like vinyl/leather, or canvas.

Sorry a late reply, a plastic curtain is better (even if it melts), a cloth curtain (or fiber material, ie tarp) can catch a scarf shaving and if it is continuous can cause serious damage and or injury if snagged and grabs. As things go bad very quickly as the scarf is usually the last thing to give.

 

[Susquatch]

When I was milling out a BXA holder last week to take my rocker style ball turner, scarf was flying everywhere - further than usual. It was probably a result of the steel type. I didn't like it so I made some quick scarf shields out of cardboard. It wasn't prompted by your thread @thestelster or I probably would have copied your idea. On the plus side, it's a different idea to consider.

I cut the lids off of a cardboard box. I don't have them handy, but I'd say they were 8x24 or so - the size isn't important. Then I curled them around my work so they made a somewhat circular swarf shield. Perhaps I'll call it a swarf cage. The left one kept falling over so I cut some slits in it with a scissor and then stuck some small pieces of cardboard into the slits to function as feet.

It actually worked quite well. They are easily moved for setup and progress measurements and can be adjusted on the fly as the swarf fly's! I plan to make some improved versions as time passes to better fit my vice and table.

They are nothing special. But they were easy to make, configurable, super fast to adjust to the situation, and quite functional. Afterward, it was 100x easier to clean up the swarf too!

Just another idea!

 

[LenVW]

As mentioned by @Susquatch

Cardboard is a great way to guide your cuttings and chips to a disposal bin.
The glaze coated type clean-up easily and the chips slide away from areas.
I have been using folded cardboard for decades.