How often do you fight dust? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2012, 03:43:59 pm
content: As the title says. How often do you clean up your lab, equipment? I don't have a particular schedule. Some time dust on equipment makes me crazy with me dusting every day. Some time it doesn't bother me. It could be ~3 weeks before a good clean up.Alexander.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2012, 03:52:41 pm
content: I do a dustectomy on computers about every 6 months, or whenever the things get slow and it is not due to windows update doing it's usual thing. Normally you get a fair amount of dust out, using a air line and an air duster to move it out.As to your workbench, I think dust is the least of your worries.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2012, 05:03:20 pm
content: Whenever i feel it is rather dusty i take my 3HP cyclone vac ...But most of the times i just use a high output hairdryer .

author: Ajahn Lambda
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2012, 05:43:27 pm
content: I try to clean up my lab a bit at the end of each day. But if I'm honest, that doesn't always happen. Heck, sometimes I fall asleep at my bench if I try to pull all-nighters, and then it's put off until the next day (hopefully before I even start again).Dusting is done very regularly, however: once a week, and even more often in the allergy season (NOW!). A room-rated HEPA filter runs constantly and it helps quite a bit, but for my allergies' sake, nothing beats vacuuming everything, including the corners and shelves, and dusting with a damp rag. I suppose the one thing my allergies have helped with is making me into a cleanliness/neat-freak -- not Howard-Hughes level, but I do take it pretty seriously, since I don't like having to be drugged all the time merely tonotbe miserable.On the other hand, keeping things organized, neat, and clean is very favorable for a laboratory setting. I know where everything is, it's all labeled and cataloged, my equipment lasts a very long time, and my health is all the better for it.The equipment itself can occasionally need a thorough in-and-out cleaning, such as the PC. That's where my canned air and Shop-Vac come in, about every six months or so. I use old laundry sheets for filter media in my PCs -- hey, it's free, why not use it? -- so there's usually a minimal amount in them, and it's very fine stuff.If the dust is on the equipment every day and being bothersome, consider the source, i.e. your own body. Consider using a room filter, wearing a lab coat, adding a humidifier, and/or using moisturizer on your hands and forearms (don't take that the wrong way!).

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2012, 07:06:40 pm
content: My electronics lab is in my machine shop so there is all kinds of dust from machining and grinding. I realized all those bnc cables were just waiting to fill up with nasty stuff so I put a clear plastic flap on the door that covers the whole cable rack. easy access and you can still see everything.My lab bench also folds up to cover all the equipment when not in use to cut down on dust an dirt getting in.ClosedOpen

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2012, 07:41:08 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on April 10, 2012, 07:06:40 pmWhat do you do with your glue dispenserAnd what's that thing above your glue dispenser head ?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2012, 07:54:04 pm
content: I use the glue dispenser for solder paste, epoxy, grease, blowing solvent/cleaner through switches and pots etc. very handy item! I have my shop air piped to it so it is always ready to go. The thing on top is a 13.8V 28Amp switching power supply.that is an old picture, a IET micro Ohm meter and a Power designs precision power supply have been added since.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2012, 11:45:26 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on April 10, 2012, 07:54:04 pmYou have been shopping at DX weren't youQuite a monster that supply , eh ?I usually only have 1 use for such a supply , testing car audio amps near their limit ( like 4channel Class AB/B amps with 100wpc )How much did you pay for that switcher ?Looks like i am gonna buy that such glue dispenser but i don't need a air supply do i ?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 01:35:12 am
content: Supply was for battery charging linkhttp://www.store.revolectrix.com/Products/Power-Supplies/13-8-VDC-28A-max-Power-SupplyYou need about 70 PSI air. this is the one I got, quick shipping, no problems.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-timer-Solder-paste-glue-liquid-auto-dispenser-/270668290409?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item3f05165969It is a relabled 983A dispensing controller

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 11:20:44 am
content: Quote from: robrenz on April 11, 2012, 01:35:12 amBut yeah i know , i am getting it from DX at 90$ free shipping ( Slow yes but oh well )Can a car compressor do the job ? I don't really know ...http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/396168255-Car-Auto-12V-Electric-Pump-Air-Compressor-Tire-Inflator-sample-wholesalers.html

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 11:35:17 am
content: Quote from: Dave.S on April 11, 2012, 11:20:44 amThat unit will not do the job. You need a compressor with a resorvoir and pressure switch that will automatically cycle to keep its tank full. If its output exceeds 7 Bar you will need a regulator to limit output and should have a coalesing filter to remove gross water vapour and contaminants. It does not have to be a large unit because this uses very little airvolume(unless you need a huge amount of vacuum for drawback to prevent drooling).

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 11:38:51 am
content: ... I will go and look at all the tool shops in my city .Something like that right :http://sg.element14.com/clarke-international/ranger-46/air-compressor-24l-230v-uk/dp/2078165?in_merch=New%20Products

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 01:26:06 pm
content: Dust, temperature, and (lack of) space where the 3 reasons why I was ever so happy to ditch my garage lab.Dave.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 01:44:59 pm
content: Quote from: Dave.S on April 11, 2012, 11:38:51 amThat is the right type of unit but is much bigger than necessary unless you will use the air for other things. The 2 pancake styles shown on this page would do the trick for a lot less money and space. I realize you are not in the US but the Harbor freight items are made in China so you should be able to find the same thing.http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors.html

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 03:24:00 pm
content: i thought my new home is far enough from the main road (about 100-200meters) where all the dust scattered around. but i was wrong, dust still coming in. but dont really bother as i usually cleanup my place from time to time. recently bought the air compressor and blower head, one main reason is to blow away the dust in hard to reach area.i hate dust... but i guess its everywhere

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 03:37:13 pm
content: I find it takes the same effort to remove dust however long it has built up, so on the principle of minimum effort, things get cleaned maybe every 6 months.... much less effort to fill a whole hoover bag in one hit.On a related subject I have formulated an equilibrium theory of dirt on the outside of windows, whereby any accumiulation of dirt is balanced by removal by rain. This is from the observation that the outsides of the windows of my house, although not clean, are not noticeably dirtier than when I moved in 15 years ago, the only exception being the occasional bird crap - bastards. An addirional benefit of maintaining the outside in a state of dirt/rain equilibrium is you don;t notice any dirt on the insides, so they don't need cleaning either.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 03:54:56 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 11, 2012, 03:37:13 pmi will be lucky if my place stays tidy (or in precise term.. managable) within that period, the main problem is not really the dust, but scattered tools, cutted sheets etc. when i start working on something, its just a matter of days or hours to get it to a "messy" or "dirty" condition (or in precise term.. unmanagable). so i guess "natural" dust is 1% of my problem.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 04:38:32 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 11, 2012, 03:37:13 pmI keep looking for a cheap silent compressor for indoors. An air line is so much better for 'dusting' than a vacuum cleaner.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 04:47:18 pm
content: Idealy you want to use the vacuum in conjunction with the air blast. Hold the vacuum close to gather most of the levitated dust, otherwise you are just sending the dust on a short jaunt, soon to return to rest on something else close by.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 05:33:14 pm
content: Quote from: Dave.S on April 11, 2012, 05:18:36 pmThat will work and the price is not that bad. Since that is a piston compressor with oil you will need a coalessing filter to capture the oil vapor in the output air.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2012, 06:13:07 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on April 11, 2012, 05:33:14 pmI'll try to look for another one as i ... :\ Can't be bothered with a oiled compressor and i'm not a mechanic who knows his way round compressors

author: Ajahn Lambda
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2012, 07:13:28 pm
content: They've got a very silent compressor at my otolaryngologist's office. My doc uses it to spray medications into my sinuses. Sure, it's medical equipment, but I do wonder what type of compressor it is. It'd be perfect for an electronics workshop/lab. I'll try to remember to ask next time I'm there.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2012, 07:54:51 pm
content: Oilless vane compressor most likely. Rather expensive units, and they have a 0.5 micron filter on the air outlet and inlet as well to remove the fine dust and any particles it will suck in or blow out.Old fridge compressor with an oil coaleasing filter on the output will work as well, and the only part you buy is the filter, the compressor is available from scrapped fridges. You just need to remove the oil from it and replace with mineral oil, as they are filled with POE oil for use with R134A or R600. Place a filter on the input and the oil coalescing one on the output ( 0.5 micron if you can get it, otherwise less then 10 will do) and use the unit as is. Change the oil every 6 months, or when the output filter has more than a tablespoon of oil in it. Use upright as it was in the fridge.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2012, 09:25:21 pm
content: Most of the compressors used by dentists and such are diaphragm types as no oil is use air side.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2012, 08:44:28 am
content: Quote from: Rufus on April 11, 2012, 04:38:32 pmBecause I'm more electro-machinist than electronics, I have an industrial compressor in the basement.You can't imagine how much dust leaves the room, even after aspirating.In the house I'm currently building, there will be some air lines too.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2012, 06:54:13 pm
content: If you are putting air lines in, just remember they only have a 5 year or so life if they are polypropylene. Nylon is a little better, but still, plan to have to replace them at least sometime,and put the straight lengths in PVC conduit as protection, and ensure the elbows and couplers are easy to gain access to. I replaced air lines when the 12mm piping had swollen up to the point where they were a tight fit in the 20mm conduit they ran in. The old piping was brittle as well, and did actually shatter when hit hard, though it would still flex easily.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2012, 07:02:12 pm
content: Also make sure all your taps into the main line are tee's with a vertical leg goingUPfirst and that the main line has a constant slope to a drain. condensation will lay in the bottom of your main line so the slope has it all drain to the "drain" and the vetical legs of the tees make sure the water does not just run into your taps to the main line.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2012, 10:41:34 am
content: Yeah, okay.I have 2 technical shafts. Im gonna put a steel tube in them, like the ones used for old heating systems.Disconnected and open both sides all the time.Just connect them when needed.Worked before that way, will work now also.