Recommendations for metal cutting on a Nomad in a public space

[tinkereratheart (Greg Kunz)]

I need information to help set guidelines for cutting metals on the Nomad 3 in our public library. The library has used a Nomad since 2016 in its Business and Technology branch. We generally cut wood and plastics and occasionally metals (AL 6061 and brass). However, metal cutting was recently “put on hold” due to safety concerns. We do not have a continuous dust evacuation system but use a shop vac to clean up as needed. There is always some minimal ‘spill’ of cutting debris into the ‘maker space’ of the library. Disposable dust masks are available for patrons if they choose to use them. I have heard caution about aluminum alloys containing beryllium and know that wood and plastic particulates can cause health problems. Can anyone share experiences, recommendations, or references to industrial-education-like standards that could be used by our library when evaluating the potential risks from metal machining as well as appropriate metal-cutting precautions?

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

Is running a small vacuum an option?

3D Printed Nomad 3 Dust Boot w/ Brush

Hey guys, I’ve been working on an officially-sanctioned-but-still-unofficial dust management device for the Nomad. Previously I’d designed something that would take a vacuum hose and basically clamp it to the spindle, which was good enough to capture the airborne nasties that would escape from cutting MDF and stuff, but didn’t have a brush. Enough people sounded like they really wanted that extra option so I threw a concept together. [IMG-3872] This is a two-part dust shoe that works just lik…

with a HEPA filter it should address most concerns.

[gdon_2003 (Guy Donham)]

Breathing wood dust is harmful in the long term. However just a casual user in the makers space are not at any real risk. That said some people are more sensitive than others. Since metal dust is heavier I would think it would not travel as far as much lighter wood dust. So if you could get some more direct dust collection with HEPA filters you should be good in a public space. Now getting the library to pay for that may be another story. A lot of people here on the forum are liking the Dewalt Stealtsonic with a HEPA filter would be quiet and help protect everyone in the working area.

[tinkereratheart (Greg Kunz)]

Thanks @WillAdams and @gdon_2003. These two responses are exactly what I needed. I printed the dust boot referenced by Will and designed by Winston @wmoy today. It fit and mounted well to the spindle AND looks VERY promising. Hope to get this set up soon and move on to metal milling in the very near future.

[nwilson (Nathan Wilson)]

You can also have material limitations.

For example, A356 would be safer than A357, 1215 safer than 12L14, etc.

A strategy might include having certain stock available for purchase, thereby reducing the risk of some unknown alloy really being toxic or damaging to the machine. Everyone knows a guy who met someone who heard their friend loaded titanium/ magnesium instead of aluminum once and the machine/ shop broke/ exploded.