DIY Downdraft Table for Sanding | How to Build

[@johnd1125]

I built my downdraft table today. A very good project. Instead of MDF I used scrap 1/2 cabinet grade plywood. It came out really good. Thanks for your post. Tomorrow I’ll build the auxiliary sides. Thanks again!

[@mikeecho33]

glad to find this, thank yoiu for posting this 6 years ago

[@djoyce777]

Great job! Building this tomorrow.

[@tashapalmer4519]

Love it thank you. I have MDF pieces laying around so will have to make this.

[@jimmysharley]

I just made this. Very simple and Very functional. Thank you for the great idea.

[@Thom4123]

I built your first design but at that time I was redoing our kitchen cabinets so it was larger so I could fit the cabinet doors and was so happy that I did it works like a charm. Thanks Brad for another awesome design I still use it for my projects.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Nice, Thom. Glad you are getting good use out of it.

[@tmduke55221]

I want to say thanks for this video, I have a very small work space, don't have a big work shop so I plan to make a box and then make it fit into a TV tray/ portable desk as my work space. Before I saw your video I was just over thinking my project.

[@waynew7175]

Very good and informative video. Your shop reminds me of my basement growing up in Cross Lanes, WV.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Wayne Williams thanks!

[@SouthernGinger]

nice work Brad! love the wall idea!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Yeah, that's my little tweak vs. all the others out there :)

[@rkrzyston]

great video as always! I found an easier way to mount the 4 main cleats. with the table upside down, place the pegboard on a workbench. now put the frame around it. you can now mount the cleats without measuring!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Great tip!

[@howardmcewen]

Very nice. And nice to have met you in Cincinnati last month. I got your sticker up in my shop! Enjoy.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Great meeting you as well, Howard! Thanks for rocking the FTBT sticker!

[@edgargomez8662]

Cool............nice creation men !

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Edgar Gomez thanks, Edgar!

[@rylch44]

That's awesome man. That's gonna be my next project!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+rylch44 post to social and tag me when you do!

[@grosbeakmc]

Nice project with excellent descriptions. Thanks!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

You're welcome!

[@pedrohernandez6538]

Gracias por mostrar. Un saludo desde España

[@MacnWood]

Awesome dude!!! I've got plans for a new assembly bench that I thought about incorporating this type of thing into it. If I ever get time!! Lol!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

You should do it, Ryan! It's a great addition.

[@colinburke287]

Wow just love this video! Going to make one for myself!!

[@fdort3971]

​@Fixthisbuildthat thanks for the lesson

[@MarkMaysey]

Great downdraft, I'm gonna build me one for sure after watching this.

[@overload889]

Thanks for this awesome video. I want to incorporate this idea into a space-saver workbench for my tiny basement shop. I think this will work right under the miter saw station as sort of it's "floor", giving this spot three uses. I have a lot of engineering to do before actually making this bench a reality but hopefully it will work out.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Hope it works!

[@AMNZMetal]

so cool!!! very good idea!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks!

[@LutherBuilds]

This was a great video, Brad. Good job on the edit.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks, Josh!

[@ultimate1933]

Awesome. I need to make one of these. I use mostly pallet wood and that requires a ton of sanding.

[@David-fv7zg]

I would be curious to see what happens if you throw a handful of sawdust across the bow of this thing. Might be a better representation of how well it works. This is a nice build, lots of fine details that make it worth using and building. Thanks for sharing this, Subscribed!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks for the sub, Dave! I think the fine dust outline is the best representation. The size of dust particles that this is meant for is not the type you have on your shop floor. It's the small stuff that floats up into the air and into your lungs...yuck

[@robertknowles3677]

@@Fixthisbuildthat For me I would expect the downdraft to suck up most of what is getting shot off the piece and out of the orbital. I have dc bag and a connector for a dust collection system. I have not used the dust collection port yet with my DC system. My dc system is just sitting there not hooked up to any pvc or anything. I did not make any pvc runs yet. I have used my makita track saw and a hose going to the dc and it works great. Now, with the fact that I can hookup an orbital to the dc and I wear a mask and have a respirator if i want to go overkill on sanding with an orbital, i would hope that the extra downdraft would pretty much eliminate dust almost 100%. If it can only get the fine stuff that can get in your lungs if you are not wearing protection, the I would still have to vacuum up the area after even a few pieces of sanding. I have been thinking about building a downdraft but if it only collects 15 to 20% of the dust and I still have to do a cleanup or the area looks very messy, then the idea of a downdraft is not sounding too good.

[@4rg3s]

Thanks! Awesome!

[@markw3598]

My wife keeps asking me "Why can't you just make it the way the video shows", I guess I'm just crazy. I built it (almost) just like yours, but I also put a removable plexiglass sheet across the whole top and made the walls a bit higher, that way all the dust really has to stay in the box and it focuses the intake air to enter from the front, a couple of small holes near the back of the glass also force feeds the intake of air to help the downdraft to be balanced.

[@mirockswoodshop]

Cool and accurate!

[@kurtstruve]

Awesome! Great sanding table. Now, run your dust collection in reverse for AIR HOCKEY!!!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Kurt I should totally try that!

[@charlieodom9107]

I would like to see an entire table saw top be a downdraft table! Maybe even separate it into sections so you only utilize what you need at the time.

[@GJ11598]

Here's a question that may have been asked, with such thin peg board, how does it not collapse in the middle where it's not supported while sanding?

[@jccapwell]

I had the same observation. My solution was to use a thicker piece of plywood as the incline and then add three internal vertical spaced supports which just came in contact with the pegboard. If a lack of thicker plywood is an issue, then simply run supports below the inclined plywood and the install spaced vertical supports for the pegboard.

[@walther9161]

Awesome! How large can you make it and still use a standard shop vac?

[@alpinegeordie]

Love it !

[@keithspencersr.6806]

Have you ever tried making a paint booth type of these

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

Good job bro very nicely done my friend :)

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

thanks, TJ!

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

No problem bro :)

[@DIYTyler]

Sweet!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thank, bro!

[@SeanOfEarth]

Very nice. I'm interested to know how well a tight, wire mesh would work as a top surface. My concern would be how level and flat it is, and if allowing that much air through would reduce the suction too much. Having no dust build up between vents would be nice though. How easily does saw dust sweep into the holes?

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

I think it would have too much give to it and not enough air resistance as you mention. Interesting idea though.

[@harrisiqbal957]

General question. Orbital sanders and discs have holes in them. They also have dust collection attachments. I just connect my shop vac hose directly to the orbital sander and it sucks thru the holes. What is the point/benefit of building this downdraft table compared with that? Thanks

[@tooljunkie555]

good stuff man! nice looking shop too. this is something every shop should have..so that is some store bought peg board?

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks! I actually got it from a closing Walgreen's. it was the stuff in their gondolas. Love the black!

[@paddlepower888]

Thanks, I just made mine with chipboard that I had lying around, and which I'll paint after done. Do I need to be able to lift the pegboard from the frame?

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Jeffrey Wong not really. I've never accessed the cavity for any reason.

excellent video. makes me ask why anyone would but one.

[@iden135]

Great video! What brand unit are you using over your table saw blade that is attached to a 2.5 inch house. Does that hose go to a shop vac and do you have a 4 inch hose for your table saw going to another vac? I ask because I want to make my shop more air friendly. Thank you!

[@rkrzyston]

Well a HD shop vac isn’t powerful enough to draw enough. Will try to cover some holes on the end and see what happens

[@endeen9274]

I love your downdraft table. Just wonder if you think it might suit my needs. I make resin clocks on mdf round bases. I cut the mdf rounds with a jigsaw and sand both mdf and resin. At the moment I can sand outside and hose the sanded dust into the garden. I am moving into a unit soon and will most likely have to setup in a bedroom (converted to workspace). Dust and sound will be concerns. Can I use a regular vacuum cleaner (with their smaller hoses/tubes)?

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Naomi Norris I don't know if a shop vac could handle one this size. Might need to go smaller on the dimensions.

[@MakingStuffco]

I want/need this!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Tag me if you build it!q

[@CoMaConcepts]

put a couple screws in the box with key holes in the side walls to attach.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+CoMa Concepts good idea!

[@zeel4550]

Why does the suction go on the side? I was thinking about building one and drilling through my table so it sucks downward.

[@JerInCrik]

Brad- Thanks for another great video! I noticed your SuperMax 19-38 and have been lusting over one. Have you found that you use it more than anticipated? Do some cabinetry but mostly smaller projects. See you don't have the extension tables on, probably the way I'd run it most of the time. Any comments? Thanks!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks, Jerry! I use the drum sander a ton when I'm doing cutting boards and resawing. Goes in waves for me, but this one replaced a Performax I already had so I knew it would get good use. I keep the tables off just for ease of storage against the wall.

[@JerInCrik]

Getting ready to order and Woodcraft is offering free in/outfeed tables this month. Do you use the drum sander right up to 220 for final sanding?

[@jimmygiannakis3638]

Made one exactly like yours but... A brand new 5hp Ridgid vac and saw dust just sits on top... I can block all the openings and you can hear the vac strain but it dosen't do anything about sawdust. Trash pick up is tomorrow morning 😱

[@tirolator1]

Why did you make in the middle this Boards that have a slight Angle...? Thanks

[@3Hopkee]

would this work for a belt sander? Is it strong enough?

[@wesleywelcomer3994]

I'm using a Craftsman 5.0 Peak HP shop vac and I'm not really getting any suction from it. Do you think I need a stronger shop vac, or is there something else that is likely the cause? I've caulked around all the inner seams and I don't seem to have any leaks.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Wesley Welcomer hey, Wesley! Did you make it the same size or did you go bigger? I never tested it with a shop vac, but you probably need more suction or a smaller box. I don't know what the cfm output of a shop vac typically is but I think close to 100. My dust collector is closer to 1000. So that's a huge difference.

[@abrown12509]

What kind of dust collector were you using? Just built this one thanks to you with a. 1.5hp 650cfm and it’s like it doesn’t work at all. Been looking to upgrade to a bigger dust collector probably at least 3hp

[@MrGrossNegligence]

Think I could hook this thing up to my vacuflow?

[@yuyo57]

Can you design one that will suck up all the wood dust particles and wood chips out of my garage LOL..Nice vid

[@deerjohn253]

Nice looking unit. From a safety point of view, it seems counterintuitive to hold the stock, with your left hand, against the chop saw fence while reaching across with your right hand to pull the blade down to make the cut. I can't think of a good reason to do that. In my shop we call the blade the "wheel of death", as a constant reminder of its deadly potential. I know there is an integrated guard, but slivers of material can get jammed inside and potentially defeat the mechanism. Whatever the reason for using this technique, there are other ways to make those cuts.

[@rickdowe7865]

Will this work for a router also?

[@mcattack2009]

Do you feel a brace down the middle would help or is the pegboard strong enough to not feel like it'll collapse under the weight?

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

At the size I built it feels very sturdy. No need for bracing

[@WCJH_IndTech]

Am I the only one noticing he crossed his arms when cutting with the power miter saw!? OMG!!!

[@barryroberts6470]

Great Build, i'm sure i have seen you do that build before, or might be me going mad ha ha TC, Barry (Eng)

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

You're not going crazy :) This was a rebuild of the one I did earlier. It's a bit larger and uses a ready made port.

[@X02switchblades]

Could this be the base for a hobby spray booth?

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

I don't see why not. Just add some filters.

[@bevanstuart9013]

Brad, thanks for your design and video. I have been reading about these types of tables and how efficient they are. Some have suggested that they need a very high CFM like 1200 to catch fine dust from a rather small, under 2 square foot surface. May I ask if you are still happy with the efficiency of your design and what is the CFM of your collector. Thank you for considering my question.

[@loganp7043]

How do you like that ridgid planer I've been thinking about getting that one or the dewalt dw734

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Love it. It's the old TP13002 though. Not available anymore. I've not used the new design.

[@nisa2043]

do a cutting board video

[@acwoodworks4987]

Have u announced the winners of the drawing u had

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Sure did. fixthisbuildthat.com/instagram-100k-giveaway/

[@kenny_speaks]

how did you get younger 6 years in the future? 10/10

[@deanoboland]

👍👍👍

[@lance14ely]

If I'm only using a Home Depot Rigid shop-vac, do you think I'll still benefit much from making this DIY Downdraft Table? I've already made all my cuts and I'm about to build it. I guess I'll find out soon if it works well with just a shop-vac, but I wanted your thoughts. Thank you for your input and the build idea!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Lance Ely it should work well with these smaller dimensions. I don't know what the size limit is, but anything under 24x24 shoudl be good. Let me know how it works!

[@lance14ely]

Thank you, will do!

[@ronron8464]

Great project & vid work! Ron, Littlewierdshop

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks, Ron!

[@jasonroach8751]

What table saw do you have?

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Jason Roach it's a Sawstop Industrial.

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

i need to make me one of these. So much dust!! lol

[@droost]

@2:03 It looked just like you were about to cut your hand off with the way the camera was angled, I literally screamed out "Nooooooooooo!"

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Yeah, I wouldn't recommend to do the cut that way...or to cut your arm off :)

[@hectorheath9742]

Why make it so deep? A shallower box would have increased the pegboard suction.

[@samuelpuckett7954]

Don’t care for tall sides since some things I sand is longer than 24”

[@larryeuteneier5877]

Susan was right You do look a lot different Minus the hat and the beard

[@helenross2375]

Don’t cross your hands on the miter saw ,,,gives me shivers you’ll cut. Off your hand

[@protect.your.digits.creations]

Great video , A down draft table was on my to-do list and yours is the one to build ,, Thanks Gregg PYD Creations

[@ToomasLubja]

"how to cut off your hand" @1:58

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

+Toomas Lubja I actually did cut it off. Had to edit that part out and mask in another hand. It was crazy.

[@BennettPictures]

CGI hand rebuilds aren't cheap these days!

[@GongaDuck]

Good thing he had that CA glue and put some Brad nails in to hold it so the glue set.

[@tob19]

Fix This Build That, you could probably remake one judging on your amazing ability

[@thewoodbandit3287]

I saw that. When we give advice (and this is a great build and nicely done) we need to be sure we promote proper safety. Cross over handling is not a good idea to pass on.

[@kalan4787]

The only part I don't get is how you made it to adulthood without learning how to make a hinge from duct tape. That's a basic crafting skill

[@竹内功一朗-m5k]

私も以前から使用していますが、やはり上にゴミが溜まります、幾ら吸引力を増しても改善されない、やはり、ホッパー式にしないとダメみたいです。

[@l.k.1011]

Americans and their nail guns... ^^

[@Loop307]

You never use the fence in the miter box together really beginner mistake