Massive Static sparks in dust shoe

[cropwell]

Hi Martin,

Static is generated when the cutter pulls the material (like a Wimshurst machine). The charged particles travel up the tube and at some point have enough voltage to generate a spark. I would tackle this issue with some urgency as the spark could ignite the dust and cause an explosion in the dust collector. As Clive says, the best way is to provide a path to earth as soon as possible to get rid of any static build up. I would suggest that the collector pipe from the shoe to the flexible hose be replaced with an earthed metal tube, Aluminium would look good. Running an earthed bare wire up inside the flexible as well would help.

Looking at the rest of the machine, I would guess that you are justifiably proud of the aesthics of the design and build.

Cheers,

Rob