Dust Extractors

Woodworking dust, particularly fine particles below 10 microns, is a serious health hazard that can cause respiratory disease with prolonged exposure. A dust extractor captures dust at the source (directly at the tool) before it becomes airborne, which is far more effective than filtering the air after it has already spread through the workshop. In many professional workshop environments in Australia, source-capture dust extraction is also a workplace health and safety requirement.

The class rating of a dust extractor refers to the hazard level of the dust it is designed to capture. L-Class (low hazard) extractors handle general workshop dust above 1 micron. M-Class (medium hazard) extractors have finer filtration and are required for hardwood dust and MDF dust, both classified as hazardous materials in Australia. H-Class (high hazard) extractors provide the highest filtration level for very fine hazardous dust including silica. Hammer Roo stocks M-Class and H-Class models from Mirka and Festool.

Yes, most quality random orbital sanders have a dust port on the housing that connects directly to a dust extractor hose via a standard fitting. Mirka sanders are designed to integrate with Mirka's own extraction system, while Festool sanders pair with the Festool CT range. A direct-connected extractor captures far more dust than a collection bag on the tool and keeps abrasives cutting more freely for longer.

A cyclone dust extractor uses a spinning airflow to separate the majority of dust and chips from the airstream before it reaches the filter, which keeps the filter cleaner for longer and maintains strong suction over time. The separated material falls into a collection bin below the cyclone, while only fine particles continue to the filter. Hammer Roo stocks the Woodfast CD300A cyclone and the Alfarimini industrial cyclone range, designed for high-volume production use.