Aug 23 2007
Delta's Excellent Downdraft Table Solution Print E-mail
Written by Ben Jackson   
Thursday, 23 August 2007


Out in the Tool King retail store sits a nice workshop-size Denray downdraft table that always seems to attract woodworkers. It's no wonder either, downdraft tables are a great thing to have in your shop. They are essentially a table with slots cut into it. A motor inside the table creations suction that pulls air down through the slots. The idea is to do dust-producing work on top of the downdraft table which will suck all the dust down before it can get airborne (and stuck in your lungs). Denray produces some of the best downdraft tables in the world and makes models large enough for a commercial wood shop. 

The problem with the Denray is that it is designed for professionals. Therefore, it's expensive (around $3000) and fairly bulky. For the home woodworker, it's just too far out of reach to be a feasible addition to your shop. If you've got the space and the resources to have it, it's awesome. If not, read on. 

Delta AP075 Downdraft TableIf you need a downdraft table only once in a while and don't want to spend the money on a Denray, Delta's downdraft solution may be ideal for you. The AP075 is a 20"x40" table-top plastic box with slots cut into the top of it. However, there's no motor or built in suction-system. The idea is to attach your existing shop dust collection system to the 4" port on the AP075, creating an effective (and inexpensive) downdraft solution. Although it's not nearly as big or durable as the Denray, it's still shop-worthy by all means. Like the Denray, the top is coated with a non-skid surface that helps grip your work.

If you don't have any dust collection system, Delta AP300 Dust Collection SystemDelta has you covered there too. They produce a small dust collection system, model AP300,which is available for under $200 from ToolKing.com

So what are the advantages? Well, you don't have to give up more workshop space for another bulky tool you'll only use intermittently. The Delta is small and light enough to be portable, but as effective as a full-sized downdraft table. Plus, the price is right (ToolKing has it for less than $200). Although it's not nearly as big or heavy-duty as the Denray, it's perfect for hobbyists and weekend-woodworkers. 

 

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