This project was built and designed by Clinton from Specific Love Creations. It’s a compact and practical air filtration setup that uses a box fan and a standard filter housed in a custom-built frame to improve air quality in the shop.
Dust is one of the most common frustrations for woodworkers, and even with dust collection systems in place, fine particles often linger in the air. Clinton’s solution is budget-friendly, beginner-accessible, and surprisingly effective for clearing airborne dust from a garage or workshop.
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Why Dust Collection Matters
Every woodworking project creates dust—whether you’re ripping lumber on the table saw or hand sanding a project before finishing. While vacuums and shop vac attachments help capture debris at the source, they rarely eliminate all airborne particles.
Clinton highlights that lingering dust isn’t just messy—it can be hazardous to breathe in over time. His approach adds a layer of filtration that works passively while you continue working in the shop.
Basic Materials and Concept
The design centers around a floor fan that pulls air through a furnace filter. The filter and fan are housed in a lightweight wooden frame that’s easy to build with scrap material or basic lumber.
This setup doesn’t rely on advanced tools or expensive hardware. A few 2×2 or 1×4 strips, screws, and a standard-sized air filter are all it takes to start improving your shop’s air quality.
Building the Frame
Clinton begins by cutting wood strips to length using a miter saw. These form the perimeter frame that holds the fan and filter in place. He recommends drilling pilot holes before driving screws to avoid splitting the softwood, especially when working with pine.
After building the outer frame, he adds extra bracing to increase rigidity. These supports not only make the frame more stable but also help create a housing space for optional upgrades like a back panel, storage shelf, or decorative trim.
Shop Safety While Building
As part of the build, Clinton shares safety reminders when using power tools—especially the table saw. He stresses the importance of using push sticks, maintaining full control of the workpiece, and staying aware of potential kickback.
While the frame is a simple build, these reminders are helpful for new woodworkers and serve as a good refresher for more experienced builders.
Installing the Fan and Filter
Once the frame is complete, the fan and filter are inserted into their designated areas. The fan is positioned to draw air through the filter, maximizing airflow and allowing the system to run efficiently while you’re working.
Clinton notes that a filter with a large surface area works best. The more surface you have, the more particles you can trap—especially the fine dust that tends to linger after sawing or sanding.
Adding a Window Screen Layer
To protect the filter and extend its life, Clinton installs a layer of standard window screen material in front of it. This mesh acts as a pre-filter, catching larger particles like shavings, cobwebs, or fibers before they hit the main filter.
The screen is easy to cut and staple to the frame, and it’s an inexpensive way to improve performance over time. You can even remove and clean it periodically to help the system work longer without replacing filters.
Finishing the Project
With the functional parts in place, Clinton adds a coat of paint to seal and protect the wood. He experiments with layered finishes—starting with orange and topping with brown—to create a rich, cherry-like appearance.
Painting is optional, but it adds personality to the project and helps protect the wood from moisture or dust buildup over time. This is especially helpful if you plan to leave the unit on the floor or mount it near ceiling beams.
Testing and Performance
To test the build, Clinton peels the plastic off the filter, plugs in the fan, and lets the system run. The airflow is strong, and it quickly starts cycling the air in the workshop. Over time, filters will visibly collect dust, showing how effective the system is even without complex parts.
Placement is flexible—you can position it on a shelf, mount it on a wall, or suspend it from ceiling joists using hooks and brackets. Its light weight makes it easy to move around the shop as needed.
A Simple Upgrade with Big Impact
For woodworkers who spend long hours in the shop, this air filtration system is a simple but valuable upgrade. It helps reduce the amount of dust settling on surfaces and floating in the air, improving both cleanliness and comfort.
Whether you’re working in a garage, basement, or full-sized workshop, this project is a worthwhile addition. It’s quick to build, affordable, and easy to customize based on your space and needs.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Clinton’s channel: