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DIY Miter Saw Hood Dust Collector Tent

Boy, do I love to build and create with wood. I think I come by it honestly because many in my family line are carpenters or just enjoy the craft. However, what I do wish would disappear is DIY glitter…sawdust…my nemesis. I love seeing it fly in the air because it means something good is about to happen. However, cleaning up said goodness gets old. Today, I’m over-the-moon excited to show you my latest upcycle – a DIY miter saw hood dust collector (say that five times fast…tsk).

Sun Tent for Baby Upcycled into DIY Miter Saw Hood | prodigalpieces.com

Yes, your eyes are correct, that IS a sun tent for a baby. Before you jump to conclusions, the only babies around here are my tools. Over the last few years, I’ve tried purchasing a dust collector for my workshop. They are kinda pricey and I was looking for used. I still aim to get one, but thought I could get away with just getting a saw hood. Well…those run around $200 smackers too. Ouch.

Just as I am about to purchase one after saving my pennies for a time, I did a quick internet search to compare costs. That’s when I found a GENIUS tutorial by The Handyman’s Daughter. I literally did a head-smack when I saw it because I kept using bed sheets or other spray tents without success. The sheet did the best job, but I knew there was a better way, and less expensive too.

Cutting Lumber with Miter Saw | prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

First, let me say that I everything I use to create this is from what I have on hand. If you want to know the steps to do this from scratch, see The Handyman’s Daughter tutorial linked above. For me, I knew I could whip this up quick with scrap and remnant parts. When we built my workbench it was supposed to be just for that…a workspace. However, I was gifted my miter saw not long after and have used it for mainly that since then.

Ultimately, my future goal is to build a table just for that with out-feed and also a spot for my table saw. Coming soon!! Until then, this suits my needs. Never-mind the mess, k? We’ve been building our patio sectional, remodeling our dining area, and so much more.

Miter Saw with Shop Mess | prodigalpieces.com

Blast Out of Saw Dust | prodigalpieces.com

Also, you can see from the back side that there is a layer of dust. This isn’t the half of it though as I had a piece of cardboard up to deflect most of my messes. Plus, I just recently cleaned. oy! So you can imagine what it’s like after a few weeks of building.

NEXT STEPS

Next, in order to get this set up working to suit my needs, I attach two brackets leftover from my boys’ bedroom remodel. This won’t be the permanent place for my saw, so I’m making this easily removable.

Brackets for DIY Miter Saw Hood | prodigalpieces.com

Then, I found a perfect size piece of leftover flooring from our garden shed remodel last summer and attach it to the brackets.

Waffleboard Plywood Shelf for Miter Saw Hood | prodigalpieces.com

Here’s the key to dust collection…while the board supports the tent, there’s one more step that The Handyman’s Daughter did as well. She used a special ducting part, while I’m using my shop vacuum’s flooring attachment. I use it to trace a hole then cut with my jigsaw slightly wider to fit the attachment.

Tracing Vacuum Duct for DIY Miter Saw Hood by prodigalpieces.com

Once the hole is cut, I place the tent on top to know where to make a hole. I take my sewing scissors and snip an “X” just a hair smaller than the hole. Say…AAAHHHHH. hee hee hee!

Hole for DIY Miter Saw Dust Tent Hood by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Here it is with the vacuum hose attached from underneath.

Shop Vacuum Attachment for DIY Miter Saw Dust Hood by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Finally, if a gal’s gonna add some function to her workshop, she might as well make it cute, eh? I just love Moriarty! Yes, I named him and the hilarious thing is the name came to me and suited him. But I also looked up the meaning of the name and in Irish it means “Sea Warrior”. PERFECT!!

Larissa of DIY Miter Saw Hood Dust Collection System by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #tools #woodworking #workshop #tools

Repurposed Miter Saw Tent DIY Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #garage #tools

Isn’t he adorable?!  Complete with teef (my littlest used to say that), eyes, blowhole on top, and…the best part… a tail. eep!

Whale Tent Tail | Miter Saw Dust Hood | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy

So, I spent $20 bucks on a tent, used all materials I have on hand, and I’m officially saw dust freeeeee! Here is a peek after cutting a 1 x 4″ piece of lumber. Nothing compared to what I normally fuss with.

Saw Dust Collection | prodgialpieces.com #prodigalpices

Baby Tent Used for DIY Miter Saw Hood Dust Collector by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #woodworking #tools #diy #workshop

Oh, and I also used a scrap pool noodle from my pool noodle upcycles to keep myself from bruises. Anyone else always on the move with constant battle wounds?

Side View Miter Saw Tent Dust Hood by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Got questions? I’m eager to answer any and offer help. This was such a fun and rewarding project for me. I’ve already purchased plans for building mobile lumber storage and building another table for my saws.

Whalte Baby Sun Tent Used for Miter Saw Hood | by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

In addition, do pin and share my DIY miter saw hood dust collection system. Let’s make DIY even more fun!

Make your own affordable and easy to install DIY Miter Saw Hood Dust Collector | Head to prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #woodworking #tools

Up next, this vintage find is ready for a refresh. See the new look OVER HERE!

Handmade Vintage Wooden Cradle Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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Also, more projects like my DIY miter saw hood:

Thinking about installing wood kitchen counters? Head to Prodigal Pieces for choices of finishes, plus tips & tricks | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #farmhouse #kitchen #reclaimed #home #homedecorGrab those old louver doors and get your build on! You can create this upcycled louver door corner shelf with a few basic supplies and the right tools. Come get the tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces at prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. ColleenB>~TX. says

    What a clever idea on your dust collector.
    Can’t wait to see what you do with that darling baby cradle. I have one almost like it stored in my shed that I need to do something with.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I’m so excited at how well it works and so easy to set up. Yes, I’m hoping it comes out as I am planning. 😉

  2. Rebecca - NC says

    Ingenious!!! And it is adorable too!!! Win, win!!!! ? I immediately thought Sherlock Holmes nemesis “Moriarty,” but I like yours much better! Instead of obsessing over the demise of Sherlock, yours obsesses over the demise of sawdust!! ??

    • Larissa says

      haha! That’s what my kids said. 😀 I don’t know what made me think of the name, but I wanted it quirky and fun. tee hee! Thanks so much. No more sawdust mess…whoopppeee!!

    • Larissa says

      Right? I’m so glad I found her idea. My spray tents weren’t the right size.

    • Larissa says

      Tell hubby to get you one! It saves me oodles of time, stress, and is healthier too.

  3. Mary Loveland says

    Oh oh, saw one of those Moriarties on sale yesterday…..going to zip out and see if they still have it! YES, I get hit in the hip by the handles on my table saw table all the dang time, why didn’t I think of using a piece of noodle. Thank You so much, here’s to easier breathing and less bruising…….

    • Larissa says

      Girrrrlll…you sound like me! 😀 haha! I hope you get a tent and some noodles.

  4. Dee says

    Just too cute! You are beyond resourceful, you are genius!!!

    • Larissa says

      And you are too kind. I’m so glad The Handyman’s Daughter had the idea and that I could create my own too. woot!

  5. Riya Sen says

    This is a great idea for a dust collector for a miter saw. I have a similar one that I made from a piece of plywood and a PVC pipe. It works great and I don’t have to worry about dust getting all

    • Larissa says

      It saves me soooo much trouble. Glad you have one to enjoy too!

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