Dust extractor

Makita says that industry should be aware the HSE is now policing the use of correctly specified dust extraction systems and failure to meet the correct standard can result in heavy fiscal penalties.

The new Makita VC3211M has a large, stainless steel tank with capacity for 32L of dry and 27L of wet material. The 1050W motor generates a maximum airflow of 3.5m³/min and a maximum suction of 22.0kPa. Suction power can be varied by a simple power dial on the control panel.

A new design of automatic self-cleaning filter system includes twin three-stage filters comprising pre-filter, damper and powder filter. Reverse air-flow is used to clean the filters in turn so that on this new Makita extractor at least one filter is always in operation. The effective filter system includes an air-flow sensor that emits warning alarm when the air-flow is reduced by near full tank or blocked filters.

Coupling Makita power tools to this new M-class dust extractor is simple. The suction hose connects to the dust intake port, or extractor accessory on the power tool, and the power cable is plugged directly into the extractor. This 'power take-off' provides both 110 and 240V connection. With the Makita VC3211M extractor powered up, the on-off switch on the power tool controls the parallel operation of the extractor so that any time the power tool is generating dust in operation, the extractor is automatically working to gather the dust for optimum operator protection.

Weighing just 17.6kg the Makita M-class extractor is easily manoeuvrable on two main wheels and a forward castor which also has a locking brake.