What is the removable panel on the back of my Unisaw for?

[tijmt]

I am restoring a 34-350 Delta Unisaw and I noticed a panel on the back of the Unisaw in the stand connected with 2 screws. (On the parts list, it is called a plate with a part # of 1087070)

Does anyone know what this panel is for? Since this model does not have a plate between the base and the body of the saw, is it to sweep out dust if the cabinet fills up or maybe something else?

Thanks for looking!

-Jared

 

[Tarhead]

That's where my dust collector is attached. I had to fab up a sheet metal housing.

 

[Charles Lent]

An early attempt by Delta for a dust collector attachment point. They offered a 4" round to rectangle fitting to attach to this. I don't think is was a very popular addition, so finding one now may be unobtanium.

Charley

 

[tijmt]

Thanks everyone! I thought that might be the case and was looking at the rectangle to 4in hose adapter below. Given the cost, I bought one to try.

That said, I wonder how effective a port would be down in the base. Older models of the saw had a floor in-between the base and the body of the saw so folks often cut in a dust port into the body.

I guess I could build a ramp to send dust down into the base and possibly put a floor under the base and see how that works

Amazon.com: POWERTEC 70150 Rectangular Dust Hood for 4-Inch Hose: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: POWERTEC 70150 Rectangular Dust Hood for 4-Inch Hose: Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

 

[tijmt]

@Tarhead How did the fab you did work? Did you have any issue with the port being that low in the saw? Did you make a ramp or internal baffle or anything?

 

[Tarhead]

It's OK and would be better if I rigged up something extra for above the blade. I use 6" flex from the back of the saw base to a 6" mainline so it takes up some floor space behind the saw. I sealed the motor side in a plywood box and use a zero clearance throatplate 99% of the time. The bulk of the airflow for the dust collector comes through the louvered panel on the front and goes out the back so the inside stays very clean.

 

[tijmt]

Just in case anyone finds this thread in the future. I tried the Amazon part above and it is too big for the opening. In addition, I realized that I can't use that port if I am going to put the saw on a mobile base. I guess I will just seal it up and cut a dust port above it!

 

[Oka]

Just draw up a sketch with dimensions and have a local hvac guy break one for you ...... if you have the thing drawn, probably charge you 30-50 bucks to fab it up for you. I would use 22 ga .......... or if you need help send me a sketch of the oening size and how long is the clearance you have and which way you want it to exit out, and I can sketch it up for you if you need help.....