BOX FAN AIR FILTER For About $40! (How To Build a DIY Box Fan Air Purifier With HVAC Filters!)

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BOX FAN AIR FILTER For About $40! (How To Build a DIY Box Fan Air Purifier With HVAC Filters!)
Fine sawdust floats around in every workshop, potentially causing lung-related health problems. Most dust collectors and shop vacs fail to collect it all. This short video from The Honest Carpenter will show you a great way to turn an average box fan into a homemade air filter/purifier!
Large, single-stage dust collectors are great for picking up wood chips and sawdust--but they're actually prone to pumping fine dust back out into the air.
Also, they're not great for tools smaller than shop planers, joiners and cabinet saws.
Shop vacs, on the other hand, work really well with those tools, because they draw a lower volume of material at a much higher pressure.
However, it can be hard to bring the suction close to the source of the dust--the blade or cutter head. Therefore, a lot of dust both coarse and fine gets blasted out into the room.
This dust can cause lung problems both immediate and chronic!
The best, most affordable way to trap this fine dust is with a homemade box fan air purifier/filter.
You can make these units with just an average 20"X20" box fan, and a couple home HVAC air filters.
I used two 16X20 filters for my box fan air filter. I just built a 1/2" plywood frame with cradles and slides for the filters, and lower lip at the front for the box fan to sit on.
Then, I duct-taped the air filters to the plywood frame to create better draw and suction.
In just twenty minutes, a box fan air filter/purifier can complete multiple full cycles of a small workshop, drastically cutting down on the airborne particulates!
Thanks for watching!
The Honest Carpenter

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Опубликовано:

10 сен 2021

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Комментарии : 584

@SteamRollahh 2 года назад

Great video to highlight the dangers of fine wood dust particles! Just a couple pointers as I've done many experiments with my own box fan filter: 1. Charles Cox has pointed out to not overwork the fan. To add to that, clogged filters will actually force the box fan to pull air from the FRONT corners of the fan, just to blow it out the middle, effectively bypassing the filter media behind it. When this is the case, the box fan is actually counterproductive as all it's doing is blowing dust around the shop. 2. To avoid frequently clogged filters, use thicker filters than the standard 1", if possible. (I use 4" filters) Thicker pleated filters have more surface area of the filter medium and therefore can "collect more" dust. In practical terms, you won't need to change the filters out as often. 3. Try going to a local HVAC supply store (typically for professionals) and start a cash account with them to buy filters. I get mine for a fraction of the cost at big box stores.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Thanks, Woodworks! All good tips 🙂

@roberturrutia4387 2 года назад

Very nice advice, thanks you're a great help!

@raptango_na6199 2 года назад

I built two of these for my house. Never had dust in the house, but the wife hated them.

@Zie_carpentry 2 года назад

👏👏

@AKADriver 2 года назад

Regarding (1) it also helps to shroud the front of the fan so the corners can't act as intakes - use duct tape and cardboard to leave just an 18" circle. You get more efficient airflow that way. Obviously as long as the filters aren't clogged.

@gabeslifestuff9691 2 года назад

As a double lung transplant recipient this is a great way to stay safe and healthy. Don’t underestimate the dangers of dust mold ect your lungs are not easy to replace. I’m blessed to be alive. Thanks for the great safety idea.!

@Zie_carpentry 2 года назад

👍👏

@nickbeats47 2 года назад

When you original lungs went were there gradual tell tale signs beforehand or was it all of a sudden?

@ZeranZeran 2 года назад

I'm glad your still here, and taking your advice to heart. Ready to get this dust, smog, and possibly worse through a filter. Thank you ♥ Hope you're doing well!

@ZeranZeran 2 года назад

@@nickbeats47 I am not the person you asked but I've heard that any sense of "not getting enough" of a breathe, or feeling like deep breathes aren't working is a big red flag.

@Gickygacker 6 месяцев назад

Lol that’s hilarious

@HBSuccess 2 года назад

Use self- adhesive foam weatherstripping on the frame to seal up the cracks instead of duct tape. Makes it much less hassle to change filters

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Thanks Tioga! I’ll grab some for the next change out.

@tonyh7734 2 года назад

the gap isn't an issue, you can just leave it for additional air circulation

@frenchyroastify 2 года назад

Or use painters tape. Peels off easier.

@williammurphy2711 2 года назад

The fan should suck the air filters against the frame. I don't think the tape is doing you any good.

@france976 2 года назад

@@williammurphy2711 What?

@grampsinsl5232 2 года назад

Thanks for putting this out there. A good friend and mentor at work retired and started living his dream, making wood things in a shop he'd built on 40 acres. Within 5 years he developed severe lung disease from fine particulate wood dust, and the last time I saw him was in his coffin. I didn't even know this was a "thing" until then. So this video may actually save lives, and thank you again for making it.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

I’m sorry to hear that, Gramps 😔

@willsheehan2975 Год назад

My dad died from COPD and they said it was from smoking but he swore it was from hardwood dust, it started right after a big project he did

@andyjame2583 10 месяцев назад

It's not as powerful as I thought it would be, but it works very well. ru-vid.comUgkxGjG43--gYqIoT4Xkur2PqCrtbKwTv2h6 There are three options to circulate air, and best of all a remote control for us lazy people. Installation was a breeze (no pun intended). It actually took longer to open the box then it did putting the side extenders on and sitting it in the window opening. It's a perfect alternative when you want airflow, but not the AC. Just might order another one for a different room. UPDATE: Bought another one like I said. They work great. Why not have two...

@jerrys5946 2 года назад

The "This old House" channel had a similar arrangement. They used 4 filters in a box shape with the fan on top, blowing up and drawing air through the 4 sides. They were showing it as a indoor air cleaner. Great ideas, thanks.

@scottyellis3442 2 года назад

I seen that video & made two, one for the house and one for the shop & really impressed with how well they work.

@georgebrandt550 2 года назад

Appreciate this on several levels. Decided 20 years ago that a huge complicated dust collector and ducting was expensive and cumbersome . Hooked shop vacs up to table saw, miter saw and have a single stage for the planner and joiner. Got a ceiling mounted jet air cleaner.. will make one of these to suck up some more dust because there is always more dust. Thanks

@alanwhitsitt5196 2 года назад

This is genius and not just for the shop! I like the idea for allergens in the home! Never would have thought to simply mount a filter to the back of the fan to help with simple allergens. Totally going to use it.

@allenharoldsen9040 2 года назад

I am very grateful to have found this video. I’m a stone sculptor and have hunted for years for a solution to my stone dust problem. It goes everywhere and stays in the air, seemingly, forever. I used your design except with a high volume squirrel cage fan. It’s wonderful. Not quite perfect but as close to it as I can imagine. Thanks

@jameslippert3523 2 года назад

I went even cheaper. I taped 2 20x20” filters to the back side of a box fan in a similar triangular arrangement and cut out triangular prices of cardboard from the box the fan came it. Taped it up with masking tape.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Whatever works, James! 😄

@r0bst4rl1ng 2 года назад

Samesies.

@r0bst4rl1ng 2 года назад

Good for Western wildfire smoke. Improves my indoor air quality significantly according to my purpleair sensor.

@Gbhmagic 2 года назад

Lol thats what i did

@someonespadre 2 года назад

I bought 2 purple furnace filters from the hardware store, about $25 each. Taped one to a box fan for living room, the other for the bedroom. This is for wildfire smoke. It seems to work. It does cut down on the air flow through the fan quite a bit, and the fan vibrates a lot more. The fans are cheap thankfully. I also bought 20x20 which is the perfect size for the typical box fan.

@danalaniz7314 9 месяцев назад

Really great! I saw a video just yesterday about how to build the four filter Corsi-Rosenthal box. I immediately started thinking about how much more practical they would be if they were in slots in a frame for easy mounting and changing. This video is just what I wanted to look for, so thanks a million for showing your version.

@Motomom658 2 года назад

I actually had a old squirrel fan laying around and came across Jay Bates dust filter box build and made one of those. Wonderfully affective.

@malavoy1 2 года назад

If you make it a cube, with one of the faces being the fan, one the 'floor' and the other 4 level 13+ filters, you'll get more dust, and won't overtax the fan. Also, add another slot on each face for a lower grade filter to get the larger dust coming in, saves replacing the higher grade filters frequently.

@terrmaso 2 года назад

Always enjoy your videos 👍 I made mine from a box fan as well, actually round, but 20x20 filters fit perfectly. I made two simple frames to fit around the fan using scraps, 2 left over flip locks and 2 small hinges. I cut the wood for the frame to match the thickness of the cardboard around the filters edge so as to not lose any usable space on the filter. I placed the filter on the front side of the fan and turn it on whenever I am cutting or sanding. It works in conjunction with my dust collector and or shop vac. I also use a mask when doing this because even when all collection measures are in place it doesn't catch everything. I find it is very effective at catching the fine particles and the thin layer of dust you may find the next morning is gone as well.

@justinddunlap 2 года назад

I built this years ago with cardboard triangles top and bottom, to get me through fire seasons. It has multiple layers of tape on it from me cutting off the filters and putting new ones on, but the 8 year old box fan is still going strong.

@ScottDabson 2 года назад

I'm just a homeowner and a carpentry enthusiast . I built one for my basement workshop liked it so much built one for the bedroom. Works great! Improves our sleep with breathing easier and the white noise the fan gives off.

@franciscocruzjr5721 2 года назад

I used the same concept for a section off spot in my workshop. It works well for finishing furniture.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Good to hear, Francisco!

@TYoung-ml7jp 2 года назад

We appreciate your knowledge. Great video! My dad showed me how to do that when I was very young. Works great. I run one in my house to help with dog and cat dander. Of course I just tape the filter to the fan. 😉

@dagneytaggart7707 2 года назад

Love DIY protects that are useful and can really be done by normal people.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Thanks Dagney! I really think everybody can tackle this one, and build any design they feel comfortable with. It’s a very flexible project :)

@G.I.JeffsWorkbench 6 месяцев назад

I like it. Simple & effective. Simplicity & low cost increases the odds that you’ll make & use one.

@keenanwalsh1049 2 года назад

Love the simple and effective idea. I’m going to make sure to check out your other videos on the set up for the shopvacs.

@tracybrislin 2 года назад

Game changer for me. Thank you! Spray booth applications are obvious too.

@edmiller4149 2 года назад

I have been using box fans with a 20 x 20 filter taped to inlet side for many years but I like your design very much!!!

@Hawke301 2 года назад

I have 4 20x20 filters taped together to make a box, and taped them to part of the box that my fan came in for the base. I put the fan on top and taped up the corners. It works pretty well.

@danielmeecham464 2 года назад

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing the idea. I've got some small window fans that I'll make a boxs for. I'll make them small and portable to use them for when I grind metal or cut wood. Thanks again!

@TheExcellentLaborer 2 года назад

Haven’t had a chance to watch the whole video yet. But I will here in a bit. What I seen looks good. I got to go back to laboring. Thanks for the video!

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Thanks, Laborer! It’s a good shop project 😁

@TheExcellentLaborer 2 года назад

@@TheHonestCarpenter just finished the rest of the video. That is a brilliant design! I love how you use that filter. I might have to make me one of those for the shop. Thanks for the video!

@stevesiefken6432 2 года назад

I built a very similar box for one filter. Didn’t stop to think 2 or more filters might be better. Anyway, I am always amazed that it sucks up so much sawdust. 👍🏻

@martinsvensson6884 2 года назад

I actually use a regular vacuum cleaner nowadays with a dust cyclone coupled to it instead of a shop vac. Its much quieter and has a HEPA filter. Has worked perfectly so far. But I probably need to build a fan + filter also.

@stephendall2329 2 года назад

Thank you for the design. I really need to build something to filter my air.

@charleypeyton9270 2 года назад

I've been duct taping 20"x20" AC filters to a box fan for years. Cheap filters in the shop, and HEPA filters in the house.

@linwoodnymph6113 2 года назад

!!! Brilliant!!! I'm going to tape filters to the back of my box fans at home!!!

@matthewhegstrom8478 2 года назад

Out of all of the vids I’ve watched for these I like this design the best, thanks!

@ivanlarin86 2 года назад

So easy, so effective. Thank you for sharing, James! Best regards from Poland!

@LisaKnobel 2 года назад

It also works great for smoke. We had a lot of smoke last summer, so I got a 20x20 filter and just laid it on the suction side of the fan. I really helped lower the particulate in the air. Spend the money for the more effective filter and keep your house cool and smoke free. I think next summer I may experiment with the more expensive deep box furnace filters.

@RobbsHomemadeLife 2 года назад

This is a great idea. I use a single filter, never thought of adding double filters. By the way, I have run a cheap $20 box fan with a filter non stop for over 2 years in my bedroom as my dog likes to sleep in front of it. I only stopped it to clean it and it still runs fine.

@chefspenser1480 2 года назад

Holy Crap!!! Who Knew!?!?! Thank you!!! Another quick, sharp clear presentation. Cheers!

@clarkg9805 2 года назад

I like it, thanks H.C. great idea. Your right, that fine dust is a nuisance, this will greatly help.

@stehir9260 2 года назад

The 3m hammock filter is fairly flexible and offers good small particle filtering in odd shaped situations such as replacing old hepa filters at a reasonable price.

@scottyellis3442 2 года назад

I made one of these a few years back & they really work alot better than I ever thought they would. Mine is a 20×20×2, I used four 20×20 filters 2 inches thick, basically made a 20×20 square box with the filters and put the fan on top blowing straight up & can't believe how well it works. Made another one for inside my house, works great with catching everyday household dust also.👍🏻👍🏻

@corydriver7634 2 года назад

Love this idea, the trapezoid seems like it would make more efficient use of the space and double filter surface while also putting less strain on the motor by restricting the airflow less. I was thinking about making a screw on panel with weatherstripping to span the back and cover the gaps where you used duct tape. Thanks for the idea.

@jeredelmore 2 года назад

Another improvement to reduce the profile, reduce the friction, and increase the airflow/filtration, is to use a single deep filter, like a 5” deep MERV 13, attached flat to the back of the fan (with tape or housing). The deeper filter spreads the friction over a wider surface area because of the pleated folds inside, enabling the fan to push close to its max CFM while maintaining a compact shape.

@joanies6778 2 года назад

I could use this in my basement. Love it!

@maje8ty 2 года назад

I love this idea/design! I will give it a go for my jobsites! Thanks and keep up with the awesome contents!

@rhinomite5203 5 месяцев назад

Great idea not just for wood shop but construction sites etc. nice build 💪🏽💪🏽

@kennglee 2 года назад

I saw one just like that on the PBS show ‘The Woodsmith Shop’. Good for you.

@davebuchanan9761 2 года назад

i have a similar idea in my shop, a big box with a old furnace blower and filters on the sides,works really well

@gordroberts53 2 года назад

Great idea, now I’m sorry I ditched my box fan. Will have to find a replacement. Thanks for sharing.

@khunsainam Год назад

simple idea, great explanation, informative useful video thanks a bunch

@sylviagarces477 2 года назад

I love it, I’m 76 and this old lady will build one. Now to keep the lines straight…

@nevv8581 2 года назад

Thank you for sharing this great idea. I really enjoy how build and share these useful tools. Wishing you and yours a happy healthy 2022. Keep up the great work!

@ls-33wraith33 2 года назад

I love this idea! 💡

@FormerlyKnownAsAndrew 3 месяца назад

I like your design Ethan. Specifically, the taper and the channels for the filter.

@csimet 2 года назад

Great video. I plan to do the same... no large collector, but use shop vacuum(s) with separators and a home-built fan filter like yours to remove stuff from the air. I always use a dust mask when making more than one or two quick cuts... a 3M N95 with breathing port or a half-mask with proper removable filters (P100 and/or VOC filters). You only get 2 lungs.

@nw24153ns 2 года назад

Actually this will make better use of my box fan; I turn it on anytime I'm working in the shop anyways as I love the breeze. I'll have to work on it tomorrow. Thanks!

@brentduplessis5033 Месяц назад

Enjoyed video - learned a lot of the why and what for. thanks

@C2daF 2 года назад

This is such an awesome idea! Thank you for the video and inspiration!

@desklamp1175 2 года назад

Easy and effective build. Thanks

@Valtrach 2 года назад

Very interesting idea, thank you for your time.

@geelleguure8808 2 года назад

Good carpenter. Some greedy people take advantage of others, but you are honest Ans explained a big problem and it’s solution. Thank you for your advice. Many people are not aware of these tiny dust that can cause lung problem.

@WoodInn 2 года назад

Great design. You'll want a filter in front of the fan. When the fan is stressed pulling air though back filters, it will actually draw air in from the sides on the front side of the fan. (Mathias Wandal has nice video on this.) After yours runs for a while you will start to see a buildup of dust on grill around the periphery of the fan blades. That is from dirty air getting sucked in the front and pushed back out.

@Zie_carpentry 2 года назад

Yessss sir

@gracefool 2 года назад

Wouldn't this stress the fan more by blocking the outflow?

@sylviagarces477 2 года назад

@@gracefool good question, very good…

@jasonbillin9149 2 года назад

Thanks for this! It's gonna get colder soon and I am looking to make something.

@jwstanley2645 2 года назад

Thank you. I've done this in the past and checked this video for... It seems your opinion is the filter works better if the fan pulls air through the filter instead of pushing it through. I also appreciate the comments of others.

@pemtax557 2 года назад

Great idea ... nicely done!!

@sandywoolf2883 2 года назад

Great video! This kind of air purifier is still very good to use. I bought a renhotecic brand purifier at the time, and it felt very good to use. If you need it, you can prepare one.

@user-em6ie2be7x 2 года назад

Yeah that's how it works for me too, you start out wanting to build something Basic but Functional, But then you think I can give it a little style as well.😉

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Always, W! 😁

@clarkg9805 2 года назад

So true, I fight the , Lets make it better monster, spending twice as long as I had planned on.

@mattorwin6560 2 года назад

Thanks for the cool idea to supplement my dust extraction. Cheers from Perth, Western Australia.

@aequitas0118 2 года назад

very savvy, def saving this video and def may make this down the line, thanks!!

@868_4_Life 2 года назад

Man I am so happy I subscribed to your channel months ago. Love your presentation style and how simply you break things down. Please keep up the great work.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Thank you, That! Will do 🙂

@09H03C 2 года назад

The shop is looking great, Ethan! This box fan filter design is a great idea.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Thanks, Ian!! Glad to finally have it wrapped up 😄

@wompstopm123 Год назад

very nice, using 2 filters in a triangle formation. genius

@valdius85 2 года назад

Great content. That's easy to make for everyone. I'd worry about the fan itself, but not too much. :)

@rickerickson1134 Год назад

Thanks, I’ve always Ben thinking I need to spend hundreds for proper filtration. Also you explained well the hi volume low pressure vs low volume hi pressure. Been hearing that lately from other forums, and now I get it!

@TheHonestCarpenter Год назад

Thanks, Rick!

@brianvannorman1465 2 года назад

Thanks for the idea.

@RRA556 2 года назад

Wow. Your shop looks great!

@angryzombie8088 2 года назад

2 in 1 air filter fan absolutely love it.

@Bhrazz 2 года назад

I'm gonna build one, this is great!

@jayrpyne7067 2 года назад

Short ... sweet ... functional. Thanks.

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Thanks Jay!

@Rusty_ok 2 года назад

I just use a 20” filter bungee strapped on the front of a box fan from Walmart. Works great and it is astonishing how much dust this will collect in just a few minutes. In my micro shop it probably circulates/filters most of the air in a couple minutes. I will set it on the bench right next to a sanding project and it almost eliminates dust it the shop. I did make a quick and easy cardboard shroud inside the grating that blocks the corners on the outlet side to force all air through the filter.

@RS8XB Год назад

LOVE this. gonna build this asap

@MustangWriter 2 года назад

What a great idea! Thanks pal!

@Resto-Rob Год назад

Awesome! Thanks for the I formation. 👍

@omnarasi9637 2 года назад

Excellent idea. I plan to do it soon. thanks, HC.

@matthewcitino2869 6 месяцев назад

I built a box fan air filter works, a while ago its works great! I have a shop vac but don't use it to collect saw dust off my saws. I have my saws just hooked up to used regular household vacuums I picked up at garage sales and thrift stores. I just do wood working as a hobby. Just my way of saving money. It works out well.

@timothycreasy2161 2 года назад

I simple solution for a serious problem. Very good idea !!

@thomascarhart928 2 года назад

Yes use one now just the basic but I love the design simple and functional 👍👍

@TheHonestCarpenter 2 года назад

Thank you, Thomas!

@dougdiplacido2406 2 года назад

Great idea Ethan. Thanks for the idea.

@JackKirbyFan 2 года назад

Genius. I am so glad you cover dust in a shop. It's incredibly dangerous and I always wear a full face respirator as much I can tolerate when in the shop in addition to a dust filter, shop vac and dust collector (for the bigger tools).

@jobacuda4472 2 года назад

You're right about the danger, Dave. Be especially careful if you are working with kiln-dried Western red cedar or redwood. I once got what they call "red cedar asthma" while building an arbor. It gave me an appreciation for what asthma sufferers go through.

@1AXMRDR 2 года назад

I built something similar with a smaller commercial fan blowing straight up that sits on the floor. It is surprising how much 'stuff' collects on the filters. I remove and take the filters outside and blow them off with an air compressor to save $. I also have several cyclones on my equipment with a large roll-around cyclone/shop vacuum system. Being prone to sinus infections mandates controlling dust. Thanks for sharing.

@SoulOfVr 2 года назад

helped a lot with never ending sneezing I was having thanks!

@jimcooney9019 2 года назад

great design thanks........... thanks for sharing the video

@zlancenyc 2 года назад

I used to just tape them to the box fans and I run 2 of them in my shop. I started using one back before I got into any woodworking because I have asthma. But it would be great to improve my design