Through the wall exhaust fan for shop

[ironrailsbud]

Hi all...I am trying to figure out if I could construct an exhaust fan that would go through my shop wall . I've seen good ideas here on constructing dust collectors from box fans(which I have done), but I'm looking for a cheap way to exhaust fumes from my propane gas heater and dust etc. to the outside.
I've found a commercial exhaust fan from J & D Mfg which is shutter mounted variable speed for $126.67, which ain't bad, but money is tight.
I like to build my own jigs, shop items, etc. when I can.
So anyone got any ideas about exhaust fans for the shop ?

thanks

[wood-n-things]

I made one from an old squirrel cage fan from a furnace. it was actually variable speed. on high it would suck yer hat out the hole...LOL You can by the louvers that move at Lowe's to keep weather out when not in operation. I built a box around it that I could cover when it was really cold outside. I don't live there anymore or I'd share a pic.

[ubgoofy2003]

Hey, Bud, that's a good idea, but, propane & dust don't mix, I don't think. Do you have your propane tank outside? Just a safety thought. Once you cut that hole in the wall be prepared to install something, HA. A box fan sounds like it would work, as long as you can replace it, if need be. Good Luck Perk

[georgewoodie]

ironrailsbud:

I recently converted an overhead vent fan [from a stove application] to blow dust away from my scroll saw.

I later found various size fans built into short sections of metal duct. These looked pretty good and had I known, I would have gone that route.

I found them in a new/used surplus store that deals with city folk and a lot of farm trade as well. Seems that farmers have to do their own repair and improvisation if they want to stay alive. If you have any such outlets in your area, you might find what you are looking for there.

However, be ware that electric motors with brushes could end up being a fire hazard where hydrocarbon fumes are present. That is gasoline, propane and other light product.

Woodie

[ROBaUSA]

My outside wall of the garage was not insulated. I tore out the dry wall installed insulation and framed in an exhaust fan just like your describing. It's not as good as having a full dust collection system but it dose remove all the fine dust and paint dust that is harmful to me. I can pick up the heavy sawdust with a shop vac. The micro floating particles is what hurts you.

[Rick-H]

Seems like a trade. You are going to exhaust the warm air with the dust and exhaust fumes outside. But that will pull cold air in to replace the air you are exhausting. The heater is trying to warm the air you are in so the exhaust fan can push the hot air back out and replace it again with cold air.
An exhaust fan pulls air, warm or cold, it cannot just pull dust and fumes and leave the heat.

[jowshu98]

Rick picked up on exactly what I was thinking. All of your hard earned money is going to go right out that wall. Unfortunately this scenario sounds like an accident waiting to happen. It does not take long for CO (carbon monoxide) to build up which is why your looking to put a fan in. Propane heaters in an enclosed environment are never a good idea. I would look into what other heating options you might have that will keep these deadly fumes away from you. Those of us working in garages and the likes should always remember this and have a CO detector installed (unless of course you actually park your car in it). Also, please don't forget to change your smoke detector batteries on November 1. Not trying to preach to anyone, (I'm an inspector with our State Fire Marshal's Office) and just want to see everyone play safe.

Don

[ironrailsbud]

Thanks all for advice.
Propane tank is outside...but the bigger question now is what do you heat your shops with if propane, etc. is not recommended ?
I hope not electric as that would break the bank.

thanks,

[jowshu98]

Bud,

It's not that propane is bad, it's the byproducts of combustion that are not vented properly. It really comes down to what type of appliance you are using. If you are using anything that exhausts into the area you are working in then this is not a good idea. You want all exhaust to be properly vented to the outside and for the unit to be properly installed. An in the wall heater or ceiling mounted unit that is properly vented to the exterior should be fine. Check with your local fire or building dept. as they might be able to help you out on your specific situation.

[JohnB]

G'day Bud,
I'm not sure what size your workshop is, but a flueless heater should work fine. They are popular in OZ, and when run on natural gas are cheap to operate.

Thankfully, Heating my shed is not a great problem. I just have a small electric heater which I place pointing at me, on those 7 - 10 days that it gets a bit chilly, I also use it to dry finished items on those same few days.

I use an exhaust fan in my spray booth, a 10" kitchen type, but bearing mounted.
It works well for removing fumes.