Capstone: Portable Dust Collection System

Capstone Project: Portable Sawdust Collection System

Voted “Best Presentation” Spring 2025, Madison College Mechanical Design Technology Program

For our Capstone project, we were tasked with coming up with a unique product that would meet a need in the market. My team decided to design a portable, compact and easy to use sawdust vacuum. Other solutions on the market are either bulky and expensive or corded and aren’t easy to maneuver in work stations.

The Problem:

Sawdust generated while woodworking can cause safety issues, health concerns, and operational challenges. Depending on the workshop, a large sawdust collection system can be expensive and unnecessary. Also, ShopVac and other vacuums can be bulky and can’t be used at the same time as another machine.

Conceptual Design

Shell and Interior Assemblies

3D Renderings of Exterior

Final Design

Product Details

Shell Assembly:

Protective aluminum main body
Easily detachable dust catcher
Removable lid for maintenance
Handle for carrying

The Solution:

Our product is a compact, fun, and easy-to-use sawdust vacuum. The DustMate is able to collect dust as you use other tools. The compact design allows it to be out of the way but still effective. The flexible hose helps reach any position while you work, collecting sawdust as it is being made.