Rikon Air Cleaners

Air cleaners (also known as air scrubbers) are an important component of any complete dust collection system. Ideally, all dust would be collected at the source, but some dust always eludes even the most effective primary extractor.

How should I position my air cleaner?

Choosing the location for your air cleaner is just as important as ensuring it’s sized correctly for the volume of your workshop, or the efficiency of the filter media. Here are some considerations to help obtain the ideal six to eight air exchanges per hour and ensure your cleaner functions as efficiently as possible.

1. Rather than installing your air cleaner in the middle the shop, position it along one of the longer walls. You want the intake to be around one-third of the distance from a short wall.


2. Consider your machines and how effective their primary dust collection is. As an example, if you do a lot of turning, position the intake close to your lathe.


3. The cleaner should be located close to the wall; less than a foot is ideal. In addition to being better for efficiency, this makes it less obtrusive.


4. If you have sufficient headroom, install the cleaner about 7' to 8' above the floor. In a shop with a low ceiling, 2/3 to 3/4 of the ceiling height is an acceptable compromise.

The goal is to achieve efficient circulation around the perimeter of your shop parallel to the floor and ceiling.

Should I use a dedicated circuit?

With 15 amp circuits, you need to be mindful of what else is operating on the same circuit. A small handheld tool might not be a problem, but a table saw or planer could trip a breaker. Add up the numbers when deciding where to plug in your machines. If you need to use an extension cord for your air cleaner, ensure it’s the correct gauge and keep it as short as possible (both good general practices).

How do I know when to clean or change the filters?

Regular maintenance of the filters is recommended; as they clog with dust, the airflow declines dramatically. The prefilter is easy to clean by gently vacuuming it with a crevice tool. Keep the level of suction low to prevent damage. Replace the prefilter when you can no longer clean it effectively or if it becomes damaged. The bag filter inside the machine should be inspected periodically and can be gently washed to extend its life. We don’t recommend blowing out the filters with compressed air, since it can damage them if you’re not careful and defeats the purpose of having an air cleaner in the first place. Be sure to unplug the cleaner and wear a dust mask when cleaning or replacing the filters.