Makera Z1 Review – CNC Machining for the Masses
Cyclone Dust Collector Lite
Makera Cyclone Dust Collector Lite
The Cyclone Dust Extractor is probably the most vital of Makera’s accessories. Yes, the machine can work without it, but having something to vacuum up your waste materials is extremely handy. Plug the machine into the Makera Z1, and it will hoover up bits as they are shaved off your stock. While it won’t gather up all of your bits this way, it will make things a lot easier to manage.
At the rear of the Dust Collector, we have its main air intake, a power input/switch, and a connector port. This connector can be used to control the dust collector unit using the Makera Z1. This allows users to turn on this add-on using their Z1, which means that it will only be active when machining jobs are in progress. Note that this can be overridden using the knob on the front of the unit.
Included with this unit are several hoses and attachments. This unit can be used effectively as a hoover/shop vac to remove waste material from the machine. The exhaust of this unit can also be directed into the Makera Z1 to help maximise its effectiveness.
Cleanup time
Honestly, this is the most useful aspect of the Dust Collector Lite. Once a job is finished, or before changing bits, you can unplug the intake hose from the Makera Z1 and use it to clean up its work area. While unplugging and reconnecting this hose to the Z1 is annoying, it is much easier than having a dedicated vaccum nearby the unit at all times to serve the same purpose.
Included with this module are air filters that can be optionally used alongside the Z1’s laser add-on. This acts as a pre-filter to protect/expand the lifespan of the Dust Collector’s other filters. Note that this filter will prevent debris from entering the collector, so remember to remove this once you are finished lasering.
