Tools and Reviews Dust Collection Close the gates before horsepower is gone Too much buildup at the blast gates can prevent a dust collector from doing its job. Find out how one reader keeps system his sawdust-free. By WOOD Magazine Staff WOOD Magazine Staff Launched in 1984, WOOD® magazine is the world's most trusted woodworking resource — a distinction we've earned by guaranteeing our readers' success in their woodworking shops. It is the mission of our staff to inspire and inform woodworkers at every stage of their journey by providing reliable and accurate project plans, woodworking techniques, and product reviews. WOOD magazine's Editorial Process Published on December 12, 2016 Within months of setting up my dust collector, I started having problems with the plastic blast gates. The corners of the housing that the gates slide into fouled with sawdust, making it impossible to completely shut the gates. Consequently, the collector became less effective because of leaks. To make these gate housings self-cleaning, I clipped the closed corners, as shown, to give the dust a means of escape. The slight draft through the corner holes when the gate is open doesn't noticeably take away from the collector's power.—Val Ingraham, Norcross, Ga. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit