Sander vacuum housing and pad frame system

Abstract

A sander vacuum housing and pad frame system is provided for generating unique, continuous air flow for dust collection in a sander coupled to a dust collection system, while providing the versatility of a pad frame system. The system has particular application to a pad frame system for supporting sanding pads having varying characteristics, but is not limited to such a system. The system comprises a vacuum housing configured to be coupled to a motorized sanding mechanism of a sander for moving the vacuum housing in a sanding motion. The vacuum housing defines the upper portion of a dust channel. The dust channel in the vacuum housing is configured for connection to a dust collection system. The system further comprises a pad frame configured to be coupled under the vacuum housing for moving the lower surface of an attached frame in a sanding motion. The pad frame comprises a sanding pad for supporting sandpaper. The vacuum housing defines air flow dust ports, which may be proximate the upper surface of the attached pad frame in a lower portion of the vacuum housing. The dust ports permit a continuous flow of air during dust collection from a region outside the vacuum housing proximate the upper surface of the attached pad frame, through the vacuum housing dust channel, and to the dust collection system. Airborne dust proximate the dust ports will be drawn continuously into the dust collection system.