1. Why Dust Control Matters on a Router Sled
Router sleds generate massive amounts of dust and chips, especially when flattening wide slabs or epoxy river tables.
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Health Impact: Fine dust particles (<2.5 µm) pose a serious risk to your lungs and eyes.
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Project Quality: Dust contamination can ruin epoxy finishes and polyurethane topcoats.
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Cleanup Time: Without proper collection, cleanup can take longer than the flattening job itself.
Whether you’re working with a shop-vac or a 2HP collector, a good shroud makes all the difference.
2. Design #1 — DIY Acrylic Dust Hood
Cost: ~$25
Materials: ¼" acrylic sheet, piano hinge, magnetic strip, or weather-stripping.
Pros:
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Clear visibility of the router bit and sled.
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Easy to build with basic tools.
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Adjustable height to match any cutting depth.
Cons:
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Time-consuming (≈2-hour build).
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Prone to static cling unless anti-static sprayed.
DIY How-To in 4 Steps:
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Cut acrylic panels to size.
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Create a 3-sided box with an open base.
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Add a hinged top lid and flexible skirt.
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Attach a 2½″ dust port to the rear or side.
Great for hobbyists or budget builds, this classic design balances cost and function.
3. Design #2 — 3D-Printed Modular Shroud
Cost: ~$15 filament
Pros:
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Modular snap-on system for different hose sizes (50mm, 63mm).
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Easy color-coding of router bits and skirt height.
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Lightweight and easy to replicate if broken.
Cons:
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Requires 250×250 mm+ print bed.
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PETG or ABS filament is recommended for durability near motor heat.
Perfect for makers with a 3D printer and some modeling experience.
4. Design #3 — SpeTool S01002 Dust-Collection Shroud
Price: $120.99
Compatible with: 90% of routers (Bosch, Makita, DeWalt), fits directly on SpeTool Cratos S01001 sled.
Key Features:
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Dual-port system: 2½" main + 1½" reducer.
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360° clear lid: Impact-resistant polycarbonate for full visibility.
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Flexible brush skirt: Captures both chips and fine dust.
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Fast install: Tool-free in <2 minutes with 6061-T6 aluminum clamp.
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92% dust capture (at 350 CFM, internal testing).
- Quick-swap skirt modules and wide router compatibility.
This plug-and-play upgrade solves nearly all dust issues for flattening slabs—especially when paired with the Cratos S01001 router sled.
4.1 Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | DIY Acrylic | 3D Print | SpeTool S01002 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$25 | ~$15 filament | $120.99 (ready-to-use) |
| Setup Time | ~2 hours | ~4 hours | <2 min (tool-free) |
| Visibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Capture Efficiency | 70% | 60–75% | 92% @ 350 CFM |
| Durability | Cracks likely | Reprintable | 5+ years (PC + Alu) |
5. Choosing the Right Hood for Your Shop
| Preference | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Lowest Cost | DIY Acrylic |
| Modular/Printable | 3D Print Shroud |
| Plug-and-Play & Durable | SpeTool S01002 |
Also consider:
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Hose size: 2½″ hose ensures optimal flow rate (>150 CFM).
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Static control: Apply anti-static spray or ground with copper tape for epoxy work.
6. Installation & Alignment Tips
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Mount height = router bit length minus 2 mm → optimal suction with minimal turbulence.
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For epoxy: go slow, use brush skirts to catch large chips, and allow hose purge every 10 min.
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Upgrade: Add felt skirts for finer dust, or use a dual-stage collector if flattening wet slabs.
7. Conclusion & Next Steps
Investing in the right dust collection system for your router sled pays off with:
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Better air quality
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Faster cleanup
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Cleaner finishes—especially on epoxy and fine hardwoods
The SpeTool S01002 offers unbeatable convenience, visibility, and suction performance—especially when paired with the Cratos S01001 sled. Ready to upgrade?
👉 Buy SpeTool S01002 Dust Shroud
👉 Get the Cratos S01001 + S01002 Bundle – Save 17%
Written by: Alex Lin
Senior Woodworking Product Specialist, SpeTool
15+ years in CNC and slab-milling tools
