Small vacuum?

[Bernard]

Any recommendations for a small vacuum to clean particles off the layout? In drilling through the foam board to add wires to either the track or for lights, pieces of foam come up and splatter around the layout. I'm not looking for a "Dirt Devil" type vacuum, it's too strong and the nozzle is too wide.

[Guest Closed Account 1]

http://www.micromark.com/SearchResult.aspx?deptIdFilter=0&searchPhrase=vacuum

 

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[railzilla]

Don't use a drill for the foam board. Just cut or punch trough for the cables. I never drill or saw  foam boards. Cutting is faster and cleaner.

[KenS]

If you can cut or punch, that's preferable.  But there are times when drilling is necessary (e.g., foam glued above wood, or cutting deep into a large chunk of foam).  And if you discover a need to re-shape some foam, that will raise dust too.

 

I generally avoid this by shaping, cutting and drilling before I glue foam down, so I can work away from the layout and use a shop vac for cleanup.  When I can't, I've generally used "canned air" to blow the dust away from the layout or to an area where I can use the big vacuum (carefully), but I also have an old and rather weak "dirt devil" type I used where more precision is needed.

 

But it sounds like you're working with a small amount of debris in an area with delicate scenery.  I don't have that problem, yet. There are very small vacuums for cleaning computer keyboards.  They probably wouldn't pick up chunks of foam, but if all you have is dust, those might work.

 

Something like this (if you have a computer or USB adapter handy to power it):

http://www.amazon.com/Vacuum-Cleaner-hoover-Laptop-Keyboard/dp/B000MVD55E

[cteno4]

I have a couple of little hand vacs meant for computer cleanouts. they do ok for small cleanups of when working on little scenery bits, but not very good for larger scale use.

 

the best thing i have to do heavier work like trying to clean up foam in a more controlled fashion than the shop vac is to use this little attachement kit

 

http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Vacuum-Attachment-sold-Miniatures/dp/B000BSJCLY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1298924138&sr=1-1

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Micro-Tool-Attachment-Kit-Kirby-Vacuum-Cleaner-/250777192820?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a637c4974#ht_1173wt_743

 

i got this years ago and has been great. got it at some discount store for a few bucks like 20 years ago. i have another hunk of vinyl tubing that i have to extend it.

 

btw you can get the little usb guys for $2 on ebay. i have one i use for just cleaning up things im filing or the smootz in my little work trays. brush is nice to help clean but does suck up some of the crap, but does not pick up a whole lot, but handy.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-VACUUM-KEYBOARD-CLEANER-PC-LAPTOP-COMPUTER-B93-/280606346391?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4155710c97#ht_3732wt_1198

 

also you can get a cheap powered usb hub to power stuff like this on your work bench.

 

cheers

 

jeff

[cteno4]

just ran across this little intersting vacuum. made to catch small parts when vacuuming. might be useful to find those small parts!

 

dont know how well it would collect scenery material for reuse. other little mini vacs usually have a bag as well, this one just looks like it separates the dust/dirt/puzz from the small pieces.

 

http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/PROD/power-tools/XUP3-NSP102

 

cheers

 

jeff

[Guest Closed Account 1]

Does it look like a vacuum end and woman's nylon stocking that was found after the weekend?