Blast Gate for Dust Collection

Maximize your dust collector’s extraction efficiency by completely sealing off unused duct runs and concentrating full vacuum suction exactly where you need it.

This design was originally built to solve a common workshop problem: controlling blast gates installed high overhead or in hard-to-reach locations. Featuring built-in attachment points for a cable release and a return spring, this gate can be actuated remotely from your main workspace.

Key Design Features & Flexibility

• Hybrid or 100% DYI Build or 3D pints: Build it fully DYI using the 3D prints or use them as templates; or use 3D printed ports and spacers paired with 1/4" MDF flat plates for an ultra-smooth sliding surface.

• Low Friction Design: All major plate parts are designed at 0.25" thickness, while the perimeter spacers are set to 0.27" thickness to prevent binding. (Pro tip: Apply a thin layer of paste wax to the contact faces for butter-smooth actuation).

• Remote Cable or Manual Operation: The integrated slider tabs feature two dedicated mounting points (only one side is needed):

• Large Hole: Accepts standard bicycle brake cable or pull cords, complete with a dedicated cable routing groove built into the spacer.

• Small Hole: Fits a medium tension return spring to automatically pull the gate closed when released.

• Manual Pull Option: If mounted within reach, attach high-visibility red and green pull cords through the cable holes to easily see the gate position at a glance.

• Multiple Port Options: Includes STL options for both 1" depth ports (ideal for rigid ABS lines) and 2" depth ports (ideal for flex hose clamping).

• Small Printer Friendly: Includes full-size STL as well as pre-split options for the main slider plate so it can be printed on standard bed sizes.

Note: I originally built mine fully from scratch out of 1/4" MDF, so I not fully sure how a full 3D printed setup will hold up.

Hardware Required

• 4x 3/8” Bolts, Nuts, and Lock Washers

• 8x 3/8” Flat Washers

• 1x Bicycle Brake Cable (optional for remote actuation)

• 1x Medium tension spring (~4–5” compressed length for auto-close setup)

• 2x #2 or #3 x 1/2" Pan Head Screws and optional washers

• Paste Wax (recommended for friction surfaces)

Assembly Notes & Tips

• Alternative Spacers: If you choose to cut wood spacers instead of using 3D-printed spacers, add an extra washer at each bolt location or select stock slightly thicker than 1/4" to maintain the clearance gap.

• Fastener Torque: Do not overtighten the 3/8" main assembly bolts. They should be snug enough to prevent air leakage, but not so tight that they pin the slider plate.

• Glued Ports: When gluing the port tubes to the outer plates, ensure they seat completely flush with the slider plate face. Coat the slider plate with paste wax before assembly; this prevents excess CA glue or epoxy from bonding to the moving plate.

• Cable Guide Mounting: Mount the cable guide using #2 or #3 screws on the outer plates opposite the cable anchor tab. Check screw tip protrusion on the inside face—add small washers under the screw heads or trim the screw tips flush to prevent scraping the slider.

• Seal Check: For high-vacuum systems, a light bead of silicone sealant along the outer seams of port tubes to maximizes seal efficiency.

Dimensions

• Overall Span: 17.87"

• Main Outer Plate Radius: 8.00" (from bolt hole)

• Outer Plate Length: 9"

• Port Outer Diameter: 4.00" (0.1875" wall thickness)

Print Settings

• Material: PETG or ABS/ASA (Highly recommended for workshop durability and impact resistance. PLA can work for templates or light duty).

• Layer Height: 0.12mm to 0.20mm

• Infill: 20% or higher (Gyroid or Grid recommended).

• Wall Loops / Perimeters: 4+ (Extra perimeters add far more strength than high infill percentages alone).

Explore More Workshop Upgrades

Browse my full catalog of custom adapters, dust collection fittings, and workshop jigs here:

• Workshop Tools and Jigs:                         https://www.printables.com/@DPs_Designs_4882792/collections/3599922

• Workshop Dust Collection Fittings:  https://www.printables.com/@DPs_Designs_4882792/collections/3599928