Ventilation Calculator
Professional ventilation calculator for woodworking shops. Calculate air exchange rates, CFM requirements, dust collection needs, and air quality optimization with comprehensive safety and health analysis.
🌬️ AIR QUALITY SAFETY NOTICE
Proper ventilation is critical for woodworking safety and health. Wood dust, chemical vapors, and poor air quality can cause serious health issues. Follow OSHA standards and ensure adequate air exchange for worker protection.
Ventilation Analysis Parameters
Shop Type & Activity
Shop Dimensions
Ventilation Requirements
Dust & Contaminant Sources
Environmental Conditions
Ventilation Analysis Results
Configure your shop dimensions, activity type, and environmental conditions to calculate comprehensive ventilation requirements and air quality analysis.
Air Exchange Rates
Calculate optimal air exchange rates for different woodworking activities to maintain healthy air quality and remove contaminants effectively.
CFM Requirements
Determine precise CFM requirements for exhaust fans and makeup air systems based on shop size, activity, and occupancy levels.
Dust Collection
Size dust collection systems and calculate capture velocities for effective removal of wood dust and particulates at the source.
Health & Safety
Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and maintain safe air quality levels to protect worker health and prevent respiratory issues.
Climate Control
Balance ventilation with heating and cooling needs to maintain comfortable working conditions while ensuring adequate air quality.
Energy Efficiency
Optimize ventilation systems for energy efficiency with heat recovery, variable speed controls, and demand-based operation strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
General woodworking requires 4-6 ACH, dusty operations need 6-10 ACH, finishing areas require 10-15 ACH, and welding areas need 15-20 ACH. Higher rates are needed for operations generating more contaminants.
Calculate CFM = (Shop Volume × Air Changes per Hour) ÷ 60. For a 600 sq ft shop with 10 ft ceilings needing 6 ACH: (6000 × 6) ÷ 60 = 600 CFM minimum exhaust capacity.
Yes, for every CFM exhausted, you need makeup air. Without it, you create negative pressure causing backdrafting, reduced efficiency, and comfort issues. Makeup air should be 80-100% of exhaust CFM.
Size based on simultaneous tool use and required capture velocities. Table saws need 350-500 CFM, planers 400-600 CFM, sanders 350-450 CFM. Add 20% safety factor and account for ductwork losses.
OSHA requires wood dust levels below 5 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA), adequate general ventilation, local exhaust at dust sources, and respiratory protection when engineering controls are insufficient. Follow 29 CFR 1910.1000.
Use variable speed drives, demand-controlled ventilation, heat recovery ventilators (HRV), proper ductwork design, and zone control. Consider air filtration to reduce outdoor air requirements.