In educational woodworking facilities, proper dust extraction isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about creating a safe, healthy learning environment where students can thrive. Recently, Egmont Air had the privilege of transforming Mt Maunganui Intermediate School‘s Wood Tech facility with a state-of-the-art dust extraction solution that has revolutionised their learning space.

The Challenge

Mt Maunganui Intermediate was undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment of their technology rooms, which included addressing their outdated and underperforming dust extraction system. The existing setup was leaving teachers and students exposed to problematic respiratory dusts that lingered in the classroom from hand-sanding and various machines without proper dust extraction connections. The result was not only a messy floor but also potential health concerns for everyone using the space.

The Collaborative Approach

Working closely with Tectum Consulting in Bay of Plenty, a firm with whom we’ve partnered on numerous successful projects, we were engaged to design a modern dust extraction solution with additional reserve capacity for future expansion. Our team conducted a thorough analysis of the school’s needs, calculating their total airflow requirements and recommending the most appropriate system for their particular application.

The Solution

After careful assessment, we installed a turn-key system featuring:

• High-Performance Fan: Delivers generous airflow suction to effectively capture dust at its source
• High-Efficiency World-Class Filtration: Ensures clean air throughout the workspace
• Reverse-Cleaning-Fan Technology: Maintains filters in optimal condition for consistent performance
• Dedicated Sanding-Suction Bench: Provides powerful down-flow extraction of airborne dusts
• Multiple Extraction Points: Allows connection of all machines and tools

The new Egmont FMM Series system offers substantial benefits including:

• Value-for-Money: The best centralised extraction solution for educational woodworking facilities
• Generous Filter Surface Area: Eliminates leaks for clean air discharge
• High-Efficiency Filter Media: Effectively captures fine saw and sanding dusts
• Modular Construction: Future-proofed for upgrades or changes
• Durable Galvanised Panels: Ensures years of reliable service in outdoor locations
• Compact Design: Requires minimal space with a small footprint
• Automatic Cleaning System: Maintains filter-sleeves in optimum working condition

The Results

The transformation has been remarkable, as described by Joe Stodart, Hard Materials Teacher at Mt Maunganui Intermediate:

“The system is working awesome… it’s going great!”

The school now enjoys: “Really good suction at machines, and the floors and air in the room are clean.”

A standout feature has been the suction sanding bench: “The suction sanding bench is incredible. The way that it pulls the dust away and keeps the air in the room clean is fantastic. We’re using it a lot, and it’s great to have a dedicated area for sanding.”

The system’s expandability has already proven valuable: “Having extra dust extraction outlets is good too. We’ve added extra machines, and it’s brilliant being able to have everything connected—great system!”

Beyond Dust Collection: Environmental Responsibility

The installed system not only creates a cleaner learning environment but also meets environmental responsibilities under the Resource Management Act for discharge emissions. Additionally, with the optional Eco-Power System featuring variable speed drive technology, schools like Mt Maunganui can achieve substantial energy savings—up to 50% with just a 20% reduction in fan speed.

Creating Healthier Learning Environments

Egmont Air understands that educational facilities require specialised solutions that balance performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Our dust extraction systems for schools are designed to:

• Create clean and healthy workshops
• Ensure efficient extraction of dust and shavings
• Prevent build-up that can cause blockages or result in rework
• Reduce wear and maintenance on cutting tools
• Meet all environmental regulations

The successful implementation at Mt Maunganui Intermediate is just one example of our commitment to improving air quality in educational settings across New Zealand, combining European quality with local expertise and service.

If your school’s woodworking facility could benefit from a similar transformation, contact our team today to discuss your specific requirements.