A method of forming a compact includes removing material from a workpiece, transferring metallic dust released during the material removal into a conduit, operating a plurality of slide gates to selectively control movement of the dust from the conduit to either one of a primary collector and a back-up collector, drawing the dust through the conduit to a compactor, and compacting the dust in the compactor.

A method of forming a compact includes removing material from a workpiece, transferring metallic dust released during the material removal into a conduit, operating a plurality of slide gates to selectively control movement of the dust from the conduit to either one of a primary collector and a back-up collector, drawing the dust through the conduit to a compactor, and compacting the dust in the compactor.

An apparatus for collecting dust from a cutting unit is provided. The apparatus includes a rotary valve operatively connected to the cutting unit, a conduit in fluid communication with the rotary valve, and a compacting machine disposed downstream from the conduit and configured to receive dust from the conduit. A blower is configured to pull air downstream to carry the dust into the compacting machine. The compacting machine produces a compact from the dust.

An apparatus for collecting dust from a cutting unit is provided. The apparatus includes a rotary valve operatively connected to the cutting unit, a conduit in fluid communication with the rotary valve, and a compacting machine disposed downstream from the conduit and configured to receive dust from the conduit. A blower is configured to pull air downstream to carry the dust into the compacting machine. The compacting machine produces a compact from the dust.

A deflector apparatus catches debris and deflects coolant spray in a coolant collection area of machine tools having an extended drawtube or bar feed area such as CNC lathes. The deflector apparatus encloses the coolant collection area by covering the opening or access to the area with a door and attached basket. The basket extends into the coolant collection area at an incline relative to the door and interrupts coolant and debris entering the coolant collection area from the drawtube, causing the debris to collect within the basket and allowing coolant to filter through a grate positioned on a lower surface of the basket. A flange with an outer seal extends along part of the lower edge of the door to create a seal between the door and the opening to the coolant collection area. Additional features include a locking mechanism, handle, and reinforcement plate.