Axminster AW15AFS Air Filter
The Axminster Workshop AW15AFS is a ceiling-mounted air filtration system manufactured by Axminster Tool Centre Ltd, designed to capture and filter airborne wood dust particles in home workshop environments. The model designation "AW15AFS" indicates its Workshop series classification with "AFS" denoting Air Filter System functionality, distinguishing it from point-of-use dust extraction equipment.
The air filter is characterized by its quiet 95-watt motor that operates continuously to clean workshop air, removing fine dust particles that remain airborne after they escape capture by machine-mounted dust extractors. The unit achieves filtration efficiency of 98% for particles 5 microns in size and 86% for 1-micron particles, making it effective against the fine dust generated by sanding and similar operations.
The AW15AFS is specifically designed for home workshops up to 155 cubic metres in volume, providing ambient air cleaning that complements primary dust extraction systems. The unit incorporates a remote control with three speed settings and three time settings, allowing users to tailor operation to specific workshop activities and continue air cleaning after work has finished for the day.
Technical Specifications
Motor and Power Configuration
The AW15AFS operates from a quiet 95-watt motor running on 230V power supply, drawing minimal power while providing continuous air filtration. The low power consumption makes the unit economical to run for extended periods, including overnight operation to clear airborne dust after workshop activities have concluded. The machine is supplied with a 4-metre mains cable to provide flexibility in positioning relative to available electrical outlets.
Noise Characteristics
The air filter produces noise levels of 61 decibels at speed setting 1, rising progressively with the two higher speed settings. At the lowest setting, the unit operates quietly enough to allow conversation and concentrated work without significant disruption, making it suitable for home workshop environments where noise transmission to living spaces must be minimized. The progressive speed settings allow users to balance filtration performance against noise levels depending on the workshop activity being undertaken.
Filtration Performance
The AW15AFS employs a two-stage filtration system consisting of an electrostatic pre-filter and a main pleated filter. The electrostatic pre-filter captures larger particles and helps extend the life of the main filter by preventing premature loading. The main pleated filter achieves 98% capture efficiency for particles 5 microns in size and 86% efficiency for 1-micron particles, effectively removing the fine dust that poses the greatest health risks through respiratory exposure.
Coverage Area
The unit is rated as suitable for home workshops up to 155 cubic metres in volume, equivalent to a workshop measuring approximately 6 metres by 6 metres with standard ceiling height. This coverage specification helps users determine whether a single unit provides adequate air cleaning for their workshop, or whether multiple units or a larger model would be more appropriate for their space.
Physical Specifications
The AW15AFS has a static load weight of 25 kilograms, requiring secure mounting to ceiling joists or other structural members capable of supporting this weight safely. The mounting system must be installed at least 2 metres above the workshop floor to ensure adequate air circulation patterns and keep the unit clear of workspace activities. The machine measures sufficiently compact to mount in workshops with standard ceiling heights without creating obstruction issues.
Key Features
Remote Control Operation
The air filter includes a remote control unit providing access to three speed settings and three time settings of 1, 2, or 4 hours. This wireless control eliminates the need to access ceiling-mounted controls, allowing operators to adjust filtration intensity from anywhere in the workshop. The time settings prove particularly valuable for setting the unit to continue air cleaning after the workshop day concludes, ensuring airborne dust has time to pass through the filter system before the space is next occupied.
Active Flow Sensor
The AW15AFS now incorporates an Active Flow Sensor that detects when the filter becomes blocked. When blockage is detected, an alarm sounds and the top row of lights on the control panel flash to notify users that filter cleaning or replacement is required. This automated monitoring prevents the unit from operating with reduced efficiency due to filter loading, helping to maintain optimal air cleaning performance. The system resets by holding the 'on speed' button for approximately 10 seconds after filters have been cleaned or replaced.
Two-Stage Filtration
The electrostatic pre-filter and main pleated filter work in sequence to provide efficient particle capture while maintaining good airflow. The electrostatic pre-filter uses static charge to attract and hold particles, capturing larger debris before it can load the main filter. This pre-filtration extends the service intervals for the more expensive main filter, reducing operating costs. The main pleated filter provides the high-efficiency capture of fine particles through its large surface area and dense filter media.
Optional Charcoal Filter
Users can install an optional charcoal inner filter to remove odours and neutralize harmful organic fumes in addition to filtering solid particles such as pollen. This activated carbon filtration proves useful in workshops where finishing operations generate solvent vapors, or where wood species with strong natural odors are being processed. The charcoal filter works in conjunction with the particle filters rather than replacing them, providing comprehensive air cleaning for both particulates and gaseous contaminants.
Ceiling Mounting System
The air filter is supplied with four mounting eyes and can be equipped with an optional ceiling mounting kit consisting of four lengths of flexible stainless steel wire with screw eyes and bolt-up crimps. This mounting arrangement allows the unit to be positioned away from wall-mounted equipment and centered in the workshop space for optimal air circulation patterns. The flexible wire suspension accommodates installation in workshops where ceiling joist positions do not align perfectly with the desired air filter location.
Applications
Home Workshop Air Quality
The AW15AFS is specifically designed for home workshop environments, especially where hand sanding takes place. Hand sanding operations typically generate fine airborne dust that escapes capture by local dust extraction systems, remaining suspended in workshop air for extended periods. The ambient air filtration provided by the AW15AFS removes this suspended dust before it can settle on surfaces, be inhaled by workshop occupants, or migrate to adjacent living spaces in domestic properties.
Complementary Dust Extraction
The air filter functions as part of a comprehensive dust extraction system, always used in conjunction with point-of-use dust extractors connected to individual machines. While primary dust extraction captures the majority of waste at its source, the AW15AFS addresses the fine particles that inevitably escape capture, particularly during tool changes, workpiece handling, and operations where extraction hoods cannot be positioned immediately adjacent to the dust generation point. This complementary approach provides the best overall dust control.
Post-Operation Air Cleaning
The programmable time settings of 1, 2, or 4 hours enable users to set the air filter to continue operating after workshop activities have concluded for the day. Fine airborne dust can remain suspended for several hours after the initial generation event, settling slowly onto surfaces and creating housekeeping problems. Continued air filtration after work ceases allows this suspended material to be captured, resulting in cleaner workshop surfaces and preventing dust migration into adjacent living spaces overnight.
Health Protection
The AW15AFS contributes to protecting workshop users from respiratory exposure to fine wood dust particles, particularly important when working with hardwoods and certain exotic species known to cause sensitization or allergic reactions. The filter's effectiveness against 1-micron particles addresses the respirable size range that penetrates deepest into lung tissue. While not a substitute for proper dust extraction at source, the ambient air filtration provides an additional layer of protection against exposure to airborne dust.
Surface Cleanliness Maintenance
By continuously removing airborne dust particles, the AW15AFS significantly reduces dust settlement on workshop surfaces, tools, and stored equipment. This improved cleanliness reduces the time required for workshop housekeeping and helps protect precision tools and machines from dust accumulation. In workshops where finishing operations are undertaken, ambient air filtration prevents airborne dust from settling on wet finishes, reducing defects and improving final surface quality.