Mr. Sharpco,
Wood and metal dust collection systems are in principal basically the same. Please see:
http://www.bessex.com/forum/showthread.p...34#pid4434
However there are very important safety considerations:
It is not a good idea to use the same system for wood and metal dust collection. Mixing fine metal particles with wood dust can be real fire hazard, especially if any oil mist and/or sparks are involved from the metal grinding. Fine metal particles will oxidize, and wood dust combined with oxides of aluminum and steel, especially combined with oil and/or varnishes and glue from wood is a recipe for disaster.
Additionally, very finely ground iron rich metal particles are pyrophoric, meaning the can ignite by simply being exposed to aerobic environments such as air. This is not the same as glowing sparks produced by the friction of grinding. Unless the goal is a fire, mixing pyrophoric combustible metal dust, glowing sparks from grinding friction, wood dust and varnish residue is contraindicated.
http://bessex.com/forum/showthread.php?t...60#pid4260
Another difference between metal and wood dust collection systems are the types of filters used on the output side. Metal dust can be extremely fine and is not beneficial to inhale. Metal dust filters are very fine and can be expensive. If possible it’s best to vent outside the workspace so only our backyard friends like beautiful birds and delightful little chipmunks in the vicinity of the exhaust can be adversely affected.
While venting outside and specialized metal dust collection systems can be logistically and/or financially prohibitive respectively, a simple cyclone separator and/or forcing the collector airstream at the surface of water can go a long way in both fire prevention and greatly reducing metal dust in the shop environment. These simple systems can be constructed for a reasonably minimal cost as I mentioned in the first link above.
It's way better to at least do something rather than nothing.