Portable planing machine

An apparatus for performing a forming function on a workpiece, the apparatus comprising:

• a base;
• a plurality of support columns disposed on the base;
• a carriage assembly interconnected to the support columns, the carriage assembly including a workpiece forming element;
• a workpiece support surface disposed on the base and disposed relative to the carriage assembly so as to define a selectively adjustable workpiece opening therebetween;
• one of the carriage assembly and the workpiece support surface being vertically moveable towards the other of the workpiece support surface and the carriage assembly;
• and
• a dust exhaust connected to the carriage assembly, the dust exhaust including a shroud and an exhaust channel, the exhaust channel having a wall,
• wherein the exhaust channel includes a plurality of substantially tapered ribs and wherein the direction of taper extends from an outer end of the exhaust channel to an inner end of the exhaust channel.

A dust exhaust apparatus, comprising:

• a shroud;
• and
• an exhaust channel, the exhaust channel having a wall,
• wherein the wall of the exhaust channel includes a plurality of substantially tapered ribs and wherein the direction of taper extends from an outer end of the exhaust channel to an inner end of the exhaust channel.