I’ve been looking at different ways to enhance my dust collector. First I added a second bin to convert it to 2-stage collector. I made it out of a plastic trash bin, and added intake and exhaust pipes onto the lid. However the suction was so powerful that all the dust still went into the plastic bag. Then I started looking into buying cyclone dust collectors. There are several brands on the market that can work well , but they wouldn’t fit my small space. I decided to make a cyclone as an add-on to my dust collector. I knew that if I build it, it might not work well as I’d like. But I have to try it. I was aware of Thien baffle design, but wanted to try the cyclone design first. Materials for the cyclone only cost my about $30, but I spent several weekends working on it. Several of the challenges were working with curves surfaces, deciding on riveting vs soldering vs welder, and debugging it. At the end it worked well, but still have room for improvement. One of the key element is the air ramp which I’ll tweak when I have more time.
Edited 9/17/2009 11:39 pm ET by Quang
Edited 9/17/2009 11:40 pm ET by Quang
Edited 9/17/2009 11:40 pm ET by Quang
Replies
This is a fascinating idea, Quang!
Let us know how it works, I am inspired!
The next question is obvious: can one be built of wood or sheet goods? :)
The next question is obvious: can one be built of wood or sheet goods? :)
Yes, I think it can be built with wood . I don't know how much work needed to build a jig to form the cone
Q
Edited 9/17/2009 5:15 pm ET by Quang
Quang,
That is a wonderment! Like to see the before shot and maybe a construction shot? On rollers? I have an old secondary PM 1.5 DC with dolly construction and what with the rains coming, I think it would be fun to see what I could screw up.
Watching shellac dry on the coast
BB
I could have taken more pictures along the way, but I only took a couple of pictures after I completed the cone. That was the hardest part.
Cool, but 2241 reminded me of a donut maker I once saw. We need a full article on it. Fun stuff.BB
I like it. Could you provide a drawing and some basic measurements.As for the cone, I took sheet metal in high school and think I could do it. But I could make it out of fiberglass with no problems. I have done a lot of fiberglass work and would be willing to share what I know.ThanksAir ramp? do you have some kind of baffle plate in the cone?
Edited 9/19/2009 9:58 am ET by Shoemaker1
OK. I will put together a document with measurements and post it for you. The air ramp is a spiral baffle inside the cone. So far the downward air is so strong into the bin that I have a deflector in the bin also.
Using fiberglass is a great idea.
Q
How on earth did you fasten the baffle?I like the idea of fiberglass!
I use 3 wooden posts with different height, to support the air ramp.
As promised, attached is the document that describes the cyclone. Let me know if you need additional information.
Q
Thanks
Quang,
Your innovation and handiwork continue to impress! This, I think, could eventually turn into an article for the magazine, eh? Very interesting stuff indeed.
Zolton
If you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon
That would be exciting to make it into an article !
Q
Very clever...
Sarge..
Woodworkers' Guild of Georgia
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