Side Project: DIY Cyclone dust collector

[dave d]

I've been eyeing a cyclone system for a number of years and finally thought I should just go buy the small unit called the "Dust Deputy." The problem is, it costs way more than I think it should (and I've said before that I'm pretty thrifty about some things). So I did a quick google search and found a guide to making your own, done by my local guy Matthias Wandel. We used to work at the same place. But that's another story...

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So with just a few scraps of wood and two buckets (purchased from a you-make-it wine store for $3 each) I went to work. I did spend a few bucks on some pipe fittings too, but had some central vacuum 2" pipe so overall it was still cheap.
This is the inlet where the dust enters the top bucket.

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This shows the hole in the bucket, and the Thien-baffle.

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Showing the dust inlet where it will be mounted on the top bucket.

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Top bucket placed on the bottom bucket that catches the dust. The red lid has a hole cut in it to fit through, and the top bucket is screwed to the outer rim.

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The whole set-up, ready for action.

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After the sucking (!) the vacuum is empty. The dust around the bottom is dirt/water crusted on and has been there since I can't remember when.

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The vacuum filter is also empty, or nearly so. (but dirty as the devil's cellar, as it hasn't been changed in 5 years.

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Aha, the pile of dust that was previously on the floor, is now all in the bucket.

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What's the point of all this? When the dust filter gets clogged, the efficiency (suction power) of the vacuum is vastly reduced. This prevents that, plus it is actually a bit easier to empty a bucket than a shop vac, and the dust from the filter doesn't fall all over the floor now.
Further improvements: I need to put the bucket on casters or get a flexible hose to connect the bucket and vacuum. Otherwise, I'm pretty pleased with this DIY project that took just a few hours to do.
cheers

[Dave Bagwill]

Nice diy DD!
Dirtier than the devil's collar - LOL-worthy!

[ken cierp]

Way cool project! Should be a way to make a less complicated inlet fitting -- I'm thinking about it.

[dave d]

It could be simplified I'm sure. Phil Thien, the creator of the Thien Baffle, has a simple version on his website at http://www.jpthien.com/cy.htm showing some vacuum ports that can be attached to a lid of a garbage can. I think I've got the parts for that laying around somewhere. If I can find them I'll give it a spin (no cyclone pun intended).