Cyclonic Dirt Separator Using Off the Shelf Parts
Intro: Cyclonic Dirt Separator Using Off the Shelf Parts
Whether or not I need something is beside the point. The question is 'Do I want it?'
While in the process or setting up my workshop, I read quite a bit about the Cyclonic Dirt Separator - a device that allows the heavier particles of debris, such as wood shavings or sawdust, to settle to the bottom of a container, while the finer particles go into your vacuum's filter.
I had to have one.
But I didn't particularly want to spend a load of money or fabricate individual pieces. So this Instructable was born, using (almost all) store-bought parts.
STEP 1: First - a Container
STEP 2: The Input
Using the pipe as a guide, trace an oval outline on the bucket that the pipe will slide tightly into. Drill a hole through the bucket and pipe and insert a screw of the minimum length necessary to connect the two together (with the pipe slid inside.) Use silicone caulk to seal the joint.
STEP 3: The Suction Part
The hose from the vacuum goes here. The pick up hose goes to the side connection. You have to come up with a second hose for this; I used a pool skimmer hose that I had. Then again, I keep all kinds of junk - you may not. In that case, you will have to buy something that fits.
STEP 4: The Bottom of the Top Part
I cut a hole in the bottom of the bucket with a sabre saw so that the small end of the fitting would fit. Then using Great Stuff foam, I foamed the inside, around the fitting in the void. It really did have sort of a conical appearance when I got done.
So much for the top container.
STEP 5: The Top of the Bottom Part
That's it.
STEP 6: Put Them All Together
Set the top part on the bottom part with the metal piece sticking through the hole.
Use a bungee cord to hold them together.
Hook up the hoses.
Note the pile of dust, dirt, and foam on the floor. It will be gone soon.
STEP 7: Turn It On...
Two small problems. The assembly hardly weighs anything. I keep pulling it over if I don't chink it somewhere when I am using it. And, secondly, the bucket holds only five gallons, obviously. I have never vacuumed up five gallons of anything at once but it stands to reason I might, over a period of time. There is no reason why the bottom bucket can't be replaced by a larger - twenty gallon, for instance - drum. Also, however much the bottom container holds, you still need to check the vac filter occasionally, That's where the fine dust goes, and that plugs up the filter quickly.
That is pretty much that. An easy project that actually works, costs almost nothing, and uses things you probably already have, if you are a hoarder, like me.
35 Comments
trekr268 4 years ago
rawhitmer 4 years ago
Lynxlady 5 years ago
RangerJ 5 years ago
Lynxlady 5 years ago
ATomId 7 years ago
You know, it's too bad that like libraries where we borrow books, that we don't have exchanges where we can swap, or order junk parts when we need these kinds. Maybe I'm thinking of flea markets, but a lot of needed parts no one would think of taking to a flea market. Kind of like an maker/creator recycling center maybe?
RangerJ 5 years ago
ironsmiter 12 years ago
let cure.
Instant fix to the low weight problem, without making it unmovable
(10-15 lb free-weight plate should work ok too.
An unintended benefit to this design is, it makes your standard shopvac into a high-class wet/dry shopvac!
HFHI 8 years ago
Occam would love your idea of using the bottom as a concrete mixing bowl and them simply leaving it to harden in place! Nice and clean. Pun fully intended.
kill-a-watt 12 years ago
I'd probably just get a small import brake drum from the scrapyard pile, but even some round smooth rocks would work.
RangerJ 12 years ago
You are right about the wet/dry benefit. I haven't tried it, but I would think it would keep your shop vac dry while sucking up spills.
Thanks.
CementTruck 8 years ago
Any issues with static electricity buildup?
dodgecityjeff 8 years ago
You could try putting a spiral in the top bucket like the one pictured here
. I think you could make one from another bucket lid
HansGraveman 8 years ago
you can put a legging or something over the dustfilter it will keep the filter cleaner ond easy to remove the dust
stevecinstrfme 9 years ago
What is the advantage to having the larger vs. smaller pieces separated? What's wrong with having them all in the same container?
RangerJ 9 years ago
It depends on what your are vacuuming up. In typical workshop applications, you get a very fine dust that winds up in the filter, a coarser dust that goes into the bottom of the shop vac, and a bunch of splinters and larger stuff that goes in the bottom tank. Separating the debris allows you to run the vac a lot longer before dumping it, and if you mount the cylonic part on a large (20 gal or so) container, it may be months before you have to dump that.
kboles 9 years ago
Here's a connector similar to the one on the side.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2000899/9634/212-...
RangerJ 9 years ago
You're right. That is a good substitute for the one I used. Thanks
RadioFreeRich 10 years ago
Very nice, simple design! Where did you find the black, hose fitting mounted to the side of the bucket...that's an especially nice detail.
RangerJ 10 years ago
Rich:
I got the fitting off of a whole house vac that had kicked the bucket. It does make it a lot nicer. I haven't found any where to get a similar fitting, sorry to say.