DIY Cyclone Dust Collector

by SEB TECH DIY

84K54435

Intro: DIY Cyclone Dust Collector

What i like about cyclone collector system is that you never lose suction, and 97% of dust/debris goes in the bucket so you don't have to clean the shopvac filter every time you empty the bucket. I designed mine with 2 clamps so it's fast and easy to empty the bucket. Also, i added a led light system so you can easily see when the bucket is full. I designed my cart vertically, it take less space in my small woodshop.

I tried to build this dust collector with materials i had on hand at the lowest possible cost. I had to buy the plastic cyclone dust collector, and with my low budget i opted for the china version. You can choose the original Oneida here : https://www.oneida-air.com/ or the china knockoff on Ebay/Ali ( I do not want to start the debate between the original version and the knockoff version, you choose the one you prefer. ? ).

STEP 1: MATERIALS :

  • - Plywood 5/8 ( i used leftovers )
  • - Cyclone dust collector
  • - 5 Gallon bucket ( 18.92L )
  • - Piano hinge ( Hardware store )
  • - 2 small toggle clamp ( Ebay or Ali )
  • - 4 casters ( i choosed 2 fixed and 2 swivels )
  • - Spray paint ( black and chrome spraypaint leftovers )

Central Vacuum System ( Hardware Store for theses parts ) :

  • - 2" vacuum pipe
  • - 2" 90° Sweep Elbow (2x)
  • - 2" 90° Short Elbow (1x)
  • - 2" pipe clamp (3x)
  • - 2" Coupling
  • - Joint Cement
  • - 2" rubber coupling with clamps

STEP 2: Sketch Up Model

I've made a "sketch up" model of my project. I'm a beginner with "sketchup" and i forgot to "group" my pieces but still you can explore and see all dimensions in 3d.

STEP 3: LET'S BUILD IT

Start by assembling all the wood parts. Before installing the middle shelf, i put the foam tube around the bucket, because when the toggle clamps will be in use, you will need to have a tight seal between the 5gal bucket and the top shelf for the system to work.

STEP 4: Adding the Cyclone Adapter

Now you will need to make the hole for the cyclonic adapter. You can use an hole-saw or your jigsaw, no need to be perfect here the hole won't be visible.

STEP 5: Assembling Vacuum Pipes

Now let's assemble and glue the pipes. Im using central vacuum pipes because of the low price. You can find theses part at your local hardware store.

STEP 6: Let's Add Some Colors

I had some spray paint leftovers so i decided to add some colors to my dust collector.

STEP 7: Install All Parts

Now let's screw the cyclonic adapter in place, add the toggle clamps and the casters.

STEP 8: LED Light System

I'm adding a LED light system so it will be easy to see when the bucket is full of sawdust. These are automotive lights ,they are waterproof so dustproof.

STEP 9: LED System Test

STEP 10: Final Result.


Yay!! After so many hours, my cyclone dust collector cart is done! Im so happy with the result, and it works!!! You can see it in action here : DUST COLLECTOR IN ACTION. Dust collectors are so useful for workshops, also you save time because almost all the debris goes in the bucket, so you don't have to empty your shopvac so often.

The good thing is you never lose suction power, because your filter stay clean. The way i builded mine make emptying the bucket so easy. With the led system, you know exactly when you need to empty it.

Thanks for reading my instructable. If you like my project please give a like and share with your friend. Thanks for all your support it's always very appreciated.

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16 Comments

Lwrlsr 5 years ago

Hey,
Didn't see where I could buy a cyclonic adapter.

KMAdamers 5 years ago

Hello, WHAT SORT OF VACCUM DO YOU USE? CAN IT COPE WITH A LOT OF BEEF BONE DUST WHILE I CARVE IT PLEASE?

KMAdamers 5 years ago

Hi, I carve Beef Bone on a Dremel rotary tool, producing copious amounts of fine - as well as - course dust particles. I would like also build this design, but am wondering if the vacuum motor can handle continuously running for an hour or more without overheating? Can anyone help?

7575ben 6 years ago

Great design and Instructable. I built one and am having a small problem. Mine will sometimes pull sawdust all the way from the bucket down into the shop vac used for suction. Not 100% of the time just once in a while. Any ideas where I missed something? Thanks

galerdude 6 years ago

This is perfect! Thanks for sharing!!!

DonS89 6 years ago

Great instructable! Can you please provide a source for the LED lights?

DonS89 6 years ago

I found it! Those look to be 12 volt "rock lights" for off-roaders to put under vehicles to light the way. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N8XO4E3?psc=1 Only a little over $1 each.

DavidB302 6 years ago

Clever & simple design, nice use of tools, nice video!

It's exactly what I've been wanting to make for my shop (but didn't know it) - thanks!

Treknology 6 years ago

Love it! I have a Rainbow vacuum cleaner which uses a water trap instead of a filter. When one goes on a massive cleaning rampage, this can turn into mud. I've been thinking about something similar for a while. Now you've inspired me to build it.

Verga 6 years ago

Genius. Great video and instructable. Very straight forward and simple design and constrution. I loved the use of the pipe insulation for the seal.

AA040371 6 years ago

I like it! I see the cord coming from the back to the extension cord which presumably powers the vacuum, but how is the power connected to the LEDs?

valveman 6 years ago

Nice and compact. Plus portable. What more do you need. Great build.

pierrot207 6 years ago

Hello,

Great job, and really smart idea to include a LED system ! One question : can you feel a difference of suction (or airflow) between your shop vac alone and shop vac + cyclone system ???

Thanks,

Pierre

next_project 6 years ago

very cool, i like the led light especially! Great job.