Introduction: Make a DIY Dust Collector

About: http://www.youtube.com/c/AndrewWorkshop

In this Instructables learn how to make a DIY dust collector for under 30 dollars (not including the price of the vacuum). It requires cone like device called a "Dust Deputy" that makes the whole system work. The one I am using is a knock-off one that I ordered online. I will put a link in the materials section.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Materials:

Tools:

  • Drill
  • Caulking Gun
  • Screw drivers

Step 2: Video

Here is a video I did up of the whole system working and put together. Written directions follow:

Step 3: Putting the Dust Collector Together

The assembly of the dust collector is very straight forward. However depending on which version of the cyclone, it can have a different connector sizes. The one I have is metric so to find fittings was a challenge as imperial is much more common in North America. I attached the 2 1/2" to 1 1/2" reducer to the top of the cyclone. Since the opening was metric and smaller I built out the tube using tape. It only took a few turns to make up the gap until the reducer fit snug. For the intake, again tape was used to build it out so the 2 1/2" coupler would fit.

Depending on your vacuum system you might need different size couplers or reducers, your hardware store should carry most of these fittings.

A hole was drilled into the top of the lid of the bucket that matched the size of the bottom of the cyclone. Bolt holes were also marked and drilled so the cyclone assembly could be attached tightly. A bead of silicone was applied before the lid and cyclone were mated together and tighened.

The cyclone assembly was placed over the bucket and the suction hose from the vacuum was attached to the top of the cyclone and a second hose was fitted to the intake part of the cyclone. See the pictures.

The system is now ready for testing.

Step 4: Testing the Dust Collector

Check of leaks when you turn on the vacuum and if there are any, use tape to seal them up. The performance of the dust collector was excellent. I would say it captures 90% of all materials sucked up. You can hear the larger particles swirl around the cyclone and then drop into the bucket.

For 30 dollars a well worth investment!