Project Information
This is a dust collection improvement project I've had on my list for months. I first saw this design in Shop Notes #137 last September. I have a 1.5 HP Jet system for my tools needing serious collection, thickness planer, 6" jointer and drum sander. However, for everything else in my shop I have been using, for years, a cheap Rigid 3.5HP shop vac. I simply moved it around reconnecting to my table saw, router table, random orbit sander, etc. as needed. This was a PAIN, especially attending to the filter in the shop vac. None of these needed the heft of the Jet (which was on the other side of the shop), but still needed something reasonable.
This thing is a significant upgrade for me in this regard. Associated with this build I also acquired a new 6HP, 11amp Rigid shop vac. Much more powerful than the small one I have been using for 5 years.
So, I piped up the new shop vac to one side of the Dust Deputy cyclone and the other side has 2" PVC piping allowing for connection to my table saw and router via the floor level leg. I also provided a wye connection that allows a smaller takeoff, 1.5 inch, for my sanders (random orbit, spindle and disc/belt).
In addition I also acquired an auto switch so both my table saw and router table automatically turn on the dust collection when the equipment is started. LOVE IT!
One small nit with the design as published in Shop Notes. The author talks about using paper yard waste bags for the collection. The design of the internal chute requires a yard bag that will fit around a 18"x12" opening. The advantage of the paper variety is they stand up unsupported, making them easy to deal with when installing. Every single paper bag I have found is 16"x12". I don't know where the author got his bags. So I've just resorted to using a plastic bag that easily fits around the chute, held in place with a little duct tape.
Lastly, I forgot to take some bloody pics of the internals before I buttoned everything up. So I've include a screen shot from my Sketchup model.
This thing is dead simple to use. The middle compartment fills up with dust from the bottom of the cyclone. The little window in the front let's you monitor the level. When appropriate, you simply slide out the white (in my case) gate to let the dust drop down into the bag. Push the gate back in and continue. Then when appropriate you simply replace the bag.
This thing is a significant upgrade for me in this regard. Associated with this build I also acquired a new 6HP, 11amp Rigid shop vac. Much more powerful than the small one I have been using for 5 years.
So, I piped up the new shop vac to one side of the Dust Deputy cyclone and the other side has 2" PVC piping allowing for connection to my table saw and router via the floor level leg. I also provided a wye connection that allows a smaller takeoff, 1.5 inch, for my sanders (random orbit, spindle and disc/belt).
In addition I also acquired an auto switch so both my table saw and router table automatically turn on the dust collection when the equipment is started. LOVE IT!
One small nit with the design as published in Shop Notes. The author talks about using paper yard waste bags for the collection. The design of the internal chute requires a yard bag that will fit around a 18"x12" opening. The advantage of the paper variety is they stand up unsupported, making them easy to deal with when installing. Every single paper bag I have found is 16"x12". I don't know where the author got his bags. So I've just resorted to using a plastic bag that easily fits around the chute, held in place with a little duct tape.
Lastly, I forgot to take some bloody pics of the internals before I buttoned everything up. So I've include a screen shot from my Sketchup model.
This thing is dead simple to use. The middle compartment fills up with dust from the bottom of the cyclone. The little window in the front let's you monitor the level. When appropriate, you simply slide out the white (in my case) gate to let the dust drop down into the bag. Push the gate back in and continue. Then when appropriate you simply replace the bag.