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Most of the time there are heavy dust particles in the avalanche of dust that can be hard to remove from the vacuum filter. Those heavy dust particles can also damage the dust filter. If you are tired of changing your vacuum filter more frequently and want a way out, a cyclone dust collector is an ultimate savior you need. But if you are reluctant to buy a cyclone dust collector you can make it on your own.
In this post we'll cover:
Why Do You Need A Cyclone Dust Collector
A cyclone dust collector is a lifesaving tool for any dust collection system. This simple addition to a dust collection system can increase the lifespan of the vacuum that powers up the whole system and the filter bag. It can trap almost 90 percent of the dust before it goes to the vacuum. It is used to trap particles that are significantly larger and heavier. When you use a dust collection system in your woodworking shop, there will be a lot of heavy and hard particles that will go into the vacuum directly if there is no cyclone dust collector. And when the hard particles go directly into the vacuum it can shatter the filter or clog the vacuum or damage the suction tube due to friction. A cyclone dust collector, on the other hand, mitigates the chance of damaging any components of the dust collection system as it separates the heavy and large particles from the fine dust before it goes into the vacuum.How Does A Cyclone Dust Collector Work
If you want to make a cyclone dust collector, it’s the first and foremost thing for you to know how it works. A dust collector is placed right in the middle of the vacuum and suction tube. It gives your dust collection system two separate collection points. When the dust is pumped in through the suction tube, all the dust particles will go through the cyclone dust collector. For a cyclone airflow created by the centrifugal force within the cyclone collector, all the heavy particles will go to the bottom of the cyclone dust holder and all the rest fine dust will be pumped out of the cyclone dust collector to the storage or filter bag.Making A Cyclone Dust Collector- The Process
Things you will need:- A bucket with a top.
- One 9o degree 1.5” elbow.
- One 45 degrees elbow
- Three short lengths of an inch and a half pipe.
- 4 couplers
- 2- 2” flexible pipe clamps.
- One sheet metal screw.
- First of all, get rid of the bucket handle with a plastic cutting scissor, if there is any.
- Now you have to make two holes on the bucket top; one for the exhaust port and another one for the intake port. To make these two holes you can simply use the short length and half-inch pipe. Then use a pencil to mark the spot you will be cut off; one in the center of the bucket top and another one right below the center. Use a starter drill and then cut the hole off with a sharp utility knife.
- After making two perfect holes, put the short-length pipe into the couplers and place it into the holes. Thus you will be able to give a resistance fit without using any glue. Then from the other side of the bucket top, put the last two straight couplers and attach them to the short-length pipe.
- Then take the 90 degree and 45-degree elbow and attach it together by putting couplers inside one of the elbows. The next thing you will be doing is to attach the elbow to the exhaust port which is below the center. Rotate the elbow or angles in order to place it up against the side of the bucket.
- To make sure, your angles stick tight at the side of the bucket, take the metal screw and drill it through the side of the bucket right into the end of the angle.
- The last thing left to do is to attach the vacuum hose with the exhaust port and intake port. Take two pipe clamps and then the end of your hose end. Mark the center and make a hole. Now the rubber pipe clamps will surely make a nice tight seal.
- Lastly, take the pipe clamps and push them onto the exhaust and intake ports. It will give the hose a tight grip when attached to the cyclone collector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a two-stage dust collector? When you add a cyclone dust collector to your dust collection system, it becomes a two-stage dust collector. The primary stage is collecting heavy and large particles by using the cyclone collector and in the second stage, the storage and filter bags that capture the fine dust make it a two-stage dust collector. How many CFM is required for dust collection? For collecting fine dust 1000 cubic feet per meter of airflow will be adequate. But for chip collection, it only takes 350 CFM of airflow.Final Words
If you want to get rid of clogged filters or performance issues with your vacuum, the cyclone dust collector can be super effective for solving both cases. We have provided the most effective and easy way you can follow to make a cyclone collector. It is also more cost-efficient compared to any dust separator kit available in the market. Then why so late? Make your cyclone dust collector and give your dust collection system an extended life.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
