Cyclone Dust collection

[grantstew8]

*WARNING* I have not:

- built a dust extraction cyclone before
- had any experience or formal training in sheet metal work (and it shows)
- accurately sized the motor or pipe work
- not checked for pressure or air volumes
- got any plans to go into cyclone production
- any aspirations to make it prettier that it turned out

Cave quid legeris

Over the weekend, I've built a cyclone dust collector based loosely on Bill Pentz's design and website
http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/index.cfm

Using some scrap aluminium I had from the donor caravan and a leaf blower I pulled out of a skip/dumpster my cyclone dust collector was born.

It's not pretty, does not look shop bought but is functional and took a week-end to wrestle together. I'm sure if one was to spend a month or two it would look beautiful, with perfect seams and joins.
I really wanted it to be up and working so I can carry on with my teardrop; it too will never look shop bought, however I'm loving the building experience.

[GerryS]

Got to watch static with those things....wow, they will bite you if they aren't grounded

[Treeview]

Gerry,

Have you been snapped by static electricity from a dust collector?

I've followed dust collector discussions for years and read that this is more likely to be a myth. I'd like to hear if someone actually did get snapped...or just repeating stories.

Tom

[Verna]

I have two dust collectors, one in the garage and the other in the workshop. I've never had a static electric shock. Both are Delta models-- one is 1.5 HP, the other a 1 HP model; both have a felt upper bag and both have a plastic lower bag. The workshop dust collector has permanent hose runs, while the garage one has to be connected to the tool being used due to space restrictions. Even moving the hoses do not produce a static shock.

[CarlLaFong]

How come, when I click, I'm told the video is private? Are you naked or something?

[GerryS]

Oh yeah. I definitely have. HARD.

I'm using a festool vac with a dust deputy cyclone. The cyclone itself works great. But willikers! I can consistantly get a good arc...

[Treeview]

I used to get tingles from my shop vac too. Then I took a length of small diameter chain and screwed it to the bottom of the canister. The chain drags around on the floor. After that...no more tingles!

Tom

[Verna]

Oh yeah. I definitely have. HARD.

I'm using a festool vac with a dust deputy cyclone. The cyclone itself works great. But willikers! I can consistantly get a good arc...

Gerry, I used to have a boss who would get an arc when no one else was. It was just something about the guy producing static electricity. We threatened to put a ground wire from the office door to his desk, with a belt that he would have to attach to himself just so he could be comfortable in the drier winter months. I really felt sorry for him Maybe some people are just more prone to static charges than others.

[GerryS]

I don't know....I'm going to try the grounding chains though. I've seen these used on cars and trucks, it can't hurt with what I've got. It's dangerous, not just uncomfortable. The static charge and sawdust isn't a good combination.

[Treeview]

http://www.thewoodnerd.com/articles/dustExplosion.html

Dust explosion and static electricity.

Getting a tickle from a shop vac is different than using a real dust collector system.

Tom

[GerryS]

Tom I was looking for that. Atomized particulate (sawdust, coal, flour) can do some amazing fireballs if the conditions are right..,cyclonic dust collection is efficient but not without problems....

[grantstew8]

Couple of things,' I've checked the settings and it is public, just click the link again.
There is no fear of any naked-ness

As for static and fear of explosion...I don't think I dont work hard enough or cut enough to risk that. It was used in "anger" for the first time yesterday, what a joy! I can highly recommend building it.

[mustangcats]

Doesn't work...says it's private.

[GerryS]

I have tried it with sawdust, but (outside) dip you fingers in flour and snap them to create a cloud over a candle...whoof! Same for grain mills...dust can and does ignite if conditions are right.

I think this is why my cyclone status disconnected until I solve the problem...

Besides that, it hurts!!!

[grantstew8]

I've redone youtube setting and I hope it's now view-able.


This video is rated 18 and over as it contains sharp tools


The only concerns about watching this video are poor humor, redneck workmanship and falling asleep at your pc.