HF Dust Collector Mods

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ctubbs

ctubbs

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I have mentioned a few times previously in other threads about my conversion of a Harbor Freight DC unit. Here attached is a pdf with pictures about what I did. Before you look, it is something I threw together. It is not a thing of beauty, but it works. There are things that need changing so it is still under construction. Please do not be too mean about my carpentry skills or lack there of.
If it is of any use to any of you, there is no copyright on this information that I know of. Use it anyway you wish. Conversely, there is no liability assumed. Use at your own risk. Good luck.

If this is helpful, I have also built a somewhat better looking air cleaner that I will photograph and publish under the same conditions. Use in and for your good health. Respectfully submitted by Charles Tubbs. All comments, corrections and suggestions gladly and gratefully requested and accepted. I got thick skin.
Charles
 
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Cool! Thanks for sharing this file Charles. Lots of great tips in this file. I love the wood knobs added to the bolt heads to allow access without tools - great idea that can be used in many place in the shop. The baffling method is another great idea that I have not seen before.
 
Thanks for putting this up. I've been fighting with myself for a long time about what to do with dust collection and this gives me a lot of ideas I hadn't previously considered. I'm currently setup with a high power shop-vac and mini-cyclone system but I don't get the CFM I need to grab chips while turning. The HF would help solve some of that without breaking the bank. Thanks again.
 
Great setting. If I had enough space in my shop be sure I'd bothered you with unfinished questions...:smile:

Thanks for sharing Charles.
 
The baffle you are using looks very similar to the one designed and developed by Phil Thien. ... http://www.cgallery.com/jpthien/cy.htm. This baffle is an excellent design and works miracles in helping to keep the canister filters cleaner.

IFfolks used the lid and baffle as is shown on Phil's website on a pre-separator it just might surprise them in it's simplicity and use. Used in line with one's dust collection equipment, the DC impellers become completely protected from damage ... like when the vacuum is hungry and ingests a chunk of solid debris such as a blown blank or knot hole, etc. This will happen to us all sooner or later and the cost of making one of these lidded devices is far, far cheaper than replacing the DC or fixing the impellers. Wait until you vacuum the shop and suck up a metal nut or screw and the thing blows a hole in the collection bag ...

Placing the baffle into the bottom of a JET or Harbor Freight metal input ring will also help to keep the filters clean. But, using a complete pre-separator with this device is amazing and IMHO is the proper way to go.

Another great reading on all you might want to know about dust collection is from http://billpentz.com//woodworking/cyclone/index.cfm :cool:
 
Fred, that is the person I was trying to think of. For the life of me, I couldn't remember where the original plans came from. I am not above stealing an idea, but I do try to give credit. Mr Thien did much trial and work to come up with the baffel. Mine is moded to work in my can, otherwise, it is his design. Again Fred, thank you for remembering Phil's name for me.
And for all, thank you for the kind words and looking.
Charles
 
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