This is a off-the-cuff dust extraction project for the workshop. The unit sits between the dust source (table saw, mitre saw, router table etc.) and the workshop vacuum to collect all the saw dust and wood shavings. The shop vacuum (ALDI Taurus) simply provides the sucking power.

Basic items required and scrounged from around the backyard:

Fence stain bucket (empty)
Hanging pot planter
Garden pot saucer
Short length of PVC plus elbow

From the bottom:

The paint bucket, hanging pot planter and the saucer.

They stack nicely inside each other.

No sealing is required as the vacuum suction will pull everything together.

The saucer will have…

 

 

 

 

 

some MDF sitting in there. Put this aside for now.

The hanging pot also has a MDF disc sitting inside on the bottom.

 

 

 

 

 

We need to cut two slots which become the cyclonic exit ports.

Note that the total arc is greater than 180 degrees.

Put this aside and back to the top saucer.

 

 

We need to drill two 40mm holes in the MDF for the PVC  inlet and outlet connections.

 

 

 

 

 

I get to use my recently purchased Taurus bimetal hole saw set.

 

 

 

 

 

May as well use the drill press, note the MDF table which provides more work area.

 

 

 

 

 

The MDF disc is too big and hits the table column so it’s not possible to drill the centre hole.

Oh well…back to a cordless drill.

 

 

 

Added supporting blocks, the PVC is a nice squeeze fit.

 

 

 

 

 

This allows for elbow adjustment to maximise the cyclonic effect.

 

 

 

 

 

Time to test the unit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bucket of “dirty” sawdust (mixed with rubbish and carpet fluff).

 

 

 

 

 

It seems to work…wonder how much got through to the shop vacuum ?

Not much at all !

 

 

 

Next project is a muffler cabinet for the Taurus vacuum.

Cheers