J. Phil Thien's Projects

It's been a few years since I first found this website.  Originally, I wanted to build a Thien cyclone for a small Delta dust collector I had purchased.  However, I replaced the Delta with a very large Oneida system that I bought from a friend who was moving and no longer had the need to build the Thien.  Luckily, I recently had the opportunity to build a Thien for another friend who is upgrading a Harbor Freight DC he bought.  Finally, I have a Thien build to share!

I also put together a YouTube video showing the construction of my version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU0kFIw5Ye8

Hello,

I was planning to make a traditional Thien baffle (inside the can--not a top hat design).  I see the inlet tube is often partially cut away so it can be moved closer to the side or pointed more towards the side of the can.  I was thinking maybe tapering the end end of the tube instead (like my drawing attached).  Just curious what your thoughts on this would be?  Would it help shape the airflow towards the side of the can or would it be restrictive or detrimental to the air flow?

Thanks

For my newly acquired Delta AP400, I want to install a Thein separator.  Since I don't have a lot of space, it would be very nice if the separator could sit directly on the cart and under the DC intake.  However, the space available there is not great--clearance from the bottom of the cart to the intake is only about 27 inches and the diameter would be about 16 inches.  With a top hat design and allowance for hose connections, that doesn't leave a lot of room for a container.  I'm guessing I might only be able to fit a 10 gallon bucket.  I've looked at a 10 gal plastic Brute can and a 10 gal metal Behrens can (both approx. 16" dia x 16" tall).  I know this isn't a lot of capacity, but which one is a better choice?  Is there a better alternative?

Next question—I see a lot of folks like to use polycarbonate for the sides of the cyclone.  Although it looks cool to see the dust swirl, I'd rather use a cheaper alternative.  I've seen some people use metal flashing.  What thickness of metal is acceptable?  Are there other good materials for the cyclone sides?

Thanks again for your help,

Brian

I've managed to go without a dust collector for 25+ years.  However, I just picked up a used, 1 hp, single-stage, Delta dust collector (AP400) and I quickly realized it would be highly advantageous to add a Thien cyclone.  I'm sure these questions have been asked a million times before, so I apologize in advance.  I've been reading posts, but trying to decipher the current consensus...

1.  Does it matter which way the cyclone is designed to operate—clockwise or counter-clockwise?  Is there a preferred direction and why?

2.  Is there a recommended size for the cyclone container for this particular 1 hp DC?  I was leaning towards a 32 gal Brute with a "top hat" Thien cyclone, unless your experience recommends otherwise...

3.  Is there an optimum size for the container (other than the amount of sawdust it can collect)?  If the container is sized too big or too small, will that affect the suction efficiency?

Thanks for your help.  Looking forward to build one!