J. Phil Thien's Projects

  I think this design looks simple, easy, and inexpensive.

http://jayscustomcreations.com/2013/03/modified-harbor-freight-dust-collector/

If it works well, I think I'll be using this with my new HF collector.

  Do folks see any problems with it?

   Thanks for input and opinions,

     --Bill
 

   Thank you Bernard and Alan.   Yes, I have a bit (12 pages on the one thread alone, and counting) of study ahead for sure.  I appreciate the replies and offer of help; I'm sure I'll be needing some.  I'd probably just buy one of these if they were available for sale.  My shop time can be such a premium these days.

--Bill

This is what I needed.  Thanks so much.  So now at least I have narrowed it down to one thread of information.   Looks like I have some reading and work ahead.

Greatly appreciate the information Bernard.

--Bill

  I'm in central Virginia and just posted about how best to make a Thien baffle.  If I'm not too late, and it's still possible, I'd love the baffle.

  --Bill

434-907-5427

  Thanks for taking the time to check the links and replying.  Really appreciate that.

I figured folks here would know.

Sounds like the 'Top Hat' is the way to go.

Is there any particular plan that folks like best?

--Bill

   Can folks give me opinions as to two collector systems?

1.  I just bought the HF 2 HP dust collector at a good sale price.  This looked like a good Thien modification.  I like it because it is built right into the DC itself......
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/29578

2.  And here's a seperator that looks really simple to make (versus most of what I've seen).  If this works as claimed, I will probably make one.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNDc66V1_64

Thank you for opinions,
   
   --Bill

  OK, here's the link for the HF mod that I think looks like it might be what I want....
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/29578

  And here's the collector I was trying to describe (a picture is definitely worth a thousand words).....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNDc66V1_64

   So, if anybody has any opinions about ether of these two builds, let me know.

Maybe I'll post this as a new thread.

Thanks,

--Bill

  I'm William Brown from Forest, VA.  I make 18th century reproduction furniture in my basement.... LineAndBerry.com

   My lungs are begging for a dust collector.

     --Bill

  No problem, and thank you for the reply. 

       I'm seeing a variety of separator designs.  One even uses the actual Harbour Freight body (between the upper filter and lower dust bag) with a built-in Thein sort of Top Hat.  I like that idea. 

     However, the simplest I am finding seems to be just an  horizontal inlet (from the WW machine source) coming into a cylinder with an outlet going vertically to the filter and the heavy stuff just falling into the bin.  The horizontal inlet comes in at the top ad hugs one wall, creating the spiral effect as the heavy stuff fall down.  It's really just a collector bin with an inlet and a vertical connection to the filter (or the outdoors).  Wow, that is really simple and could be built in a few  hours.  Yet the maker claims it works quite well and the filter gets barely any dust.  I know I need to find the source and link it here - I'll try to find it and do that so this design can be critiqued. 

  Thank you again for this interesting and informative forum.  I can see how folks get somewhat hooked on the topic   :)

   --Bill

  I gather that a seperator is just not that effective.  looks like I'll need to make a Top Hat.  Have there been any recent state-of-the-art changes to the design?  i'd liove if there's a simpler way - I'm all about using my time in the shop to make furniture.

  Once again, I'm finding this site a really a wonderful source of info.

--Bill
   

Quote from: retired2 on November 16, 2014, 09:05:58 AM

Quote from: BernardNaish on November 16, 2014, 03:42:17 AM
I have also been wondering where all the air spinners have gone.

To read all the blog is a daunting task and I think it puts a lot of wood shredders off reading it. I think it would help if enquirers were to be pointed to your build to find out how to make a TH at the entry point.

I have not seen any relevant articles in the wood working magazines of late, although I certainly cannot hope to read them all.

"I can't imagine reading all the threads in this forum.  In fact, just reading my thread from start to finish is a little daunting, but it was written over time as I was building and testing, so it is a bit drawn out.  In hindsight I should have waited till I was finished and then provided only the information essential for other builders - that would have made it easier to read."

  This is my first post.  I have put off dust collection for way too long and my lungs are being affected.  I want to install a system and found this site.  I am finding it overwhelmingly daunting to just figure out where to start.  The amount of info is why I abandoned doing this years ago.
    That said, what I think I am seeing is as follows: I just bought the HF 2 HP collector;  I think I'll get a Wynn filter, and add a seperator (? Thein Top Hat looks like a lot of work to make so I might not get to that for a while).  I figure this is a start, and I'll just wade my way through more info best I can.  I guess if there would be one thing I'd most like to see, it would be some easier way for somone like me with no prior knowledge, to get started.  Maybe just a progressive list of steps that sort of summarize the state of the art, starting with a simple system, and adding optional steps.  I am thankful for all the info and knowledge here, but it is indeed a bit daunting for a newbie.