J. Phil Thien's Projects

A little while back I completed my first separator build.  I simplified things a bit, on this first build, opting for the basic plywood lid type, with baffle.  I was surprised to find that it worked as well as it did, and am looking forward to constructing a larger, more elaborate setup for my DC (my present one is for my Shop vac).

However, when this thing is in its operational stage, it emits a loud, continuous, bloodcurdling high pitched squeal.  It is deafening, and unbearable to leave running - even with hearing protectors on.
The inlet hose is of smaller diameter than the outlet hose, and I wonder if that might be the cause. 

I used 2" PVC fittings

I have been doing a fair amount of reading, here, on the various choices for containers to be used in a 'separator' construction.  The information has been quite good, I must say, but I would like to gain opinions on a particular container that ran across, yesterday.

I was at Home Depot, looking for something suitable in a garbage can design, but couldn't seem to find anything as sturdy as I thought it should be.  Then, I happened to venture into the plumbing department, checking out PVC connections, when I spotted a 20gal Sump Pump Basin.  This thing was built like a tank.  It is made of very thick plastic, and I put it on its side - with full effort to depress it, but there was NO GIVE at all. 

The top of it had a recessed area for an optionally purchased lid.  That recess would make it pretty easy to construct one's own plywood/MDF lid, and just as easily to incorporate some type of locking device for same. 

This basin is 18"x22", and sells for $23.68.  I know that it is just a 20gal capacity (which would be less than that with the Thien Separator built for it), but many are using just a 5gal bucket for their systems.  Besides, I would only be drawing from one machine at a time.

Has anyone else used this basin as their 'separator' container?

Nathan