J. Phil Thien's Projects

How do you get the vac hose to connect direct to the PVC? I find that 2" PVC is too big ID for the OD of the shop vac fittings....

Okay, I am gathering the goodies for my Thien Cyclone. So far I have...

1 @ 20 gallon THICK walled 20 gallon Galvanized trash can. I don't recall them being this thick! Got it at Ace for $16.00
1 @ 2" PVC Street elbow. (Slip male x slip female). Never have figured out how to trim this. I guess grind away the side that sill touch the can right? Hey Phil, or someone else that has this working, can you post some close up pics of the modified elbow so those of us that are completely confused can get a clue?
1 @ 1/2" white oak plywood disk for the baffle. (I meant it to be the lid, but forgot to account for the actual size of the bit, so it ended up small...
1 @ 24"x24" 3/4" Baltic Birch Ply for lid.

Remains to be purchased...

4 @ 1/4-20x6" all thread. (I couldn't find carriage bolts longer than 3", Can someone tell me where to get 4.5" long 1/4" carriage bolts?)
16 @ 1/4" fender washers
8 @ 1/4-20 nylon insert lock nuts.
16 @ 1/4-20 standard nuts.
2 @ Peachtree 2.5" Dust Collector Ports item #387 if I recall right... (Peachtree is open in my other tab right now...).
Rabbeting router bit. I don't own one, yet... Probably tap MLCS for that...

So far I have busted a Craftsman 1/4" shank 1/4" straight cutting bit making the disks... What a PITA!

Question RE making the lids. Is it possible to use the original metal lid from the trash can for the upper part?

Any advice for me before I continue on and totally screw this up?

I am having an interesting time finding a metal trash can, in any size right now. Supplies are short due to storm recovery. I guess folks had their trash cans blow away and want to go back with metal or something...

Anyway, I am having a LOT of trouble finding 20 - 30 gallon round metal vessels, but living in the gulf coast, clean, used 55 gallon steel barrels are readily available. I would think that would be overkill though. I am basing my system on a 12 gallon Ridgid wet / dry vac.

I know the extra space would make for longer intervals between emptying, but I do NOT want to lift the weight of the drum full of sawdust.

Would I be better off waiting for a 30 gallon drum, or cutting a 55 gal drum in 2/3 (and trying to figure out how to roll the edge)?

UPDATE 10-10-08. Never mind... My neighborhood Ace Hardware got a shipment of Galvanized Trash cans in yesterday. I got a 20 gallon in my shop right now, and am cutting the disks out. The order from Peachtree is pending. I need to go back to Ace and get some long bolts as well...

Sweet setup!

Now for the bigger question. Where's the pics of that car? That looks like one sweet ride!

Okay, I am not terribly worried about filling it to the brim, I think...

My thought process would be as follows...

#1. Get my tail over to Ace Hardware, and see what they have in the way of Galvanized trash cans in the range of 10-20 gallons. Grab a 2" Sch 40 elbow, some all thread, fender washers, and some nuts. Also pick up 1/2" sanded birch ply for the disks.

#2. Replace my hole saw set that is now missing for some unknown reason. I needed a new one anyway... Make sure I have 2" through 2.5" in there...

#3. Order the 2.5" dust collection ports from Rockler, Woodcraft, or Peachtree...

#4. Build the circle cutting jig.

#5. Measure, mark, cut and trim out the circles, Cut the slot for the lower piece.

#6. Install and configure inlet and elbow. Trim where needed. It looks like Phil, you ground the side of yours out some so that the elbow runs right into the can. I am assuming this is done to maximize the cyclonic action...

#7. Mark and drill locations for spacers .

#8. Cut all thread, touch up threads where needed. Install backing nuts, fender washers, then outer nuts, and tighten.

#9. Install outlet dust collection port. as shown in Phil's photos.

#10. Empty shop vac, clean filter, connect everything up, and test.

Am I on the right track?

It appears that similarly, Peachtree item #387 2 1/2" Router Table / Bandsaw Dust Port http://www.ptreeusa.com/dust_ports.htm would fit the bill nicely.

Okay, I haven't come across where it says what size can to use. I have the Ridgid 12 gallon 5hp wet / dry vac. From what I read here, a 10 gallon can would be right. Or am I off base?

Just where do I find a 10 gallon can anyway? I was thinking about using a Rubbermaid 30 gallon industrial can, but from the sound of it, that would be too big...

Does metal or plastic matter? I would think Metal would be better for static reasons...