J. Phil Thien's Projects

Very nice!

Quote from: Latham on May 28, 2014, 08:51:36 PM
The diameter of the separator is about 21.5". I assume that's what you're asking.

Yes, thanks. You had already mentioned 4" in/out, but I couldn't get that to size up in my head for the separator diameter.

Quote from: BernardNaish on May 29, 2014, 03:13:42 AM
johns-mpls. The problems forming the curved chamber sides with a clear plastic only arise when acrylic plastic ( Perspex, Plexiglass etc) is used. Acrylic is too hard and notoriously brittle so is not sutable for bendy applications. Retired2's design makes installing any circular wall very easy be it plastic, steel or any other bendy material because of his cunning way of trapping the ends. Fixing screws are not needed. If polycarbonate is used no problems will be encountered. Plastics are far smoother than most other materials so a polycarbonate wall is probably the best solution.

Acrylic is however very good with flat applications as Latham has used it in his build although much more expensive than polycarbonate.

Thanks, Bernard, that is encouraging as I am considering curving some polycarbonate for an upcoming project. Around here the polycarbonate is more expensive. And I fully concur on retired2's design.

Quote from: BernardNaish on May 29, 2014, 03:13:42 AM
I notice we are getting a lot of very interesting improvements to the Thien top hat yet none are too difficult for the average woodworker. Still inexpensive. Still easy to make. Possibly as effective as a cyclone.

And that is what is so fascinating to me as much as the practical aspect of good dust collection. Having been reading on the forum for a short time it has all been on a compressed time-line to me. It has been a good ride so far.  :D   I am reminding myself of my own actual in-real-life pace as a touchstone for expectations.

I think the clear top might give a good perspective for viewing the dust swirl. One could see how well it hangs above the drop slot. And without any of the issues trying to form curves with the plastic. Wondering about the ring diameter. Helps me with perspective and ideas for sizing my own future builds. Nice work.

I'm a hobbyist woodworker in Minneapolis, MN with a basement shop (7' ceiling) in an old house. I've done some lutherie work but these days when I have time it is mostly home improvement. I've been looking for ways to improve upon my Jet dc1100 ever since seeing the dust cloud that wide-drum thickness sanding a spruce guitar top made through the canister filter some years back. Have been reading with interest off and on ever since the mention in a FWW article. Already have a better filter, but now looking for ways to keep it cleaner without blowing the budget or having to raise the ceiling or lower the floor.