J. Phil Thien's Projects

Started my build today and hope it comes out as well as some of the excellent examples on this site.

Does the thickness of the baffle make a difference?

I am trying to use all the good ideas I have seen here, so I will include a bellmouth, a round 6" to rectangular inlet (which I found at HD), plexiglass sides and am making it deeper than just the 6 or so inches of most.

I wish the site had a list of FAQ's for top hat builds.

Bill,
Thank you.  I am about to start a build for a Thien separator and having clear sides would be nice.  I need to research this a little more, but you did a very nice job with the blower housing.

Very interesting design for a blower housing. How thick are the poly-carbonate sheets?  Did you adhere them at all to each other?

Very nice!  I like the idea of using Lexan to make the top and bottom. Makes it easy to see when your bin is full and needs to be emptied.

What thickness did you use? Also, where did you find the PVC sheet and how thick was it?

alan m, good points on using the Jet ring.  I don't want to damage it in case I ever need or want to sell. 

Perhaps I didn't state my questions clearly, but going to 6" for an inlet to the Thien separator is the reason for looking into making one.  The initial problem I saw with the Jet ring is that it's 'inlet' is only 5" since it is normally used to carry the dust to the collection bag via the Jet ring. In my setup, this would limit the intake since the Jet ring will be used at the Thien inlet.

Looks like a DIY project is the way to go.

Thank you for the prompt reply. In my case, I am going to use a new Jet DC-1100 VX (new vortex cone in the separator).

From the top of the Thien separator, it will for sure be 6" since that is the size of the DC impeller inlet.  My next decision will be whether or not to use the Jet separator, with vortex cone, as the Thien separator, or as you suggest, make a DIY separator and take advantage of the increased depth.  I will likely go the DIY route vs. using the Jet separator, since the Jet has a 5" in inlet and I will in effect choke off some of the capability.

I'm in the process of re-arranging my shop to allow for efficient piping and creating a dedicated location for the DC setup.

Before I get started, I wanted to thank Phil for his work and dedication to the design of his baffle.  I am grateful for all your research and the assistance you give us DIY types.  Well done sir!

I am planning on using a new Jet 1100 in a top hat design and had a couple of questions that I have not been able to answer by looking around forums and pictures.

My plan is to mount the Jet 1100 motor and blower vertically, on top of the separator, and exhaust to the outside. This is a small, 400 sq. ft. standalone one man shop.  Biggest dust producer is my TS.

I am considering using the Jet separator and building a baffle for it, but the inlet seems to be only 5" (I haven't opened the box yet). My assumption is that the 5" inlet is a compromise when planning on using 6" pipe.

First question is, am I better off building a custom separator with a 6" inlet, vs the Jet 5" separator inlet?

Second, if I build a separator, will I benefit from making its depth 12" or something deeper than the inlet tube?

Third, in a DIY separator scenario, will I benefit from angling the inlet tube slightly down toward the baffle?

Fourth, any definitive recommendation on whether the  vertical pipe going to the DC should be flush with the top of the separator, or should it enter deeper into the chamber?

I appreciate any help in building the most optimum design in order to maximize efficiency.  I'll post pictures as I proceed.

In studying your drawings, I wanted to ask about your piece labeled "chimney".  How far does it protrude into the drum?  Is it flush with the drum top, or does it drop into the drum? Would it matter if it was flush or dropped into the drum?

I will also be considering the air straighteners and bellmouth additions others have come up with.

BTW, my thanks to Phil for not only making this design available to us, but for also hosting the forum. 

You have an excellent design and I am grateful you shared your research.

Outstanding work.  After much research, I have decided to do exactly what you have done with the exception that I will be porting the DC to the outside. 

Do you have any pictures of the details of your build, particularly how you attached the baffle?  I will be purchasing the same Jet DC you have.  I think for a small shop using one machine at a time, the 1.5 HP machine should be sufficient. 

Are you still satisfied with your setup?