Optimum trash can size

[rsquest]

Phil,

I am using the 18 gal. 5 hp shop vac.  Do you think the optimum size can would be 10 gal or 20 gal?  I am thinking that it may be too strong for the 20 gal.  You already cautioned me about the 30 gal being too weak.  Now that I realized that I have the big shop vac, I am thinking that I should go with 10 gal.

Ray

[phil (admin)]

I wouldn't hesitate to drop-down to the 10-gallon can.  It is much stronger than a 20-gallon.  And it still holds quite a bit.

If you want something larger you can always find a steel, fiber, or plastic drum.  They're much stronger.  The plastic tends to cause problems due to static.  I have seen 20 and 30-gallon steel drums on occasion which would be ideal.

[rsquest]

OK, thanks.  I will pick up a 10 gallon today and start looking for some steel drums. 

I GREATLY appreciate your help.  I hope to build it this weekend.

[boisejim]

I saw some nice 55gal steel drums today.  I was wondering if they are to big?
I have a 2hp Grizzly DC that I will vent outdoors.
I will be using 4" inlet and 5" outlet (4" if I cannot find a 5" fitting) to the DC.

What do you think?

[phil (admin)]

I saw some nice 55gal steel drums today.  I was wondering if they are to big?

No, they would work great.

[dbhost]

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...

[phil (admin)]

In trash cans at least, the larger ones tend to collapse if the inlet gets plugged.  Plastic trash cans pucker/collapse way too easily.

I purchase my 10-gallon cans at my local Ace hardware.

BUT, you could use a steel or plastic DRUM, if you can find one.  These have much stronger sides and won't pucker or collapse.

[dbhost]

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?

[Todd]

Since several other people asked about their DC units I will do the same.  I have the Delta 50-760 1 1/2hp DC and I am looking at adding the seperator under the unit.  I have found a 20 and 30 gallon steel cans at Ace.  Which one would you recommend?  The dimensions are as follows:

20 gallon
23" tall, 18" wide

30 gallon
26" tall, 22" wide

Area under DC inlet 32" from bottom frame to inlet.  DC is 19" wide.

Thanks

[phil (admin)]

Since several other people asked about their DC units I will do the same.  I have the Delta 50-760 1 1/2hp DC and I am looking at adding the seperator under the unit.  I have found a 20 and 30 gallon steel cans at Ace.  Which one would you recommend?  The dimensions are as follows:

20 gallon
23" tall, 18" wide

30 gallon
26" tall, 22" wide

Area under DC inlet 32" from bottom frame to inlet.  DC is 19" wide.

Thanks

I think that most users that add one to your Delta end-up going w/ the 30-gallon can.  At least the pics I have seen would seem to indicate approx. 6" between the top of the can and the bottom of the DC.

[dbhost]

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...