J. Phil Thien's Projects

I finally got around to finishing a separator for a Harbor Freight unit.

Just to be different (and to see how this would work) I remounted the motor, and piped it into a separator that uses a trash can lid for the input ports.

Take a peek at my web page for photos of the build process.

Enjoy!

I see that many folk use plywood atop a galvanized metal trash can.

Is there any compelling reason not to use the trash can lid as the top?  It's not that tough to cut through the sheet metal... though it might flex a small bit under vacuum pressure.  The one I have is a pretty snug fit, so it looks like a good item to keep in the construction.

Any thoughts about this?  I;m about to make one with a 30gal can, 4" ports.  I can go either route (wood or metal), so your thoughts are appreciated.