Hey everyone! I've recently picked up a Hyper Tough vacuum and I'm looking to set up a dust collection system for my shop. I've been researching options and found a bunch of DIY and store-bought solutions but I'm still on the fence about what to go with. I'm curious about the most cost-effective way to separate dust in my shop. Store-bought cyclones seem easy, but they start at around $50. I'd be fine with a DIY option and I have some buckets with lids lying around. I'd love tips on how to make a budget-friendly and simple dust separator. Any specific materials I should consider? Also, since my tools have different-sized ports, what's the best way to adapt the hoses? I'm trying to keep my setup flexible since my shop is pretty small. Appreciate any advice! Cheers, Jon
3 Answers
For a shop-built option, check out the Thien baffle design. It's easy to make, efficient, and allows for good air volume—which is key for effective dust collection. If you plan on connecting multiple tools, consider installing blast gates to manage airflow better. Just a heads up, you want smooth transitions to minimize restrictions in your setup!
I've tried store-bought separators and they work fine for small debris, but they let me down with heavier waste from my planer. Instead, my buddy gave me a 55-gallon drum, which I modified by cutting holes in the lid for vacuum and tool ports. This setup has worked wonders for all my equipment!
If you're aiming for the cheapest, you can easily DIY a bucket cyclone. Just use a standard 5-gallon bucket, add two PVC elbows (one for the inlet and one for the outlet), and seal everything with silicone or caulk. Connect your shop vac to the outlet elbow and attach your tool hose to the inlet. Using a bit of flexible hose with quick-change couplers will make switching between tools a breeze!
That's a solid plan! Just make sure you have a good seal to prevent any dust leaking out.
Totally agree on the Thien baffle! It’s affordable and makes a significant difference—plus, it’s fun to build!