2 Stage Harbor Freight Dust Collector

[@johndebrular979]

A wife that helps in the shop. Such a lucky guy.

[@RedcarWW]

This taking from I've watched from Stumpy Nubs and adding the power of the Cyclone from Oneida. The one difference is that you leave the dust bag as is where Stumpy Nubs cuts his bag and dumps it into a five gallon pail with a trash bag. Although with the cyclone you are going to get far less debris in the bag requiring less replacements. Just the same, I like his idea as the heavy duty bag will break down over time from removing the metal clamp that keeps it in place. That simple modification to yours would prevent the you from ever needing to replace the heavy duty plastic bag. I am picking up the Harbor Freight Dust Collector next weekend, and I plan to do a combination of what you have here with the modifications Stumpy Nubs did. Thanks for sharing. This was an excellent contribution.

[@blackjack8217]

Love that your kids are with you while you work.

[@anthonyscarnici2224]

The thing I like most about this video is that his family is a part of it - hits real close to home!!!

[@michaellovetere5122]

Yeah, I like his little woodworkers in training.....

[@pomonabill220]

@@michaellovetere5122 and the supervisor (cat).

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

One of the most accessible DIY upgrades to fairly serious dust collection system that I have seen.

[@mattthompson636]

I'm Tim Royal

[@trainerlance]

Well done. I love the way you overbuilt it and level of detail. You have to make it sturdy for those kids.

[@Standing_Wolf]

This is a great video. I really like that the family just walks around. It makes the video feel homely. Thank you.

[@mikeygee4564]

"homey". "Homely" means ugly.

[@sonicevent]

Awesome job! Some of the best woodshop engineering I've seen.

[@richardrollema9466]

Hey, being a Dutchman myself, I love your sweatshirt. I did something similar with a HarborFreight dust collector. The on/off switch will wear out quickly and more specific to replace. Wire your dust collector through a common wall switch in a more accessible area and leave the motor switch on. A proactive problem elimination.

[@markw2266]

I haven't done this myself yet but a friend helped a guy put copper wire inside his plastic dust collector system. The claim is static discharge can cause a fire within the pipe. I did notice static in my piping so it's on my radar to add grounding wires. Nice build thanks for posting.

[@jimsly1841]

I have never seen a video of yours before. I am very impressed with your work. I really love the HIGH QUALITY work yet geared for an average budget. Great job. I just bought the same Harbor Freight unit. I'm waiting on my new planer to arrive. Can't wait to try them out.

[@MRrwmac]

Very nice modification and build. I think the shop assistants and inspectors did a great job as well.

[@DIYTyler]

+MRrwmac They did a great job with this build...all of them! Thanks for watching.

[@whipstermobile7712]

This was a great instructional. I used it to convert my single stage Grizzly dust collector into a two stage system. I made 3 key alterations though. 1. My air filter is mounted on top of the out flow and the bag below the outflow. I also used a paddle air filter that you can hand crank the paddle which flaps internal paddles against the air filter knocking dust out. 2. When I used a rubber trash can the air suction was so great it crumpled the can causing the upper seal to be breached. I upgraded to a metal can for a more rigid structure to with stand against suction implosion. 3. Once I upgraded to a metal can the wood feet used to hold up the can no longer worked well because the rubber can could flex a bit into its upper lid - the metal can wouldn't and kept falling when trying to put the feet in place. As well, the upper lip of the metal can being much more rigid caused some air gaps. To make it mount with a good seal I used toggle/pull latch clamps - the latch/levers attached to the can and the catch/clamp part is attached to the outer edge of the upper wood lid. I use 4 of them equal distance around the lid and it pulls the can up nice and tight.

[@gmor46]

Just got a HF dust collector from Santa....haven't used it enough to get frustrated yet but when I do, that's gonna be my project! Thanks man

[@DIYTyler]

Sweet! Shoot me a picture when you finish it up!

[@rshepfam2009]

Thanks for taking the time to document your dust collector build. I've checked out other designs but I will be basing my build on your design. I like how you stack the cartridge filter and plastic debris bag to minimize the over-all height of the assembly. Well done and much appreciated.

[@jvannucc1]

Thanks for this. You were the initial inspiration to make my own cyclone setup. I went with a 2hp Shop Fox blower, Oneida SDD, and Wynn filter. But Dick Wynn recommended the Gamma seal lid approach to make a threaded filter attachment, and I did that. Mounted to a custom plenum out of Baltic birch. I kept hesitating, drowning in dust, because the space is so restricted. Garage door and track on one side, lumber rack on the other, and the electrical panel right in the middle.

[@brooksmax00]

I have to say. I have watched a lot of dust collector videos and yours is by far the best. I would like to ask you some more questions

[@richpfaff8709]

I love the whole family and the cat helping out.

[@minnronfire]

Great build. I have HP's DC, and I know if using a cartridge you have to get more of the large dust/chips out of air stream (than a typical single stage can) to keep them from clogging it. This is a really nice solution to that problem. Best one I've seen yet.

[@DIYTyler]

+bryce johnson Thanks man! It has been a huge addition to the shop.

[@bradsnyder66]

Nice job! I just put in a Super Dust Deputy and have been delighted. Next step is to upgrade from a bag to a pleated filter. Thanks!

[@DIYTyler]

+bradsnyder66 It makes a huge difference doesn't it! Thanks for watching!

[@cpeterson877]

Great build and well produced. High praise all around. And...YOU USED A TRIPOD!!!! Yeah!! The ONLY suggestion in would make is to use T-nuts on the back of the plywood used to mount the motor. I think it would make installation easier and, in the event that you need to service the motor, easier to disassemble for service.

[@LiloUkulele]

One of the best videos I have yet to come across...unless you're dropping $5K on an Oneida system!. I plan on venting directly to the outside. Great job, my friend!!!!

[@wincertactical1317]

Tyler I loved your video. I want to make a set up just like yours except using the bucket instead of the bag at the bottom of the filter. I also like the other companion video you made to this with all the links. Great set up and a very thorough explanation! You took your time and made everything very easy to understand. Thanks again.

[@DIYTyler]

Thanks for watching man!

[@johndowning2231]

I have a filter with a solid end. I am going to look at drilling some holes to allow the dust to drop through to the bag.

[@BillHantzopoulos]

I really like this setup. I talked to +MattCremona 6 months ago and he advised me not to waste money on a single stage dust collector unless I was going to convert to 2 stage collection. Best tip yet and I like your setup here.

[@DIYTyler]

+Bill Hantzopoulos Yea, single stage systems are not good for a multitude of reasons. But, single stage is better than nothing! Thanks for watching Bill.

[@thecrittergitter7576]

I Love the safety (PPE) you are using, especially for the Little Dude!! Protect his hearing for years to come. Because he will learn to use the PPE later in life!! AWESOME!!AWESOME!!

[@michaelgrzywa]

Hey Tyler, I built my dust collection the same way and all the chips are going into the bag and not the can. Thanks Mike.

[@cyrilnorrie8450]

This is a very nice dust collection system with good ideas and some thought in keeping the cost down. Thanks for sharing!

[@djAnakin]

That's awesome! Almost exactly what I want to do.. thanks for doing the planning work! Also.. you're a good dad, letting your kids play in the shop with you!

[@DIYTyler]

+djAnakin Awesome, glad to have helped! Thanks for the comment about having the kids around, reassuring. Thanks for watching.

[@shimes424]

@@DIYTyler with the hearing protection? Love it!

[@billshultz1912]

Tyler, nice video and a great help. I made a couple of tweaks due to space issues in my shop. At 12:40 when you were pushing your wedges in to raise your collector can, I have a 2x3 block against the wall to allow more clearance. I also glued a 3/8" plywood disc on the bottom of my can to add strength and act as a bit of a skid plate. Again thanks for the great idea and explanation. Love the family helpers too!

[@DarinBeard]

This is the best mod video I've seen for the Harbor Freight collector. I would love to know how you feel about it a few years later.

[@nathansanders9559]

I woulf second that

[@TSPhotoAtlanta]

Third that!

[@IrrationalDiversions]

Fourth

[@shawngailey5085]

5th request on the follow up!

[@travlerv]

Great video Tyler. I was about to search how to convert a single stage to a cyclone, when I came across yours. Appreciate your video. !

[@TomReagh]

This is timely as I am adding dust collection to my shop in a few weeks. I was going to go with single stage, but two stage would be more economical and effective in the long run. Thanks for doing the grunt work for me Tyler.

[@DIYTyler]

2 stage is without question the way to go and making it yourself will be, at most, about half the cost of getting a ready made one. Glad I could help, and good luck!

[@mikewinslow6735]

Nice job Tyler. Great Idea you had mounting the dust collector.

[@DIYTyler]

+Mike Winslow Thanks Mike!

[@washburn_morning_dad3883]

This is the best version of the HF DC upgrades I've found. Think we have a future project -- running a large Thien Baffle configuration ATM. Thanks!!

[@DIYTyler]

+Jake B Thanks for the great comment Jake! Glad you liked it.

[@oceres]

LOL with the kids and cat, this is how my shop works as well. Always plenty of interested helpers. Great stuff!

[@vanillajustin]

I know I'm commenting on a super old video... but just seeing your wife properly use that driver melted my heart. #shearealone

[@keithcarlson6038]

Love this idea. I want to do this with my Penn State dust collector. Same design as the HF pretty much. Only thing I might want to do differently is a flexible coupling between the cyclone and the bin to be able to lift the lid for emptying.

[@DIYTyler]

This modification would work great with the Penn State....they probably come from the same factory!

[@jeffjohnson2792]

Hey Tyler, great stuff. I'm confused why you put the filter underneath the dust separator donut rather than above it. All of your fine dust will get sucked to the filter and not to the bag. I know your dust deputy takes most of it out of play for you though. Thanks.

[@joeowens4089]

Blown to the filter, If the filter is clogged bag will expand. If the filter is OK allowing flow, the bag will be limp. Great way to know if you need a filter cleaning or change!!

[@Staedlter]

Usually due to limitation on celling height would be my best guess.

[@benbrubaker7896]

Very nice. I gave up on my single stage and went with a cyclone. Wish I would have seen an idea like this before I bought a new machine.

[@DIYTyler]

+Ben Brubaker This is certainly a bit less expensive but your system is probably more powerful.....I suppose it really depends on what kind of performance you are after! Thanks for watching Ben.

[@moonolyth]

I like mounting the motor directly to the cyclone rather than run extra flex hose between the two. Great job!

[@njrworkshop]

Nice project, Tyler! That looks like it will be a significant improvement.

[@DIYTyler]

+njryan415 So far so good, thanks for watching!

[@charlieodom9107]

Massive upgrade from the original! Makes me want to upgrade mine now.

[@konaok1]

Awesome build! I added a remote start- stop switch and found it cutting down on run time and remembering to turn it on.

[@DIYTyler]

+konaok1 I have several switches around the shop but I think I still may go with a remote that I can have on my person all the time. Thanks for watching man!

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent video and process. Thanks for sharing. It must be great to have some helpers in the shop. Great system...

[@J0hnyJakn0ve]

Nice build. Gonna have to give a setup like that a try. Next time if you don’t have help hanging something heavy like that motor you can throw a fence cleat and it can hold the board for you while you drive the screws. 👍🏽👍🏽great video

[@craigpereira6381]

Great set up Tyler, dust collector is on my wish list. right now i have a 3rd hand record power system which works but needs improvement. Previous owner never even used it.

[@DIYTyler]

+Craig Pereira Thank Craig. DC make such a difference, forgot how bad it was without one!

[@monkfry]

Been fighting a DC3300 for a couple of months. It doesn't have enough suds. Just bought this one today for 170$. Thanks for the info Boba Fett. Heading down this road I'm sure. Great video!

[@barryd.thomassr.9156]

Should ALWAYS acknowledge you able assistants, keeps them Available for later jobs! Ladies like That!

[@wildbill957]

Great Video. One thing I noticed is you did not talk about grounding your dust collection. Airflow through the ducting produces static electricity which can ignite dust.

[@davidsargent8374]

Tyler, Great to see a no nonsense video as good as this!

[@DIYTyler]

Thanks David!

[@shabopalopa]

Dang, dude's got a wife, 2 kids and cat walking around him while he's working on his project.. Can definitely tell you love what you do haha. Certainly earned my sub.

[@DIYTyler]

Thanks Matt! Hope you enjoy the content!

[@9131frog]

i have a single stage 2hp Jet DC, but after watching this video, i have a feeling i will soon have a 2 stage 2hp Jet. :) thanks so much for taking the time to make this video. i am inspired. -JD

[@DIYTyler]

+Jeremiah Dunnick Awesome. Might have something to help you out with that....will update you when I hear back. Thanks for watching!

[@9131frog]

+Tyler G , thanks. Any ideas or tips would be very welcome. As soon as it gets a bit warmer i'm adding a 8'x8' extension on the back of my shop to house the dust system. it will have a return into the shop itself so the ac/heat wont be lost. improving my dust system, as well as running more permanent duct work is the next step. Your DC upgrade is exactly what i want to do.

[@brentjohnson6654]

New subscriber here. Looking to understand dust collection. I like your little helper there. All the best from north Texas.

[@paulleech6412]

Wow! It works so well. I was skeptical at first but... you said it works really well.

[@rsilvers129]

The Harbor Freight 2 HP unit already separates dust. That is why the bag is in on the top - so dust falls into the bottom after the integrated cyclone separator. There is even a divider between the two halves and it spins the air under the separator.

[@rroe5718]

Best video yet. Will be using most of your good ideas especially on mounting brackets. Have you had good luck with your dust barrel your using? Most everyone using these trash type cans are having collapsing problems with the plastic.

[@joeholt1640]

Like your idea - I did some what the same except I left the Plywood square for the bag and filter, this way I could use all threaded rod to make it easier to remove the filter.

[@DIYTyler]

+Joe Holt Cool idea man! Thanks for watching.

[@boatbuilder1954]

Cool I must build this, Also after owning Milwaukee,Makita and Craftsman cordless drills and dis satisfied with all of them I bought the Ridgid Drills and for the past 3 years have had much better battery life than the 3 mentioned .

[@DIYTyler]

+boatbuilder1 Awesome! Have been really pleased with my RIDGID tools. You really need to check out their new stealth force impact....it is incredible. Thanks for watching!

[@drjbg400]

Want to thank you for this unique set up. I’m so glad I found this. It should serve to solve my space limitation problem. I also took a look at Jeremy's set up on Guy's Woodshop who is also inspiring me. I'm surprised we don't see the filter installed like you did, more often, since in your configuration the filter does not have to be above a standard ceiling height and there's a straight connection between the blower and the Dust Deputy and the blower and the impeller. This seems like a more efficiently designed set up. I’ll hang the impeller by turning the support legs upwards and mounting them on the ceiling, but I’ll have to have someone shorten the legs and weld the mounting plates back on. I’ll mount the blower and impeller as high as possible so the run from the Dust Deputy can be as high to the ceiling as possible also. What I’d like to know is, can’t the lid on top of the impeller be a simple thin piece of plywood just caulked in place if I’m supporting the impeller with the included legs? And would you have designed the attachment of the filter to the impeller any other way, now that you have been using the system? Thanks for your ingenuity and expertise. - Jake

[@DIYTyler]

Jake, thanks for watching out stuff. After making this video Wynn (company that makes the filter) has come up with a few clever clips that allow easier removal of the filter, if you ever needed to....I haven't, if I was do build this again that is the only thing I would change. This system works excellent.

[@ericeinsmann5559]

Good job! I'm curious how this holding up 6 years later.. I'll be using this video as a guide, but I intend to do a few things differently.. I'll be using the Donaldson P181038 filter which will save me about $100 over the Wynn filter. Also, I intend to use a 5 gallon bucket and screw adapter instead of a dust bag. Thanks!

[@evenworse]

Great video. I'm upgrading my HF dust collector and wondered where you purchased the upgraded dust filter.

[@glenm125]

I'm not DIYTyler, but I did a similar project with a filter from these guys. wynnenv.com/product-category/cyclone-filter-pricing/

[@StoneandSonsWorkshop]

Nice setup. I've been debating what to do with my setup. Currently my HF collector is in use in it's original design. I like this.

[@DIYTyler]

+Stone and Sons Workshop Not a single chip made it though the cyclone so far....think its going to be a big help!

[@erikandersen4440]

This is really awesome man. Thank you for showing how you converted this dust collector into a much better system. I really want to improve the dust collection in my shop and this shows how I could make it happen. 🙂

[@lifeaslou]

Great video - thanks! Your approach to dust collection is almost exactly what my plan is going to be over the next month or so.

[@DIYTyler]

+Lou Stanley Thanks for watching Lou!

[@sapelesteve]

Great job Tyler! That looks like a very nice set up indeed. Those filters are a PITA to clean, so that vortex unit essentially eliminates that job. I have a similar set up & love it. Steve

[@DIYTyler]

+Sapele Steve Good to know, thanks for watching Steve!

[@wagsman9999]

Very cool. Just bought a used jet dust extractor and oneida cyclone. Thanks for these great tips. YOU DA MAN!

[@joegf1739]

Just had an idea.....you could cut a rectangular slot, top to bottom, in the black can and add plexiglass; this way you could see how full it is and when you need to empty.

[@DIYTyler]

Yup, definitely want to do that at some point.

[@rmchaleii]

Thanks for the video dude. Im going to be installing dust collection in my shop as my next "shop upgrade" big help man. Thanks again.

[@rickcichon5065]

I'm just getting a bandsaw, you made cutting those circles look so easy. What kind of a jig are you using? Very informative video, I have the grizzly dust collector with two filter bags and two collection bags. I hope there is a dust deputy big enough for the 3hp motor.

[@jimchallender4616]

I have the small dust deputy attached to my Shop vac, which works great, but really want to step up to your dust collection rig, Harbor Freight and Oneida here I come. I guess I can figure out how to make your setup, but if you could post a drawing or two it would be a big help to this neophyte retiree woodworker.

[@DIYTyler]

+Jim Challender Jim, if you would send me an email ([e-mail]) I can send you the very basic drawing I made to build off. No measurments or anything since I measured and cut based off the collector and cyclone. You will LOVE having a big system, so nice. Thanks for watching Jim!

[@douglasthompson2740]

I was watching another channel wherein he mentioned that the manufacturer had specced a five foot horizontal minimum before going vertical on the cyclone. He had a six inch main run pipe (PVC) with four inch drops. Have you heard of that requirement? I plan to put my collector in a corner much like yours so it is of interest if that is necessary. He was using a clear cyclone more of a horizontal design, the name of which I do not recall. They also made clear blast gates and accessories. Take care. Doug

[@vt356b]

Great build! And a family effort: even the cat... Note you did the pocket screw holes earlier for the filter bracket!

[@striperseeker]

Any issues mounting the blower motor oriented differently than manufacturer intended? Bearings getting warped or over heating?? Great video

[@paulv8185]

Nice work Tyler. Very cool.

[@tobyw9573]

You can clean installed bag filters by holding them up and blowing compressed air into the bag , in the reverse of the normal flow. Dust falls to the bottom.

[@gianlucatrozzi4252]

Great artigianal work!!! Many compliments!

[@steverochon1620]

Really well conceived AND executed! Nice work!

[@DIYTyler]

+Steven Rochon Thanks man!

[@JoseAndrade-ic7er]

Great video. I plan on getting the dust collector this weekend since it’s on sale, and also plan on converting it. How has it held up after 7 years?

[@Mitermikeswoodshop]

Nice Tyler, i have a two stage lid from woodcraft, but soon i was looking to convert over to a full 2 stage system like this. Thanks.

[@DIYTyler]

+Miter Mike's Woodshop I think you will find it to be a good improvement, in separation but more in the increased airflow. Thanks for watching man and thanks for the shirt!!

[@Dragonuv2002]

Great video. Has been five years, how has the system held up? You should make a current review.

[@hdroadglide0588]

Been 5 Years, Do you have the same setup? Have you made any changes? Cant wait to go through the library and find more of this videos.

[@msawyer221]

Nice job Tyler! Question - Did you cut a hole in the top of the filter to allow the chips that pass through the cyclone to fall into the bag? My filter is solid on the top and open on the bottom where the gasket is. I am surprised that the bag did not inflate when the collector was started.

[@DIYTyler]

+Michael Sawyer I was surprised at how little the bag inflated as well, suppose that goes to show at how much more surface area the cartridge filter has compared to your typical DC filter bag. The filter I got was open on both sides, sorry I didn't show that.

[@knowmater]

Very cool build, thanks for sharing the design. What is the HP of the HF motor and what is the CFM and static pressure of the blower?

[@lefthandedwoodworks]

Just found your channel and I'm really enjoying your vids. Lots of cool shop projects i will be tackling very soon.

[@DIYTyler]

Awesome, thanks for coming over and watching our stuff Mike!

[@ScrappyTheKnell]

Have you considered using a scissor lift to replace the cam system for holding the trash can up?

[@DavidStanton]

Like your videos Tyler! I did a similar thing a year ago but wasn't happy with the air being recirculated even with a 1 micron pleated cartridge filter so vented it outside, works a treat!

[@DIYTyler]

+David Stanton If I wasn't in the basement I may have vented outside as well but many people can't so this appeals to a larger group of woodworkers! Thanks for watching!

[@mwaddellus]

David Stanton - I'm thinking of doing the same thing - venting to the outside. But, what did you do to provide a safe inbound air flow that would support the impeller driven venting? I'm in the basement with oil-burning furnace (common in New England, USA).

[@edcarter9069]

Dave, take care. Some express concern that venting a basement shop outside may result in pulling furnace gases such as carbon monoxide into your shop. I am not an engineer so I can not confirm with authority, but I would investigate.

[@shrinermonkey1]

Looks like a good system but you might want to look into reducing the number of 90 degree elbows and flex duct that you are using as they are some of the biggest reducers of airflow.

[@DerekCadmus]

An excellent build. Was that a Wynn filter? Any thoughts about cutting a long vertical channel in the black bin to add a piece of plexiglass so you can see chip levels?

[@DIYTyler]

Thanks Derek. Yes a Wynn filter but not a stocked one. Thought about a plexiglass window but I think that might weaken the bucket to much to really carry it around anymore. Am thinking a more electronic sensing solution! Thanks for watching man!

[@marinermonty]

Very nice video ! I love the fact that you are a family man, and I have no doubt you kids will learn from your skills ! Did you use regular size or Large size dust deputy ?

[@paulleech6412]

It's an extra medium.

[@MikeMerzke]

Awesome upgrade! I really like my super dust deputy and HF duct collector. Keep up the good work!

[@DIYTyler]

+Mike Merzke Glad to know your pleased with your system Mike. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmckenney7214]

Great project, good instructions. How often do you have to replace the filter?

[@DIYTyler]

Should never have to, can bang the sides to loosen saw dust and use a blower every few months to clean it out.

[@EDCole01]

Nice job. Love the Orbital Mechanics podcast playing in the background.

[@DIYTyler]

+Eric Cole Good ear man! Yea that podcast is full of goodness. Thanks for watching Eric.

[@ShadeTreeCNC]

great job. I did the same thing using the small harbor freight red dust collector and the dust deputy.

[@DIYTyler]

Cool! This is just scaled up.Thanks for watching!

[@glenm125]

I see you used a step down between the SDD and blower .. did you consider avoiding the step-down by replacing the blower cover with plywood and 6" take-off? That seems like it should increase airflow. Great build and video.

[@ouikitsada8518]

Thank you for your great vdo. I have a question that what is the pros and cons when you installed the filter on the lower side instead of upper side. Thank you brother.

[@percyfaith11]

What does that first stage really accomplish for you? If you put the filter above the green filter holder instead of below it and put a larger clear bag on all the heavy particles would fall into the plastic bag and all the fines would be filtered by the cylinder filter.

[@jackgoldstein9297]

Beautifully done, but what is the brand of the Micron Filter?

[@stones4830]

Absolutely killer video man. Great job!

[@nicolassimard5847]

Great idea. I thought about doing something similar but always been feared about motor mounting position. Not sure if the motor bearings are the correct type to support the rotor and the impeller along its axis instead of radially support it. So one question: how did lived up the motor bearings over time in this vertical mounting position ? Thanks