Affordable, Compact, Light Duty Shop Vacuum Fume Extractor For Laser Cutting and Engraving!

[@EmbraceMaking]

If you guys appreciate this content check out the links for equipment used in this video. As an Amazon Associate may I earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you): Two Trees TTS-55 ► amzn.to/3PXTJTk TTS-55 CPAP Adapter Kit: ► embracemaking.com/products/two-trees-tts-55-fume-extraction-and-material-squaring-kit CPAP Hose: ► amzn.to/3DmcxHF Stanley SL18301-4B Shop Vacuum: ► amzn.to/3BtbbuD Stanley Air Filter Adapter: ► embracemaking.com/products/fume-extractor-conversion-for-stanley-4ga-wet-dry-vacuum HEPA and Carbon Air Filter: ► amzn.to/3C3SGvb Extra Carbon Filter Material: ► amzn.to/3JaQbKZ Speed Controller (Optional For Reducing Flow / Noise) ► amzn.to/3vBHVxX Below are other 4HP vacuum models that my investigation into the float ball cage assembly leads me to believe this listing is very likely compatible with (but not guaranteed). Models within the same brand (ie. Stanley) likely use the same motor assembly. Various other brands sometimes use the same parts from a common manufacturer and are simply rebranded. Stanley SL18136 ► amzn.to/3beOZtg VacMaster VOC508S 1101 ► amzn.to/3bhyU6c Porter Cable PCX18301-4B ► amzn.to/3BtiodX Mastervac 054-0245-0 (Canadian version of VacMaster can be found at Canadian Tire) ► www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastervac-wet-dry-vacuum-15-l-0540245p.html

[@tomspreacker4489]

Just purchased and setup the system. After using my Xtool 20W for the first month in my garage without a filter I can confirm that this system works. No more watery eyes and angry wife. Thank you for the build!

[@alpell2547]

I bought the Laser Pecker 5 20W and I love it, but I was just designing my filtration system, because I will be going to an inside facility with babies and kids. I need cleaner air, no smoke, and a not so noisy filtration system; I would like to buy a Crafter rheostat to reduce the suction for my laser exit fumes, but I read it will not decrease the motor noise too much...that is my main goal is to reduce the motor noise inside.

[@bryanrocker5033]

If you are smelling anything the filtration is letting ultra fines through. A shop vac is great for creating a negative pressure. When the air crosses the filtration media you want it to slow down so it will catch the particulates. Hepa filter are only hepa as long as you don't exceed the volume of air flowing through it. The higher the air flow the larger the particulates that flow through.

[@gregmccormick21]

Awesome video! Thanks for the insight and hard work.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@subbasstianfresh3498]

Did a version with a „Kärcher WD3“ - works like a charm! Thanks a lot for the inspiration

[@cubansli3099]

This was a great video, I was in the process of getting a filtering system for the garage. The smell was going into the house. So one step at a time I guess thanks again Sir

[@Electheo]

Great video! I came to the same conclusion of using a hepa workshop vacuum for soldering fumes. But couldn’t figure out how to add the other filter types! Very useful to see all your research and thoughts on this project. I’m gonna be making this as well 💪🏻

[@Batuhan1988]

Add Catalytic Converter to your shop vac, it will remove the fumes from the get go and with the filter you have, will remove the odor. I roast coffee indoor and one day, I was cleaning my roaster and noticed that they put a Catalytic Converter to remove the smoke. This will probably be an experiment to test this. I don't know how long do you need to replace your filter but if you add Catalytic Converter that will extend the lifetime of the filter. Maybe this setup would be an alternative for bigger laser cutters.

[@lukeevan5393]

Teaching a summer program in kid’s fabrication and the school got me a xtool D1 pro- I’m afraid I’ll set off the smoke alarm and will be trying a variety of your build.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Sounds good!

[@reedjames599]

I am also getting one for our school's Maker Space. Did you try this out and did it work in your school? I don't have no access to an outside wall for ventilation. I was thinking of testing it out on a weekend.

[@lynn6799]

You need a damper to help prevent backdraft from outside. Plus, the fans you want are 400 cfm or better. Your avg 4" inline fan is not enough. Im currently trying to come up with a design and supply list to run 3 diodes and a fiber laser from my basement. I've been looking through inline fans, duct work, etc plus filter components and filter systems to try to come up with a design that will work well. And yes, it gets cold here too. 😊

[@kent3967]

Great set of videos and upgrades. Will be ordering some of ya stuff soon as to fume filtration for my D1 Pro 10 watt. Keep ‘em coming…..

[@EmbraceMaking]

Awesome thank you Ken!

[@DWIT3D]

Okay, I definitely need to build one of these. I need to laser in my basement studio in the winter. Way too cold in my garage here in Calgary! Thanks for the video. Great idea.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Give it a go :)

[@brightnovastar]

Great video. Gave me lots of ideas.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Glad I could help inspire :)

[@randsipe224]

I too struggled with this problem, I had a high volume squirrel cage fan attached to my enclosure through a 12 x12” merve 14 filter and a carbon filter like yours. I still smelled smoke. And it was expensive as those filters needed to be replaced regularly. Ultimately I ended up boring a 4” hole through the concrete wall and exhausting it all outside. This completely solved my problem. You could probably do the same since there is usually some block wall above grade on most basements. As far as pressure differential you could use a heat exchanger and be getting some fresh air to boot.

[@grupomegabyteinc4843]

Excellent Job!! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thank you! 😃

[@tfwoodcraft]

This is awesome. Do you know if it would work with the little cheap-o bucket head shop vac from home depot?

[@EmbraceMaking]

This version I have should be a direct fit - I believe the home depot version and craftsman version are the same: embracemaking.com/products/fume-extractor-conversion-for-craftsman-cmxevbe17678-bucket-vacuum

[@kerrywang1126]

I would build a filter around a dedicated centrifugal fan. Vacuum motors are not designed to run continuously for long periods of time; some manufacturers even explicitly write in their documentation the maximum period of time the motor should run (e.g. 10 minutes). Using the speed controller to run at a lower RPM would help prolong the vacuum motor life, but, again, it'd be best to use a motor made for the task rather than repurpose a vacuum motor.

[@eulaleecauswell8151]

I am interesting in your filtration system

[@terryh5677]

Wonderful and informative video. Hope to be able to buy the Xtool Pro 20 watt soon then get the Fume Extraction Nozzle from you as well. Excellent video. It is great to benefit from others knowledge and experiences. Subscribed!

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thank you for the kind words and thank you for your subscription!

[@IronMan-yg4qw]

seems to me that you could make the fume funnel a lot closer to the laser, and/or even around 2,3 or4 sides of the laser module at the bottom near the workpiece.

[@EmbraceMaking]

I could probably get it a little bit closer with the one I have but I actually did try splitting it to the sides in an early prototype. The problem was that the "tubes" were very small so they wouldn't obstruct with the x travel and then too fragile. Plus, through a bunch of testing I found that it didn't really seem to make a difference. Depending on the pattern you're cutting, the laser head could be flying around in any direction and the vacuum produced enough suction in the general vicinity that it captured 98% of the fumes anyways. Also, the red translucent laser cover has a slot cut in the back. So when I had the nozzles on the side they weren't really as effective as the big one at the back that seems to be drawing most of the fumes out of that slot in the red cover.

[@bdwoodworking6411]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a way that most of us can understand. I have one question. I just bought a XTool D1 Pro 20 wat laser engraver and I really don't want to cut a hole in my exterior wall to vent it. You recommend a HEPA/Charcoal filter replacement but I can't find on for either my Rigid 4 Gal shop vac or my MasterVac 6.5 gal shop vac. I can purchase a HEPA filter and dust bag for my Rigid and I'm wondering if I can just wrap the filter with Carbon filter wrap? Again, great video and thanks for any info you can provide. BTW, I also watched your video on setting up the XTool 10 wat laser and found it to be extremely helpful. I haven't put my new laser together yet but will definitely watch your video multiple times to get mine put together correctly.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Put the carbon material inside of the HEPA filter. Most professional filters seem to do it in this order where the carbon is last. Just make sure it is fixed inside with some velcro or something where it won't get sucked into your vacuum motor. Enjoy your XTOOL, I can't wait to do the 20 and 40W upgrades. Thanks for referencing my videos as well!

[@bdwoodworking6411]

@@EmbraceMaking Thank you. I just finished putting my unit together and installing the software. Again, thanks for making this amazing video. It helped so much more than the manual did. Can't wait for any future videos on the 20W. Cheers!

[@EmbraceMaking]

You're very welcome!

[@macman4529]

really creative.

[@adamgeiger4990]

If you built an enclosure and then attached your filter, I bet it would be perfect

[@EmbraceMaking]

Absolutely then it would be guaranteed to capture 100% of everything. So if you are the type of person who has the space to build an enclosure around their machine certainly this would work by just attaching a port to the side of the enclosure and allowing this filtration system to pull the fumes out.

[@donaldsullivan6979]

Think this would work well for a laser cleaner used for removing rust and grime etc from car parts?

[@johndoe6032]

I'm curious why the first option didn't work. You mentioned the pressure differential between the house and outside, but what if you also made the air intake come from outside and sealed an enclosure. Then the pressure inside the house wouldn't matter as much because both the intake and exhaust would be using outdoor air and pressure. As lone as you get a good seal on the enclosure it should work fine.

[@lukaszfilip8111]

hi activated carbon itself doesnt filter out most irritant smallest particles for this you need to use zeolite or activated alumina ;)

[@EmbraceMaking]

Interesting I will have to look those up!

[@WillyKnapp]

will this work for a 3D resin printer?? Looks similar to all the prototypes I've been researching!

[@s.ramsey6561]

Great info

[@cdyoutoob]

'Carbon' foam does a poor job for what amount to a relatively short time. Look at activated carbon granules. These will remove fumes and odour for air past through them for 4months to a year, compared with only 2-4weeks for the crappy 'foam'. Your discussion starts talking about the dangers of volatiles in the air then changes and only deals with particulate matter. You should've tried making a DIY version of the BOFA filter. One that you can take apart, dump the ACG and install new fresh stuff. Very nice idea in using off-the-shelf stuff like the vac and hepa filters.

[@LaserandLoomCreations]

I know this video is a bit old, but have you had any ideas on smoke/fume issues with the xtool f1, when using the slide extension? I have the filter that goes with it, but when using the slide extension the hood has to be up, and it's basically useless. Any suggestions would be appreciated

[@jamesstanding3364]

Love the idea but is there a way to buy the files as shipping and import to the UK is expensive

[@MarioBX1405]

The carriage looks similar to an Atomstack A5 Pro+... Will your extraction adapter fit the Atomstack as I'm in the same exact situation with smoke and fume extraction. Thanks! Awesome work by the way!

[@EmbraceMaking]

Hi Mario, thanks for asking. It looks similar but I believe the A5+ has the stepper motor above the laser that would be in the way of the CPAP hose? At least thats what I see when I google the images for it... Let me know!

[@MarioBX1405]

@@EmbraceMaking Ah... Yup, it does. I forgot about that.

[@markmurfet684]

Hi Mark from the UK I've purchased a couple of your product now and all are awesome Now Very interested in your extraction idea, however the units you use in the States are different from what we can use in the UK do you know what ones in the UK would work with your 3D printed product I'm running a Creality Falcon 2 40w laser engraver within my home office thanks in advance Mark

[@EmbraceMaking]

Hi Mark, I'm less familiar with what's available to you in the UK market... what would be your biggest name brands for the shop vacs?

[@millionmilerclub]

That is great, I am building one

[@EmbraceMaking]

Excellent!

[@s.ramsey6561]

Will the cpap hose adapter work on a atomstack a20 pro machine

[@asklestaylor]

Really interested in the cpap adapter kit. But the link doesn't work. Any ideas. I have a 3d printer just not the design. TTS-55 CPAP Adapter Kit

[@HCS714]

Any chance you have a fume exactor set up for a Rigid 6 gal shop vac?

[@TheGuyInRooM420]

Does the vacuum adaptor for the laser head work with a Creality 5w kit that attaches to Ender 3 ver2 Neo ?

[@Jay.C.H]

I am wondering if an automotive catalytic converter would clean up the exhaust fumes from the laser. Particle filter, converter, carbon filter.

[@tomlaionyt]

needs to be red hot

[@michaelwheatley5627]

I followed your instructions with a Stanley vacuum and your 3d printed items and I am still selling smoke when I engrave basswood -- albeit much reduced. I only tried it with air assist, and I'll try it without. But would your advise removing the amber light hood around the laser for better fume extraction?

[@EmbraceMaking]

Hi Michael thanks for the follow up! Yes so with air assist I would imagine some of the smoke is going to get forced away from the vacuum nozzle. Without air assist it should capture even more of it. Through cuts will always be worse than simple engraving because during a through cut (especially with air assist) smoke will go through the bottom of the wood and it will be harder for the nozzle to suck up those fumes. You can try and remove the plastic gaurd but just please be vigilant about wearing eye protection as the gaurd is meant to also protect your eyes from the laser. Give that a shot and also keep in mind that this system, although pretty good, will never capture absolutely 100% of all fumes because you still have an open machine. It will make a big difference as you suggest but there is always a chance some trace amounts that will escape without an enclosure. Let me know your results without the air assist.

[@michaelwheatley5627]

@@EmbraceMaking It vacuum is slightly more effective at capturing fumes with air assist off. I am running the vacuum at 25% on the speed controller to avoid motor burn out on long runs. More than 25% doesn't make a noticeable difference on fume extraction.

[@aikoadams1089]

Thank you very much for sharing your information to all of us. I tried to get the Fume Extraction Nozzle, but they only sell it in 10W, but I would need it of the xTool D1 20W.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Hi Aiko, I have both the 10W and 20W listed on my website. Here is the 20W version: embracemaking.com/products/xtool-d1-pro-20w-fume-extraction-nozzle Thanks!

[@therepublic1828]

Great idea however running one of those shop vacations is extremely noisy I would highly recommend using hearing protection if going this route. Best solution would be going with an enclosure

[@EmbraceMaking]

Great point, I never really considered the noise because I don't run mine for production. Just as needed and sometimes I use the variable speed controller to dial down the vacuum and it makes it more tolerable.

[@therepublic1828]

The variable speed controller definitely helps. BTW great videos! You've pushed me to start posting videos on my D1 Pro with extension kit to start logging tips and tricks as well as obstacles and work arounds!around! Happy New Years!

[@blimpeye]

HI, I am dealing with the same problem. It is possible to get a .stl file to 3D print that laser attachment. Do I have the same type of Laser? Please write if it is possible..or even for payment. Best regards Peter Daubner, Slovakia..Bratislava

[@AcryliWoodDesigns]

Hi, what's the noise level of the Stanley 4 hp?

[@samualwilliamson1187]

Will this work to filter resin fumes?

[@ColtonKilmer]

I bought your tool, but it doesn't have the notch in it that it shows in the video to go around the wiring so it can't be installed! The one I got is solid along the face that attaches to the laser, no notch.

[@mskvarenina]

For the xtool D1 they manufacture an “air assist” which appears to be a low volume fan/blower to cool the laser and blow the smoke and debris from the project. Here you’ve created the opposite airflow sucking vs blowing at the laser. Curious on your thoughts on why suction is as good or better than blowing? Reason I’m asking is I would have expected the manufacturer to create a vacuum unit accessory if that was a better solution.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Hi Mike, thanks for your comment. If you notice, I'm not sucking the fumes towards the lens, it will evacuate the fumes away from the lens outside of the orange guard. If I were to put the nozzle beside the lens somehow up inside the guard then perhaps it could be an issue. I've been running this setup for a while now along with many customers who do not have any issues with the lens collecting anymore debris than usual. Also, the main purpose of this is different than the air assist. That being said you can run both at the same time.

[@troksii]

This keeps your house from smelling. Air assist just keeps the smoke away from the lense.

[@Ziplock9000]

They are for two completely different purposes.

[@victory4real611]

Hi novice here. Will this syStem work if i don't want to connect to the laser head, but connect from enclosure?

[@EmbraceMaking]

It should work, yes. Which enclosure do you have?

[@darklordambrosias]

Out of curiosity, do you know if anyone has tried and succeeded in using any of your conversion kits with a 6.5HP model of vac, such as the Craftsman CMXEVBE17595?

[@EmbraceMaking]

Not that I'm aware of... if you contact me using my contact page on my website and provide me with some measurements and pictures of the underside of the vacuum top I might be able to see if anything I have fits or could be made to fit with some small changes.

[@charissathurston2312]

Will this work with the X-Tool D1 Pro 20 W? And can you use the laser inside with this or do you still need to vent out a window?

[@EmbraceMaking]

I have used it with the 10W and it would be the same for the 20W. Ideally you would want to still vent the exhaust out the window. I would always recommend getting as much as you can outside of your workspace if possible. However, if it isn't an option this will help a lot. As I mention in the video, if you're just doing light work this works great to get by. If you're running your laser a lot you should invest in a professional solution.

[@fvipar]

Vous vendez le fichier stl pour l’extracteur sur le laser ?

[@EmbraceMaking]

Hello, I sell the part but not the STL right now! www.embracemaking.com

[@mikek2824]

Can I just buy the files from you and print them out myself?

[@markferrick10]

Seems like a very interesting idea. I was playing with the cpap hose idea and just vent to the outside. How does this work with an air assist?

[@EmbraceMaking]

Thanks! Haven't tried with the air assist... but I would be willing to bet the air assist will push the fumes and smoke away faster than the vacuum can suck it up. So you might not capture as much.

[@IronMan-yg4qw]

could u use a regular house/floor vacuum?

[@EmbraceMaking]

If you can adapt a good filter for it I suppose you could... just keep in mind that whatever vacuum you use it will likely end up smelling like smoke / fumes ... so if you have a nice house vacuum that you leave around your house it will forever stink like burning wood and plastic lol

[@IronMan-yg4qw]

@@EmbraceMaking oh ok thx.

[@atienne_navarre]

Home Depot sells a bucket head vac for about $30 which you could use, and which makes them cheap anough to have several of them in permanent use and not have to assemble/disasemble your wet vac when you need it. They also sell a very light weight hose (its white) which is a lot cheaper than a cpap hose. Its called a Polyethylene Bilge and Pump Hose. I would link to them but you know... KZbin.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Interesting! Looking into it...

[@atienne_navarre]

@@EmbraceMaking So I used one of these but I forgot that they are designed to use a filter bag only so I just cut out the cage for the bag and the HEPA filter friction fit in there beautifully. The 5-layer Ridgid Heppa filter is about $20 but can be rinsed out. As for the exhaust, (yellow thingy you made) try compost bin charcoal filters. This might work well for your exhaust to eliminate any residual smell.

[@sierraecho884]

The problem is, the VOC´s will still be there. The only really safe way to get rid of smoke is venting it outside. This is why I still do not have a laser cutter or Resin printer.

[@EmbraceMaking]

Yes ideally you want to route even the exhaust outside if you can. As I mention in the video this is not for heavy duty use but at least your room won't fill with smoke

[@trappedinroom1014]

Problem with shop vacs is the noise.

[@marcq1588]

It is always annoying to see reviews for products that have been sent for free to someone. Would you have purchased this laster cutter/engraver with your own money or would you have selected another brand/model?

[@theman-pc2ej]

Bro stop being cheap and get an enclosure!.. breathing that stuff is bad enough but it will help your eyes when burning glass and plastic.. believe it or not the reflection can damage your eyes

[@TheSolongsidekick]

Wow, STILL not offering the files for sale and just the physical items which are an absolutely massive waste of money for any of us with a printer. "EmbraceMaking" my ass. I'm currently working on a fume extraction system for the Falcon 2 (and through research it looks like this dude just snatched up an unfinished design for the Falcon 2 printed parts that was already hosted on Thingiverse and just modified it LOL) and when I finish it I'll make sure to post them to the CAD sites with this channel name in the title. Can't stand shit like this.