AMAZINGLY QUIET 40 dB SHOP VAC Cyclone & DIY Enclosure

[@Samcraftcom]

*IMPORTANT LINKS:* 🔗DIY PVC Shop Vac Fitting Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZiWgaJnq691hbM 🔗CNC Woodworking Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLxHrEOd7lzfGvvcCTLZzCK4WlJyv6z6LX 🔗Acoustic Foam Panels: amzn.to/2JCQvXV 🔗2.5" Anti-Static Dust Hose: amzn.to/2HXDs2V 🔗 Dust Deputy Cyclone: amzn.to/36pG0jF 🔗 Dust Right Separator: amzn.to/2HWvt6c 🔗Variable Speed Motor Controller: amzn.to/3loh8xf 🔗Cen-Tec Silver Hose: amzn.to/3mu68Qf 🔗Wireless Outlet Switches: amzn.to/36qmV0J 🔗My Website: sam-craft.com

[@dentonjordan6992]

“Mother being the necessity of all invention”…. You murdered that one…. Necessity is the mother of invention…

[@gman100]

I really like that you've included the trials and tribulations of building out what was formerly just an idea swimming around in your head. Human beings are creators and when you're working with something rigid like wood, metal, plastics, etc. they don't always cooperate, but again, it's our creativity that comes to our rescue. I enjoyed watching the honest process, I've been there and done that and I'd never trade it, thanks for this. It works.

[@tomcartwright7134]

Many shop vacs run at about 90 db. Cutting the sound to 40 db is remarkable! Well done!

[@xylemmelyx]

Awesome dude. +1 for the "permission to fail" speech at the end.

[@tommysts1920]

Hi Sam, I put my cyclone and vacuum set up in another shed close to my workshop and brought the 2 1/2" pipe underground along with an airline for my compressor which is also in the shed. These PVC pipes only run about 7 feet long and a foot or so underground. Works great. I use a remote on/off power control and when working I just hang the small switch on my neck with a leather string. When the vacuum is running about all I hear is suction at the end of the hose. Same with the air compressor it is louder than my shop vacuum. Now, I need to make a vacuum and air run in my little shop, 16 x 16. Love my little shop now!

[@tomjkelleher]

I really like the idea of the sound baffle. I love how you showed us your design changes along the way and how you worked out the challenges. Great video 👍

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks so much! It's not perfect, and there's a 2nd video of changing/fixing somethings with it, and a third on the way. LOL But it's all part of the fun of testing and experimenting!

[@oh.ok_woodwork]

Thanks Sam. Never considered building an enclosure for the shop vac to dull the noise! I'm rearranging my shop atm and this video as well as the one where you showed PVC piping is top of mind for when I set up some dust collection. Subbed ✌️

[@mykolashatkovskyi8817]

Maaan, you're awesome! You've opened my eyes on how to build cyclone stand. I wouldn't replicate yours, but you're definitely an inspiring person. Thank you, Sam! You've made my day!

[@Samcraftcom]

Glad I could help!

[@leehartwig5996]

The end speech is what earned my thumbs up. You really inspired me with your ideas... thanks, Sam!

[@Samcraftcom]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@zitofan4life]

growing up my father didn't educate me with tools and any type of "handyman" skills Seeing videos like this makes me so jealous, and people who did learn and use these types of skills (like op) likely think nothing of being able to build and create. Y'all keep the content comin', i'll sit back and enjoy watching.

[@troylarson1761]

I totally agree, try something.. if it don’t work out try something else but keep moving forward.. it’s ok not to be perfect on the first try.. that’s where the phrase trial and error comes in.. Some KZbin channels only show perfect success with the most expensive tools and materials.. I will subscribe..

[@JHW89]

Cool. I'd recommend ditching the angular foam. Use a combination of 1/4" open cell foam and 1/4" mass loaded vinyl. Float the mlv over the foam by securing with screws with a neoprene washer. Avoid compressing the mlv, and seam the edges with HH66 vinyl adhesive. Then, use insulated ducting, optionally enclosed in a snaking channel of plywood/mdf. Like a folded tapered horn in a loudspeaker. Keep the bends gradual to lessen the reduction to airflow. I'd bet you could get it to 30dB like that. Good work.

[@apmeehan]

Thanks for these ideas! Pardon my ignorance - while I get using MLV for sound isolation, what’s the reasoning behind the layer of foam? (As I thought foam was more for acoustic treatment rather than isolation) And why have it underneath the MLV, as opposed to on top of it?

[@awatts5928]

GREAT VIDEO. Suggest you soundproof the roof of the box and if possible, sound proof the roof, inside the dust collector (dry wall or some smooth foil backed insualtion material (like used in cars). There is gains to be made.

[@fltribes]

Everyone needs a good friend like Sam. 💯❤🇺🇸👍

[@tomzerzavy6991]

Great video, thanks. It would have been nice to see the decibel reading with the door open or before you broke down the shop vac.

[@gerhardtaxthelm6581]

Lately I've been thinking of something along this line. Somehow you bring back one time doing something around my parents house. As I finished my mother said " It's OK to be dumb as long as you know how to help yourself." Well done!

[@tims.2832]

Cool project, thx. One thing though: A normal, quiet room is around 30 to 34 db(A), depends on what time it is (day, night). A recording studio can reach down to 20 db(A). I think, your smartphone-app may be at least 10db(A) off. It would be interesting, what this app showed about the loudness of the vac without enclosure. Wouldn´t be surprised, if it showed something like 65-70 db(A) from aprox. 1 meter distance (avoiding hotspots in the room due to resonance). Anyway, reducing the sound from 65 db(A) down to 40 is a really good result.

[@lonniecrook1684]

Nice that you worked your way through a challenging problem with a very positive end result. You gave me lots of good ideas for my Dust Deputy system. Thanks!!

[@andrewbieger5004]

Great idea for sound reduction. I might build something similar for my air compressor. One thing to note, I have had many Rigid shop vacs over the years and the oldest one sounds like a jet engine. RIDICULOUS loudness. The newer versions are only about 78db, which is a HUGE reduction in noise. The 12-16 gallon versions can be had for about $100 on sale @HD, and have AWESOME airflow.

[@tomowens2720]

Just watched your vid on this shop vac enclosure. I made a roll around enclosed 2 stage system for my small shop too. For what its worth please consider this warning. Any enclosed system like this will generate quite a bit of heat. Your vac evidently has an issue that may cause it to generate more heat than it would if it ran normally. I bought one of those small rectangular vacs that auto detailers use. The one in my vac system is a Ridgid model but DeWalt makes a very similar unit. These are 5 gallon 5 hp units that pack a lot of CFM. Consider one of these in the future when you replace the one you're using now. These too generate heat but are very powerful and small.....much better than a larger clunky barrel type. My warning to you is don't let your enclosed 2 stage system run unattended for long periods of time i.e. while your CNC is doing its thing. This is a recipe for burning down your shop. Just sayin'

[@MrSfdude]

Fair point. You can also just leave the door open for extended run time. Additionally a 6 inch surface mounted fan inside the cabinet with a narrow slot on another edge will allow for some air exchange.

[@AJBtheSuede]

Awesome work. Good attitude :) just get it done... Bitumen works better than open cell foam when you have large amounts of dust in the air, if you ever rebuild it. Budget bitumen can be made with asphalt paper (the thick stuff you put on roofs? Don't know the english name) that you glue to the surface with a non-hardening glue. Use silicone or non-hardening filler foam....

[@joses.garcia2124]

I really enjoyed watching you figure out what to do to make it work. I do that a lot myself. I have a small garage that I'm trying to make things work that shouldn't but ill try and sometimes it works but sometimes I just throw it away after cutting it or just simply destroyed it. 😂 😂 and dont tell the wife Lol keep it making films and videos you are good.

[@pete8279]

Nice Work. Enjoyed watching the problem solving. Makes it real for the rest of us that mistakes and problem solving is always part of the process

[@Samcraftcom]

Very true! Glad to share it!

[@nunyabidniz2868]

Instead of adding more baffling, you need to put some sound absorbers on the walls of the baffles you've got. Some cheap fabric store velvet or low pile carpet remnants or something that will absorb the sound instead of just reflecting it off the hard plywood surface.

[@OGs_Playground]

Well this is timely for me... Dust collection is so much louder than the cnc. Finna watch the other two videos and let you save me some time AND money. Thx 🤙

[@chrisnash2154]

Pretty darn impressive. The other tools will be louder. Pretty sure it’s as quiet as a Festool dust extractor. Well done!

[@normakers5632]

Sam, another great video! Some of the most satisfying time in the shop is problem solving. Thanks

[@mikel4510]

Nicely done. Fiberglass ceiling tiles are much more effective reducing sound levels. Fiberglass wall insulation is even better.

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

Scraps for experiments. I like that kind of thinking. You're working out the bugs and overcoming issues. Neat ideas in that build. I may steal some of them...lol.

[@Samcraftcom]

Go for it! :)

[@Fluffywings84]

I love the video and appreciate the full and honest display of your process. Just a note on the variable motor controller; You will be increasing heat in the motor reducing its service life dramatically. A motor such as a shopvac is typically designed for one speed. In the US it is based on 120V 60hz. This variable speed controller most likely drops the voltage which means the motor sees less than optimal voltage. The result is higher current especially under high loads which means more heat than designed form. The additional heat means reduced service life and less torque available. In the electrical industry, we need use variable frequency drives to reduce motor speed which keeps the voltage amplitude the same but changes the frequency (48-60Hz) but they are expensive as it is not easy to do. Keep up the great work!

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks! There are two other videos on this system changing things -- the controller is one thing that is no longer in use. :) 🔗 Video #2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaKUlZ2CmLh1gsU​ 🔗 Video #3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/boezl4Nvf66nZrM

[@dinobernardi170]

Thank you....trying to figure out dust collection also. Love your calming approach to things 👍

[@LuminairPrime]

Caulk the joints for air tightness, and apply heavy vinyl or butyl or drywall to keep more energy bouncing around inside the box.

[@BigSteelThrill]

Need to do this for my portable AC unit inside my house. 👍👍👍

[@donny_bahama]

VERY impressive, Sam! 40 dB?!?! You’re a miracle worker, dude!

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks Donny! I'm going to have to tweak the design (again), but that's part of the fun with such a Frankenstein machine anyway, huh? LOL

[@MrHighflyingclive]

I'm planning to make an enclosure for my shop vac. Your use of baffles inspired me - I have a spare motorcycle silencer (muffler as you would call it) from a 1960 Triumph 650. I'll incorporate that and see if it makes a significant difference to exhaust noise. But I expect that acoustic foam will have greater effect. It would have been interesting to see a decibel reading with the cabinet doors open, as well as when closed.

[@colinstables]

Great video with lots of great tips I’ll use, I will be using automotive sound deadening matt and the hoses will get wrapped, so adding the muffler design!

[@kamleo1685]

Sam, nice video. When you get your CNC one of your first projects should be to cut a series of concentric circles and make a bowl for the vacuum hose.

[@jeremykehoe7540]

Shop vacs use universal motors which can be easily controlled with a scr controller…. ($10-$20) just dial down that screaming motor speed as it’s overkill for 90% of usual applications .The sound will be improved immensely. For that 10% of time when you need the extra power, dial it up and get er done ;)

[@futures.scalper.808]

Lol I love the noise, it drowns out the loud neighbors

[@Samcraftcom]

That's a good point! Hahaha

[@holyabbott]

This is awesome. New weekend project for me!

[@anthonyanderson9692]

Sam, I love the way you roll! Great video 👍

[@philmeanor2638]

Kudos for trying new stuff.

[@NWGR]

Thanks for this one Sam. I'm designing my own shop vac/dust deputy setup and have everything hashed out, but will be adding a simple cabinet with bottom exhaust baffle for the vac to my setup. I really like that idea and lower noise output. Keep it up. 🙂

[@TurningsbyTurner]

Good job! I made a box for my pancake compressor and was happy with the results. This will definitely be a good research video for people who want to clamp down on the noise! 👍

[@Samcraftcom]

I'm right there with you on the air compressor! I put mine under my shop floor a while back and have loved it ever since!

[@markkoons7488]

Sharing your insight that a shop vac in a 1/2" plywood box is like putting it inside a guitar, I set aside some stained 2' x 4' acoustic ceiling tile to line the cabinet portion of a miter saw stand. It might work.

[@charlesoliver5834]

I like you style of presenting, its enjoyable.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Sometimes we have to use all of our available resources, there is nothing wrong with that not everyone can go out and buy pre engineered dust collection system. 40 DB that is great sound suppression for a shop vac.

[@Samcraftcom]

Much appreciated! :) I was really surprised at the 40 dB too

[@rpgden4553]

Glad I watched this one. I was about to build a 6' tall monstrosity...

[@user-dp3ky3cm4l]

Convenient...it's on wheels and can be moved around if needed.

[@JSLEnterprises]

you know, you could have just made a muffler for the exhaust of the shop vac, with some foam, chicken wire, a 2" pvc 90, 2x 2" to 4" pvc transitions, and some foam. you make a 2" tube roughly 14" long, take some foam, make the strip 12" wide, and wrap the chicken wire tube with 2" sticking out on both sides. now take 12" of 4" pvc and slide it nicely over the foam. attack the 2"-4" pvc transitions and glue them together (that extra 2" of chicken wire should seat nicely against the inner diamater of those 2"-4" transitions. Glue the 90 on one side, and stick it on your shop vac exhaust. Your welcome. If you're lazy, you can buy a muffler for ~$50 meant for central vac systems.

[@keithrayeski3147]

Honest design on the fly!! Like it!!👍🏻👊🏻

[@williampennjr.4448]

IT probably would've been cheaper to just buy a new shop vac, and they the new one's are a lot quieter these days. It's cool that you tried though.

[@davesatosky5840]

mine never really got quite until i enclosed the cyclone also, that was a huggeeeeee difference

[@jaypendleton2568]

Great video for trying, refining, trying again. Good ideas to leverage off of, thanks.

[@ironwooddesigns9532]

Thanks for creating this. I appreciate you sharing the design process.

[@ronnorris1504]

Engineering at its best. Good job. Enjoyed the video, still trying to find a solution for dust collection in my basement and OneFinity. Thanks

[@catcar8212]

Hi Sam, just now setting up my space and got some great ideas from your video. Many thanks.

[@Samcraftcom]

Glad it helped!

[@amyhsieh1083]

This is cool! Love your sense of adventure in building new stuff

[@dzee9481]

Hope you run your shop vac where your CNC spindle startup up so you only run the shop vac while cutting material and when done it turns off. I have a CNC setup like that, designed and developed my own PCB to be controlled by the software to turn on shop vac or any other device that needs to run while the spindle starts and stops.

[@domarinolo6947]

Great video. Great adaptation

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks!

[@pmoneal]

I’m looking to do something similar but to add Roxul Safe and Sound insulation inside the box. I have this insulation in my walls and love this stuff.

[@tresfingeros]

Haven't gotten mine assembled yet as I'm still building my new shop ..but I plan on putting my system outside with a door to be able to empty the bucket into the chicken nest boxes or compost pile.

[@Samcraftcom]

That would be great!

[@ihrescue]

Good ideas and very helpful information and well presented.

[@Samcraftcom]

Thank you!

[@amodernvagabond]

Mother being the necessity of all invention? 🤣 Am I missing something? 😅

[@murphyrp01]

Thanks for sharing.

[@davidfanucci8339]

Well now I have another project to build. Great video.

[@Samcraftcom]

Be sure to check out videos #2 and 3# on this project. They'll probably help a lot seeing my improvements to the system overall. Maybe they'll save you some headaches that I had, too! :)

[@davidfanucci8339]

@@Samcraftcom will do. Thx 👍🏼

[@paulmelanson1527]

I just watch your quiet shop vac. Could you give me more info, on how you made the Muffler in the floor.

[@bijan4727]

Hi very nice presentation. I like to emulate you’re work. I am confused how you let the air goes out. Can you please explain I appreciate in advance.

[@jesusislord2457]

YAY YOU!!!! Great design!!!

[@ChrisHornberger]

Damping (to remove vibration or oscillation). Dampening is to wet it. :) (sorry, it's a point of angst with me that I can't seem to let go of) :)

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent video and process

[@bryanslittlegarage5724]

Another good one Sam

[@chrisgreen6059]

Awesome, functional and simple. Love it 👍

[@RobertSchoenert]

very nice. inspirational for my shop

[@UTBanjo]

Spray the inside with Boom Mat spray, rubberized undercoating, bedliner, or something similar.

[@teeu.4493]

Awesome work!

[@ARod1108]

Cool video. That was wild seeing you cut up the shop vac but I get it. Can’t wait for your next video.

[@Samcraftcom]

Yeah... never would have done that with a new shop vac. :)

[@edwardyoung8575]

Damn good job!!!!!

[@ronaldwilliams4290]

Good stuff Sam.

[@Shlink]

Very cool! Does the shop vac exhaust to the inside of the box directly, and the only exit is through the baffles? Or did you run a pipe from the exhaust port directly to the baffle chamber? It would also be cool to see a decibel reading with the front door wide open for comparison. Thank you for the ideas. 👍

[@michaellionart4841]

Build and Learn. There is no fail 👍

[@andyfaithful_]

Great job man!! a big hello fom Italy 😃

[@hamanjam]

What are the thoughts of spraying rubber coating inside everything to change the vibration potential. Thinking Flexseal type stuff would stick well help any bare wood from carrying vibration

[@CaptK-py8rq]

Instead of cutting a larger hole and raising your Dust Deputy up due to the lack of bole clearance, maybe T-nuts from below or threaded inserts from above would have been the ticket. That way you have bolt head access from above for removal/maintenance should you need.

[@peterdonaldson1]

Just a thought. Being so enclosed, would overheating not be an issue?

[@kenmoore800]

Sam, nice design,maybe try some weather striping around the doors might cut down the sound even more. Also did piping the exhaust thru the floor on your first setup really help?

[@AndrewHelge]

Looks great!

[@Samcraftcom]

Thanks! And thank you for the gift!!

[@fredscott413]

very cool project,gonna make one,thanks.

[@rikityrik]

Really liked this, have you ever improved the design? Would definitely watch another attempt at this. Thanks!

[@Samcraftcom]

I did! Here's the other two videos on this project: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaKUlZ2CmLh1gsU & kzbin.info/www/bejne/boezl4Nvf66nZrM

[@rikityrik]

@@Samcraftcom ok awesome, definitely going to watch. Thanks for the reply!

[@rafezetter8003]

feed the air exhaust through the baffle.

[@adrian-mu3jr]

Nice.

[@DavidH-bw5xr]

good idea. You do not have heating problems in the vacuum cleaner?

[@clydedecker765]

Be careful of heat buildup from that resistive potentiometer in the power line and in the motor running at less than optimal speeds...... It will probably be OK but keep an eye on them over long periods of running. Love the baffles Too many have created sonic resonance chambers or "boom" boxes to beautify their work.... only to get very unhappy with the results...🤣🤣🤣

[@Dosco55]

Nice video Sam, keep them coming 👍

[@igabfbrn]

That's pretty spiffy Sam.

[@contessa.adella]

In UK....Each one of those big plywood sheets you are merrily slicing to bits costs around 40USD equivalent! I don’t know how you guys on many woodworking channels can munch through so much sheet wood without going bankrupt...Lol. Is wood like really cheap in the US? Good video...I need a vac quietening solution myself... My advice....add stiffening bracers across the sheet wood to combat resonance and folks without those special foam wavey panels could line the inside with another sound absorbent like rock-wool. Your under cabinet baffles could be drilled with holes to further break up the sound pressure waves (like inside a car muffler).

[@Samcraftcom]

I think they're about $35 USD per 4'x8' sheet here in the US right now, but they're construction grade plywood sheets. In my case here, these are leftovers from putting a new roof on our home and were "free" in a sense. Absolutely the prices of lumber have gone crazy this year and skyrocketed, which is a bummer for woodworking. I bought some 13mm Baltic birch plywood about 1200x1000mm for $22 USD about two weeks ago -- about the normal here. That's a good idea about the holes, too.

[@contessa.adella]

👍 I like a 3/4 ply top for my rough arse 2x8 workbench…but I’d have to sell my car😂

[@simonwolfe4324]

Mate, great effort and so valuable for you documenting having a good honest go at it

[@usaf4dbt]

Sounds like a great idea!

[@Samcraftcom]

I've been very pleased with it so far! Some room for improvement, but mainly in the sealing up cracks department. :)

[@basje78]

Hallo Sam, beautiful job !! I was so amazed that I built one for my little workshop too. The only thing I'm struggling with is that it do not suck air at the end of the aspiration hose. I checked all the line and all is correct. The question that came up in my mind is: How important is that the dust collecting bucket is perfectly adherent (tight) to the interior ceiling of the cabinet? I had the same cyclone system before but it was outside(not in a cabinet) and the dust bucket was a paint bucket with the lid cutted for the cyclone to fit. And all was fine. Bye from Italy and keep up the nice work! Ciao

[@Samcraftcom]

For the system to work properly it has to be air tight from hose to vac. Any air leaks or imperfect seals in the system will lessen the effectiveness or make it not work. I have been tweaking this design a bit and there is another video on my channel about the changes. It is still a work in progress for me though.

[@basje78]

@@Samcraftcom Thank you Sam, i watched your update video, and fixed also mine. The dust collector bin has to be very sealed to the ceiling of the box..... and I discovered a piece of plastic was stopping the suction. Now it works just fine. Thank you again.