DIY Cyclone upgrade

Update! I have a follow up video where I made some changes check it out! • DIY Cyclone dust colle... DIY Upgrade of a Jet cyclone with Oneida Super dust deputy cyclone and collector can using shop vac filters.

[@ryankelly2026]

Easily the best setup I’ve seen for minimizing the footprint for a 2 stage dust collector. I’ll definitely be using this for an inspiration when I build mine.

[@alexworks9659]

Ryan Kelly Thanks! I also have a follow up video on a couple things I modified.

[@reedskinner1815]

'Where's the bucket?'.... Brother, you've no idea how often I've done that. Nice build. Really like the stacked shopvac filter idea.

[@alexworks9659]

Reed Skinner Thanks! Got the idea to put it together like that by playing around with the filters. Didn’t know if the pleated sections would “blow out” since the metal mesh is on the inside. The air flow is reverse of how they are used in shop vac.

[@Richard-wk9le]

Thanks for keeping it real--looking for the can your sitting on, that my friend is called "Being human" oh nice design too.

[@alexworks9659]

Richard haha I didn’t think about it till I reviewed the video when I edited it! Thanks!

[@iwmiwannamake7604]

This is the best one yet! Such a small footprint, great for small shops like mine! And that shopvac filter stack is brilliant! Thanks for sharing!

[@felixfromnebraska8648]

Awesome my friend. Loved the way you laid it out and built it from there. I am in the same mode here, and I will be using your method. Thanks for sharing.

[@eketelon]

Ingenious idea with the filters! Love the look and design. Please provide an update on its performance soon.

[@alexworks9659]

the hobbyist Thanks! It works really well, I use it almost every day I’m in the shop. I think I’m going to add one more filter to see if it improves volume. I think it may be chocking suction a bit. Testing it without filters it seems to suck more air.

[@pawpawstew]

The adjustable feet you have to raise and lower the can are a great idea! I'm borowing it!

[@alexworks9659]

I have a follow up video where I changed those. Works much better than these did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYjCanx4id-gh5Y

[@pawpawstew]

@@alexworks9659 Even better! Thanks for posting your setup. Would be great to have you join us on Maker's Playground.

[@bobbg9041]

you could build a manifold and add 10 of those filters and I believe that's a lot less money than buying one of the large ones. but what is the min size that can pass through that type of filter? do they have a merv rating? I was toying with the idea is the large 6" thick 25"x20" merv 8 furnace filters my used one's and adding 4 of them thats a lot of open space venting. Now the filters cost me about 34 bucks each but I have to change them once a year and i'm reusing used one's. I was also going to do a downdraft table with a blower motor for a furnace to use for a sanding station and routing with a handheld router. I'm gonna bet this might work for a table mounted wood lathe. Furnace blower fans move a massive amount of air, pulling this into a baffled chamber would separate the saw dust from the air flow letting it drop into a collection chamber anything that passed by it gets trapped in the filter's you can take out side and blow out. It would be better with a merv 15 rated filter on both systems. You would want to use a large surface area filter like the 4-6" thick size the filter over a larger surface area, that means less air flow restriction. The super dust deputy slows your air flow, I have a small one for a vacume but they do a really great job of removing dust from the air stream. It keeps the filters clean so its a trade off. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZysd4Ogf7SEhLc I watch a lot of these. Seriously you can pick up Ideas from everyone. Yours was a new take and original.

[@alexworks9659]

bobbg thanks man! I know it can be better and I had only an idea and slapped it together with what I had. I do like the MERV filter idea! Thanks!

[@zafarsyed6437]

Brilliant use of standard shop filters!

[@alexworks9659]

Glad you like it!

[@reidfamilyhayfarm9629]

Love the compact design. Can take the entire unit anywhere

[@alexworks9659]

Thanks! Still work great!

[@drewt3210]

These tiny chip cans always boggle my mind. I'd be emptying it every single board through the planer. Two 55gal drums in series seems a more appropriate capacity...for me anyway. Great video, thanks!

[@alexworks9659]

Yeah, it is annoying. Especially when you try to get one more board through and end up scooping out the cone with your hand, making a mess everywhere... Bigger can would be nice, who doesn't like a pair of bigger cans!? haha!

[@oscarmadrid8452]

Excellent! I like this build up over all other ones out there and even my own... I think I'll be rebuilding mine pretty soon based on yours. It is a lot cleaner and requires a lot less space. Congratulations and thank you for sharing!

[@krisn3559]

Well, done, one of the cleanest builds ive seen. I also am a fan of unistrut.

[@alexworks9659]

It's like adult Knects

[@patrickr.2668]

Nice design with super struts but I mounted a flex duct with Nordfab Q/D Band Clamp between bottom of Dust Deputy and barrel so it’s easy to empty.

[@alexworks9659]

I like that idea!

[@deamonohfivefour]

This is very nice and very clean. But I'm surprised no one has mentioned this yet: you are losing a TON of performance from your filter column by using it backwards. The pleats are there to increase your surface area, but you are robbing yourself of that by using the center as your filter inlet. The air should go from outside to the center. But I love that setup and I'm doing this to my own. The small footprint is awesome. Well done :)

[@alexworks9659]

Thanks for the kudos! Yeah it is probably not as efficient but it does have better suction than it used to. Found a quarter sized dome of dust in the center bottom of filter stack after maybe five full cans. Quite happy with it for what it is. Emptying the can is a pain though, that’s the biggest issue I have with it so far.

[@garysouza2277]

WOOD magazine from Nov 1997 showed how to make a filter column the way you're describing ie.air flow from the outside in. I made the entire cyclone and filter system from the magazine shortly after it came out, and have been using it in my shop ever since. A LOT cheaper than a Dust Deputy, a little bigger, and the filter works great! The plans are still available from WOOD.

[@alexworks9659]

Cool! Most of the bigger dust collectors with a filter stack flow in/out. My biggest concern was these filters have a metal mesh inside that would keep them from collapsing during intended use. I'm using them in opposite flow of what it would be in shop vac use.

[@MAGAMAN]

Very nice design. The only concern I have is that it can tip over easily because it's very top heavy. I have see some people build a small tray on the bottom of setups like these and fill it with cement to make it less likely to tip over. Those giant oneida cyclone systems are obscenely expensive and it would be horrible if you had to fork out another $200+ to replace it. Too bad the Chinese are only making imitations of the small ones. I bought a small one for my current setup using a shop vac and it works flawlessly for about a third of the price of the oneida. I'm moving to a wall mounted system and the Oneida super dust deputy costs almost as much as the Grizzly wall mounted system with the expensive filter on it. As others said, the volume is pretty low on this, but it's still a great video.

[@alexworks9659]

Yeah, the volume is low...I got it already 😆 I did initially have concerns about tip over, but it seems to be pretty well balanced. Also, the more chips/dust, the more base heavy it gets.

[@jacobmar2797]

Great job on the build, best one I've seen!

[@joedance14]

Looks real nice!

[@EddieSheffield]

I'm about to rework my Harbor Freight unit, tho will probably be wall mounting the thing. Curious about your filter stack - how's it holding up after a couple years now?

[@alexworks9659]

Works great! I did add a 5th filter but it doesn’t seem to change the flow much.

[@WJR1965]

Beautiful layout! Very efficient! Nice work!

[@alexworks9659]

Thanks!

[@duanethomas3352]

This is a great looking set up and a great video showing the building of. The question I have is about the fan and the cyclone rotation., I saw on a site showing how to build a cyclone separator. that you should have the spinning directions the same. Are you familiar with that or do you know if it is a factor in construction?

[@alexworks9659]

It probably makes a bit of difference, but works how it is. I definitely thought about it but the cyclone cone comes in that direction and would be a pain to reverse motor, fan and exhaust part. Good eye though, no-one has mentioned that yet!

[@renobtankit6019]

very nice build how many horse is your unit? Im in the planing process of a build like yours, do you have a link to the $100 Cyclone you are using? thanks for the vid.

[@alexworks9659]

Renob Tankit It’s the Oneida dust deputy 5 inch kit. I bought it at woodcraft but it is available online from Oneida air

[@outalive55]

Very nice job. I really like the footprint of this mod.

[@alexworks9659]

Thank you! Tucks in corner nicely.

[@DavidMartin-ee5sc]

i love the filter you made and i was thinking the same kind of thing with chicken wire and fish tank carbon to make my own filter but i like ur way nice work mate

[@vincegucciardi4556]

That looks great ! just wondering how is it for picking up a concrete dust

[@alexworks9659]

I have no idea! hahaha!

[@jayraysdiy852]

Nice work! Wish the volume on the voice over was a bit louder though.

[@alexworks9659]

Sorry about that. I have no idea what I’m doing 😆

[@jayraysdiy852]

@@alexworks9659 no worries. we are all here to learn, right?

[@OnePotMeals]

The steel is a great idea

[@alexworks9659]

Thanks

[@davidfriedman3962]

Thank you for sharing. Want to build this. Can you share dimensions of cart, and want to make sure my cart doesn’t tip over after mounting motor. Again thanks.

[@alexworks9659]

David Friedman the height is based on measuring the assembly laid out on the ground. Uprights are 6’ and base was 18”x26”. I would in hindsight make the base more square. If you look at around 0:14 the motor is pretty close to centered on the can, that just happened to be like that and it worked out great!

[@Hunter-yc4xi]

One of the cleanest set-up's I've seen! I like the Unistrut! I'm getting a 2 hp Grizzly That I need to set up like that only I'll make mine just a bit taller so I can use a flex hose going to the can.

[@alexworks9659]

Thank you! Agree on the flex hose. I need to modify mine (clear hose would be best so I can see level)

[@keithlucas6260]

I've seen the step-on bar scissor lift for the drum, but whatever is easiest.

[@neilgeoffries1695]

so.... how are you going to empty it? -- you should have put a collapsible hose between the bucket and the bottom of the cyclone, so that you can undo the rim-clamp and slide the bucket out.... although you've probably figured that out by now

[@alexworks9659]

It is not the easiest way for sure. I unlock the snappy ring at the top of the can and loosen the two knobs on the front side and shimmy it out. I do have to guess on how full it is.... I could cut the bottom of the cyclone leaving flange and section of pipe and then connect with flexible hose. would make easier can removal. I may modify/upgrade to that! Thanks for the idea.

[@choun2749]

Or you can use the level sensor that’s available out there to notify you when it reaches a certain level

[@terryreed1421]

If he doesn't use the level sensor and the can fills up chips they will definitely overflow into his filter and totally clog it up. A clear bag at the bottom of the filter would be a good idea.

[@mkbcoolman]

@@terryreed1421 I agree....plus those sensors are pretty dang expensive. His filter stack is pretty ingenious, but having a bag at the bottom would perfect. My setup is similar, with the exception that I'm filtering through a Wynn with a plenum on top and small bag on the bottom...if I see chips in the bag, it's time to empty the collector. Now all I need to do is build a manometor so I'll know when the filter itself needs to be cleaned out.

[@bobbg9041]

@@alexworks9659 Add a window to the bucket's side you should not fill more than 1/2 way, the reason is the more saw dust is in the bucket the less effective that becomes. empty it after every use and anytime its above 1/2 full. Also on the bottom of your filters add a plastic bag to catch dust that gets past the blower, if your bucket fills up that bag will fill up clogging the filters. If that happens you can blow air into the filters from outside them to knock the dust off them it should fall down to the catch bag at the bottom. You need this because dust will get past the separator and clog the filters. I have a small dust deputy on my vacume on top of a 30 gallon barrel my vac;s filter gets dust in it if I let the barrel get more than 1/2 way full. I like the use of the struts, what did you weld that with? I use 6011 rod and arc weld how much amperage would you use? I'm kinda novis welding I learned it 40 years ago when I worked in a machine shop, but haven't done any all the time until last summer I got a used welder bought rod and made a yard car for my tractor out of bed frames and rejected lumber from home depot @ 70% off. Strut material is pretty cheap and will hold a lot of weight If I was going to build a shelving unit out of metal I'd buy that stuff instead of a factory made stamped steel its a lot less money. It's more than 2x4"s but its less than a premade system. and less them buying sticks of metal angle iron or steel tubing. I'm going to bet your an electrical contractor, and do woodworking as a hobby. I get this from the tools you were using.

[@jimw544]

Alex this is fantastic! I have the same Jet. I have seen several like this but they were mounted to the wall. I can't do that. It must be mobile! Please give us some details. . size of the plywood base . length of the 2 rails. . what are the rails? . what filters did you use? Is 4 enough? Please answer and pin so it will be on the top.

[@alexworks9659]

Thanks Jim! The rails are "unistut" commercial modular electrical mounting steel channel. they are roughly 6' tall. The filters are Shop vac filters.I think 5 would work better. The base is roughly 2x3-ish

[@ureasmith3049]

Great build. Would be perfect for my needs. Thanks.

[@ericramirez4487]

Great build! Are the shop vac filters getting all the really fine dust that the more expensive filters get?

[@alexworks9659]

Thanks! Probably not as effective as a HEPA filter but it works pretty well. Only downside is I can’t tell when can is full till suction drops a lot, then I realize the can is full and a couple times the filter stack gets lots of chips. Pain in the butt to blow out filters.

[@wulfricnoth9833]

That is a sharp setup.

[@alexworks9659]

I know, right! Haha thanks

[@chrisdixonstudios]

Nice build

[@alexworks9659]

I'm glad you like it

[@dyoooooooooon]

This video literally opened a new horizon for me. I was wondering how to place my dust collector's heavy motor vertically up and I didn't like none of the lumber based solutions I've seen as I don't trust the rigidity of them. The metal bars you are using in this vid would be a perfect solution. What are they called and where would I find them? Thanks much.

[@alexworks9659]

Thanks! It’s called Unistrut or Superstrut. You can find at big box stores in electrical section. I used 1/2” bolts and clamps made specifically for this stuff. You can find many more different brackets, plates and stuff at most electrical supply places. It’s like big kid erector set.

[@dyoooooooooon]

@@alexworks9659 Awesome, will check them out. Thanks for your help and the great video. Make more!

[@martyvanord984]

Kindorf use a lot in electrical work

[@comptegoogle511]

If you slow down the flow by putting a very large pipe between the cone outlet and the blower the filter will almost become useless since the dust won't be able to be pulled up.

[@alexworks9659]

Not really sure what you mean by that. The chips collect very well and only get residual dust in filter stack. It works quite effectively. Thanks for your input. I think it works quite well compared to my other jet unit which is similar in design.

[@comptegoogle511]

@@alexworks9659 Yah I know that the filter gets the job done. The air velocity is what push the dust up. The larger the pipe connecting the cone with the blower the slower the air will move and the less likely the dust will go up. It's a way to have a second stage of separation.

[@indiespot2024]

CMON MAN!!???? WTH!! VOLUME UP DAMMIT!

[@alexworks9659]

Get yer hearing aid checked! HAHA! I know, i know...It's been pointed out before. I deleted original so I'd have to figure out downloading and re-yapping over myself. hope you got something out of it:)

[@XxMalabooo]

Where did you get your collection bin?

[@alexworks9659]

Woodcraft. Same with the cyclone cone.

[@albertscalla1532]

Very Nice! congrats! i see its a 1 1/2 HP...would you happen to remember the CFMs this unit provided?

[@alexworks9659]

I have no idea! It seems to be about the same as other 110v dust collectors

[@Taylexwow]

@@alexworks9659 well that could be a wide range considering rockler sells a 650 And a 1250 cfm unit that run 110

[@flighstscopeuser1528]

Hey Alex, really nice setup. thinking of doing something similar. Where did you get the metal racking? And do you find that the filters hold sufficiently well of the elbow? Thank you for the ideas!

[@alexworks9659]

Thanks! It’s called “Unistrut” or “Superstrut” you can find at big box stores. Go to an electrical supply house to find more /better connectors. I welded some of mine but there’s plenty of brackets to do it with

[@briancassidy7307]

Really Nice Alex, great info.

[@alexworks9659]

Brian Cassidy Thanks!

[@VROne111]

Very nice sleek cart mobile DC system

[@alexworks9659]

Ausim Khan Thanks!

[@DavidWalling]

I really like this setup. What's the HP rating of your motor?

[@alexworks9659]

David Walling 1 1/2 horsies

[@alleneggemeyer8478]

Very nice build and thanks for sharing. About 1:45 into the video you said you bought the cyclone for around $100. Was this used, if not where did you purchase it? Thanks again.

[@alexworks9659]

Thanks for the kind words. Its the 5" super dust deputy. I got it from our local Woodcraft at their annual big tent sale for I think 100-120. It is on Oneida website for 169.00. You could probably find cheaper with some googling.

[@bobbg9041]

@@alexworks9659 Googling.............. Same response my 35 and 37 year olds remark. I'm old school I'll just Ask Jeeves!

[@anthonyhenderson2132]

Looks good mate!

[@alexworks9659]

Anthony Henderson thanks mate!👍🏽

[@eo1scwmwf]

Really like the design. How are the filters holding up nine months later?

[@alexworks9659]

Filters work great! I’m actually surprised at how well it works. I hoped it would work till I got a better filter. Haven’t needed to. I’ve one more filter and changed the can dumping method, making it a bit easier.

[@phil-fr4lg]

Where did you buy the pleated filter cylinder?

[@alexworks9659]

Those are actually stacked regular shop vac filters. Most any big box hardware store. Cheers

[@phil-fr4lg]

@@alexworks9659 Yeep...I did not notice that...thought is was a pre-made long filter. I would have never thought of stacking ready-made off the shelf...Great!

[@alexworks9659]

@@phil-fr4lg if you need more filters you can stack a couple more with longer all-thread rod. I would put a threaded cap or something on the bottom to dump some fine dust That collects in the bottom

[@bigpapaporsche1]

Congratulations, this is one of the best DIY Dust Collection Systems I have seen, I like it! It looks like it reasonably priced yet very efficient/functional. I plan on using some of your ideas, but may substitute the Air Filters with one from a Diesel Engine. Although, I like the "long slender look" that your Filters have and the little amount of room they take up!

[@alexworks9659]

I do have an update video with a few changes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYjCanx4id-gh5Y

[@jacquesbelanger5087]

@@alexworks9659 Hey very cool design. I was thinking of building the same and was wondering what is the size (dimensions) of the filters.

[@alexworks9659]

They are literally “off the shelf” shop vac filters. Guessing 8”o.d.

[@Andluth]

Do the filters handle all of the finest dust?

[@alexworks9659]

Yep. Working great. Gotta edit new video. Added another filter to the stack.

[@mrstanskaggs1]

What size are the ports on this cyclone?

[@alexworks9659]

4” cheers.

[@Andluth]

Can you tell me more about the filter stack? Thanks!

[@alexworks9659]

They are basic hepa filters for “shop vac” brand vacuum. Found at Lowes on sale. Open on both ends. Basically a pleated cylinder with squishy rubbery ends.

[@keithlucas6260]

The Onida and similar are $150 and up. I've seen $80 dollar ones, but they want you to order four at once. The .5 micron rating is what you want and if you add a bag or collector under the filter stack it will legthen the life of the filters and increase the filters rating slightly.

[@Andluth]

@@keithlucas6260 Thanks a Million!!!

[@tombaia4325]

Excelente.

[@CGphotoOp]

Good stuff

[@gregorylondos534]

Hello, nice vacuum system... too bad you don’t have some form of narration or captions so we know what you’re doing maybe they’ll be in your next video good luck... Greg

[@alexworks9659]

it's voiced over but seems to be low volume, sorry.

[@MrSkeeter18]

Looks top heavy

[@alexworks9659]

Ain’t never fell over yet

[@Fine_art_aerial]

7:31 Dual purpose if you lower dust deputy like 12"-15" lol

[@alexworks9659]

😆 umm no...

[@hydmonger2816]

Awesome !!!

[@alexworks9659]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@creedsexton296]

the volume is so low on this video I have to strain to here it eve with head phone you need to work on it.

[@alexworks9659]

Creed Sexton Sorry about that, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing half the time when editing...

[@creedsexton296]

I forgot to say It was a fantastic build even with the sound issue

[@martyvanord984]

NICE!!!

[@ProjectAnubisUSA]

First off good ideas! Secondly if I didn’t know any better I could bet you like silver… 🤐

[@alexworks9659]

Haha 😆 I had a case of it left over from big project! Can’t really see the glitter paint

[@rororod7513]

Cool magnifiques man

[@desideriapez7779]

Buena idea

[@alexworks9659]

Desideria Pez Gracias!

[@sarreqteryx]

You need to mix your audio louder.

[@alexworks9659]

Sarreq Teryx Thanks, still figuring out stuff.

[@JesseKlaus]

I can't hear you

[@alexworks9659]

Sorry about that. Apparently I didn’t have record volume set high enough. Hope you got something out of it anyhow.

[@PepeSi7via]

Cant hear a word

[@alexworks9659]

Sorry about that.

[@netterstyl]

I can't hear shit.

[@alexworks9659]

Thanks for your valuable and insightful comment....