Don't Breathe DUST - How to Make a Portable Shop Air Cleaner for $200

[@GodsMan500]

It’s so great to see a man receiving safety advice graciously without being defensive. There are several woodworkers here on KZbin who are quite sloppy with table saw safety and get very defensive and offended when someone mentions it. You’ve got my respect. It restores my faith in humanity to see a man conducting himself with such class. Subscribed.

[@rogermccaslin5963]

I agree, he seems to be willing to take advice in the proper fashion. I was going to comment that he's worried about long term exposure to dust but a lot less concerned about immediate exposure to carbide teeth spinning at 3500 rpm but I thought it might come out sounding a little negatively so I stopped. I've been using table saws, both professionally and as a hobbyist for over 40 years without an accident but my older brother is missing a good chunk of a finger because of a table saw in high school. I've had great respect for the power of the saw ever since and take precautions to work safely. I hope Mr 3D takes the warnings to heart.

[@GodsMan500]

@@rogermccaslin5963 Well said. I’ve been using one for 30 years without incident, until one day a few weeks ago I found myself absent-mindedly reaching for something on the table and my hand touched the blade the split second the blade stopped spinning (I had just shut it off). I was shocked that I had this moment of carelessness which could have resulted in serious injury. We need to keep impeccable habits in place for that one day in 30 years when we have an accidental lapse in awareness. It can happen to any of us.

[@CL-ty6wp]

i recentlyy refused to stain wood in a non ventilated area and my coworker couldnt believe how 'big of a deal' i was making. Even after I pointed out on the can that it causes brain damage. His excuse was everyone does it.. Crazy what hazards get overlooked and then people wonder why they have lung cancer or alzheimers*.

[@c50ge]

@@CL-ty6wp Yes it does kill brain cells, but only the weak ones, so doing it in moderation is actually doing yourself a favor by giving the strong brain cells more room to grow. By the way I am a self taught brain surgeon, sorry I don’t have any surviving patients that I can give you as a reference.

[@excelsior8682]

Shhhhh. Let them lose their fingers, so they can make youtube videos about it.

[@emmgeevideo]

The animations are incredible. The design and your narrative are equally incredible. Excellent work all around. Thank you.

[@mikel4510]

Amazing how many viewers commented on safety. Shop safety awareness has come a long way in the 50+ years I've been wood-funning (who, in their right mind, calls this activity work?) The great news is how 3D handles the comments. Unlike so many of the other YT hobby "experts" he appears to take others' concerns to heart. 👍

[@SonsOfThunder229]

Its the easiest thing to comment on.

[@TheTykus]

And while I agree, and am pro safety, our society is a little fixated on “safety”. Love the humble attitude though. That’s the real valuable trait.

[@rusticagenerica]

If there were no fingers close to the saw, we wouldn't be commenting on safety.

[@edwardk7217]

To IMPROVE on this desigh, I'd suggest using only 6 filters (as they come in packs of 6) AND also using the 20x30 filters which are a standard size and cheaper. Each 20x30 is 600 square inches so 6 of them is 3600Sqinch vs the 16-20 (320sq inch each and 2560sqinch total). So you get 140% of the filtration area for LESS money). Make the box as described but put in a blank sheet of 1/8" hardboard on one side. It also makes the resultnig frame stiffer. GREAT video and a solid idea - thanks!

[@The3DHandyman]

Fine idea! I have a new concept for 20x30s for just that reason. As for this configuration, the idea was to make the smallest footprint possible. The video for the 20x30 design should be filmed this week and launched this weekend.

[@W4TRI_Ronny]

@@The3DHandyman Still going to do this one? I'll wait. Great stuff! I just got my fan from Amazon!

[@The3DHandyman]

@@W4TRI_Ronny Thanks! I came up with some kits for this concept in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3Oug4B-iK9paqc I will be launching a kit that works with the Caterpillar/MaxxAir fan in the next few weeks. I also plan to offer the kits as a pack of parts/plans that does not include the wood so you can make it yourself. Would either of those ideas suit your build?

[@prybarknives]

​@The3DHandyman I commented already, but since you're here... any thoughts on upside-down configuration, with pull fan blowing down? I know it would stir up floor dust/dirt, but maybe that's good? Filter it and have it gone? As to six filters, triangular prism?

[@mrniusi11]

how do you fit 6 filters into a rectangular cube?

[@tcbridges]

I have been watching every fan and air system on KZbin for the past year and I have to say this is the best. Thank you for all your hard work putting this togeather for us. I plan on building this system as soon as Amazon get all the components to me.

[@The3DHandyman]

Awesome and thank you! I'm sure it will work as well for you as it has for me.

[@habiks]

This is amazing - It's a miracle you still have all fingers.

[@robertanderson2223]

Great Video! Excellent job quantifying the effectiveness of the various fans and filters out in the market. Loved your design (from a designer) and modified it for a 24" drum fan (move more volume quicker, before the dust settles). I really don't have that much room, but it's on wheels, so I can maneuver it around all the other equipment to get it up close. I operated it for the first time last night and noticed the difference immediately. Thank You!!! I got carried away and started cleaning at least 25% of my area just to see how well it worked. I was purposely pushing dust out in the air to watch how well it works. Awesome, yet so simple!! I chose a Merv 13, 16x25x1. I stacked them the short way for a lower unit and more stability. Then added 2" wheels and the 24" drum fan that is 10" tall. Hence, the whole thing sits over 42" off the floor. I am contemplating making a down draft table to straddle the unit (just roll it right under the table when ready for that operation). Sanding makes the most amount of harmful dust. I'm just not sure if it I will block some of the effectiveness of the unit? Well, I guess I will try it, and could always reconfigure it to use the current Dust Collecting system the removes the larger chips and dust from all the machines, but doesn't get the airborne dust that this unit excels at! Thanks again!!! You have definitely earned my subscription!!

[@The3DHandyman]

Awesome! The shorter unit is definitely nice to have next to a table. I love the idea of a downdraft table as well. I've been experimenting with new designs and this may make it into a future video. Thanks for subscribing!

[@robertanderson2223]

@@The3DHandyman I would love to see you prove out the down draft table concept. That would be awesome!! Thanks again for providing this excellent analysis!! Truly appreciate your effort!! Be Safe and stay healthy!!

[@ehudgavron9086]

Love the scientific approach and actual CFM measurements!

[@The3DHandyman]

I will need to do more videos like this in the future. Thanks for the comment!

[@MMMS75]

Great tips on reversing the direction and mentioning the screen over the fan to help reduce dust on the fan

[@pogodrummer]

I have no idea who you are or what you do on this channel, but you got an immediate sub once I saw the 3D animations. Amazing work dude

[@The3DHandyman]

Thanks for subscribing! I suppose I do all sorts of things. There are a few videos in the works, one of which is about how I make the animations for the channel. Stay tuned!

[@myrnapelano4974]

Nice presentation. I have used a table saw for about 58 years. 12 weeks ago it got me. I was using my riving knife and a push stick. 14 stitches and now two fingers that have zero feeling on one side each. Please give this some thought.

[@The3DHandyman]

Thanks Robert. I will do just that

[@edwardmckee7626]

Love the design going to try it out. Echoing the concern of others here about table saw safety. Those fingers are much more useful attached and designing great things like this than lopped off.

[@fletchro789]

Please please please use a push stick or push block during your table saw cuts! Keep them fingers!!👍

[@The3DHandyman]

I have been trying to be better at that lately. Thanks for the concern!

[@Warkive]

​@@The3DHandyman People have said similar things just shortly before losing fingers.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@Warkive I have seen the aftermath. The Microjig looks like an appealing design for a push stick. The push stick that came with the saw seems to increase kickback over my usual methods. What do you use?

[@Warkive]

@@The3DHandyman Push block for wider pieces, stick for narrower. Only time I've seen either increase kickback is if you don't keep them centered between the blade and the fence.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@Warkive Good advice. I'm a working on editing a new video and it's quite clear that I need to make some changes in this department.

[@normbograham]

30 years ago, a NC factory, used this type of box, to remove smoke from the break-room. worked awesome.

[@The3DHandyman]

Interesting use case!

[@SanctuaryGardenLiving]

Thank you for all the work you have done here and being so open and kind with your work!

[@ShinyTechThings]

You've officially earned me tapping the bell so I get notified of every video you make! Thanks for the hard work, dedication and editing as I know how much time that can take first hand.

[@The3DHandyman]

@Shiny Tech Things Thanks, Dude! Best of luck with your channel as well.

[@ShinyTechThings]

@@The3DHandyman What software do you use to render your animations?

[@JosephPPreston]

You have low standards.

[@Hunterhunter-ir9nz]

Great idea. Thank's for sharing! I was going to sell my old 24" shop fan. Now I think I'll use it for this! I'll join the chorus of people saying push stick, PLEASE> A good friend of mine " a machinist" lost his right had to a table saw accident. Oh, they put it back on, at his request. But, his hand is useless, just a curled up claw. All the bones were shattered. Think of all the things he/you could no longer do. 20 years ago I caught myself getting too comfortable with my table saw! Never get comfortable with power tools. I use a scrap piece of 2x4 or better 2x6 with a glued on 1/2" high heal at the back. I have lots of these, so no excuses. I even leave a few at job sites until I'm 100% done! When I'm not lazy I even screw on a handle like from a handsaw on the back. It gives great leverage to help push the stock down the the table. I saw it once in a magazine article. On a side note, it looks like you are in a garage. If that's the case you could put in a few attic fans in the wall. I used to do this in my old workshop. Cleaned the air almost instantly and cooled the shop, and no filters to clean or replace:) Subbed.

[@The3DHandyman]

I've made improvements in that particular area especially after cutting these videos together. It's a lot more noticeable the mistakes that are made when the camera gets all zoomed in on it. This video was uploaded a year ago but I actually made this filter 4 years ago. My new videos should better reflect my current safety level. I'd like to make some shot upgrades in the coming months. Some ventilation fans would be a good thing.

[@TKevinBlanc]

You know what makes great handles for flat pushblocks (which are sacrificial)? Old handsaw handles. Garage sale stuff. use (deeply countersunk) brass screws to attach them to the sacrificial block. Perfect angle, and kin old-timey stylish.

[@jeremyfisher2767]

Thank you, I saw these fans on Amazon and wondered it they would work for dust filtration. I saw this video by chance and glad I did. Appreciate the hard work you put into it, definitely making my own.

[@The3DHandyman]

Awesome. Thanks Jeremy

[@fibbsjc]

You’re a pretty stand up dude. I went to your site to purchase your build plans and sat here confused when it popped up for free. Cheers. Great content by the way.

[@The3DHandyman]

Thank you for that. If you want you can always upgrade with some 3D printed attachments if you like! www.etsy.com/shop/The3DHandyman

[@fibbsjc]

@@The3DHandyman Done!

[@jakevittie9023]

Thank you for this wonderfully informative build video. The details, animations, workmanship and drawings are great! I'm having my confident wood working neighbour tackle 6 of these for a dusty shop I operate. I'm hoping strategic placement of these 6 will perform nearly as well as a 15k industrial air scrubber. I'll send a note in a month or two on how effective the units are in a truly DUSTY environment.

[@The3DHandyman]

That's awesome! I would love to hear how they are working in this type of environment.

[@jeffreyjbyron]

When you flipped the fan direction, did you also reverse the filters? I think they are designed to move air in one direction, right? I wonder why most Cosri boxes use push configuration? I wonder if one designed for home could have the fan on the bottom, pull config, and have the entire unit lifted above the ground 2-3 feet and work well.

[@anonymoususer4356]

Excellent production quality and information, keep up the good work!

[@ApexFlow]

5:58 well done... way cool to see the fine dust going into the air filter

[@The3DHandyman]

It's my favorite part too

[@jimmiller5421]

@@The3DHandyman Excellent videos. I have subscribed and liked. Do you still use the thin mesh screens on your filters when you draw air into the unit? Thanks.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@jimmiller5421 Thanks! That's a great question. I do use this and I am experimenting with better ways to implement it. I'll do a video on the concept next month with all my findings. I like to use sheer mesh fabric with as small a opening as possible. The stuff I'm working with right now has .3mm openings and it works fairly well as a pre-filter. It doesn't prevent the filters from getting a layer of dust on them though. So, I am also working on other mods to further increase efficiency. Lots of content on the way!

[@Luqman899]

after using christ notap's method of a DIY dust collection system using 2 buckets and a cheap vacuum cleaner, I'm all for projects like this, and while the same parts may not necessarily be available where i live I will use your design as a guide, thanks for this! great video.

[@markkoons7488]

Nice design and well documented.But as one who got a finger tip into the cutting circle of a dado stack, I urge your viewers to use some sort of push device. After dadoing a fair amount of MDFover several years, I'd not given a thought to how dull the carbide had become. Dull tools cause injuries.

[@The3DHandyman]

Thanks for the tip

[@petem6503]

This is the right kind of fan to use with the filters. Congrats. Also: air discharge near the fan is quite chaotic. Normally a fan is tested with 10' of discharge duct to allow the air to take a uniform velocity profile. If you check carefully, you'll actually find many instances where the air near the motor is moving TOWARD the discharge of the fan. Makes for quite difficult measurement without a discharge duct. And I agree that merv13 is the minimum. BTW, when you see air flow (cfm) ratings on consumer fans, this is almost always at "free delivery": no pressure loss/drag. (4) Merv13 filters will probably cut the air flow to about 60% of named air flow. But this assembly will clear the air in a shop. To protect lungs, it's still a good idea to trap as much dust as you can at the tool. But some always escapes.

[@The3DHandyman]

That's exactly why I ended up reading the air at the filter rather than at the fan. Interesting note on how the fans are tested at 10 feet, it makes a lot of sense. I am going to make an update to this design soon with a 4000cfm fan and MERV14 filters. I'm hoping the performance of that will meet or exceed this one. I'll also test the performance of the current unit after 1 year of use with no filter changes.

[@petem6503]

@@The3DHandyman The test process is idealized, but it allows engineers to know a regulated starting place. AMCA is the industry body. Choice of fan volume and filter merv depend on what you're trying to do.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@petem6503 The goal is to filter out as much particulate as possible and as quickly as possible. I am filtering concrete dust out of the air lately and that's something I really don't want to be breathing. I know MERV14 is not a HEPA filter but it is closer than MERV13 at least. I am running some numbers for the upgraded unit and I have a question you might be able to answer. If the MERV 14 filters in the unit have a total rated capacity of about 6,500CFM and the new fan only produces 4000CFM, will the filters be able to preform better than what they are rated at? Could they achieve MERV15 filtration by functioning at less than 2/3 of their rated capacity? Just wondering if you have any thoughts on the matter. I understand that any official answer would need real world testing.

[@petem6503]

@@The3DHandyman I've never looked at filtration efficiency vs media velocity, but it wouldn't surprise me if there was a slight improvement with lower velocity. At the particle size in question, the filter media is more of a physical strainer, so velocity isn't the main performance metric. When designing a system, you have to consider several factors. The first is particle size: the particle in question is "cement" (not concrete), and those range 0.1~10 micron; that's merv 12~15 territory. Next question is how much particle generation and room size, which would then yield how much filtered air you need to keep the space "clean" (a VERY relative term): most of the time you want to calculate minutes of air change (or air change per hour, ACH): divide room volume (cu.ft.) by air flow (cfm). A typical office space usually runs 8~10 minutes air change. If you've got particle concentrations and hazard above this, skip the air cleaner and go for a respirator. Air cleaning eventually works (dependent on particle generation rate), but you breathe a lot of stuff in while waiting for that 10 minutes. Next, realize that the filters and the fan are a SYSTEM. The more air you try to push, the more resistance in the filter media; the more resistance, the less air the fan can produce. This is why serious air cleaning uses fans that can change speed. Realize that the "rating" for air volume in the filter is usually measured at some industry metric such as 300 feet/minute velocity, and you can actually run the air at much higher or much lower amounts, the impact being higher energy consumption if you speed up the fan, or lower air flow for a constant speed fan with smaller filter area. It's a continuous trade off between factors. AND, as the filters collect dust, the pressure loss at a constant velocity goes UP, OR if the fan speed is constant, the air flow goes down as the filters get dirty. That help?

[@The3DHandyman]

Great info! I will definitely keep these concepts in mind for the new video. Thanks for taking time time to get into the details. Very interesting stuff 👍

[@jamesrussell6870]

Set a $1 filter up to a $20 box fan. Done! It actually works as well as my shop air cleaner...

[@The3DHandyman]

I bet it does. I just tested one and it puts out about 500CFM of filtered air, just as much as the average shop air filter... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ7Kf4Srad93r5I

[@Dan_809_]

Great plans and easy enough design which makes it’s very usual removing excessive dust in the garage. Just built today and couldn’t be happier! Thank you!

[@The3DHandyman]

Great to hear it, Carlos. Hopefully it works well for you for many years to come!

[@bgrz]

The desk in the final shot is beautiful.

[@The3DHandyman]

Thanks! There is a video on making the desk as well

[@bibeksah4953]

Your 3D animation is so smooth and beautiful!

[@SonsOfThunder229]

How about If you used a belt driven motor that was this would the dust have an impact on the belt and such?

[@The3DHandyman]

Possibly over time dust could eat away at the belt but it may not dramatically reduce the life of the part. I could see it making the belt more likely to slip tho.

[@Malinterpretation]

Those videos are just awesome!! Great quality on those 3d animated plan. Really make it easy to understand details. Thanks and hope there are more coming!

[@The3DHandyman]

Thank you kindly. There are many more just like this one on the way!

[@scannon90]

Since you have air blowing into the box, how and how often do you clean the inside so that the filters don’t clog?

[@The3DHandyman]

In one of my next videos I will talk more about clogged filter performance. More testing is needed but so far I can say that with the Nordic Pure MERV 14 filters on this unit take 2 times longer to clean the air of smoke(ultra small particles) after 6 months of heavy shop use without any cleaning at all (wood dust, sanding dust, lots of cement dust, spray paint, oily vapors). I am working on making some pre-filters for these and the "push" config that you mentioned is a bit more challenging than the "pull" option... but I will come up with something to test.

[@SonsOfThunder229]

Question, the fan linked here says its 1600 cfm. Where is the 3000cfm fan you used?

[@The3DHandyman]

Good question! The 3000cfm fan is no longer available from Maxx Air. The New version of the fan is only rated at 1600cfm. It may very well be identical to the old fan but I have not tested it. I retested the fan in this video with a new methodology in a new video. I took a reading from a wind tunnel to measure the laminar flow coming out of the fan itself instead of measuring at the filters which seems to have given erroneous results (possibly because the filter surface can not be considered "open area"?). With the new method the "3000cfm" version used in this video appears to output 1570cfm without filters and 1400cfm with filters. So, I cant say for sure but if the factory says 1600 it may actually put out 1600cfm. If that's the case, it's still the most powerful version of this design. I talk more about it in both of the videos below Here is the link to the updated version of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ7Kf4Srad93r5I Here is a link to my diy air filter comparison video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaDFoJqHgsuSjsU I'll be testing a ton of different filter brands soon to see how they preform with airflow and small particle collection. I'd like to see the Maxx air fan hit 1500cfm. It's not 2500, but still pretty good

[@SonsOfThunder229]

@@The3DHandyman thank you, i also posted another question about adding a pre filter to the fans intake side? Will that reduce efficiency? I have a 4700 cubic foot space. Im looking to build a hanging unit and also a small mobile unit. I also want to use a combo of washable filters and cloth.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@SonsOfThunder229 I have purchased supplied for a prefilter and just finished the demo unit that it was designed for. I hope to have that and 3 filter kits available within the next few weeks. I will test the efficiency with 2 different levels of screens that can be vacuumed. One with larger holes and one with smaller holes. It will reduce efficiency but I cant say by how much...yet.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@SonsOfThunder229 Also, I have some 3D printed brackets that will hold the fan on tight for ceiling/wall mounts. For really large spaces a build like this one might work nicely for you. Creating a feedback loop in the room will really boost filtration efficiency. I will make a whole video about the concept some time soon.

[@SonsOfThunder229]

@@The3DHandyman so i made a filter using a 1/4hp furnace blower. I have two filters on the intake side. It seems to work ok, i havent tested anything with a meter. But im kind of thinking it can work better or i missed something. Can you critique this for me? Do you have an email?

[@jas_n1580]

This is such a great presentation with nice visuals to guide us in the process. Nice job!

[@lemurdreamur9257]

I've been looking into some cheaper air scrubbers/cleaners and then stumbled upon you home made one. I like yours better than what I was looking to buy! Thanks for the idea :)

[@jake8074]

Funny, after twenty-seven years of working as a 3D modeler/animator (3DS Max) I was laid off this past 12/31/21. Now I`m pursuing my dream of woodworking, and as luck would have it I come across you. Good looking work all around! Thanks for sharing, and my very best to you and yours!

[@The3DHandyman]

Sorry to hear you got laid off. Is it due to a changing industry or fallout from Covid? ... if you dont mind my asking. Happy to hear you enjoy the format. Thanks for the well wishes, too. Same to you and yours!

[@jake8074]

@@The3DHandyman Some may be offended by this, but the defense industry suffers anytime the Democrats take control. Defense spending is always cut, with training being one of the first things to suffer. I was a modeler for a subcontractor that supplied training (CBT) to everyone from Bath Iron Works, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and on down the line. That being said twenty-seven years of cube life was enough. I was ready anyway, just trying to rebound from our income being split in half. Sink or swim time. Thanks for asking, best from St. Augustine Florida!

[@The3DHandyman]

@@jake8074 I know a guy that does just about the same thing for ship builders. I'm sure there is more modeling work out there for you, if you want it, of course. Best of luck my friend!

[@jake8074]

@@The3DHandyman Thanks brother, cheers!

[@nickpeterson6647]

Hey you could get a round hepa filter that they use on larger cyclone type dust collectors, I'll bet it would work great and they can be cleaned out and used for years. They're about the same size as the setup you had.

[@The3DHandyman]

Definitely something I will keep in mind. Thanks!

[@Leto4900]

i guesss, reversing the fan will cause the fan failure quickly because the dust will gather around the motor and bearing and within time it will eliminate it's ability to run. i loved it actually and gonna plan to make one. thanks for sharing us this.

[@The3DHandyman]

No problem Abdul, I hope it works well for you. As far as the longevity of the fan goes, I wouldn't worry too much about it. I have seen this brand of fan clogged with 1/4" of oil metallic shop dust and it still ran perfectly well. That said, a filter for the housing would be best but I haven't had the time to make one just yet.

[@Leto4900]

@@The3DHandyman thanks, i forget to mention another issue , it will get dusty quickly rather cleaning it .

[@scottmorris4914]

So the dust was being pulled into the motor as you said. Is there a model that has a sealed motor?

[@The3DHandyman]

Not in this particular fan. A blower motor at some point would be a better option for this reason

[@NabaalSaporo]

What's the paper / film looking material that you used between the filter and the outside around 4:15 mark of the video?

[@The3DHandyman]

@NabaalSaporo Good question! It's a synthetic mesh with approximately .5mm (500 micron) openings. I bought mine at a fabric store but I'm sure the internet has some.

[@SethWalters]

@@The3DHandyman We need you to find out for all of us what it is and stick the info in the video description and on your site! Thanks for this info though!

[@The3DHandyman]

@@SethWalters Will do! I'll put in an order tonight and mention it in the next video 👍

[@thaynegouse576]

In this video you show a short clip of planning with a Delta lunchbox planner and a dust collection shroud. Where did you build/buy that? I have the same planner and the OEM dust shroud is terrible at best. If this is a model you built do you have any drawings.

[@The3DHandyman]

Nice catch! I couldn't agree more, the factory dust port clogs in seconds. Total afterthought. My solution was made at a time before this channel so I don't have any plans or a video of the build. But I can describe it for you in as much detail as I can remember... This video has a few different angles of the design at 3:40 and 5:40 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3rZfpagfZh8eck The design is as thick as the factory design. Plastic screws hold a board on to the rear of the planer. The board has 2 hinges on it so that the DIY dust port can be tilted up to remove any clogs if they occur. The base of the unit is MDF. The sides are 3/4" plywood that have slots cut into it with the table saw so that it can bend around the rear side. Then there is a strip of veneer that goes over that because the plywood cracked a little while bending it. After this glue up dried I got a thick stretchy piece of fabric to drape over it in a way that smoothly transitions the square output on the planer to a rounded scoop at the back. No edges for chips to get hung up on. Then I coated the cloth with epoxy resin to make it hard and smooth. A small container of epoxy should be plenty. The top is plexiglass so I can see if there is any build up. The port for the dust collector is actually a 4" plumbing fitting. If I remember correctly, I went with that because it had a sharp 45 degree bend that matched the shape of the resin cloth... and it had a nice flange. The design works effortlessly. Duct/chip build up only happens if I have a clog in the dust collector or a kink in the tubing. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@thaynegouse576]

@@The3DHandyman That works....The additional video footage helps with your description. I think the planner is a decent one for the price point but the DC is horrible. I hope to build something similar in the future. I have not seen anyone else change this as you have. Thanks for the response and keep doing what you do. I am in a small basement shop and will be building your air cleaner soon. I am trying to decide on fan pointing down or up. I see many others have asked this question. It is hard to visualize fan down into filters as "drawing" the same amount of air as when pointing up but if the volume of air in a space is constant I wonder if the direction of the fan makes a difference? Blowing out the top would kick up a large amount of loose dust that is in the shop but would eventually pass through the filters. Once the room is "clean" the daily operation should not kick up more dust.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@thaynegouse576 Yeah, the push vs pull config really just comes down to preference. While I work with cement I don't want the dust to go anywhere in the shop at all so the push config works nicely for that. The pull config is just fine for general use.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@thaynegouse576 Let me know how you like the filter once you get it going! I like the "down" fan position because it sucks cement dust off my work surface really well. If I point the fan "up" then some of the airborne dust gets thrown into the outgoing stream of air and I really don't like cement dust getting anywhere. I also like the down position for cleaning parts and filtering vacuum pump exhaust. "Up" wouldn't work so well for those particular activities....but for general airborne dust filtration, the "Up" method will work just very well for keeping the air safe to breath. The shop I am working with for the air filters kits is pretty much a constant cloud of dust. The "up" position would be the right thing for that space.

[@prybarknives]

Wondering if it could work in the pull configuration, but aimed down? Fan on bottom... it will definitely stir up floor dust, but maybe that's OK, because it filters it???

[@The3DHandyman]

A lot of people have suggested this. Not sure why that wouldn't work. You'd just have to flip it upside down and put some stilts on it.

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Would it be possible for you to slow that fan down so it doesn’t blast your ceiling and than you won’t have to worry about it catching fire.

[@The3DHandyman]

I suppose so, Bob. I do have a variable speed fan controller that could slow it even further than it's lowest setting but it may effect the longevity of the fan motor. Not certian about that tho

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

@@The3DHandyman : that jogged a memory. I’m sure some said that could ruin a motor. So he’ll ya keep it the way you got it. 👍👍

[@stephenpohlman326]

What is the diameter of the fan? And, where did you source it? Couldn’t find it on Amazon. Thank you.

[@The3DHandyman]

The outside is about 17.5" for both of these fans: Maxx Air (Orange): amzn.to/3fXokQC Caterpillar with Enclosed Motor (Black): amzn.to/3TD9NM3 The Maxx air that I used for this version seems to be marketed as 1600cfm now. After a wind tunnel test even the old version only preforms at about 1600cfm. They may have just updated the info or they made the fan lower quality. I'm not sure. Personally I like the Caterpillar fan because it has an enclosed motor and preforms essentially the same as the Maxx Air. Sorry for the late reply, I haven't gotten to comments in a while.

[@stephenpohlman326]

Thanks so much

[@PentaxBlogger]

Bravo, at least someone realised that blowing air OUT makes everything worse. Also you can add large dust bag inside the filter, from a industrial vacuum dust sucker (like KÄRCHER), to effectively collect and remove large amount of dust easily and preserve the filters longer, since they will catch only finer dust and not be overwhelmed with large dust.

[@KenJones1961]

I kept the "suck mode" even though it initially produces additional dust. The dust eventually is moved around until sucked into the filters. Mine is based on a box fan with 4 ea 20x30 MERV 13 filters.

[@The3DHandyman]

Awesome. Thanks for the notes on your build!

[@root1657]

I also vote for suck. I was going to try flipping the whole thing over so it poi ts down, but then opted not to, cause I didn't want it to be a hovercraft.

[@justinbaker2883]

You have amazing editing / animation skills.

[@Nuttsy-vy7xh]

Like the idea. Especially when you see the CFM circulation, 2500 vs. the much more expensive ceiling mount filter systems with less air flow. One suggestion. How about mounting the fan inside the box? Build the mounting frame to mount the fan inside of the box. Add a filter over the intake of the fan. This would eliminate the need to clean the fan because it would be inside the filter box. This would work especially well if you were using the eight filter box. Plenty of air flow and only filtered air reaching the fan.

[@The3DHandyman]

Sounds like a fine approach. It would use a bit more wood and have a larger footprint but otherwise the logic is sound.

[@mikegeorge9413]

I would like to build this, would the mount subdivide the 8 filters in half? Half used for intake , half used for outlet to disperse the air?

[@todddevine8818]

I’ve got a 24” Harbor Freight shop fan, thinking about using it….5000+ CFM. Think it will works too big?

[@The3DHandyman]

It seems ok at first glance. I am putting together an update for this video where I will offer plans for different configurations that people have asked for. The same sort of construction as the current unit could be used with your fan, just different dimensions. Many 24"x24"x2" filters can filter about 2000CFM and maintain their MERV rating. A 1" thick filter of the same size might be able to filter closer to 1500CFM. If there are 4 of these filters it theoretically should be able to handle about 6000CFM max. Based on the outside dimensions of the fan (4) 20"x30"x1" filters may be more suitable for construction. 4 of those provide a little more surface area and could theoretically handle 6500CFM. The higher the CFM on the filters, the better the fan performance will be. I wouldn't want to impede the fan's operation by using filters that can't handle at least 5000CFM. There are other factors at play but the math seems to check out on the design. It will be a large unit, though. A ceiling mount might be best if you have the headroom.

[@francomaccaroni795]

that 3d animation are so good

[@timtim2668]

Oh Wow this is really good idea and your concept. It works. Getting a high powered fan will cause more air Blowing around the saw dust and other dust like a storm in your workshop. But keeping the fan to draw air into the filters is important. It will eventually clogged that fan motor up potential hazard. Heard the filter over the fan part. Also the filters are designed 1 direction air flow. But if I were to build this which your design totally has me wanting to. If my fan were as strong as the one you are using I'd just build an air direction defuser like a foot above the exhaust of the fan. Attaching it to the top Housing. Like a roof. And design the air direction defuser to promote air circulation to bring that new saw dut in. I really like your concept and design and your work came out Awesome

[@The3DHandyman]

Thank you! The diffuser concept has been suggested. I have not gotten around to 3D printing something for that but I will at some point. I also made an update to this design in a new video where I use a fan with an enclosed motor so that dust can no longer get into any critical components! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ7Kf4Srad93r5I

[@albertshilton5336]

I want to by the kit you offer on Etsy, but couldn’t find it. I’m looking for the one on wheels with 8 filters on wheels. Thanks, Al

[@The3DHandyman]

Hi Al! Unfortunately I'm not making the kit for this design at the moment. It requires a lot of sanding that I don't have time for. You can make this one yourself with the free plans or take a look at the new Model-B. The new design offers a lower price with lower filter replacement costs as well as faster shipping times with the same level of performance. The way the kit fit's together is a bit different, though. So, let me know if you have any questions about anything. Here is the link www.etsy.com/listing/1373712349 How to put the new kit together (this is a temp video while I finish up the official video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g32paaSsZtl6ibM

[@markburton5292]

instead of reversing it do you think you could have put a air baffle over it so it redirects the air in multiple directions . a square with louvers at different angles would possibly work.

[@The3DHandyman]

That is a great suggestion. I can potentially 3D print something for this in 4 or more sections. I will have to give it a shot at some point

[@robbrown39]

Could this work as an exhaust system for a spray booth?

[@The3DHandyman]

The Caterpillar fan (in the update video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ7Kf4Srad93r5I) may be ok because the motor is enclosed but I'm sure it's not rated for explosive environments. I have used it as a quick and dirty spray booth before and did not have issues but that does not meant it isn't possible. The solvents also need to be vented outside the space because the filter does nothing for VOCs. The best option (at least from my googling) would be a "shaded pole" blower motor like this www.grainger.com/product/DAYTON-OEM-Blower-Rectangular-6FHX7 The design helps to reduce the possibility of fires. There is also a specific OSHA rate of airflow for a specific size of booth. I don't exactly remember it off the top of my head but the blower in the link may be good enough for a 3ft x 4ft booth or so.

[@TheRealkciRsnurB]

Very nice! Factual, articulate, straight forward with great production & 3D!

[@petrann280]

Great content! As a thought for improvement, would putting double the amount of filters (1 very cheap to take the most beating and after that the better quality one) increase the efficiency of the air purifier? Then also the better quality filter would last longer

[@The3DHandyman]

Thank you! The new design features exactly that. I'll cover it in my next video.

[@craighill2589]

How is your system working today, any changes. I'm going to build it an see how it works in my garage.

[@The3DHandyman]

It still works great today. No issues with the fan despite dirty air blowing over the motor. The fan blade set screw did loosen and the blades fell off one time. Easily fixed. I will highlight a future build in my upcoming video (should be out next week) if you are interested in a ceiling mounted version of this design. It will hopefully be even better at pulling fine dust out the the air that this design. What it wont do is pull the dust right off of a tool. This design is better for that.

[@craighill2589]

@@The3DHandyman thanks for the reply, So you are sucking the air into the fan and into the box, right. the other way around was not working?

[@The3DHandyman]

@@craighill2589 Any time! Yes. This design seems to work best when it's pulling in. The fan housing must be kept lean tho. If you have high ceilings or you can duct the air coming out the the fan away form the work area, the first configuration shown in the video will work better that if it just blowing into the ceiling.

[@arubanjames]

Very professional video, I wonder if you left it in pull mode and put something on the exhaust to act as a diffuser? Or, let it run and blow down the whole shop until there isn’t any dust left to be stirred up? It seems that letting the fan get caked up will become a pain?

[@The3DHandyman]

Thanks! I hope to do some more experimentation with this in the next few months. I think the plan will probably be to make a filter for the fan motor.

[@rogerwhiting9310]

I am currently shopping for dust collection systems for my power tools. After all is said and done it seems to get down to cfm...and collection. Most units in my range are 600 to 900 cfm. When I look at 2500...all I can think of is why dont I port your fan down to 4 inches...add a cyclone separator and small barrel....and blow the rest out the wall where nobody sees it? Obviously the 2500cfm will take a drastic dive... but I bet no where near 800. Thoughts? It would be great to build a super powerful system for cheap. Thanks

[@The3DHandyman]

This sort of fan moves air quite well but it may not produce enough suction for a dust collection system. An impeller type fan blade produces better results in this scenario. That said it may work, just not quite as well as you might want it to. Also, the new version of this fan is also only rated at 1300cfm. Not sure why they cut the power so drastically.

[@betims]

Can you share where did you learn to make these sleek 3d animations? Any course or...?

[@The3DHandyman]

I went to school for video game design, the rest was self taught. Made a video on the basics a while ago that might give you some ideas as to where to start kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWralHx5ra-EgrM

[@betims]

@@The3DHandyman thanks for the reply! -- I posted the comment before I read your channel name. Great videos btw!

[@The3DHandyman]

@@betims Thanks much!

[@unkleturpis9253]

Curious, but wouldn't putting the fan facing downwards take care of the dirty ceiling problem while keeping the puller configuration?

[@The3DHandyman]

Yes, that has been suggested by a few people now. I do like the idea, especially with some sort of diffuser on the bottom side.

[@unkleturpis9253]

@@The3DHandyman I was imagining a clover split vent to redirect, but a diffuser would work better, likely. Thanks.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@unkleturpis9253 Any time

[@ToolShow]

Such a cool video format! We're subbed! This video was fantastic. We need an air cleaner for our own shop, which is a 2 car garage, so something like this will work wonderfully. Thanks for sharing!

[@The3DHandyman]

Awesome! Thanks for subscribing. I've been working on building a big desk for the last two weeks and the air filter has done a great job on all the sanding dust. I hope it works well for you too. If you have any suggestions for improvements, let me know!

[@erics5757]

Does this mean all dust is captured on the inside? How do you vac your prefilter?

[@The3DHandyman]

When the fan is reversed the filter in no longer able to be vacuumed as shown in the video. If the prefilter was installed on the inside sort of like a bag hanging under the fan, then seemingly it could be pulled out and dumped into the trash.

[@crearelectronica]

Hi. What's the brand filters? Is posibility buy this in Amazon? What's the material of the filters? Thanks... Sorry for my english... I need this filter for ten vertical panel Saw

[@The3DHandyman]

I bought a pack of these on a website that only sells air filters. There are quite a few to choose from. Here are 2 options: www.filterbuy.com/ www.airfilters.com/

[@crearelectronica]

@@The3DHandyman Thanks for this information 👌🏻

[@The3DHandyman]

Thanks for all the advice on keeping my fingers! I try to be more safe these days. There is a 4000CFM (factory rated) fan available from Caterpillar: amzn.to/3Hd9C44 No modifications needed vs. the original fan. Here is the link to the current model of the Fan used in this build (now only 1600CFM) amzn.to/3fXokQC Here is a link to the filters that I use (MERV 13 or higher recommend): amzn.to/3Lggyzb I made some 3D printed air filter clips that can replace the tape. 3D print them for free or buy them from me: www.etsy.com/listing/1210663842 Buying from these links helps support the channel! Link to the plans is in the description.

[@manuelwide6791]

tit is not extractor. just a fan

[@deogloriawoodworks]

This is perfect for my shop. I clicked the link you provided for the plans, but it leads to a “404 not found” dead link. Could you check on that and let me know if there is a different link? Thanks!

[@The3DHandyman]

The link in the description is fixed. Thanks for letting me know! the3dhandyman.com/workshop-air-filter-drawings/

[@deogloriawoodworks]

Thank you!

[@CL-ty6wp]

Hmm the intake seems to open. Is there enough velocity to pull fines from the air and stick to filter? Nvm you turned the fan around.

[@The3DHandyman]

I definitely prefer the fan blowing into the filter

[@CL-ty6wp]

@@The3DHandyman It does seem more efficient that way.

[@theloweshow3047]

just curious, why did you opt to push the dirty air through the filters vs pull the dirty air through the filters. sorry if you mentioned it in the video, i missed it.

[@The3DHandyman]

I have generally kept the fan pointed into the filter box. This way I can post the unit next to the dust producing tool and it seems to give the best results.

[@genxtech8pune]

Can I use this concept for removing high amount coal fire smoke, I want to build for control air pollution ,is it possible? Or is it possible place near chimni for collecting smoke.

[@The3DHandyman]

Good question. My biggest concern would be a potential fire caused by an ember getting sucked into the filter. The filters are also made out of tiny plastic fibers that could melt under high heat as well. I was wearing one of my filter masks a few months ago while filling my grill with charcoal and the filter turned black from the dust. So, this type of filter definitely does a great job of capturing smoke and soot. That said, the air filter may get very dirty very quickly in this application. In short, I would be very cautious about using the filter for something like this. If you intend to use the filter indoors in an area that is often filled with smoke (far away from things that produce heat and flames), that might be a better fit than trying to use the filter as a sort of "scrubber" on a chimney. Keep in mind that this filter will not remove VOCs or other dangerous things like carbon monoxide.

[@genxtech8pune]

@@The3DHandymanthank you , can i use HEPA Filter for this ?

[@The3DHandyman]

@@genxtech8pune Sure. They tent to be much thicker filters though so some modifications may be needed. Also, the with a higher filtration level you should expect the efficiency of the filter unit to drop. The fan will not be able to pull as much air through the unit due to extra resistance.

[@genxtech8pune]

@@The3DHandyman ok got it, thank you so much for your support, You explained very well in video with animation.👍

[@genxtech8pune]

@@The3DHandyman actually I am working for a project (air pollution control) if you have any suggestions please text me.

[@jacobhenry2785]

Thank you 👍🏼 amazing craftsmanship and production

[@CogentConsult]

How loud is that fan at each of the three speeds?

[@The3DHandyman]

Good question! I just uploaded a new video that answers that question kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ7Kf4Srad93r5I

[@JB-sx3db]

Good vid. I’m installing a similar system to exhaust fumes from my welder.

[@The3DHandyman]

Awesome! The Caterpillar fan has an enclosed motor which might suit you even better than the Maxx Air fan used in this video. My latest video talks more about it kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ7Kf4Srad93r5I

[@Ronin7477]

really like this video, very useful, I will be making one of these for my shop eventually. Other than maybe floor space........ Is there a reason to do this vertically instead of a horizontal directional design? Or an upside down "L"? Pulling air from the work space, through the fan and out the filters? I like the idea pulling it in through the fan better and glad you changed it to this direction, it utilizes the filter box as a collection container as well. Just make a cone shaped cover for the engine housing with directional vents so it still breaths but deflects the dust passing.

[@The3DHandyman]

The vertical design is the direction I went because it could be parked next to whatever was producing dust and maintain a small footprint. I do like the idea of a ceiling mounted horizontal filter that could create more defined circulation within in the space. Like, one side of the room is IN and the other is OUT so it's always filtering in one direction. You have some good thoughts and I will redesign this filter at some point with some of these things in mind 👍

[@JW77]

When you reverse the motor to push mode, did you do anything to prevent the filter from being blown out?

[@The3DHandyman]

Good question! I did not. The tape that holds them in place works in both directions.

[@destitute8493]

The filters are usually directional--they have arrows showing the proper air flow direction. I doubt 3DH reversed them.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@destitute8493 You're sure right about that

[@Metalbass10000]

With the reversal of the air flow, you didn't mention if you reversed the orientation of the filters, as they almost always have a specified direction of air flow, which is indicated on the filter itself.

[@The3DHandyman]

Correct, these need to be flipped around in this scenario.

[@numberkruncherr]

What are the noise levels like? I haven't found any figures for suitable looking fans (different models available in the UK, we can't even get those box fans that usually get used in DIY air filters).

[@The3DHandyman]

I would say the noise levels are between 60 and 70db with the fan on high. Not insignificant. Low is better but it obviously does less filtering at that speed. Interesting to know that even box fans the fans are hard to find in the UK. If you can find any sort of fan with a ducted design, this concept should be viable. If you find something that works, feel free to post a link here. I will be making an update to this video some time soon.

[@numberkruncherr]

@@The3DHandyman Those noise figures are in the range of typical commercial units like the JET 1000, which has half the flow rate, so pretty good is correct. Yes, the box fan thing was a bit of a surprise to me too, and I live here. It was only when I started looking around because I was interested in cheap air cleaning for our hackspace (I'm asthmatic, so I care about that sort of thing) that I found they just aren't a thing here. The style (but not model) you use for this project are available, but I'll have to search for a suitable one at a suitable price. I actually considered combining your design with Stumby Nub's Air Cleaner Filter upgrade, perhaps using a lower MERV rated filter on the input side (where you have nothing) and then the MERV 15 cartridge on the output, but then that gives me another acquisition problem. Wynn don't sell here, there are a couple of companies selling a couple of similar products (but at higher prices I think) and also a couple of companies that may have something similar (they produce all sorts of different filters) but since they don't market at the woodshop hobbyist, there's very little info on what would be suitable.

[@The3DHandyman]

Stumpy Nub's design is a good one. So far leaving the input side open has not resulted in any issues after about 4 years of use, so I wouldn't be super concerned about if you can spray the dust off with compressed air. The video wont be out for 2 or 3 months but I'm working on a design for a whole shop air filter where the air is collected on one side and then filtered and pumped back into the room on the other side, creating a closed loop circulation system. Hopefully it works as intended. The 650cfm dust collector will be doing the work, way less than the power of this unit but hopefully it will be an even better approach to airborne dust collection. The motor for that is similar to this one: www.harborfreight.com/13-gallon-industrial-portable-dust-collector-31810.html OR the WEN which you said isn't available where you're at amzn.to/3I5G4Wd We will have to wait and see how that performance stacks up against this design.

[@homerogonzalez2909]

what if you flipped it over and had the fan blowing air on the floor? keep the floors clean and more suction surface area

[@The3DHandyman]

That is certainly a fine option. Mounting the fan would be a bit more challenging but I like the idea!

[@homerogonzalez2909]

@@The3DHandyman not hard at all! Some square tubing with some casters welded at the bottom as legs

[@The3DHandyman]

@@homerogonzalez2909 Go for it. Let me know how it works!

[@dtec30]

so push into the filter box wont the air mix and blow the dust around the area near the box ?

[@The3DHandyman]

In the push configuration there is not a huge amount of draft coming out of any individual filter and it doesn't kick up a significant amount of dust.

[@mcattack2009]

Stupid question and maybe I should just build it to find out. But what if you mounted the fan on the bottom, let the air push out towards the floor. You’d kick up the dust, yes, but theoretically it should get sucked back into the filters. Keeps the balance point low, doesn’t push everything to the ceiling.

[@The3DHandyman]

A few people have mentioned this. Not sure if anyone has built on yet. It seems like a sound concept. If you want, you could build one and then post about how it works

[@practicalguy973]

Awesome work! An idea would be to make a large curved wooden air duct outlet to direct air coming out the fan sideways. If you were to aim the airflow opposite way from the saw it would help pull more dusty air towards the filter and you could go back to pull configuration and keep the fan clean. With that much CFM I'd be aiming to make a very large outlet probably twice the size at least of the fan surface area so it would have less air velocity as it leaves the outlet and less mess around the shop. It would be important to have a thin plywood or something you can curve so the air can move smooth and quiet keeping the most CFM possible.

[@The3DHandyman]

I do like that idea! My favorite approach so far would be to integrate it into the ceiling and duct the air to the opposite side of the space to create one-directional air circulation through the shop. One day...

[@practicalguy973]

@@The3DHandyman That's a great idea. The blade fan you have could probably handle some duct work but too much and you will lose a lot of CFM. I thought of doing something like that with a large B-AIR VP50 which is 2820 CFM blower fan and that will keep the static pressure higher with some duct work. The ultimate would be an old furnace blower, They will push air in a shop duct system really well. No matter what, these DIY projects are awesome to see the outcome. My air filter is currently a small wood box with a 25x20x5 mpr 1550 filter. I built it into a wooden box and sealed the box fan in with weather stripping and tape the filter on like you do. The box fan is 2500 CFM but greatly reduced with only 1 filter. My filter is equivalent to 5 of the 20x20x1 so still not too bad.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@practicalguy973 That sounds like a solid setup. It's always cool to see what people come up with for this common problem. I looked at blower motors for this build but the ones that pushed a lot of CFM were out of my price range.

[@practicalguy973]

@@The3DHandyman I hear you. I have the impressive B-AIR VP-20 blower that I bought 3 years ago to push air along my basement floor that can get damp. Its the smallest one they offer and got it on sale for $30 at Home Depot so that's as much as I was willing to spend on any fan and why I did the cheaper box fan for my filter and not the VP-50! Large blowers are really expensive. If ever replacing a furnace in your home it would be smart to keep the blower fan. Free and powerful.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@practicalguy973 Craigslist might be a good place to look for that sort of thing too. Maybe someone else is trying to unload a big blower after a home renovation or AC replacement. One thing to consider when buying those is how they are wired. Some might be 3 phase or too high amperage for an average home outlet.

[@saraiaghid207]

I came here for the filters...buh I couldn't stop looking at those fingers so close to those very sharp blades. N I was wondering is there some kind of safety gloves or tool to help?

[@The3DHandyman]

There are definitely tools to help with this. I don't recommend using the saw in the way that I did in this video

[@larryprice5134]

You said you wanted to add a filter on top to protect the housing/motor. Would that lessen the airflow? Also, couldn’t you have added another set of filters on top of the fan to capture the last bit as it pushed the air into the shop?

[@The3DHandyman]

I envisioned the top side air filter only keeping dust out tog the motor housing. This shouldn't reduce the air that the fan blades are moving. A lot of people have suggested doing filters on both sides. It seems like a fine choice to me.

[@IanTanLK]

Love that animation...

[@kobradovits]

I'm curious why you put the fan on top and not inside the unit?

[@The3DHandyman]

Sake of ease, I suppose. Lot's of people have modified the design to suit their needs. A similar concept has been suggested

[@mikegeorge9413]

I was going to embark on this in the next couple weeks, how did you propose mounting it I side? Creating a divider between the intake and outlet side inside the box?

[@The3DHandyman]

​@@mikegeorge9413 I think this would be possible but so far the idea that appeals to me the most is making a duct or a diffuser for the fan outlet. It just seems like a more simple concept to implement

[@mattgaither5936]

Have you found any adverse effects from have flipped the fan orientation? Looking at how store bought air scrubbers are constructed, the filter medium is always between the blower and the source of the dust flow(similar to how you had it oriented at first). I guess I wonder if the raw dust running over the fan will eventually gunk up the motor or anything...?

[@The3DHandyman]

I use an air compressor to regularly clean the fan and have not seen any significant issues come from it. So far the worst was when the set screw on the fan blade got loose and the blades fell off into the housing. It was a quick fix but something to be aware of.

[@milesparris4045]

In my home I've replaced the registers for the AC with ones that will accept a filter, and I use the really cheap (Still under $1 US if bought in a pack of 6) ones in that. It traps the vast majority of dust and makes the $10 one in the furnace last three or four months instead of just one. The cheap one needs to be changed once a month, so I'm already saving about $45 a year.

[@The3DHandyman]

That's a great idea! Thanks for the comment

[@milesparris4045]

@@The3DHandyman I just realized that my comment sounded off-topic, I meant to say it would help make the filters in the shop air cleaner last longer. I commented before I watched the video and saw that you put a fine screen over them.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@milesparris4045 All good. That s a good method for helping keep the high MERV filters clean for a much longer time. I am plaining on testing a few double filter methods in a future video and the concept you mentioned will be one of them!

[@bradwhitmore-q1e]

Why didn't you use a canister air filter and skip most of the build with the canister itself replacing the box and filters? Also I've been looking at canister filters and not one of them (that I can tell) tells you the MERV rating? Do you have any idea what the canisters are related?

[@The3DHandyman]

Good questions. I hope to have my canister filter video out at the end of this month. The Wynn environmental filter is pretty good be expensive. It has a MERV 15 filtration level. From what I understand, things marketed with "Nano fibers" tent to be the higher MERV equivalents. Others are more in the MERV 11 range. Canisters have some benefits but also a fair amount of drawbacks. The shortened version of the story is that 3M MERV 13 or 14s in this configuration outperform canister filters in my smoke tests. If you put a drum fan on a canister filter, the performance is significantly worse than the 8 filter or even the new 4 filter design. If you want to use a canister, put an inline fan on it. The original concept by Bill Pentz is better than the drum fan design.

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Sweet design. Questions: 1) Any idea how much better the air flow would be with 2 or even 4" thick filters, as I've read they allow better flow? 2) For the pull configuration, can you attach a flexible HVAC tube and point the air flow out a window/door? Or would that mess with the filtration capability?

[@The3DHandyman]

If the air filter is close to it's maximum efficiency already there may little to gain by using 2 or 4 inch filters. If you only used 4 total filters rather than 8, the thicker filters would give you a boost in performance. The filter could blow air out of the room via a tube if you are trying to vent VOC's but keep in mind that there will need to be some sort of air inlet into the room to keep the fan working properly. The best configuration I could imagine for dust filtration would have the filters on one side of the room and then a duct would bring the outgoing air to the opposite side of the room. This would create a positive feedback loop in which the air would always be pulled toward the filters.

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

@@The3DHandyman wow, thank you! Will try to build one this summer.

[@The3DHandyman]

@@MadLadsAnonymous Awesome. Let me know how it goes!

[@unguidedone]

wow very well produced

[@centaurus777]

Push Sticks. Wonderful things.

[@vodaredhill1704]

What type and where did you determine those air filter modules please.

[@The3DHandyman]

There are links to everything that was used in the video. What do you mean "determine"?

[@Actionronnie]

I kinda did something like this for the inside of my house, except made out of a 1 foot square cardboard tube that's 7 feet high. Originally made it to move the hot summer air from my ceiling downstairs,to mix with the cooler air. Then it passed by a A/C unit through my kitchen upon circulation.8000btu ac is cooling 1400 sqf doing this. But on a whim I put a filter on it, now it became an entire crude house filtration system for 1400 sqf. lol.

[@The3DHandyman]

That's a great idea! At my place the temperature variation between the upstairs and downstairs is 15-20 degrees at times. Adding a filter to the unit is even better. Nice work

[@Actionronnie]

@@The3DHandyman thanks! Your project gave me an idea to make a more sturdy project out of wood or something. Maybe translucent panels for a lighted colume,with more smaller filters at the top. So it looks more like a piece of furniture. Just to be clear, this things sits on a old unused cold air return in my living room. Again thanks for a new idea 💡

[@The3DHandyman]

@@Actionronnie Happy to help! Enjoy the new project

[@nathanduitch2521]

How loud is that fan compared to the jet style squirrel cage types?

[@The3DHandyman]

A bit more quiet on low settings. On high it would be roughly comparable to the squirrel cage types

[@bryanrocker5033]

Pull configuration could be done if you put an air diverter on top of it so it wasn't hitting the cieling. However, if you didn't and it stirred up dust it may then remove them.

[@The3DHandyman]

Very true. I like the air diverter concept for sure. I may build one of those at some point

[@scottydntno]

the link to the fan shows the filter is only rated at 1600 CFM. Not 2500-3000.

[@The3DHandyman]

Yeah, shortly after making this video, the fan used here was replaced with a new model. Either way, after retesting the drum fans with a new methodology (wind tunnel), they only put out about 1600cfm max (see updated video). Personally I like the Caterpillar fan because of the enclosed motor. Out of every imaginable configuration of fans and filters, the drum fans preform the best even if they don't hit 2000-3000cfm.

[@SteveKluver]

Thank you for doing this video. You did however, skip past the mesh screen info.. What size did you use? Where did you get it? And, did you test for flow before and after installing it?

[@The3DHandyman]

I bought that at a fabric store for a few bucks. It's roughly equivalent to a 500 micro synthetic mesh

[@SteveKluver]

Thank you, @@The3DHandyman. That seems to be a good choice. Was the fabric store online, or? Just to be clear. You do mean 500 U.S. Mesh, which is 25 microns, 0.001" or 0.025 mm?

[@The3DHandyman]

@@SteveKluver It was the brick and mortar variety of fabric store. I browsed by how the material looked and felt... the old fashion way. The open space is about 500microns OR .5mm. You could potentially go down to .25mm but this may limit airflow a bit.

[@SteveKluver]

Thank you, @@The3DHandyman.

[@deogloriawoodworks]

I’m working on building this; looking at the opening on the top for the fan, I notice it isn’t a perfect circle. Is it critical that I do it this way? Or can I make a perfect circle? Thanks! (FYI - I have the same model fan you use in this video)

[@The3DHandyman]

As long as the circle size is inset from the edges of the top board by an inch or so, that should work fine. The larger the circle diameter the better just as long as the board still has some structure.

[@deogloriawoodworks]

Perfect! I have it built and it’s working well so far. Question: did you come up with a good option to keep the motor housing dust-free, like a small filter for it?

[@The3DHandyman]

Good to hear it's working well for you! Unfortunately I have not yet made a dust filter for the unit. Hopefully some time soon I can post an update for that. Until then, blowing the dust out of it with compressed air will help keep it clean.

[@flannel7977]

Making me wince with your fingers that close to the blade! Push stick my friend!

[@The3DHandyman]

Already picked one up! Thanks for your concern

[@robinspear7895]

Great video! How to download the plan? I clicked on the download button but nothing happened.

[@The3DHandyman]

Try right-click then save-as if you are on a desktop. If you are on mobile, try a different browser if possible. It should be working ok.