How to make a dust collector with a wet/dry vac | I Like To Make Stuff

[@pumpkinheadghoul]

Great video, well done! One suggestion though. You'd greatly improve your suction over those long runs if you were to replace those long rungs of corrugated hose with smooth PVC. Because a corrugated hose has so many bumps inside, every one of those little bumps acts like a speed bump for your airflow, and slows it down. I bet if you tried a little experiment by replacing just one of those long runs with PVC, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much more suction you'll get. Another tip to increase your suction would be to eliminate all 90 degree angles in your fittings. You're far better off using Y fittings than you are with using T fittings. Every 90 degree angle greatly reduces airflow because the air first slams into a dead end at the bend in a T fitting, before then having to once again pick up momentum to travel on. A Y fitting eliminates this slamming into the inner walls of your fittings, and provides a much easier transition to the next length of pipe. Think of it as driving a car down the road, trying to maintain speed. When you come to a T in the road, you are slowed way down before making your 90 degree turn. Now compare that to a highway on ramp, which is essentially a Y in the road, when you can maintain your speed as you transition from one road to the other. Just a couple of suggestions if you feel the need to increase your suction.

[@drmarkflies]

The high speed of these videos is fantastic, and the little tricks are incredibly helpful. I don't feel like I'm going to live long enough to get through most DIYs... not so here.

[@nattymatt]

I may be alone here, but I enjoy shop videos, they give me ideas and help me stay organized and efficient.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

nattymatt Good to know! Most people like them, some don't (as is the case with ALL of my projects :)

[@nattymatt]

Haters gonna hate, I suppose.

[@KenCharlesTheGreat]

I love shop project videos, I like making useful things

[@modestmaking5314]

You're definitely not alone. There are at least 1.5 million others that enjoy Bob's videos enough to subscribe.

[@Stinow]

I often do more shop projects.. than.. real projects :P

[@fivepointbaptist]

When wiring receptacles and switches, be sure to have the curl on your wire going in the same direction as the screw turns; clockwise.

[@dennismbrandi]

fivepointbaptist use a screwdriver to tighten the screws

[@jdmccall8259]

I was thinking the same thing

[@mccalejk2]

That was the problem you noticed??? Nevermind the massive code violations of using an extension cord to run an outlet and switch, using zipties to attach them and not putting a cover over the receptacle.

[@kdpuffer1]

@@mccalejk2 not sure thats a code violation as it wouldn't be considered a permanent installation. Essentially all he did is make a power bar.

[@kdpuffer1]

I was going to say the same thing, as an electrician I approve this message lol.

[@snobear41]

A helpful hint: you can buy remote controlled "outlets" they plug into regular outlet then vac into it- remote on keychain on your belt- allows you to turn on-off from anywhere in shop

[@b-radg916]

I was just thinking about doing that!

[@aquinnsden]

Just wanted to say thank you for showing how to make a dust collector with a wet/dry vac. I just bought a new 18 Gallon vac for my work shop and for doing other things around the house. Thanks again.

[@4EverMoore]

quick and easy set up I like that you showed this a lot of people think dust collection is for large shops that you work in everyday and that's not the case...

[@charlesdabb5398]

I am just now becoming interested in woodworking. I am disabled and thought this would be a great way to pass the time. Dust collection is a big concern of mine so is shop safety. Years ago I worked as an electrician and was taught a few things that I noticed you did not do in your video. The first was to always wrap the wire around the terminal screws in the direction the threads tighten. This way when you tighten the screws you are pulling the wire tighter around the screw. The second thing I noticed was the end where the plug was located. It appears as if the exterior insulation is butted up against the base of the plug instead of inside the clamping area. This allows the wires to become exposed and possibly more prone to damage. Just a few personal observations otherwise, great video.

[@DavidWWhite1973]

@3:50 just an fyi tip...wrap your wire around the screw clockwise so when you tighten it up it grabs and pulls it tight. The way you did does work, but in my experience, it likes to push the wire out and can lead to loose wires in your box. Other than that, thanks for the great video!

[@amoreno8681]

I have a feeling if I made this it would just end up collecting dust

[@ResanChea]

contact me when you're successful

[@paolodibello5991]

Alfredo Moreno that made me laugh, hard. hahahahaa

[@InflightAviation]

Alfredo Moreno bad pun alert!!

[@justinbalacuit6507]

Resan Chea well collecting dust sucks :/

[@Noeman2009]

but it can suck and blow :D

[@frenchyrj1520]

Definitely one of the best videos if you’re looking for a simple dust collection system

[@BLTspace]

Who doesn't like the shop project videos? They're some of my favs! :(

[@SpizawkDaKizowz]

I think a few people mentioned this, but it's important enough that I want to reiterate: your live AC line that runs from the outlet to the switch under the table should be in conduit. It costs almost nothing to do, and it can protect you from the very real possibility of something cutting into the wire causing some variety of suckage.

[@vinceb9310]

I know its 8 yrs old, but this is exactly what I need thank you

[@yellowdogparty]

Always put the wires on the outlet so they tighten with the screw. ;) Very cool. I didn't even know things like those gates exist.

[@dushk0]

You lied in the title! You showed a lot more than that, actually gave me all the ideas I needed to build an efficient system to let me build more! I call click bait! And a huge thanks!

[@gjsullivan55]

Good video. Note: Y connectors will give you better air flow than the T connectors

[@bryandavies6074]

Swept Ts would be better still.

[@hatbpto5180]

Thank you for your video, I am planning a central dust system myself. I have the Dust Deputy cyclone and it works well. I would suggest finding as large a container as you can for it if you are planning on connecting it to a thickness planer, even a small bench top model. Them things make a LOT of chips! I have my cyclone on top of a large gear oil drum and still have to empty it frequently when planing a lot of boards. Also you can stick your shop vac hose into a trash bag full of chips and hold the bag opening around it closed to suck the air out. Then tie it really tight before it expands again. It will reduce the volume by at least two thirds.

[@xKUPUAx]

This is fantastic. My "shop" is very much in its infancy right now. Your channel is so great! From the detailed explanations to the availability of the materials needed. Thanks and keep it up!

[@krtwood]

Before I got my dust collector I had just the vacuum and cyclone hooked up to everything like this. Let me tell you this now before you go adding anymore to it, get rid of those plastic gates and make your own. Not just as an excuse to do a video on making your own gates, ha! They are terrible. They jam up and then won't close very easily. They leak like crazy. As soon as you have more than a few gates you lose most of your suction from all the leaking. Even now that I have a DC, I still have quite a few tools hooked up this way so it's a good investment for the future and not just a temporary solution until you get a better system later. The vacuum is better for things like a router table or spindle sander where it's restricted to a small opening at the tool.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

krtwood Yeah, I had one of them clog up yesterday, so you're totally right. I've got some interesting plans for my system involving the gates, so it'll probably be worthwhile building my own sooner than later. Thanks!

[@dough537]

Would it prevent clogging if the blast gates were installed with a vertical flow rather than horizontal flow? That way the dust is less likely to settle into the space where the slide operates. Of course, that does nothing for the leakage issue mentioned.

[@billsmith9249]

the fact that you left some bare spots with caulking has my OCD on fire!

[@michaellee4309]

I'm currently building a system using 1.5" PVC, Since the system is sealed, and I'm using ball valves instead of blast gates, suction should be awesome. The only drawback is static build up, which can be cured with some metal screws put through the pipe wall and copper wire for ground. I have seen people put the wire inside the pipe, but I'm afraid of build up in a narrow pipe. The benefit is PVC is CHEAP! not the ball valves though.

[@jogosgratispro]

I like your videos because you speed up the process. I hate long videos about people talking more than doing the things promised in the title. Congrats!

[@isaeproductions5217]

Some tips from an electricians apprentice You should only ever a 1/4” max of jacket in a box per NEC (you had a few inches) You should put your hooks on screw terminals clock wise so they tighten when you screw down the screw not loosen Pre twist pig tails (don’t rely on wire nuts) You ran more wire to the switch box than needed you could’ve just ran one 14/2 instead of two wires, using the neutral as a hot and re labeling it with a sharpie or electrical tape (you placed a wire nut on your neutrals)

[@MtnBadger]

One option for your remote switch, is a remote switch control. It's a device that plugs into the outlet then you plug the tool (in this case vacuum), light, whatever you want to power and a wireless fob controls the switch device. You can turn on your vac from anywhere in the shop. Home depot, Harbor Freight, Amazon, eBay, lots of places to find them. And these usually come in a pack of three so you can control three devices with one fob. Got 'email all over the house. Lights, fans, anything I wish had a remote, does.

[@edgargomez8662]

I have seen many of your videos and I loved them for the practical, well explained, in a language that as in my case a beginner can understand ... thank you very much for taking your time and teaching us who love the bricolage

[@benricks2998]

I have explored this option a number of times for my own shop and have yet to come up with a solution that I really like. While this shop vac idea works just fine, be careful that your hoses don't get clogged or you will implode your bucket... easy enough to just replace the bucket if it happens but knowing that it can happen also helps to make sure you don't overload the hoses.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Ben Ricks Good point.Thanks!

[@bgrossish]

Hey Bob, I am an engineer that makes dust collection systems for larger shops. Something that I would recommend to you is (if you are finding that you are not getting enough suction) is two things; One would be to use metal straight pipe and as little as possible flex pipe too because flex pipe has a lot of resistance compared to metal duct (usually metal duct it is a bit heavier gauge than hvac systems but I digress) and the second would be to get a stronger collector (maybe more permanent or not). We generally use Oneida Air Systems for this (www.oneida-air.com/) on small projects (such as personal shops). They work really well. Anyways though, your video is really great.

[@aarondcmedia9585]

If the pieces don't fit, you can also use a heat gun and melt one side then fit them together. The PVC is very formable.

[@ayerjake]

+Aaron DC mediA Every man should own a good heat gun. Phazer technology is just bullshit.

[@Jordanwoodworking]

Aaron DC mediA good idea

[@michaellangford2470]

Fantastic! You covered a lot of information on an important topic, and you somehow managed to cover all of the details in only a few minutes. Well done, sir. Thank you!

[@bjharlow3598]

Never hesitate to show off shop projects. Keep them coming!

[@darrelhanzon6738]

This was very helpful. I have been fighting the dust battle for years and now I see an end to the mess.

[@floydrturbo1]

One of the best video productions I've seen. Well done, no b/s, and speeded up clips to the next step.. Awesome.

[@Uhlan_]

When attaching wire to screw terminals, wrap the wire around the screw in the direction the screw tightens. When you tighten the screw it'll pull the wire in rather than push it out.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Uhlan Yeah, I realized that I didn't shoot me fixing that. I blame it on being left handed :)

[@brettro8210]

So funny watching these older videos how much quieter Bob seems!

[@IDoNotLikeHandlesOnYT]

That white electrical cable looks like Romex or similar. It's solid-core, designed for use inside walls, where it never has to bend after being installed. That's why it's stiff. That also means *it will wear out and break pretty quickly (possibly leading to starting a fire) if you bend and unbend it a lot* (plugging into different outlets, coiling up, etc.). Appliance cords and extension cords are made of stranded wire, and are designed to last a long time with frequent bending.

[@Exnihil1]

Thank you for just getting on with it and getting the ideas over. I learned more per second than most I’ve seen. I’m doing a version of this project. This helped heaps.

[@JoeGP]

man, just listen to that passion in his voice ...

[@dharminderkalsi2311]

This was an excellent idea and I used it for a while. I’ve since moved to a 4” dust collection system. If someone in the Wash DC are is looking to build this system, I’m happy to pass along the parts (except my dust cyclone - which I still use).

[@duanes54]

Nice job. Planning on a work table encorporating the dust collection under it. Like the floor cleaning idea. I have been electrician over 40 years. Wanted to suggest the wires bend in the direction of the tightening of the screw. This will draw the wire further under the screw, where bending the other way will push the wire out from under the screw. Of course I really go for a tight connection. Vibration of the tools could loosen the connections over time.

[@osareafallire]

Very useful vid. I'll come back here once I'm ready to build my dust collection system and use your link. Appreciate the effort putting it together and sharing your tips and strategies for remembering the electrical stuff.

[@robertbecker3038]

This video is best in class. Was so relieved to see Bob made 1 (after viewing several lesser videos). Thank you.

[@CommanderCool76]

Thanks Bob. You helped me solve two problems I have with my new shop. Now I will it be able to tackle this until I finish my "Honey Do List" but this is perfect in my new garage I built. Thanks again love the videos.

[@yaboyiamarat6006]

You should do a shop tour. :) I know its not really your type of video but I think it would be really cool to see what an experienced builder keeps on hand.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

+Cheyenne maier I've done a couple of them. The most recent is a 360 video.

[@literalcrafter]

Based upon how old some of the comments are I'm clearly very late in viewing this video but I'm so glad it popped up on my search for shop vac dust collection options! I just subscribed and am looking forward to watching more of your videos because I also love to make stuff!!!

[@MarzNet256]

Nice. I also used a Jet air filtration unit to filter fine dust out of the air. It's not cheap (like $300), but keeps air really clean and healthy and makes finishing less if a hassle. Also, you can buy a remote controlled outlet switch for your vac for like $20.

[@Ishoyu]

Awesome set up, man! One possible modification to your dust sweep you might consider is to shorten the height to increase suction.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Wonderful project! I just ordered my DC today, so I'll be going through the same motion very soon as far as piping things in and wiring in switches. Your quick lesson on wiring was great. Weren't you planning on doing a circuit series? I would be really interested in watching that because you're a great teacher and electricity is something I would like to learn more about.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

April Wilkerson Thanks April! Can't wait to see your DC setup! I assume you got a big collector? Which one did you get? I definitely plan on doing a Maker 101 episode on circuits, focusing on small electronics (DC wiring), but the principles are the same as AC wiring. It's going to be in the next month or two I think.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yeah, I went ahead and bought the 2hp harbor freight unit and plan on doing a few mods. Awesome, I look forward to it!

[@jonathanwilson3141]

April Wilkerson did you use the coupon out of wood magazine and get it for $169

[@SethMesser]

April Wilkerson Any updates? Get that DC setup yet? :D

[@ernestopulido8837]

Randomly found a comment from you from 4 years ago. You've come so far @april

[@specialk22tt]

That insulation tape idea just saved me $20. Thanks!

[@dippyfaqr]

my dad always taught me black to brass to save your ass.. easy way to remember it..

[@raffialli4362]

+dippyfaqr Yep. Just like Red is Dead!

[@chron0dude]

You could mess it up "Black to ass saves your brass" and end up in a pickle.

[@miked8227]

Black guys wear gold, white guys wear silver.

[@dalygav]

Thanks for this its a great idea. One comment I used the plastic blast gates reccomended in this video. I find they clog too easy preventing the gates closing all the way even after a short amount of use . I have seen similar comments on Amazon. seemingly the metal ones are better but come at a higher price Love the great videos and channel!

[@clydeperrine2959]

Nice job, I agree, a simpler way to collect the tons of dust a busy shop makes is essential.

[@thewoodworkinghusky3284]

This is an awesome system! I am planning on building a portable version of this to add to my mobile workbench that I made. It will definitely be handy as the weather is starting to get colder, so I can work inside!

[@toolguybak]

Great project--thanks for posting! I'm considering a dust collection set-up like this because my shop is small and I don't need a large system with extensive piping. Maybe put some small scrap wood spacers under the clamp strap holding the blast gate next to the wall. Note: the wires should wrap around the switch and outlet screws in the tightening (clockwise) direction.

[@charlieking8785]

excellent video keep up great ideas this is what young and old woodworkers like

[@Brak426]

For wiring outlets I have a different mnemonic- "black on brass will save your ass." A guy at Home Depot told me that years ago and I've never forgotten it. Just discovered your videos yesterday. Great stuff!

[@BruceAUlrich]

I actually didn't know you could use a wet/dry vac for this. As usual, very good conotent.

[@timhermie6573]

Good job Bob. Really like the fact that you linked everything you purchased. Very helpful!

[@spanishstudiolanguagecente4751]

OK.. I am now officially obsessed with watching your videos..

[@martinvillela732]

They are silver and brass screws. Always remember when dealing with electrical. Black to brass will save your ass.

[@douglasmeyer9446]

Black to brass will save you ass > white and silver are basically the same thing.

[@TheSmartodd]

finally got my cyclone hooked up to router table - what a difference - thanks for details on setting up the switch, gonna do that

[@robertw.1499]

One small point Bob. Any directional change in dust collection systems should be made with the least possible flow resistance. Right angle changes reduces flow capacity. 👍

[@ayrow69]

Just discovered your channel. Well done. I like how you time-lapse everything so you can clearly see what you are doing, but it goes by quickly. Much like speed-reading. I have been looking into putting a much-needed dust collection system in my shop. Your method seems like a great solution. Looking forward to watching more of your content.

[@grbroussard]

Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I’m a newbe at woodworking and I need all the help I can get.

[@ObiWan80186]

When you are wiring up the "extension cord with a switch" - you should ALWAYS have the wires wrap around the screws CLOCKWISE. That way, when you tighten the screw (righty-tighty), it pulls the wire into the connection. Alternatively, many switches and outlets now have small holes in the back - you strip the wire, just as you usually would, then just poke the wire into the hole and the connection is made (much quicker and simpler than wrapping wire around screws).

[@joeynovak07]

I was going to say the same thing...

[@kennethmorgan5637]

I am getting ready to build me a miter saw table. Saw you video for that, and now have a plan. Wanting to get a vac system for my shop and here you go. will buy the parts through your site. Thanks for the ideas. Will keep watching.

[@dekurvajo]

Thank you Bob! i think, in a small workshop is also very important to have this, as you have less access and time to clean up the mess.

[@DIYTyler]

Am pretty sure you will be AMAZED how fast your 5 gallon will fill up I always am! Great vid Bob I Like To Make Stuff

[@Iliketomakestuff]

***** Yeah, cool thing is that you could easily just add the cyclone to a larger container anytime!

[@DIYTyler]

Yea, unfortunately I made a thien baffle so I need to make another. No big deal, nothing wrong with more projects!

[@mcorrade]

Thanks man! I really needed to see this as my dust management system is,,,,,bad! I found a collection of gates and parts on Amazon so my next shop project is to finally get the dust out the door! I like that floor unit as well.

[@TheOneTexan]

Great Video, and not that it matters but that blue box is not a remodel box. It is a new build box. A remodel box had little tabs that flip out as you tighten the screws. Love your channel. Great build. I am about to build my first shop.

[@Jewelznme]

This is one step closer to diy my kitchen vacuum dust collector. Thank you for sharing your ideas. I don’t want to spend the $ to buy a already made system.

[@thewoodrat2633]

very cool, love your videos, very informative , i think its great that you show how the common person without alot of money can build the things they want or need. i also very much enjoy your brain pick episodes. two thumbs up man!!!!

[@jeffwallace5261]

I have a problem with dust and all I have is a small table saw and a miter saw. I will try this. Thanks so much for this video that just might be what I need. Thanks again.

[@blackswanprepping8827]

Great video Bob! I made one a while ago, but it is sitting in the corner *collecting dust* ;)

[@dmfrendzy2177]

This is a really helpful video thanks a lot! Just ordered what I could through the links provided. Can’t wait to get this set up. Been playing around with this idea for about 6 months, time to pull the trigger

[@Mik.heckhaus]

the easiest way to remember what side of your outlet is negative, is that the large polarized port on the left is your neutral and the smaller is your hot. when it comes to light switches, I know they aren't in this video, is with the screws on the right with the switch down means the switch is open( no throughput of power)

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

Hola! 🖐I've seen many of your videos but never this one. Maybe it "popped up" now that I'm watching Dust Collection videos. Thanks for the info, really informative for what I'm trying to accomplish. Take care and have a good one, Adios!👊

[@mrsmjs1550]

Sweet explanation. It was the simplest one I've seen on here regarding a cyclone type dust collection system. And thanks for the link to the products.

[@Romanov117]

I found this in montyoum's YT playlist... I think this is where the Dust idea was made for RWBY.

[@CMRWoodworks]

I have got to do this in my shop. The amount do dust and chips just from even a small project is ridiculous.

[@ansiaaa]

now that I'm in the process of reorganizing my shop, I was thinking about building something very similar to this, and the floor sweep was something about which I didn't think! that will come in handy for sure

[@mikebald]

For those that are going to copy this, make sure you put a faceplate on the outlet or in the very least cover the screw terminals with electrical tape.

[@Sebastopolmark]

Bob, great video. I very much like the floor triangle pick-up. As always, very well edited and easily followed.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Sebastopolmark Thanks!

[@cameronzimmerman1475]

This guy is a total badass! I feel like he could build me a two story house in a day.

[@kevinmorin7965]

thanks for the fast paced and 'info only' video, nice job.

[@bengkelmarmerindonesia1950]

Very clean and healthy garage.

[@dougburke50273wind]

I have the same Dust Deputy as yours. I had to get a metal can has the Home Depot buckets collapsed under the vacuum pressure. The metal buckets work great and solved the problem.

[@ShopNation]

Hey Bob, great videos as always. I’m curious if you’re still using the shop vac dust collection system in your new shop? Or have you upgraded to a dedicated collection system?

[@shahsmerdis]

wow who in the world would have thought about a dust sweep........... mind blown.....

[@rafikhan908]

Great application. Remote on/off switches are now available at low prices. Thanks for video.

[@philmeanor2638]

Great ideas. I’ll be making a similar setup under the workbench. Maybe in a cabinet or removing the cabinet. Your project helps tie the parts together even the electric. Thanks.

[@jimthesoundman8641]

3:49 You should always attach wire loops in a clockwise direction so that as you tighten the screws, the screw will make the loop tighter if it moves the wire. Just remember if your screw is turning clockwise, your wire loop should be also.

[@TheSageDad]

Just a suggestion -- it looks like your wired plug doesn't have the romex plastic secured inside the plug housing. Normally, you'd want to capture the insulation in the plug before you screw it down to relieve the strain on the actual conductors. Nice vid, love the work and your great editing.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Good point!

[@alabiggy]

I have 2 dogs that shed pretty bad... I am seriously considering building this and making the sweep come up in my utility room... that way the shop vac can be outside, the dust canister can be inside the utility room, and I don't have to use a dustpan... now I could use a dust pan, but I'd rather "build stuff" great video man...

[@henryrodgers3409]

Just happened to come across your channel . Very glad that I did . I will be ordering my things through you . Tanks so much . Subscribed !!!

[@philalmeida1962]

I have this same setup and works very well. I put another bucket on the main bucket to keep it from collapsing.

[@nfrius]

Why do I like watching these kinds of video

[@shanelutchman8459]

I don't mind the shop videos at all. I just started watching the channel and was wondering what happened to all the dust. Totally new at this, enjoyed the electrical.

[@holdmybeard3160]

This is really helpful. Winter hits hard here and I can't always open the garage door to let out the sawdust.

[@rolandomota6549]

Just sold a dust collector - too big for my garage. This idea/project will meet my needs...Good video.